The City of Des Moines will be holding an Open House to discuss the historic SR-509 right-of-way (ROW) land request to the Washington State Department of Transportation on Wednesday, March 24th from 5pm – 7pm at the Des Moines Activity Center.

Visitors will be able to review maps of the proposed road extension of 16th Avenue South, along with potential storm water facilities, and Barnes Creek Trail, parts of which could be eliminated if the city does not acquire this property.

Barnes Creek Trail … “is in the historic 509 ROW, which WSDOT is trying to surplus because the alignment of 509 has been moved,” said Amy Swartz, Civil Engineer for the city. “The Barnes Creek corridor is mostly critical area and building a road through there is not optimal. It’s possible that parts of the trail could be eliminated if the City is not successful in acquiring this property. By having strong support from the community, it may help the City acquire this property from WSDOT.”

So if you care about this area, you might want to attend this meeting.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Open House to discuss SR-509 right-of-way land request to Washington DOT

WHEN: Wednesday, March 24 from 5pm – 7pm

WHERE: Des Moines Activity Center, located at 2045 South 216th Street

INFO: From the city’s website:

Please join the City of Des Moines to discuss the historic SR 509 right-of-way land request to WSDOT.  See maps of the proposed road extension of 16th Avenue South, potential storm water facilities, and Barnes Creek Trail.

If you have any ideas about using a trail between Kent-Des Moines Road and South 216th Street, historical stories or pictures of the land before it was acquired for SR 509 right-of-way use, please share them with us.

In April 2009 the City of Des Moines requested the transfer of portions of the historic State Route (SR) 509 right-of-way in Des Moines from the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT).  Since the current design and plans for the State Route 509 project do not utilize this historic corridor, WSDOT has no plans to improve this unopened right-of-way, and this isolated segment of the corridor has no strategic value to the State as a roadway.  The City of Des Moines is requesting that portions of this right-of-way be turned back to the local jurisdiction to be used for road and transportation purposes, while protecting critical areas within this corridor.

Parts of Barnes Creek Trail could be eliminated if the City is not successful in acquiring this property.

A study of the SR 509 right-of-way was conducted in 2009 entitled: Highest and Best Use Analysis of Historic SR 509 Corridor.  It was determined that the historic SR 509 right-of-way is an isolated section of undeveloped and unopened State right-of-way that has limited use, if any, as part of the regional SR 509 facility.  Current WSDOT plans for the SR 509 Project do not include this segment of historic right-of-way.  Of the 43.42 acres of right-of-way, approximately 50% is designated as critical area.  Therefore, there is no opportunity to design or construct a road through the length of the corridor because of the amount of critical area and other environmental constraints.

Within the three segments of the historic right-of-way study (see Illustrations 1-4), only Segment 1 could be improved to include right-of-way for a future street connection between South 216th and South 220th Streets.  The extension of 16th Avenue South is an improvement identified in the City’s Comprehensive Transportation Plan including sidewalks and bicycle lanes.  Likewise, South 218th Street is planned to be extended to connect with 16th Avenue South.  Right-of-way for other roadway related improvements could include potential wetland and storm drainage facilities needed to support the City’s Transportation Gateway Project, including widening of South 216th Street.

A north-south regional trail linking the Des Moines Creek Trail to Kent Des Moines Road and points south is also included in the City’s Comprehensive Transportation Plan.  Right-of-way for a multipurpose trail was requested along the entire length of the historic right-of-way.  The City will be identifying existing trails as well as potential trail footprints.  While short segments of a trail have been historically used, these trails are on property that WSDOT would like to surplus.   Eventually, a continuous trail will be an important north-south non-motorized transportation link to such activity centers such as the Post Office, the Des Moines Activity Center, the Steven J. Underwood Park and other existing and future employment centers in the City.

The intent of this request is to transfer or secure the necessary right-of-way for future use by the City before it is surplused by the State of Washington.  WSDOT has agreed to hold off on the surplus pending receipt of the City’s formal application(s) scheduled to be submitted in June 2010.  It is anticipated that much of the right-of-way will be transferred to the City for roadway purposes.

Right-of-way required for trail improvements may be subject to fee or leasehold agreements and given revenue constraints, the City may have to rely on outside resources to secure this right-of-way.  Actual improvements would be the subject of a more detailed environmental study, engineering, permitting and construction as funds become available.

For more information visit the City’s website at www.desmoineswa.gov/509 or call Amy Swartz at (206) 870-6592 or email aswartz@desmoineswa.gov.

Recently, King County Executive Dow Constantine spoke about his “Blueprint For Reform” in a speech to the King County Council where he laid out “a host of immediate and long-term challenges.”

He challenged the Council and the public to:

• invest… in a 21st century transportation infrastructure,
• protect… our health and the most vulnerable in our communities,
• maintain… excellence in public safety and justice for all,
• and partner… with our cities and regional governments, [and] business and labor leaders, to focus on creating jobs and opportunity.

