The Washington State Independent Living Council will sponsor a public forum to discuss amendments to the 2008-10 State Plan for Independent Living on Wednesday, Dec. 2nd at Highline Community College.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Washington State Independent Living Council’s public forum to discuss amendments to the 2008-10 State Plan for Independent Living

WHEN: Wednesday, Dec. 2nd from Noon to 2pm

WHERE: Highline Community College Outreach Center (Building 99, Room 132), located at 2400 South 240th Street, Des Moines, WA 98190. Enter parking lot off Pacific Highway/ Highway 99

INFO: Due to economic stimulus development funds, changes must be made to the independent living plan.

To promote accessibility, a live stream of the CART/captions will be available to participants in remote locations via the website: http://www.streamtext.net/text.aspx?event=SILC. The site will be available shortly before the beginning of the meeting.

You may also call in at 1-877-216-1555 and enter the pass code: 815648 # to participate in the forum

For parking information, please contact the college at: 206-878-3710, ext. 3218 (V).

The college is served by the following Metro Bus lines: 116, 174, 175, 121, 122, 131, and 132.

There will be CART and ASL interpreters on site.

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.

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.

Highline Community College’s student government will be hosting the next Des Moines City Council Candidates Forum on Monday, Oct. 19th from 2:30pm to 3:30pm in Building 7 on their main campus.

As election day (Tues., Nov. 3rd) draws nearer, things are heating up in the Waterland City, so this should be a lively forum.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Des Moines City Council Candidates Forum

WHEN: Monday, October 19th, from 2:30pm – 3:30pm

WHERE: Highline Community College’s main campus, Building 7. The campus is located midway between Seattle and Tacoma at South 240th Street and Pacific Highway South (Highway 99); address: 2400 S. 240th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198.

COST: FREE and open to the public

INFO: The forum will be a moderated question and answer session to introduce the Des Moines City Council candidates and their platforms followed by a town-hall style question and answer session with the audience.

SPONSORED BY: Associated Students of Highline Community College

Incumbent Des Moines council members jousted with challengers at a candidates’ forum Wednesday afternoon (Oct. 7th) at the city’s Senior Activity Center.

Despite their stated differences, however, all voiced a common theme on one point: the city needs to attract more businesses, both downtown and along Pacific Highway, to minimize the burden to the taxpayers of Des Moines.

Councilman Dave Kaplan, who is running for a third term – this year for Position 7 against Councilwoman Susan White, who also is seeking election to a third term – began the discussion with a question:

“Is the city better off now than it was four years ago?” His answer was “Yes!” But, Kaplan added, “The city is at a crossroads. We need to build the business base.” To solve the 2010 budget crisis facing Des Moines, Kaplan called for “prioritizing how we spend money.”

His priorities include public safety, transportation and the “living community” (parks and the Mt. Rainier Pool).

White acknowledged the $2 million budget shortfall facing Des Moines in 2010, but said she is “not in favor of cutting parks and rec” to balance the budget. White has been a long-time advocate of senior services and the senior community. She also took a leadership role in getting funding for the city to preserve historic Beach Park.

During “these tough economic times,” White advocates “pulling together for the good of the community, both council and volunteers.”

In another contested race, newcomer Melissa Ponder is running against incumbent Carmen Scott for Position 3.

Ponder told the more-than 100 people in attendance, “Community as a whole can make a difference,” and that “Council needs to make a sense of community.”

Scott told the audience “I thought Tony was using ‘Shock & Awe’ (tactics) just to be certain that no one failed to understand the seriousness of the additional $2 million dollar shortfall.”

She recommended that Des Moines “re-opens discussion on the business park (south of the airport), see that downtown is healthy,” and “overcome reasons that downtown isn’t working.”

Former Highline School Board member Matt Pina and Anne Farmer are running in the city’s other contested council race for Position 1.

Pina said he stands on his record from two terms on the school board, where he represented 100,000 people and helped oversee a $500 million dollar budget, and the appropriate responsibilities that came with this charge.

Pina voiced his “commitment to and passion for the community of Des Moines.” He wants to make “Des Moines business friendly to minimize the burden to the taxpayer. Our current business base is not sufficient to support the need of the community.”

Farmer stated her campaign slogan as “Out with the old (Des Moines) and in with the new (Des Moines).”  She advocates more police, and in some cases, more aggressive police, and cited the drug and gang problems that are moving off Pacific Highway South and into the neighborhoods.

She also ”supports an aggressive approach in attracting business to Des Moines, including incentives for new businesses and changing the height restrictions downtown.”  With a masters degree in business, Farmer would like to “run the city more like a business than a charity.”

Melissa Musser, running unopposed for Position 5, said, “My heart sank over the news of Parks and Rec. We need to find a solution to keep parks open for everyone.” She stated that there is a “lack of common vision on the (current) city council.”

