King County Elections certified the results of the Aug. 17th Primary Election Wednesday morning (Sept. 1st), and announced a total voter turnout of 39 percent, the highest for a primary since 2004, with 421,157 ballots returned.
“We saw a respectable rate of participation considering this was not a Presidential election year,” said Sherril Huff, King County Elections Director. “We were able to process ballots very efficiently and got some great support from many voters who returned their ballots early.”
The general election will be Tuesday, Nov. 2nd, and ballots will be mailed Oct. 13th.
Here’s more from the county’s election website:
As with any election, some ballots could not be counted because they were postmarked after Election Day or had issues with the voter signature. Voters can use the online Ballot Tracker to make sure their ballot was received and sent on to be counted. Voters who may have experienced problems with their signatures or mailing address should be sure to update their registration information now so that they are ready for the upcoming November General Election.
Ballots for the General Election will be mailed on October 13. The deadline to update voter registration information for the election is October 4. New Washington voters can register in person through October 25.
In this election, 8,800 ballots were returned after Election Day. Voters are reminded that ballots must be returned to a Ballot Drop Box before 8:00 p.m. or postmarked by Election Day.
Here are final results that affect our area:
| LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT NO. 33 |
| Ballots Cast/Registered Voters: * | 20128 | / | 54670 | 36.82% |
| State Senator Legislative Dist No. 33 |
| Jack Michalek | Prefers Republican Party | 8120 | 42.14% |
| Karen Keiser | Prefers Democratic Party | 11107 | 57.64% |
| Write-in | 43 | 0.22% |
| State Representative Legislative Dist No. 33 – Position 1 |
| Tina Orwall | Prefers Democratic Party | 12306 | 94.68% |
| Write-in | 691 | 5.32% |
| State Representative Legislative Dist No. 33 – Position 2 |
| Dave Upthegrove | Prefers Democratic Party | 12651 | 95.14% |
| Write-in | 646 | 4.86% |
| SOUTH KING FIRE AND RESCUE |
| Ballots Cast/Registered Voters: * | 26059 | / | 69179 | 37.67% |
| South King Fire & Rescue Proposition No. 1 |
| YES | 11898 | 48.60% |
| NO | 12586 | 51.40% |
| * Reflects the voter registration count as of August 5, following the official logic and accuracy test |
| Note : The totals on this report reflect the results for King County only. |
King County Elections posted its “early returns” Tuesday night (Aug. 17) around 8pm, and with between 22 – 24% of the mail-in ballots counted, it looks like it’s Karen Keiser and Jack Michalek for the 33rd District.
Both Tina Orwall and Dave Upthegrove ran unopposed.
Here are the initial returns (keep in mind that these are preliminary results, and the final tally won’t be released until Sept. 1st.):
LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT NO. 33
| Ballots Cast/Registered Voters: * | 12931 | / | 54670 | 23.65% |
| State Senator Legislative Dist No. 33 |
| Jack Michalek | Prefers Republican Party | 5,003 | 40.30% |
| Karen Keiser | Prefers Democratic Party | 7,387 | 59.51% |
| Write-in | 24 | 0.19% |
| State Representative Legislative Dist No. 33 – Position 1 |
| Tina Orwall | Prefers Democratic Party | 8,176 | 94.66% |
| Write-in | 461 | 5.34% |
| State Representative Legislative Dist No. 33 – Position 2 |
| Dave Upthegrove | Prefers Democratic Party | 8,382 | 95.11% |
| Write-in | 431 | 4.89% |
Also, it’s developing into a very tight race for South King Fire & Rescue Proposition No. 1:
| YES | 7,554 | 49.46% |
| NO | 7,718 | 50.54% |
Further north in the 34th District, it looks like a neck and neck race between Mike Heavey and Joe Fitzgibbon (32.8%) for 34th Dist. State Rep., and Joe McDermott (59.3%) and Diana Toledo (19.97%) for King County Council, Dist. #8.
STATE REP. DISTRICT No. 34 – POSITION 2:
| Joe Fitzgibbon | Prefers Democratic Party | 5,065 | 32.80% |
| Mike Heavey | Prefers Democratic Party | 5,185 | 33.58% |
| Geoffrey Mac McElroy | Prefers Independent Party | 2,910 | 18.84% |
| Marcee Stone | Prefers Democratic Party | 2,191 | 14.19% |
| Write-in | 91 | 0.59% |
In the King County Council, Dist. #8 race, Joe McDermott is at 59.3% and former King County employee Diana Toledo is at nearly 20%. Normandy Park’s Shawn McEvoy is at 13%.
METROPOLITAN KING COUNTY COUNCIL DISTRICT NO. 8:
| Ballots Cast/Registered Voters: * | 23,990 | / | 109,557 | 21.90% |
| County Council District No. 8 Unexpired 1-year Term |
| Diana Toledo | 4,182 | 19.97% |
| Tim Fahey | 1,481 | 7.07% |
| Joe McDermott | 12,421 | 59.30% |
| Shawn McEvoy | 2,732 | 13.04% |
| Write-in | 129 | 0.62% |
Results can change of course depending on which areas get counted when, and we’ll be posting updates as they are released by the county.
In other interesting races (at least to us), here are some early returns:
United States Senator:
- Sen. Patty Murray: 140,192 • 57.98%
- Dino Rossi: 68,501 • 28.33%
- Goodspaceguy: 707 • 0.29%
United States Representative Congressional District No. 7 :
- Bill Hoffman*: 3,598 • 4.32%
- Jim McDermott: 64,258 • 77.16%
* We went to high school with Bill Hoffman; note to Bill: next time, choose a weaker opponent!
If you forgot to mail your ballot in, you can still drop it off until midnight tonight at the Riverton Heights Post Office (located at 15250 32nd Avenue South Seatac, WA 98188-9996 – (206) 241-7061).
Voters in Burien, Normandy Park and North Highline will help decide the only two contested races in the Highline area on the Aug.17 primary election ballot.
Ballots must be postmarked by next Tuesday, Aug. 17, or deposited in a King County Elections ballot drop-box by 8 p.m. that day.
There are no contested legislative district or local primary races in Des Moines.
A contest that has gained high-profile status is the race for the King County Council seat from District 8, which includes Burien, Normandy Park and North Highline.
The eventual winner in November will complete the unexpired term, with one year remaining, which was vacated by Dow Constantine after his election last fall as King County Executive.
And that outcome, depending on who is elected, may significantly alter the complexion of the county council.
Constantine’s replacement, former Seattle City Councilwoman Jan Drago, did not file for election to that post.
The quartet of candidates includes:
- Tim Fahey, a South Park carpenter who is basing his campaign on the need for immediate action to build a new South Park bridge and the failure of the county to replace the structure before it was permanently closed to traffic.
- Normandy Park City Councilman Shawn McEvoy, who has served as mayor and is a small business owner, and who cites his environmental record for protected critical areas in and surrounding the city.
- Former state Sen. (and Rep.) Joe McDermott of West Seattle, who is running on his 10 years in the Legislature, where he served as a Democrat before resigning to run for this position. He is endorsed by Constantine.
- Diana Toledo of West Seattle, who says her experience from 15 years as a county enforcement coordinator, animal cruelty investigator and licensing supervisor will help her reform and restore financial responsibility to King County government.
Fahey and Toledo both oppose the proposed .02-cent sales tax increase that advocates say is needed to avoid layoffs of sheriff’s deputies, prosecutors and court personnel next year. They maintain that savings can be found within the county budget to avoid those cuts.
McEvoy and McDermott both support the sales tax measure.
In the 34th Legislative District, which includes Burien and North Highline, Democrats Joe Fitzgibbon, Mike Heavy and Marcee Stone, and Independent Geoffrey “Mac” McElroy are running for State Representative, Position 2.
The winner in November will replace state Rep. Sharon Nelson, a Democrat who is running for the State Senate to fill the office vacated by McDermott.
- Fitzgibbon, who is chairman of the Burien Planning Commission, has been a legislative aide to Nelson and also a King county Council legislative aide.
- Heavey currently is director of Outreach and Constituent Relations for the King County Council, and has worked in fraud and identity theft prevention for Expedia.com.
- McElroy owns Mac’s Triangle Pub in White Center. A military veteran, as a member of the White Center Chamber of Commerce he is involved in community development.
- Stone, a legal administration professional who has worked for several law firms, has been a professional actor and a local political activist.
Dear Editor –
There seems to be a lot of confusion about Proposition One that our local fire district, South King Fire & Rescue, has put on the upcoming Primary election on August 17, 2010. Unlike cities and counties, junior (which SKFR is one) taxing district’s sole source of income comes from property values in the fire district. With the economy in a major slump the last couple of years, it has increasing had to look at ways to cut back and balance its budget without cutting back on services.
The District Commissioners decided two years ago to establish a “contingency ” fund knowing that the economy was on a downward cycle and they would need to protect the district as best as they could under the circumstances. This fund will not last past 2011 and without a way to stabilize revenues, service levels may have to be curtailed or reduced. SKFR is one of only three fire districts in the state to have a Class 2 insurance rating (Seattle and Bellevue are the others) there are NO ones. The Prop One measure on the ballot is to help the district maintain this high level of service.
There has been a lot of rhetoric flying around recently about our taxes going up by a whopping 60%. These people are simply confused about this different form of taxing property. Proposition One allows our district to stabilize its revenues for the next 6 years by instituting a Benefit Charge. Normal taxes are levied at $1.50 per $1,000 of property value. Under a Benefit Charge, the $1.50 is rolled back to a $1.00 and the remainder amount is calculated on the square footage of the property structures. The Board of Commissioners will set this rate every year in an open public process depending how much is needed to stabilize revenues and allow the district to maintain the high level of services the public has come to rely on.
Many other Washington State fire districts long have used this form of taxing properties without overly burdening its citizens unfairly.
I hope voters get involved in the election process and vote for Proposition One. By voting yes we are voting to maintain fast response times to fire and Emergency Medical Services responses so important to our community. As a side note, EMS now counts for over 80% of the calls for service in the district.
– Wayne Corey
Publisher
www.publicsafe.org
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On Monday (July 19), the King County Council announced that it had approved placing a proposal on the November ballot to increase the sales and use tax in King County, with revenue going predominately to public safety services.
According to a release, if approved by voters on Nov. 2nd the increase would generate around $59 million in revenue for King County in 2011 and $80 million in 2012, the first full year the levy would be collected. Under the proposal, the County’s portion of the proceeds would be used solely for public safety programs ranging from the Sheriff and Prosecutor’s Office to Public Defense and Jail Health Services.
In addition, 40 percent of the tax proceeds would go to the 39 cities within King County based on their population. This would mean that approximately $24 million would go to city governments with the County. State law requires that cities must spend one-third of the proceeds on criminal justice services.
The sales tax increase would remain in effect for a maximum of three years.
Along with an increase in the sales tax, the measure would use a portion of the County’s unincorporated area levy—$9.5 million in 2011—to fund police services in the County’s unincorporated communities.
The adopted ordinance now goes to the voters on Nov. 2nd as part of the general election ballot.
Here’s the full press release:
County Council places sales tax ballot measure on November ballot
Proposal to raise $80 million in revenue sent to general election ballot
Facing a projected $60 million budget deficit, the Metropolitan King County Council today approved sending to the voters in November a proposal to raise the sales and use tax in King County by two-tenths of one percent. The revenue raised by the ballot measure would go predominately to public safety services.
“It’s important to remember that the Council did not raise taxes today,” said Councilmember Julia Patterson, Chair of the Budget and Fiscal Management Committee. “We’re giving voters the chance to tell us if they support public safety services provided by King County and every other city in the County.”
“Keeping the public safe is an essential County function,” said Council Chair Bob Ferguson. “Voters deserve the opportunity to decide whether critical criminal justice services should be preserved.”
“A sales tax increase is absolutely necessary to save vital services such as sheriffs, prosecutors and programs that serve to lower our jail costs,” said Councilmember Larry Gossett. “What is at stake is the quality of life that we treasure so much in our county. This is the reason we are asking King County voters to support this crucial measure at the polls this November.”
“With public safety being the paramount concern of people in King County, voters must have a chance to weigh in about whether to cut $60 million in criminal justice services or preserve them with temporary higher taxes,” said Councilmember Larry Phillips. “Knowing the difficult choice this will be for voters struggling through this Great Recession, I worked to lower the tax burden and add accountability to the proposal by including a three-year sunset provision.”
“The Council’s decision today is all about giving voters a choice,” said Councilmember Jan Drago. “Cutting $60 million from the budget will touch every part of county government, and that’s just too big a number and too big of a decision to make without the public’s input. We need to know what people are willing to pay for or willing to give up in these tough economic times.”
If approved by voters, the increase would generate approximately $59 million in revenue for King County in 2011 and $80 million in 2012, the first full year the levy would be collected. Under the proposal, the County’s portion of the proceeds would be used solely for public safety programs ranging from the Sheriff and Prosecutor’s Office to Public Defense and Jail Health Services.
In addition, 40 percent of the tax proceeds would go to the 39 cities within King County based on their population. This would mean that approximately $24 million would go to city governments with the County. State law requires that cities must spend one-third of the proceeds on criminal justice services.
The sales tax increase would remain in effect for a maximum of three years.
Along with an increase in the sales tax, the measure would use a portion of the County’s unincorporated area levy—$9.5 million in 2011—to fund police services in the County’s unincorporated communities.
The adopted ordinance now goes to the voters on November 2 as part of the general election ballot.
| Jul |
| 20 |
| 7:00 pm |
Our sister site The B-Town Blog wants to remind our readers of its next Candidates Forum, featuring the contenders vying for Dow Constantine’s former seat on the King County Council.
It will be this Tuesday, July 20, from 7pm to 8:45pm at the Highline School District’s E.R.A.C. Building, 15675 Ambaum Blvd. S.W. in south Burien, across the street from Azteca Restaurant and just north of Hi-Line Lanes.
Moderator for the evening will be longtime local reporter and radio talk show host Dave Ross. Ross’s show airs 9am to noon Monday through Friday on 97.3 KIRO-FM.
All four candidates for the seat have been invited and all four have agreed to attend.
They are:
- Diana Toledo, former King County employee.
- Shawn McEvoy, former Normandy Park mayor and current Normandy Park city council member.
- Joe McDermott, current 34th district state senator.
- Tim Fahey, professional carpenter and South Park resident.
The forum format is to have area journalists ask questions for the first 45 minutes or so, followed by questions from the public. There is no admission charge and anyone and everyone is welcome to attend.
The 8th District council seat everyone is duking it out for is currently held by Jan Drago. Drago is not running for election.
The primary is August 17. Mail-in ballots will be sent to voters later this month. The two candidates garnering the most votes advance to the general election in November.
| Jun |
| 6 |
| 4:30 pm |
State Representative Dave Upthegrove, who represents the 33rd District, which includes Des Moines, SeaTac, Normandy Park and large parts of Kent and Burien, will be holding a re-election campaign kickoff BBQ on Sunday, June 6th at the Greaer Kent Historical Museum from 4:30pm – 6:30pm.
Here are the details:
WHAT: Rep. Dave Upthegrove’s re-election campaign kickoff BBQ.
WHEN: Sunday, June 6th from 4:30pm – 6:30pm.
WHERE: Greater Kent Historical Museum, located at 855 East Smith Street in Kent (253-856-5185).
INFO: From a flier:
Celebrating our Community Roots…
Enjoy an old-fashioned BBQ and visit with local community leaders as we raise money to kickoff the 2010 re-election of State Representative Dave Upthegrove.
Donations to “Upthegrove Campaign” will be gratefully accepted.
“Born and raised here in South King County, the best way I can give back to my community is to be effective and deliver results,” – Rep. Dave Upthegrove
Another South King County native, Kent City Council President Jamie Perry, will serve as Master of Ceremonies of a brief program.
Come rain or shine….we’ll be inside in bad weather, and outside if the weather is nice. Ample parking in the lot and on the streets behind the museum.
Representative Dave Upthegrove 2010 Campaign Kickoff
Sunday, June 6th:
4:30 pm – 6:30 pm
at the
GREATER KENT HISTORICAL MUSEUM
| Jun |
| 3 |
| 6:30 pm |
Rep. Tina Orwall, elected to serve as State Representative for the 33rd Legislative District (which includes Des Moines, SeaTac, Normandy Park, large parts of Kent and Burien, and parts of Renton in King County), will be holding a re-election campaign kick-off on Thursday, June 3rd.
Here are the details:
WHAT: Re-elect Tina Orwall – campaign kick-off party.
WHEN: Thursday, June 3rd from 6:30pm – 8pm.
WHERE: At Tina’s home, which is located at 550 South 240th in Des Moines.
INFO: Refreshments provided, and King County Executive Dow Constantine will be a special guest.
| May |
| 25 |
| 5:00 pm |
Senator Karen Keiser (D – Des Moines) will launch her re-election campaign on Tuesday, May 25th with a picnic at Angle Lake Park in SeaTac from 5pm to 7pm.
“We’re all in this together,” said Keiser in a statement. “It’s a tough time for working families, for seniors, for our communities and our state, but if we work together we can help each other do better.”
Keiser is running for re-election to the 33rd Legislative District state Senate seat. She was first elected to the state Senate in 2002, and now serves as Chair of the Senate Health and Long Term Care committee.
According to a press release:
Keiser has been a leader in Olympia on health care issues. Last session she passed the”baby bottle bill” to ban a chemical used to harden plastics called BPA, or bisphenol A, from products intended for children under the age of three. BPA is suspected of causing reproductive health abnormalities in infants and young children. She also led the effort to help our smallest businesses purchase lower cost health insurance in the small group market. Sole proprietors had been cut out of the small group market and forced to buy more expensive individual health insurance in 2002.
“I was very pleased to win passage of our vaccine bill to save the state $50 million and still ensure vaccines for all kids,” Keiser commented. With the state budget cuts of more than $5 billion, the state’s universal purchase program for children’s vaccines was at risk. Keiser helped broker an agreement with insurance plans, pediatricians and the state to create a non-profit purchasing association to guarantee all kids would continue to have access to vaccines at little or no cost to families. “This is a win-win for everyone”, Keiser added.
The threat to the vital economic business activity in the Kent Valley from potential Green River flooding because of the Howard Hansen dam defects was also a major issue for Keiser this session. She worked with her colleagues in the House to win passage of legislation allowing the state Insurance Commissioner to create a “insurer of last resort” for businesses that have had their flood insurance cancelled. Keiser also worked to win $2 million in the capital budget for Highline’s Aviation High School, which has a capital campaign underway to build a new facility next to the Museum of Flight and Boeing Field.
“The 2010 session was difficult, and we had tough choices. But even with deep budget cuts and program reductions, we were still able to pass legislation to keep our communities and our families secure. I look forward to my upcoming re-election campaign and hope we’ll have a sunny spring day for our campaign kickoff picnic in Angle Lake Park May 25th. “
It was an election that didn’t get much attention, but it happened Tuesday (March 16), and on Wednesday (March 17), the King Conservation District announced results of its public election for board of supervisor position.
From our estimates, only 4,232 registered voters bothered to vote in this election.
Here’s the release from the King Conservation District:
Max Prinsen of Renton has been elected to a three-year term as a member of the King Conservation District (King CD) board of supervisors following a final canvassing of votes cast in the district-wide election held March 16, 2010.
The final vote tallies for elected board position included:
- Prinsen (1,772)
- Mara Heiman of Auburn (1,488)
- Mary Embleton of Seattle (519)
- Kirk Prindle of Seattle (402)
- Teri Herrera of Redmond (51)
The unofficial election results will be certified by the Washington Conservation Commission at its business meeting in May. Prinsen will be sworn in at the June 14th King CD board meeting.
The 2010 vote total of 4,232 marked a major increase over the 2,757 ballots cast in the 2009 election and reflects successively larger turnouts in King CD elections over the past five years, according to Board of Supervisors Chairman Bill Knutsen.