One audience member later questioned Kaplan’s “collegiality towards White” in his last-minute move from running against Musser to running against White.

Kaplan responded that he’d “rather serve with Melissa than Susan.”

White then countered that “Kaplan switched positions to run against me in the last 15 minutes. There was no reason he should have done it. He knew about my husband fighting cancer and my daughter in the hospital for two months (prior to delivering healthy twin boys).”

Publisher/Editor Scott Schaefer captured this photo slideshow of the event:

Click to View Scott Schaefer’s Photo Slideshow

A forum for Des Moines City Council candidates is coming Wednesday, Oct. 7th at Noon at the Des Moines Activity Center, which is located at 2045 South 216th Street.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Forum for Des Moines City Council candidates

WHEN: Wednesday, Oct. 7th at Noon

WHERE: Des Moines Activity Center, located at 2045 South 216th St., just east of the Post Office

INFO: Hosted by Des Moines Senior Services Advisory Committee 10th Annual Bayside Brunch

Candidates for the Des Moines City Council will face off in a “Candidates’ Night” on Wed., July 22nd starting at 7pm at the Huntington Park Clubhouse, which is located at 1000 South 248th Street.

Huntington Park residents are extending an invitation to all interested City of Des Moines voters to attend.

Candidates will have equal time to speak and answer questions from the audience. Huntington Park resident Florence McMullen has organized this event and will be chairing the meeting. Following the forum there will be coffee and cake in the dining room where attendees and candidates can converse.

Candidates scheduled to attend include:

• Position #1 Matt Pina and John Burdine (at post time there was no response from Anne Farmer)
• Position #3 Incumbent Carmen Scott and Melissa Ponder
• Position #5 Melissa Musser
• Position #7 Incumbent Susan White, Incumbent Dave Kaplan and Chris Alexander

For more information contact Florence McMullin at (206) 878-9111.

Senator Karen Keiser is holding an online town hall at 11am Monday morning, July 6th on federal health reform at the link below:

http://www.senatedemocrats.wa.gov/senators/keiser/townhall

Sen. Keiser represents the 33rd District, which includes Des Moines, SeaTac, Normandy Park, Kent and other areas.

From her website:

Sen. Keiser has been a Washington State Senator since 2001 and has earned a reputation as a tireless advocate for improving the nation’s outdated, inefficient and fragmented health care system. Before coming to the senate, she served in the state House of Representatives from 1996 to 2001.

Karen is chair of the Senate Health & Long-Term Care Committee, and works to improve the state’s health care delivery system. She is vice-chair of the Labor, Commerce, Research & Development Committee and a member of the senate’s powerful Ways and Means Committee. The former journalist and communications director holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s in journalism from the University of California

The 5th Annual Hip-Hop Summit is returning to Highline Community College on Thursday Feb. 26th and Friday, Feb. 27th, and it should be an all gravy, all raw, bustin’ time (in other words…it’ll be all good).

Here’s are the details:

Some believe that hip-hop is dead.

According to Northwest based hip-hop group, Blue Scholars, “it’s not, it’s just malnourished and underfed.” True story. Hip-hop music and culture is continuously thriving and evolving. Since its inception, each day has been a stepping stone for this multifaceted channel of expression.

On February 26 and 27, 2009, Highline Community College presents “The Hip-Hop Summit.” A two day long event showcasing a culture defined by creativity, diversity, knowledge and evolution.

Help us gain strength in our movement and spread the word.

Hip-hop don’t stop!

WHAT: Hip Hop Summit, to be held over two days:

WHEN:

THURSDAY, FEB. 26th:

• 9:00am-9:50am: The History & Evolution of Hip-Hop with King Khazm (founder of Zulu Nation-Seattle Chapter, Hip Hop emcee & activist) in Mt. Constance Room
• 10:00am-11:30am: Keynote: Hip Hop Politics with Dr. Tricia Rose of Brown University in Mt. Constance Room
• 12:00pm-1:30pm: Panel Discussion: Misconceptions of Hip-Hop in Mt. Constance Room

FRIDAY, FEB. 27th:

• 10:00am-10:50am: Art Showcase in Mt. Constance Room
• 11:00am-12:00pm: ICC – Poetry Lounge and Open Mic in Mt. Constance Room
• 7pm: Doors Open at Mt. Townsend Room Stage: 2 v. 2 Break Battle, With Performances by:
  • So HyDef
  • Nam
  • Khingz
  • Gabriel Teodros
  • The Parker Brothers
  • Common Market

WHERE: Highline Community College Student Union (Building 8), located at 2400 S. 240th St, Des Moines, WA 98198 (map below)

COST: Highline Students $5, General Admission $10

INFO: Highline Community College Events Calendar

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