“The higher level of activity at the polls this year can be attributed to increased interest in the King CD, including our voluntary conservation and stewardship efforts with private landowners, and enthusiastic campaign efforts by candidates,” said Knutsen.
King CD, working with Bellevue-based election administrator Election Trust, provided seven polling locations across the district (which includes most of King County). The election is held in accordance with Washington Revised Code RCW 89.08.
The all-volunteer, five-member board includes three elected members and two who are appointed by the Washington State Conservation Commission. All supervisors serve three-year terms. As public officials, their responsibility is to ensure that the King CD meets its legal and public trust obligations.
The board of supervisors conducts regular public meetings to oversee the district’s budget and provideguidance and oversight to district staff.
Supervisors are expected to help identify critical resource conservation needs in their district, communicate with the public and seek feedback about conservation programs from district residents.
The King CD provides information and technical assistance programs that are available to all landowners within the district’s boundaries on a voluntary, non-regulatory basis. It is hands-on, site specific, action and results oriented; and it initiates community outreach activities that include workshops, education programs, site visits, farm plans, and consultation on land, water, and wildlife management.
As one of 47 conservation districts in the state, the King CD is a natural resources assistance agency authorized by the State of Washington and guided by the Washington State Conservation Commission.
For more information on the King Conservation District, visit www.kingcd.org.
| Mar |
| 16 |
The King Conservation District (King CD) will be holding a district-wide election for an open seat on its board of supervisors this coming Tuesday, March 16.
King CD, working with Bellevue-based election administrator Election Trust, will be providing seven polling locations throughout the district.
Candidates for the position include:
- Mary Embleton, Seattle
- Mara Heiman, Auburn
- Teri Herrera, Redmond
- Kirk Prindle, Seattle
- Max Prinsen, Renton
For a list of voting locations, hours of operation and candidate backgrounds, visit www.kingcd.org.
Registered voters who reside within the district, which encompasses most of King County, are eligible to vote in the election, with the exception of residents of cities that do not fall within the King CD’s boundaries (Federal Way, Enumclaw, Skykomish, Milton and Pacific). Voters must present proper identification, such as a driver’s license, passport or birth certificate.
The all-volunteer, five member board includes three elected members and two who are appointed by the Washington State Conservation Commission. All supervisors serve three-year terms. The board of supervisors conducts regular public meetings to oversee the district’s budget and provide guidance and oversight to district staff.
The King CD provides information and technical assistance programs available to all landowners within the district’s boundaries (most of King County) on a voluntary, non-regulatory basis. The district provides grants for conservation-focused projects and programs, and initiates community outreach activities that include workshops, education programs, site visits, farm plans, and consultation on land, water, and wildlife management.
As one of 47 conservation districts in the state, the King CD is a natural resources assistance agency authorized by the State of Washington and guided by the Washington State Conservation Commission. The election is held in accordance with Washington Revised Code RCW 89.08.
Further information on conservation district elections and procedures throughout the state can be found at www.scc.wa.gov/index.php/Elections-and-Appointments.
For more information on the King Conservation District, visit www.kingcd.org.
by Des Moines councilman Bob Sheckler was elected to a fourth consecutive term as mayor at the city council’s first meeting of the new year on Thursday, Jan. 7.
Councilman Dave Kaplan, who was re-elected to the council in the November election, was chosen as the city’s mayor pro tem.
Sheckler, who was elected on a 5-2 vote of council members, was nominated by Kaplan.
Scott Thomasson then nominated Matt Pina, who declined to be considered “for a variety of reasons.”
Newcomers Pina and Melissa Musser were sworn in and seated on the council at the start of the meeting.
After Pina stepped aside, Councilman Dan Sherman nominated Thomasson.
Voting for Sheckler were Kaplan, Musser and Pina, along with Councilwoman Carmen Scott and Sheckler. Sherman and Thomasson voted for Thomasson.
Kaplan was nominated by Scott, and Thomasson then nominated Musser. Sheckler, Kaplan, Pina and Scott voted for Kaplan, while voting for Musser were Sherman, Thomasson and Musser.
In recent years, Sheckler and Kaplan frequently have been on one side of a number of contentious issues, with Sherman and Thomasson on the other.
Assistant City Manager Lorri Ericson introduced Marion Yoshino, the city’s new economic development manager, to the council.
Yoshino, a Normandy Park City Council member, small business owner and 14-year resident in the area, will serve in this capacity on a pro bono basis.
“We have all witnessed the unfortunate recent closures of many of our small businesses,” Yoshino said. “It’s hard to see what’s going on around us.”
But, she continued, Des Moines has “the most spectacular beauty,” and noted the similarity here with waterfront settings in Bellingham and Kirkland where local businesses are doing relatively well even in the down economy.
“Our small businesses deserve this now,” Yoshino said. “If we all pull together we’re going to have a fantastic place.”
As if setting a new tone at the beginning of a new year, community activist and volunteer Brenda Anders, in the only comment from the public at the meeting, expressed support for the new council in its work ahead and declared, “I love Des Moines, Washington. This is a great place to work, a great place to live, a great place to play.”
Monday afternoon (Jan. 4th), the King County Council appointed former Seattle City Council President Jan Drago to fill the District 8 seat, taking over from when Dow Constantine became Executive.
Drago won by a unanimous vote after Rep. Joe McDermott’s election stalemated in a 4-4 tie and Councilman Larry Phillips suggested a vote for her.
There were four finalists for the position: McDermott; state Rep. Zack Hudgins, D-Tukwila; Drago; and Rep. Sharon Nelson, D-Maury Island.
Drago, who failed to make the general election for Seattle Mayor, claims that she will not run for re-election in November 2010.
At one time, four of the 11 original candidates for this vacancy were from this (Dr. Arun Jhaveri, Lucy Krakowiak; Kathleen Quong-Vermeire, and Shawn McEvoy), as well as two members of the original selection committee (Joan McGilton and Doug Osterman), but in the end none of our peeps got very far.
According to Drago’s Seattle City Council website bio:
Jan Drago has been a member of the Seattle City Council since January 1994, following her election in November 1993.
Prior to her election, she had been a small business owner (Haagen Dazs Ice Cream Shoppes franchise owner, (1980-1991) and a school teacher (1973-1978).
She is a graduate of Douglass College, Rutgers University (B.A., Psychology).
She and her husband Noel are the parents of four sons and two grandsons.
Here’s the council’s official press release:
The Metropolitan King County Council today gave its unanimous approval to the appointment of former Seattle City Council President Jan Drago to fill the vacancy created in County Council District 8 when Dow Constantine was sworn in as County Executive.
“I am honored to be selected to serve the people of District 8,” said Drago shortly after her swearing-in by Superior Court Presiding Judge Bruce Hilyer. “I look forward to working with the Council and the communities and neighborhoods that make up the district on the challenges that we face this year.”
Drago will act as a caretaker in District 8, serving until the certification of the Nov 2010 general election when the new Councilmember for the district will be sworn in.
“Jan Drago is an experienced public official and policy-maker, and I look forward to working with her,” said Council Chair Bob Ferguson.
“Jan will make a wonderful addition to the King County Council,” said council Vice Chair Jane Hague. “She knows the issues facing District 8 and will hit the ground running to serve her constituents well.”
“Jan Drago has a distinguished career serving our community, having been elected to serve Seattle residents four times,” said Councilmember Larry Phillips. “I am confident she will represent the citizens of District 8 well until they have the chance to elect their permanent representative this fall.”
“The residents of King County will benefit from Jan’s experience, especially when it comes to addressing the 2010 budget,” said Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer.
Drago served on the Seattle City Council from 1994 through 2009, having served as Council President for four years and as Chair of the Council’s Budget Committee from 1999-2003. Drago, a graduate of Rutgers University, was a small business owner and school teacher prior to joining the Seattle City Council.
“I was looking for an independent minded person who could work with all of my colleagues,” said Councilmember Reagan Dunn. “With Jan Drago we get that and a wealth of local government experience as well. I’m pleased to welcome her and look forward to working with her between now and November.”
“Jan Drago is an experienced local leader and I look forward to welcoming her as a colleague on the King County Council,” said Councilmember Julia Patterson.
“I look forward to working with Jan Drago on the many complex issues facing King County, “ said Councilmember Larry Gossett. “I am sure that Jan will serve her constituents well over the next 11 months.”
“All the candidates we considered were very qualified,” said Councilmember Kathy Lambert. “We are fortunate to have such talented, informed leaders to choose from. After working with Councilmember Drago at the City of Seattle, I am confident that she can hit the ground running and offer her considerable government and business experience to the County. We appreciate her budget expertise and familiarity with the issues facing King County.”
Drago was selected out of the 11 applicants who applied to replace Constantine. All of the applicants were interviewed by a 12-member advisory committee of community leaders and elected officials who live or work in Council District 8. The advisory committee sent the Council Drago as well as the names of three other candidates:
· Rep. Zack Hudgins—State Representative from the 11th District
· Sen. Joe McDermott—State Senator from the 34th District
· Rep. Sharon Nelson—State Representative from the 34th DistrictThe committee stressed Drago’s proven ability in budget, transportation and labor matters, her strong regional relationships and the potential to strengthen partnerships with the city of Seattle because of her time on the city Council.
UPDATE 5:45pm 1/4/10: Late this afternoon, Councilmember Larry Phillips released this statement, chock full of political irony:
“I made it clear on December 14th with my vote for Senator Joe McDermott that I strongly support him as the best representative to fill the District 8 vacancy. He has an impressive show of support from the people of District 8, has demonstrated leadership as a state senator tackling many of the most pressing issues for our community, and is a historic choice as the first openly gay person to serve of the County Council. I hope to have the opportunity to serve alongside Senator McDermott this fall.
“The council deliberated for many hours over Senator McDermott’s appointment, but—despite having my vote and the vote of three of my colleagues—Senator McDermott was unable to garner the five votes on the Council needed to secure the appointment. Councilmember Jan Drago, who along with Senator McDermott was endorsed by a group of District 8 citizens who vetted the potential candidates, was supported by four other Councilmembers on December 14th while I remained loyal in my support of Senator McDermott.
“The Council has remained at an impasse for the three weeks that followed, with no end in sight. The bottom line is that four votes plus four votes equals zero representation for District 8, and that is unacceptable. It’s is time to end the impasse and end the disenfranchisement of District 8 citizens. They deserve representation as the Council begins taking up business in 2010.
“Councilmember Drago has been elected by the citizens of this community four times, has strong Democratic credentials, and is willing to represent District 8 as a caretaker until the November election. So although Senator McDermott remains my first choice to represent District 8, today I joined my colleagues in supporting Jan Drago for the District 8 appointment.”
I would like to thank the voters of Des Moines for granting me another four years to represent our great city.
While Des Moines has struggled to overcome a number of adversities over the years, we are poised to build a bright future for all of our residents … one that reflects the values of our community, takes advantage of our ties to Puget Sound and our proximity to regional transportation facilities, and one that ensures a rational, sustainable level of city services for our residents.
I’ve been proud to serve as your City Councilmember for the past four years, and I’m looking forward with enthusiasm and energy to the next four years.
Thank you again!
Cordially,
Dave Kaplan
Des Moines City Councilmember
Dave Kaplan
It was the battle of the incumbents in Des Moines with Councilman Dave Kaplan defeating Councilwoman Susan White in a landslide for City Council Position 7.
As of Thursday (Nov. 5th) afternoon’s release of the latest vote totals by King County Elections, Kaplan held a +19-point lead, with 59.42 percent (2,641 votes) to 40.02 percent (1,779 votes) over White.
“I’m proud and honored to have been granted another term to serve as your City Councilmember on the Des Moines City Council,” Kaplan told The Waterland Blog.
White was attending a conference out of town and could not be reached for comment.
In 2001, Kaplan was defeated after serving one term on the council – the same year that White was elected to the first of her two terms as councilwoman. Kaplan was elected again in 2005, but instead of seeking re-election to his Position 5 seat this year he opted to oppose White.
Matt Pina, with a current lead of 55.21 percent (2,448 votes) to 44.54 percent (1,975 votes) lead over political newcomer Anne Farmer, will succeed his father, Ed Pina, in City Council Position 1.
The senior Pina is retiring from the council. Earlier, Matt Pina also followed his father as a Highline School Board member.
“I’m happy where (the vote) is right now,” Pina said before Thursday’s vote total update. “It’s a good spot to be in.”
Carmen Scott
In the closest race this year, incumbent Councilwoman Carmen Scott held a 52.30 percent (2,270 votes) to 47.35 percent (2,055 votes) lead over Melissa Musser, another newcomer to Des Moines politics, for Position 5.
“Obviously, the votes are not all in yet, but I am already feeling very confident about the energy and commitment of our new council members and look forward to our developing a unified plan of cohesive solutions to downtown growth and vigor,” Scott said.
“Beyond that, I know we will all be focused on maintaining parks and recreation programs, finding new sources of revenue, containing expenses, encouraging development of the Port business park land, and redevelopment within Pacific Ridge,” she added.
“Thank you for your vote. I will serve you well.”
The third political newcomer this year, Melissa Musser, was unopposed in her bid for Council Position 5, which previously was held by Kaplan.
Mayor Bob Sheckler said of the election outcome, “I couldn’t be more pleased. When this economy turns around, Des Moines will be in a position to act quickly to further economic development. This is the council that will get us there.”
But the biggest news for many residents was not the results of City Council races but the outcome of Proposition 1, which will establish the Des Moines Pool Metropolitan Park District that will keep the Mt. Rainier Pool open for public use.
Proposition 1 was sweeping to victory by a 62.86 percent to 37.14 percent margin. Had it not been approved, it is likely that the popular community swimming pool – used by beginning swimmers, swim teams and seniors – would have been closed due to lack of funding.
Elected as pool district commissioners were Gene Achziger, Eric Kasnick, Bernadette Barrett, Marty Martinson and Nancy Kuehnoel. All ran unopposed.
One is not supposed to write with solid capital letters on the Internet because it is equated with shouting. But I am SHOUTING.
THANK YOU, DES MOINES, for recognizing that we need to stop legislating for our grandparents and start legislating for our grandchildren. By that I mean we need to stay focused on investing in the future, not obsessing with today.
On Tuesday, even in our down economy, the good people of Des Moines set aside haggling over taxes to pass Proposition 1. You created Des Moines Pool Metropolitan Park District to keep Mount Rainier Pool operating for generations to come. You responded to the message that we do some things right here in the “Waterland City.” And one of the best is our swim program, which, in addition to teaching tens of thousands of kids over the years to swim and be safe around water, gives those kids an opportunity to better themselves and better our community.
As one of your new pool commissioners, I’m fully aware of the need to pinch pennies and stretch dollars… and not just in these lean times. Continuing to do so will be necessary if we are to achieve my goal of seeing to it that every child in this community who wants to learn to swim will have an opportunity to do so.
I look with admiration at Pacific Middle School teacher Schell Ross who can pack Mount Rainier Pool on a Friday night with sixth, seventh and eighth graders who enjoy safe, supervised exercise rather than wandering the streets.
And who can not be inspired by 105-year-old Faith Callahan whose three-days-a-week regimen of low-impact water aerobics keeps her sprightly?
I was particularly struck during our campaign kick-off when Chris Burrage, just hours out of United States Marine Corps boot camp training, showed up, unannounced and in full-dress uniform. He wasn’t on the agenda and initially declined an invitation to speak. But he was moved by his remembrances of the role swimming at Mount Rainier Pool has played in his life. He spoke wistfully of those memories and what it meant to be a teenager growing up in Des Moines. He then exhorted the crowd to “fight to keep Mount Rainier Pool.”
And there was Ariana Kukors, who began swimming at Mount Rainier Pool as a 5-year-old and would go on this last summer to be crowned the fastest woman in the world in the 200m IM. She didn’t flinch a minute to break off from her training in Southern California for the US Olympics team to return home to urge voters to keep the pool open.
And you did.
So I, once again, just wanna shout: THANK YOU, DES MOINES!
Gene Achziger for
Save Our Swimming
UPDATE WED. 11/4/ 5pm: The second round of ballot returns has been released by King County Elections, and with between 28-30% of the votes counted, Dow Constantine still leads with 58%, Matt Pina with 55%, Carmen Scott with 53%, Dave Kaplan at 59% and 62% voting “Yes” on Proposition #1 (to save Mt. Rainier Pool).
Also, Initiative 1033 is still failing with 67% voting “No,” and R-71 is still passing with 67% “Yes.”
Here are the updated results culled from the King County Elections website as of 4:19pm Wed., 11/4/09:
KING COUNTY EXECUTIVE:
Ballots Cast/Registered Voters: 308,650 / 1,079,842 • 28.58%
- Susan Hutchison: 125,607 • 42.26%
- Dow Constantine: 171,006 • 57.53%
- Write-in: 621 • 0.21%
Ballots Cast/Registered Voters: 308,650 / 1079842 • 28.58%
Initiative Measure No. 1033:
- YES: 92,654 • 33.28%
- NO: 185,721 • 66.72%
Referendum Measure No. 71:
- APPROVED: 202,125 • 66.59%
- REJECTED: 101,403 • 33.41%
CITY OF DES MOINES:
Ballots Cast/Registered Voters: 4,021 / 15,291 • 26.30%
Council Position No. 1:
- Anne Farmer: 1,588 • 44.43%
- Matt Pina: 1,975 • 55.26%
- Write-in: 11 • 0.31%
Council Position No. 3:
- Melissa Ponder: 1,643 • 46.96%
- Carmen L. Scott: 1,841 • 52.62%
- Write-in: 15 • 0.43%
Council Position No. 5:
- Melissa Musser: 2,848 • 98.48%
- Write-in: 44 • 1.52%
Council Position No. 7:
- Dave Kaplan: 2,133 • 59.46%
- Susan White: 1,430 • 39.87%
- Write-in: 24 • 0.67%
Proposition No. 1:
- YES: 2,309 • 62.30%
- NO: 1,397 • 37.70%
Des Moines Pool Metropolitan Park District Commissioner Position No. 1 Interim term
- Gene Achziger: 2,603 • 98.30%
- Write-in: 45 • 1.70%
Des Moines Pool Metropolitan Park District Commissioner Position No. 2 Interim term
- Eric Kasnick: 2,549 • 98.49%
- Write-in: 39 • 1.51%
Des Moines Pool Metropolitan Park District Commissioner Position No. 3 Interim term
- Bernadette Barrett: 2,552 • 98.46%
- Write-in: 40 • 1.54%
Des Moines Pool Metropolitan Park District Commissioner Position No. 4 Interim term
- Marty Martinson: 2,543 • 98.53%
- Write-in: 38 • 1.47%
Des Moines Pool Metropolitan Park District Commissioner Position No. 5 Interim term
- Nancy N. Kuehnoel: 2,298 • 98.33%
- Write-in: 39 • 1.67%
SOUTH KING FIRE AND RESCUE:
Ballots Cast/Registered Voters: 14,732 / 69,240 •21.28%
Commissioner Position No. 2:
- Mark Freitas: 10,484 • 99.39%
- Write-in: 64 • 0.61%
Commissioner Position No. 3
- John Rickert: 7,521 • 63.98%
- J. Roger Hershey: 4,216 • 35.86%
- Write-in: 19 • 0.16%
KING COUNTY WATER DISTRICT NO. 54:
Ballots Cast/Registered Voters: 634 / 2128 29.79%
Commissioner Position No. 3
- Alli Larkin: 431 • 98.85%
- Write-in: 5 • 1.15%
CITY OF BURIEN:
Ballots Cast/Registered Voters: 5, 006 / 16,617 • 30.13%
Council Position No. 1:
- Sue Blazak: 1,981 • 44.83%
- Jack Block, Jr.: 2,413 • 54.61%
- Write-in: 25 • 0.57%
Council Position No. 3:
- Joan McGilton: 3,214 • 97.01%
- Write-in: 99 • 2.99%
Council Position No. 5:
- Rose Clark: 3,212 • 96.69%
- Write-in: 110 • 3.31%
Council Position No. 7:
- Brian Bennett: 3,363 • 98.22%
- Write-in: 61 • 1.78%
Ballots Cast/Registered Voters: 5,006 / 16,617 • 30.13%
Transportation Benefit District No. 1 Proposition No. 1:
- YES: 958 • 23.50%
- NO: 3,118 • 76.50%
CITY OF NORMANDY PARK:
Ballots Cast/Registered Voters: 1,553 / 4,676 • 33.21%
Council Position No. 2:
- Clarke Brant: 1,025 • 97.99%
- Write-in: 21 • 2.01%
Council Position No. 4:
- John L. Rankin: 972 • 96.05%
- Write-in: 40 • 3.95%
Council Position No. 6 short and full term:
- Marion Yoshino: 995 • 98.03%
- Write-in: 20 • 1.97%
Proposition No. 1:
- YES: 680 • 47.16%
- NO: 762 • 52.84%
HIGHLINE SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 401:
Ballots Cast/Registered Voters: 13,664 / 57,961 • 23.57%
Director District No. 2:
- Angelica M. Alvarez: 10,372 • 98.47%
- Write-in: 161 • 1.53%
Director District No. 3:
- Susan Goding: 10319 • 98.53%
- Write-in: 154 • 1.47%
KING COUNTY:
Ballots Cast/Registered Voters: 254,261 / 1,079,842 • 23.55%
Sheriff:
- Sue Rahr: 220,802 • 97.96%
- Write-in: 4,597 • 2.04%
Assessor unexpired 2-year term
- Graham Albertini: 52,192 • 20.91%
- Gene Lux: 12,175 • 4.88%
- Lloyd Hara: 82,864 • 33.20%
- Bob Rosenberger: 72,525 • 29.06%
- Bob Blanchard: 29,041 • 11.63%
- Write-in: 806 • 0.32%
It is election time again and there is confusion in the craft. So many good people, all wanting to serve the community and in as many different ways, have stood up to the scrutiny of voters. From each candidate comes a word or two that they know voters really want to hear or read about. The voter’s pamphlet lays open on our table and it is eagerly analyzed but rarely fully understood. So when you evaluate each individual and come up empty or undecided, it is time to look at all of the issues confronting us today, this year, and onwards.
A few very important items glare up as you read, line by line, all of the propositions and positions taken by the candidates. It becomes a choice, not so much of which person to vote for, but what they stand for. Proceeding down the list of issues, we are made, painfully aware, that our little city of Des Moines is running on empty when it comes to finances and action must be forthcoming to bail us out. This immediately begs the question:
“How long did it take us to get to such a sad, sorry state, and how much is the recession actually responsible for this?”
Instead of looking backward to find causes and assign blame, we need to decide how to get back on our feet and return to the proud existence that was once enjoyed by our fellow citizens. We find that two major items before us are; the need to maintain a suitable police presence and preserving parks and recreation facilities, both nearly on equal footing. Now, realistically, you can deny the good judgment of our chief of police Roger Baker and start carrying a sidearm while looking over your shoulder or you can argue strongly for holding onto what we have. The first priority that a city has toward its citizens is a comprehensive blanket of security. All else becomes secondary, especially when you see graffiti on walls and fences declaring “territorial rights”.
I would like to share my thoughts about what I think would make Des Moines a better more attractive destination and tourist Mecca:
- At the first opportunity there would be a closure of Marine View Drive one or two weekends a year for street vendors, rerouting traffic through 7th Avenue but only during the events.
- A small seafood shop like Ivar’s would be encouraged to set up down on the northern end of the marina.
- There would be a large gazebo erected where the “Big Catch” plaza is now for occasional entertainers and kid things.
- Our city leaders would begin selling the sizzle of Des Moines instead of the steak. Why not partner with a little east coast village as a “sister city” such as Nantucket or Provincetown?
- In the process we could also encourage a casino to open nearer to the marina and add to our revenue base.
- In the summer it seems that a water taxi visiting and bringing tourists is an ideal goal.
Many of these things depend on a little more leeway on the part of our permit and building staff and the ability of the new council to present a much more friendly face to prospective residents and businesses. Oh and why not lease the Des Moines Cinema to the parks and recreation department such as the one in Auburn?
Our city of Des Moines has promise; you candidates and incumbents need to make some promises that you can keep.
- Pat Nardo
[EDITOR'S NOTE: Have something you'd like to say? Then email us a Letter to the Editor by clicking here, and pending our review, we'll most likely post it. You can also leave a Comment below...]
It was 41 years ago that the people of King County approved the Forward Thrust measure to build 16 pools across the county so that our children could be taught to swim and combat the grim statistics which, even today, record that nine Americans drown every day – three of them children. Today, many of those pools have closed, victims of communities that just don’t care enough.
Over the last two months of campaigning, I’ve heard time and again from the city council candidates about how bad things are here in Des Moines. But I’m here to report about something that’s right with our community: the job that’s being done at Mount Rainier Pool.
Since Mount Rainier Pool finally opened its doors in 1975, tens of thousands of kids have learned to swim, to perform CPR and learned lifesaving skills that keep them, and all of us safer here in the “Waterland City.”
Teaching kids to swim is the No. 1 priority, but there’s so much more. Seniors and the infirm are maintaining their mobility and lengthening their lives through low-impact water aerobics programs. Faith Callahan last week celebrated her 105th birthday and attributes her continued good health to her three-days-a-week regimen at the pool.
Our high school and swim clubs are producing some of the best swimmers in the state – young athletes who go on to represent us at the collegiate, national and international levels. Remember that the fastest woman in the world in the 200m IM, Ariana Kukors, practices at Mount Rainier Pool. The best men’s 200 fly swimmer in the Big Ten, Scott Rice of the University of Wisconsin, only a few years ago led the Mount Rainier Rams to three consecutive 3A state championships.
We have numerous young servicemen and women who credit their physical fitness and leadership skills to time spent at Mount Rainier Pool. US Marines Christopher Sharpe and Christopher Burrage both sing high praise for their association with youth programs at the pool.
And how remarkable is it that once a month Pacific Middle School kids fill the pool for safe, supervised water activities on Friday nights?
This hasn’t happened by accident. It’s happened because this community cares about its young people. It cares about its seniors. And even now, during the current hard economic times, this community understands that preserving these opportunities is well worth the approximately $1 per week, per household, it will take to keep Mount Rainier Pool open for this and future generations. That’s it, for the average homeowner, a buck a week.
You’ve done good Des Moines. Let’s keep up the tradition! Vote YES! on Prop. 1.
Gene Achziger, for
Save Our Swimming
[EDITOR'S NOTE: Have something you'd like to say? Then email us a Letter to the Editor by clicking here, and pending our review, we'll most likely post it.]
This is the final installment in our online Des Moines City Council Candidates Forum series, today featuring the two only candidate vying for Position #5: Melissa Musser.
As before, we have made no alterations to her text, so the words used are purely hers, including any typos or other errors.
1. What is the primary objective you hope to accomplish for Des Moines if you are elected to the council? What qualifies you to lead this effort?
MELISSA MUSSER: My primary objective as a new City Council person for the City of Des Moines is to improve the stymied growth of our community that has occurred during the past few years. By that I mean, it’s the same “stuff”… different day. The lack of effective communication and meaningful partnerships between the City and her neighbors, Des Moines and the Port and between the council members themselves prevents any positive change from happening in Des Moines. By reading the Waterland Blog during the last two weeks alone, it has become abundantly clear the residents are asking, “What has the council actually accomplished?” Before the council can revise zoning and permitting parameters to encourage residential and commercial growth, before downtown can be revitalized or budget woes be solved, the council members have to put aside their own personal agendas and do what is best for this city.
My qualifications include years spent as a trainer both in my professional career and then as a Service Specialist with Washington State PTA. My current career as a manager of Community Associations and my common sense approach to problem solving provide me with the skill set needed to come to the table, listen with an open mind and weigh the pros and cons of an issue. I decided to run for city council because I wanted to represent the working families with kids. I bring a viewpoint to the council that it has been lacking for some time.
2. Des Moines tax revenue is down sharply, as reflected in the budget-cutting process for 2010. What will you do to increase revenue for the city without negatively impacting city residents and businesses?
MM: When you look up Des Moines on Wikipedia, it states, “The city has been the subject to land buyouts because of noise from aircraft landing or taking off from the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport three kilometers to the north of Des Moines.”
With the stigma of land buy-outs and aircraft noise the Council has an even bigger challenge of attracting new business to our city while lifting up the businesses that are still toughing it out. Don’t make it so hard for those developers who want to improve our city and actually have the money to do so. The Waterland Blog ran a story clear back in June about the All Star Sports Bar in the building previously occupied by the Chinese restaurant. It was their goal to have their doors open in time for football. It’s nearly November- and they have yet to serve a single customer. It is revenue lost to not only the business owners but the city.
The time for finger pointing and excuses is over. Let’s recognize and support the business owners who are elevating our city, and hold those who don’t accountable. The council needs to decide what its vision for this city is once and for all, support and listen to our Planning Commission volunteers, give the Planning, Building, and Public Works department clear and concise direction and build a revenue base for this community that is built on new business, growth and retail sales.
3. Business activity downtown remains sluggish. What will you do to position the city to encourage increased business activity and development downtown?
MM: Development Downtown… that’s the hot topic of the campaign isn’t it? The problem with the current Council and Downtown development is that the Council hasn’t even decided how to define Downtown. I recently attended a Saturday study session that the community was invited to attend and give comment. Attendance at this meeting was low, besides me, others present consisted of Matt Pina, Mel Ponder, and two business owners. At this meeting it was said, “We have seven council people and seven different visions of downtown.” It hadn’t even been decided WHERE downtown was. Midrise, residential, open spaces, Burien Town Square, Kent Station, no change, big change, sleepy bedroom town, waterfront oasis; these are all “visions” that have been shared with me during this campaign. One reason why new business doesn’t want to come to Des Moines is the fact that the city can’t decide what the future looks like.
What I will do to position the City towards positive growth is to push the 2010 council to come to consensus on downtown development. Money has been spent, time has been wasted; it’s time for the city to make a cohesive plan for the next, five, ten, twenty years then put in place the infrastructure needed to make its vision a reality. Will it be easy? No. But meaningful growth cannot take place in this city until the decision makers can agree. Hold the current businesses accountable and make it easier to maintain appealing, safe and inviting properties. What new business wants to move in next to a dilapidated property?
The FAA and the Port grant money to Highline Public Schools projects that require sound mitigation. What type of support can we push for from the Port to encourage growth from developers and business owners? Again, I’m stuck on that Wikipedia blurb.
4. Should Des Moines promote itself as a tourist destination? If yes, what should the city do (e.g., encourage development of bed-and-breakfasts, Puget Sound tour boat cruises from the Marina, summer salmon bakes)? If no, why not?
MM: This self-styled “quaint Maritime Village” is a favorite destination for people all over the world. This is a city that has preserved its history but also has many events that make this a vibrant community with incredible scenery, galleries, upscale shops, restaurants, beautiful gardens and many recreational activities.” Ah… if only this description was for Des Moines. Sadly, it’s for Gig Harbor. I was struck by Gig Harbor because on bright sunny days, my husband and his friends get in a boat in Des Moines and leave to go to Gig Harbor where they can pull up to a dock, enjoy lunch at the Tides Tavern, sit and visit with friends and plan their next trip to Gig Harbor. Winthrop has their Western theme. Leavenworth is a Bavarian Village whose Oktoberfest and Christmas tree lighting infuse the community with tourist dollars each year. The Yakima Valley embraced its agriculture and topography and has encouraged a thriving wine business and tourist industry.
Yes, in my opinion Des Moines should promote itself as a tourist destination. With its parks, history, proximity to the waterfront and beautiful views, we are a tourist destination suffering from the same blight as our business plan- we don’t have one. Once again, our city suffers from a lack of a common vision. The council needs to empower a community-based committee of volunteers to develop a tourism based business plan and not spend thousands of dollars on a “think-tank” like other municipalities have done. One time “events” like Waterland are wonderfully well received, but they barely break even. We need these types of events to draw people into a thriving, attractive, clean and safe waterfront town, then keep them coming back because we offer something more. We’re missing our something more.
5. Do you support development of Waterview Crossing and Des Moines Creek Business Park? If yes, what will you do to position the city to help these projects move forward? If no, why not?
MM: I support the development of the Pacific Ridge and the “buy-out” area of Des Moines. The Waterview Crossing development looks good on paper. Beautiful marketing material can be found at the developer’s web site; 1600 residential units, live/work space, office space and an aesthetically appealing plan. Again, on paper- it should all work. Close to the airport, easy freeway access and conveniently located near Highline Community College and transit. But it doesn’t work, in my opinion. Apartments designed with the goal of one day turning them into condominiums, minimal parking, hotel space mixed with senior housing and over 300 one bedroom or smaller live spaces planned (ear marked as “short term rentals”) has this professional multi-family community manager questioning if the developer really “gets” Des Moines. From what I have gleaned, the city really wants this project to work. They want it to revitalize the area and clean up crime. Some current council members have made questionable decisions, held closed door meetings and may have had their judgment clouded in an effort to have a shiny new “Library, Social Space and Business Center”. I support Multi-Family Tax incentives if they are given to builders who are committed to the city; not developers with projects that will end up sitting empty. We have enough apartments in Des Moines, especially “short term rentals”. It’s a topic I’m passionate about and not one I can sum up in the 300 words or less I’m given for each question.
The Des Moines Creek Business Park area needs development. It’s empty space that invites crime and devalues the area. It comes back to finding a way to work productively with the Port. They own the land, we own the roads. I support retail “big box” stores, but I would not support a Wal-Mart.
Remember, the deadline to mail your ballots in is Tuesday, Nov. 3rd.
If you’d like to review all our Online Candidate Forums, here are the links:
- Position #7: Dave Kaplan vs Susan White
- Position #3: Melissa Ponder vs Carmen Scott
- Position #1: Anne Farmer vs Matt Pina
This is the third in our online Des Moines City Council Candidates Forum series, today featuring the two candidates vying for Position #7: challenger incumbent (in Pos. #5) Dave Kaplan vs incumbent Susan White.
As before, we have made no alterations to their text, so the words used are purely theirs, including any typos or other errors.
Each candidate is identified by their names and headshots, then initials:
1. What is the primary objective you hope to accomplish for Des Moines if you are elected to the council? What qualifies you to lead this effort?
DAVE KAPLAN: The primary objective I hope to accomplish for Des Moines when I’m reelected is to continue the steps we’ve been taking to make our budgets sustainable into the future, to focus on bringing in new revenues to the city by expanding our business base through necessary revisions in our City Code and making infrastructure improvements, and for maintaining those services that make Des Moines a great place to live.
I’m qualified to lead this effort because I’ve already been helping to take the lead on these issues as an incumbent Des Moines City Councilmember. We have made a lot of progress, and I don’t want to see that progress halted because of those who oppose change.
SUSAN WHITE: Positive economic development for downtown, finish the historical rehabilitation of our historical Beach Park District, continue to make Des Moines a business friendly environment to attract new business, jobs and affordable housing.
I have eight years of experience on the Des Moines City Council and have produced positive results for the city in spite of difficult economic times. I brought $220,000 through my efforts in Washington DC with our representatives to commence our Historic District in Beach Park. Then was able to raise $2M more as well. The auditorium will be open next year.
2. Des Moines tax revenue is down sharply, as reflected in the budget-cutting process for 2010. What will you do to increase revenue for the city without negatively impacting city residents and businesses?
DK: My intent is to first prioritize how and where we spend on City services. Rather than adjusting the same budget from year to year to year, we need to actually start from scratch, determine what is important, and then whether or not we have the revenues to provide all of the services we do (or if there are better ways to provide them). Then and only then would I consider tax increases. The cuts and revenue increases necessary to submit a balanced budget for 2010 will negatively impact city residents and businesses. There is no way around it. We must close a gap of $2 million between revenues and projected spending levels, out of an approximately $18 million budget. That is the short term. The long-term solution is to grow our business revenues by providing incentives for businesses to locate in Des Moines rather than elsewhere. Only long-term solutions will fix our long-term problems, and our gap between on-going revenues and on-going expenses requires an on-going solution.
SW: Unfortunately (and Des Moines is not alone in this budget crisis) we have had to cut some positions, furlough days and ultimately I think we will be looking at combining services perhaps with other cities.
3. Business activity downtown remains sluggish. What will you do to position the city to encourage increased business activity and development downtown?
DK: To better position ourselves we need to do a number of things. We need to ensure that the infrastructure is in place to support business and make it thrive — water, electricity, sidewalks, traffic flow, parking, and connectivity with the marina. We need to streamline our permitting system by investing in the correct technologies that are user-friendly and self-driven. We need to review our zoning code to determine whether small adjustments in signage, building heights, or other areas may make our downtown more attractive as a place to locate and invest. And we must partner with other resources (Highline Community College, as an example) to help find ways to promote and support businesses that choose to locate in Des Moines. Without a local chamber of commerce or effective advocate for our businesses, downtown will not succeed.
SW: I currently chair South King County Economic Development Initiative (SKCEDI) which is a partnership with our neighboring cities working on a Business Attraction Program and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC). We must continue to position ourselves to encourage new business for downtown, Pacific Ridge and keep working on the Des Moines Creek Business Park.
4. Should Des Moines promote itself as a tourist destination? If yes, what should the city do (e.g., encourage development of bed-and-breakfasts, Puget Sound tour boat cruises from the Marina, summer salmon bakes)? If no, why not?
DK: Yes! Des Moines has a beautiful public presence on Puget Sound. Our marina, downtown and Des Moines Beach Park and perfectly located to bring people to town. We should encourage development of small hotels and beds & breakfasts. We should encourage restaurants, antique shops, bakeries, and artistic shops to locate here. Summertime boat service from Seattle to Des Moines makes sense, but has to be thought out carefully (the passenger-only ferries were proposed to be used for commuters only and would not be used for tourism purposes — that is one of the reasons I opposed them). If our residents won’t spend their money in Des Moines, we need to find a way to bring that revenue to Des Moines. Tourism is one of those ways.
SW: Of course! We have a Marina, roughly six miles of shoreline and a wonderful city. I support Water Transportation, specifically passenger only ferries and certainly support the idea of a nice hotel downtown . . . more restaurants, more shops . . . Once the Beach Park is finished we will hopefully contract with a professional management company to bring people into Des Moines via water transportation.
5. Do you support development of Waterview Crossing and Des Moines Creek Business Park? If yes, what will you do to position the city to help these projects move forward? If no, why not?
DK: Yes, I’ve supported Waterview Crossing (I voted for the development agreement in November 2007), and I’m a strong supporter of the Des Moines Creek Business Park. I think we need to take advantage of what limited commercially zoned land we have in Des Moines (downtown, the business park, and Pacific Highway) and encourage businesses to invest in Des Moines. I’ve supported a number of changes to make redevelopment of Pacific Ridge more likely, including adoption of a Multi-Family Tax Exemption, waiver of some traffic impact fees, and the underlying zoning which provides for taller buildings on a stretch of land badly in need of redevelopment. The Des Moines Creek Business Park has a great deal of potential, as do some surrounding properties, and we need to make certain that impacts from that development is well-managed. Part of that is continuing to make progress on our Gateway transportation project for S. 216th Street and 24th Avenue S. As chair of the Public Safety & Transportation Committee, I’ve worked and will continue to work to keep the project moving forward.
SW: Yes, I support both. The economy will need to move forward but I believe the City is well positioned now after all the work that has been done on these projects to move forward.
Coming up next, the candidate for Position #5: Melissa Musser.
This is the second in our online Des Moines City Council Candidates Forum series, today featuring the two candidates vying for Position #3: challenger Melissa Ponder vs incumbent Carmen Scott.
As before, we have made no alterations to their text, so the words used are purely theirs, including any typos or other errors.
Each candidate is identified by their names and headshots, then initials:
1. What is the primary objective you hope to accomplish for Des Moines if you are elected to the council? What qualifies you to lead this effort?
MELISSA PONDER: We need to improve our financial situation in order to be able to provide services citizens say they want. In order to accomplish this, we need a council that will act more collaboratively. Unanimous agreement is not always necessary, but a healthy goal oriented working environment is critical to serving the people of Des Moines. An example of my ability to listen, work collaboratively, and work towards solutions is demonstrated by the fact that I was nominated by and elected by fellow Commissioners on the King County Civil Rights Commission to serve as Chairperson for two terms. These skills are going to be required in these tough economic times in order to find broadly supported solutions to the city’s problems.
As Program Coordinator of the REACH Diabetes Program at International Community Health Services, I was responsible for supervision of the $130,000 budget, as well as for the community based research data collection, evaluation, and reporting involved with the project.
I also have an understanding of the small business person as I have the benefit of running my own photography business which means I have to negotiate the landscape of taxes, licenses, etc. that all businesses must travel. I am a quick learner, hard worker, and strongly believe that community as a whole can make a great impact. I genuinely believe the City Council should be representative of and accountable to the people of Des Moines.
CARMEN SCOTT: My primary objective is to hasten our city’s recovery from this economic recession, and put us on a sound financial footing. To identify and make use of the most accurate and effective methods of understanding and resolving each of our most urgent issues. This means communication, cooperation, reaching out and listening, resolving differences, and working cohesively towards achievable goals.
I have been a very successful business woman for three decades, particularly skilled in analyzing property values, and understanding the factors that affect the desirability of homes, neighborhoods and communities. Starting in 1978, I served 10 years on the Des Moines Planning Commission. In 1988, My work was instrumental in securing a State Historical designation for Covenant Beach Historic District. I am a board member of the Des Moines Legacy Foundation, which raises funds to sustain critical programs and activities benefitting at-risk youth, family and seniors. I am a city historian, and board member of the Des Moines Historical Society. As an effective member of the current Des Moines City Council, I have earned respect, and a reputation for doing my homework, and arriving at sound logical conclusions. I am proud to be endorsed by those who have served beside me and know me well, including our current Mayor, two former Mayors, and the majority of our current council.
2. Des Moines tax revenue is down sharply, as reflected in the budget-cutting process for 2010. What will you do to increase revenue for the city without negatively impacting city residents and businesses?
MP: Des Moines tax revenue is down sharply, as reflected in the budget-cutting process for 2010. What will you do to increase revenue for the city without negatively impacting city residents and businesses?
One of the few things that all council members and candidates seem to agree upon is that the best opportunity for revenue is the Des Moines Creek Business Park area (which has already been zoned as such). We need to pursue possible state tax incentives that will not also require us to give up needed city tax revenues, in order to get developers and businesses back to the table. We need to actively seek input from community members and our neighbor cities about what kinds of businesses they would like to attract (or avoid). While proceeding with that measure, the council may need to have a retreat or two early in 2010 specifically aimed at strategic planning, so that we can hear everyone’s ideas. Budget issues need to be a yearlong process right now, not just a couple of months in the fall.
CS: I am going to cover my ideas for new revenue in the three topics that follow this one. Increased revenue sources usually take months to start accumulating, and even longer To actually be available for use. In the meantime, we need to hold off on any expenditures that are not urgently needed.
I am scheduled to meet at Highline College, to discuss greater cooperative efforts between the city and the college. It may be that a way can be found for students to gain college credit for real-world work experience with the city, in an area related to the degree they are pursuing. Other organizations and individuals can be approached, to help build, repair, replace or adopt small parks or playgrounds or facilities, even If only to keep them clean, mowed and open.
3. Business activity downtown remains sluggish. What will you do to position the city to encourage increased business activity and development downtown?
MP: Business activity across the country is sluggish and we are not immune to national/global economic problems. It will help to get the Des Moines Creek Business Park up and running as that will also be one of, if not our most, significant employment centers and all those workers may want to come down to the waterfront area for lunch or a break. The city can make sure that infrastructure is in place for new projects downtown. While the Business Park could become our primary new revenue generator, I see the downtown as providing locals and visitors with services including restaurants, legal, medical, food shopping, specialty shops, businesses that might provide a place for youth/teens to hang out, etc. It seems unlikely that the downtown will ever look exactly like or serve all the same functions as it did decades ago and it is time to re-think the contemporary function of a downtown in a small city that is part of a larger metropolitan area.
CS: Downtown Des Moines has enormous potential. The first and easiest way to increase business development downtown is to extend to 2011, the reduced parking requirements for new businesses, (which expires at the end of 2009). The next easy step is to put signage on the roads leading to downtown, so that people know they can use 7th avenue too. Another help would be to have walking maps available in stores and restaurants, the marina, and in kiosks at each end of downtown. (Rotary has plans for kiosks). Larger improvements would include water main replacements, bringing pressure up to fire flow requirements. Lack of adequate fire flow has halted new buildings that would have been built before the recession began. A major limitation for growth on Marine View Drive is its designation as State Highway 509. The rules for State Highways create major problems for using it as a main business street.
Council must make it a priority to find a way to reach agreement on concepts for downtown planning and building heights.
4. Should Des Moines promote itself as a tourist destination? If yes, what should the city do (e.g., encourage development of bed-and-breakfasts, Puget Sound tour boat cruises from the Marina, summer salmon bakes)? If no, why not?
MP: Most towns have something that would interest tourists. Des Moines has the Marina and Des Moines Creek Beach Park (which will soon sport a great fully paved walking/biking trail), Redondo Boardwalk, and Saltwater State Park. The Field House is also a well known historic structure which the city has wisely maintained. The Beach Park will have fully refurbished structures which can be a center for both civic activity and tourism. Who wouldn’t want to spend a day in such a beautiful location? I think our city is in a good situation to promote these amenities as they come on line.
CS: A modest investment in marketing could bring a very real and very fast return on investment. Our town has been the “BAD” example used in Economic Development &Tourism seminars ever since Booth Gardner was governor.(1988) “ Fantastic Views, rugged mountains, a wonderful walkable marina and fishing pier, a great variety of restaurants, a historic beach park, easy access from an interstate freeway, International Airport and 6000+ hotel rooms within 15 minutes by car.” And they don’t bring those spendable dollars into Des Moines. They don’t even know Des Moines is there. Many of my clients (business travelers) have stayed in local hotels over the years, and will ask “where can I buy a good bottle of wine and flowers for dinner at my new bosses house” or “steaks for his barbecue” or “ Really? A marina! Can I jog there? Saltwater? Rugged Mountains? Restaurant overlooking it all? Really? Where is it? I didn’t see a brochure at the hotel.”
A Tourist, today, is more likely to say “We planned our trip on the Washington State Tourism website. Saw lots of neat waterfront towns, didn’t notice Des Moines” (That’s because Des Moines has never made it a priority to develop its State Tourism site). And don’t forget we could also promote Redondo, Salty’s, The MaST Aquarium, fishing pier, boardwalk.
People who think we have nothing to offer, don’t know what they are talking about! I have been promoting Des Moines for years in Note Cards, Calendars, and in tourism magazines. We need to get our act together and put our town on the map.
5. Do you support development of Waterview Crossing and Des Moines Creek Business Park? If yes, what will you do to position the city to help these projects move forward? If no, why not?
MP: Just as the Business Park has a primary role for revenue generation and the downtown has a primary role for providing services to the locals, the Pacific Ridge area has been zoned as a location for the density increases required under the Growth Management Act. Light rail and employment centers will themselves increase the viability of residential projects in Pacific Ridge. I understand that developing the Pacific Ridge area for density will have the least disruption to the rest of the city and is ideally situated near transportation services, including future light rail, as well as employment opportunities at the proposed Business Park. I struggle with the idea of displacing current residents, not having available and comparable alternatives within Des Moines to which they might relocate. Currently, the city is not required to provide relocation assistance to those residents. I would like to see that the city finds ways to provide assistance to the residents. The timing of these projects is more dependent on factors not under the control of any local government. I believe that our current focus should be on the Business Park for revenue generation which may then spur interest in the residential development on Pacific Ridge, just at the time that the light rail planning process focuses on South King County.
CS: I support redevelopment of both Pacific Ridge (a blighted & crime ridden area) and the Des Moines Creek Business Park, as well as any other well-thought-out endeavor that would create a sustained increase in city revenue and the overall betterment of Des Moines.
If or when Waterview Crossing is built, it is likely to be the first large redevelopment project within Pacific Ridge` It is currently a mobile home park of about 90 households on about 6 acres, with frontage on the east side of Highway 99. Sunway Services, represented by Matthew Chan entered into a negotiated development agreement with the city of Des Moines on November 15th 2007. This agreement was passed by a unanimous vote of the council. Sunway Services undoubtedly will determine When the economy will support starting the first phase of their project. The residents of the mobile home park are entitled by law, to one year’s notice to vacate. Council has not received any information to indicate that such notice has been implemented.
The Des Moines Creek 89 acre Business Park was slated to begin development the summer of 2009. The developer withdrew in 2008 after the economy became worse than anticipated, and the Port was not willing to discuss contract renegotiations. Our City Manager has indicated that some Port commissioners seem to be more willing to listen now, and it may be feasible to reopen discussion.
I have requested that all due diligence be put into talks with both parties, and see if the project can be revitalized. If the developer is not interested, it is pertinent to determine exactly why, and to see if the decision can be turned around. If not, then it would seem worthwhile to ask the port to check back with the ten developers who were not previously selected, and see if any of them retains an interest in the project. If all possible efforts fail to stimulate any interest, if it becomes likely that several years will pass before supply and demand correct themselves, then I would question the wisdom of prioritizing money into road improvements for that project any sooner than is warranted.
Coming up next, the candidates for Position #7: Dave Kaplan vs Susan White.
The Des Moines City Council voted unanimously at their Oct. 8th meeting to oppose Initiative 1033 on the November 3rd ballot.
I-1033 would limit the annual growth in revenue that cities, counties and the state could use to provide services under a formula based on inflation and population growth. Revenue from both taxes and fees above that limit would be used to reduce property taxes the following year.
The resolution adopted by the Council said “the initiative will undermine the ability of the state, counties and cities to provide services to constituents.”
It continued, “the effect of the limitation is exacerbated during the recession, as the Initiative does not address the impacts of a recovery following and an economic downturn.”
City Manager Tony Piasecki said a fiscal analysis indicates that under I-1033, Des Moines would lose almost $1 million over the next four to five years.
In less than two years, the City already has experienced a decline in revenue of almost $3 million, Piasecki noted. As a result, Council reduced 2009 general fund expenditures by over $1 million. Another round of cuts totaling about $2 million now must be made to balance the 2010 budget.
Mayor Bob Sheckler said, “Typically as a Council we don’t take positions on ballot issues, but we made an exception in this instance.
“One of our greatest concerns is that I-1033 doesn’t take into account the fluctuations in revenue that smaller cities experience,” he said.
“For example, revenue from a large development, including permit fees, sales taxes and utility taxes, may have to be used to reduce property taxes citywide rather than to pay for the additional services required by that development.”
In case you missed the various Des Moines City Council Candidates Forums, we here at The Waterland Blog have gone to the trouble of creating our own online forum which consists of answers to five relevant questions we emailed to each candidate.
Here are the answers from the candidates for Position #1 – Anne Farmer and Matt Pina. Please note that we have made no alterations to their text, so the words used is purely theirs, including any typos or other errors.
Each candidate is identified by their names and headshots, then initials:
1. What is the primary objective you hope to accomplish for Des Moines if you are elected to the council? What qualifies you to lead this effort?
ANNE FARMER: The primary objective I have for Des Moines is to return cash flow to the community in the form of tax revenue. This means becoming business friendly as quickly as possible while maintaining funding for essential public services such as police and parks/recreation. Increased tax revenue will give the city the support it needs to pay for essentials such as parks/recreation as well as pay for upgrades to the marina and other areas that attract visitors to our community. The whole idea is to make Des Moines a safe and attractive place for businesses, residents, and visitors.
I am qualified to lead this effort due to my experience in sales, marketing, and business development. I also have a Master Degree in Business Administration. In the past I worked as a Director of Corporate Development where I was responsible for making failing businesses either profitable or marketable to be sold to large corporations. Currently, I work in a sales capacity for a large pharmaceutical company. This translates well to running a city because I am highly accustomed to dealing with government regulations. I also have major responsibility for generating revenue and managing a budget for which I must account for every penny spent. These skills are essential for handling Des Moines current budgeting crisis. I feel that my background has prepared me well for this and will also help lead the effort to promote Des Moines as a destination.
MATT PINA: My main objective as a Des Moines Councilman is to focus on the city’s revitalization and redevelopment. This doesn’t mean that we should overlook the primary responsibilities of public safety, transportation and public services. What it does mean is that the council needs to work together with the community to develop a vision for the future that we can work toward. Once the vision is established, plans will need to be made, issues identified and efforts prioritized. To ensure accountability, the council will need to identify a project manager or Economic Development Manager that will oversee the effort and provide frequent community/council progress reports.
My background in finance, business, quality assurance and project management will help as the council provides direction, feedback and leadership oversight with this process. My experience and relationships in government will help as we address the many challenges that are likely to arise during this process and look for ways to solve each issue.
2. Des Moines tax revenue is down sharply, as reflected in the budget-cutting process for 2010. What will you do to increase revenue for the city without negatively impacting city residents and businesses?
AF: Not only is tax revenue down, Des Moines ranks lowest in the State of Washington for cities with populations over 20,000. Des Moines is not business friendly, and the city needs to take action to attract investors, builders, and business owners. To make this happen we need buy in from the council members as well as a strategic marketing plan to promote the city as business friendly.
First of all it starts with the City Council as a whole making the tough decisions that need to be made rather than spend 4 more years arguing about how to do it. Secondly, we need to remove the roadblocks in the permitting process as well as reduce permitting costs. Even though permits generate revenue, the city is going to have to give up something to get something. Third, I would like to work directly with developers and current building owners to make adjustments to zoning and height restrictions. As it stands right now, Des Moines is incredibly expensive for both commercial and residential developers to build in. We need to make the process easy and affordable as well as provide incentives such as the option to build an extra 10ft in height on certain parcels.
All of these adjustments if done correctly can be made with little impact to residents and businesses. Minor adjustments to height restrictions downtown will make it easier for developers to build attractive residential/commercial buildings near the water. Also, updated buildings will attract more local businesses to move here. With regards to the other commercial areas of Des Moines, expediting improvements to zoning and permitting will also make it easier for large retailers such as Costco or Home Depot to move into Des Moines rather than continue to locate themselves just outside city limits.
MP: The long term solution to resolving the city’s budget challenges rests on the development of the city’s business base. In the short term the city must partner with its existing businesses and help to promote them along with the other assets Des Moines has to offer. I will consider opportunities from corporate sponsors as a way to generate revenue and help with park maintenance and facility support.
I will also explore partnerships with fellow cities and government entities to see if there are other opportunities that make sense and help ease the cost of certain operations. Additionally, I will look for ways to increase efficiencies through automation and process improvements. Sample ideas might include an automated building permit process that will minimize the staff and effort required to process each request. Another idea is to look for and incorporate the use of workforce multipliers like internet ready police vehicles, providing instant access to offender records and in-car remote visibility of high-crime hot spots. Finally, I will look for opportunities with Stimulus Funds and other pro development initiatives that may help to address capital infrastructure
3. Business activity downtown remains sluggish. What will you do to position the city to encourage increased business activity and development downtown?
AF: As I mentioned in the question above, this all starts with making our commercial areas attractive to investors, builders, and business owners. We need a strategic marketing plan as well as definable goals to accomplish these improvements. Downtown Des Moines, can not be properly marketed until the council removes all of the roadblocks to development as well as clean up criminal activity in the area. No matter what direction you drive in to our city, you are greeted with an unsafe feeling. This is not only disconcerting for people who live here but also people who shop and visit here. Des Moines is a prime location for retail businesses if we market it properly and make it easy to build here. We are next to the water, 8 minutes from the airport, 20 minutes from Seattle or Tacoma, and easily accessible from the freeway. Each day, thousands of cars pass through town on Marine View Dr and Pacific Hwy. We need to give people a reason to stop, get out of the car, and open their wallets.
If the council can move forward from this mess and start working together, we can take action now and start attracting new businesses right away.
MP: Community celebrations, activities and events help to attract people to the town and create the buzz “that something’s happening in Des Moines”. When the city sanctions a local event, the council needs to do so stating a “Des Moines first” mandate. This means that if there are food and beverage opportunities at an event, preference will be given to bids from local merchants.
I see partnership opportunities with the Highline College media and marketing programs to promote Des Moines businesses both within the community and in the surrounding areas. This will create both business and learning opportunities.
An initiative to communicate to local community about how much their sales tax contributes to the finances of the town will help to create awareness and encourage a “shop in Des Moines” attitude.
We need to engage in dialogue with the local merchants to make sure we understand what it is about business in Des Moines that is working and what isn’t. The council needs to understand their issues and make necessary changes to ensuring that we are both business friendly and competitive with the other cities in this area.
Finally, we need to reach out to successful businesses in surrounding areas and ask them to consider expanding into our city. This will help to decrease vacancies while increasing both community draw and revenue.
4. Should Des Moines promote itself as a tourist destination? If yes, what should the city do (e.g., encourage development of bed-and-breakfasts, Puget Sound tour boat cruises from the Marina, summer salmon bakes)? If no, why not?
AF: The city should absolutely promote itself as a tourist destination. However, that likely won’t be able to happen until the business community is brought back. The combination of a run down city with little retail shopping coupled with crime ridden streets lacks any desirability to tourists. If we can get the city back on track, bring back tax revenue and clean up the crime there will be plenty of money for promotion of Des Moines as a destination. As I mentioned above, Des Moines is located in a prime location for all of this.
MP: We need to promote Des Moines as a local destination (shopping, dining, view walks, etc). However, I don’t know if all the examples given are reasonable considerations. I believe the community supports events like car shows, salmon bakes and summer concerts. I don’t know if they will support Puget Sound tour boats. This option requires much more thought and consideration. Is our marina equipped to support these vessels without costly infrastructure development? Additionally, (other than going to Anthony’s) what do we have at the marina for tourists (without land transportation) to do when they arrive? It’s a possibility, but it will take some discussion. We need to work through the ideas and identify those that are a best fit for the city. We definitely need to improve the connection from the marina to downtown.
Des Moines is really a diamond in the rough, we just need to work together to help it shine.
5. Do you support development of Waterview Crossing and Des Moines Creek Business Park? If yes, what will you do to position the city to help these projects move forward? If no, why not?
AF: I support development of all commercial areas in Des Moines. However, the projects must be prioritized and the council must agree on a vision for each area. These projects have been debated and talked about for too long and it should be the council’s responsibility to set a realistic goal for development. I would like to see Des Moines resemble Edmonds or Kirkland. These are smaller cities that have several different commercial areas. Each city has a quaint waterfront filled with local businesses, restaurants and bars, followed by larger commercial areas near the freeway that cater to big box stores like Costco as well as office parks. I think we need to look at what these two cities have done grow their commercial areas and model our vision after them. It is absolutely possible for small towns to have a successful business community no matter how bad the economy is.
MP: It is clear that Des Moines needs to develop a business park in the 90 acre Port of Seattle buyout area. It will create jobs and the help to provide necessary, long-term contributions to the city’s budget. There have been many discussions and plans for how to do this. I believe the process even got to the point of developer selection before the downturn in the economy. I will use my position on the council to partner with others to get this effort restarted and moving forward again.
Hopefully this little Q&A will help you to decide on whom to vote for in the Nov. 3rd election.
Coming up next, the candidates for Position #3: Carmen Scott vs Melissa Ponder.
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