Next, referring to his draft of the first-ever King County Strategic Plan, he cited four elements of his reform:

1. Service excellence
2. A quality workforce
3. Wise financial stewardship
4. A robust public engagement

And now, a public Opinionnaire® Survey through SocialCapitalReview.org has been issued about his “Blueprint for Reform,” where citizens are being asked to take a survey online here.

According to a press release from SocialCapitalReview.org:

One of the under-reported items of the Executive’s “blueprint for reform” is the element for “robust public engagement”. We focus on this element of reform at our new Social Capital Review blog and are highlighting a special online survey to gage the public’s reaction to specific quotations from his speech.

The special Opinionnaire® survey was created by the Forum Foundation “in the spirit of public service to the citizens of King County”. It is based on the same tools used by the Countywide Community Forums — an existing public engagement program from the King County Auditor’s Office that has been used since 2008 for critical feedback from anyone who lives or works in the county.

Registration of King County Citizen Councilors is at CommunityForums.org.

So, if you could spare a few minutes, and like to have your opinion heard, we encourage you to take the survey by clicking here.

by Ralph Nichols

If you live in Des Moines or a neighboring community, and if you love a parade, then you can look forward with eager anticipation to the “biggest and best parade ever” in this Waterland city.

Next year.

There will be no Waterland Grand Parade in Des Moines in 2010, City Councilwoman Carmen Scott informed her fellow council members at their Feb. 11 meeting.

Scott said while members of the ad-hoc Waterland Parade Committee were encouraged by the Waterland Blog’s online poll, in which 76 percent of those responding said “yes” or “maybe” to continuing the parade, they also agreed that “this year is not the year.”

The committee “discussed the practicalities of whether a parade could or should happen this summer,” she said. Factors influencing their decision not to proceed with a 2010 parade included “the city’s financial condition” and scheduled construction projects around town.

They decided instead to stage a parade that will be “better than ever” in 2011, she added.

Mayor Bob Sheckler concurred. “I pressed hard for a parade this year, but Carmen is right. This is not the best year. It’s probably wise not to do it this year. So we’ll spend a year and a half planning a parade for next year, not this year.”

A grand parade was a major attraction of the annual Waterland Festival in Des Moines, but the Greater Des Moines Chamber of Commerce, which produced this event, disbanded in the wake of the 2004 festival.

After a four-year absence, the Waterland Parade, again preceded by a children’s parade, returned last July as part of the festivities celebrating Des Moines’ 50th anniversary as a city.

Last fall, Sheckler said there would be a parade again this year, but left a final decision to the parade committee.

With the City Council making sharp cuts in Des Moines’ operating budget for a second consecutive year, “we are hard pressed for funds,” Scott noted.

Although City Manager Tony Piasecki told committee members there are ways a parade could be put on without costing the city additional money, Scott said the reality of budget cutbacks has left no staff members the time flexibility to handle the additional work that would be involved.

So over the next year, planning for the 2011 Waterland Parade will include looking for private money to sponsor it, she continued.

And planning will also involve businesses along the Marine View Drive parade route so they can attract more customers that day, rather than losing business to events at other locations.

The construction projects that also make a parade impractical this year – upgrades to several streets used for the parade and staging, and the ongoing Marina renovation – “are building for the future,” Scott told The Waterland Blog.

“It’s going to sparkle when we have the parade next year. The city is doing it right.”

(Parade Photos courtesy Carmen Scott)

The Highline Historical Society will be presenting “Soldiers in Petticoats: The Struggle of the Suffragettes” at the SeaTac City Hall on Sunday, Feb. 21st, beginning at 2pm.

Local actress Tames Alan will return, dressed in full period costume and acting in character, to talk about the struggle of American women to gain the right to vote.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Highline Historical Society’s “Soldiers In Petticoats: The Struggle of the Suffragettes”

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 21st beginning at 2pm

WHERE: Sea-Tac City Hall, located at 4800 S 188th Street.

COST: This is a FREE event.

INFO: From a press release:

In the authentic clothing of a suffragette, Actress Tames Alan returns to talk about the struggle of American women to gain the right to vote. In 1867, the passing of the 14th Amendment defined “citizen” as “male,” thus denying women the right to vote. On this 100th Anniversary of women’s right to vote in Washington State, learn how American women adopted the militant tactics of English suffragettes to earn the right to vote and regain citizenship in their own country. Discover how the suffragettes influenced child labor laws, the use and dispersal of birth control, the Temperance movement, and the right of women to earn a college degree.

This engaging program is free.

It is brought to the community by the Highline Historical Society with the support of Humanities WA.

Immediately followed by a reception for the elected women of Highline.

Tames Alan is an actress, historian, and fashion history teacher who has combined her skills to create Living History Lectures for people of all ages. Since 1986, she has been touring her programs throughout the United States and Canada, where she is known for in-depth research and a lively presentational style. Tames studied theater and history at Willamette University in Oregon and theater at the American Conservatory Theater and the Dell Arte School in California. She taught fashion history at the Art Institute of Seattle, and is a historical consultant to museums, libraries, and historical festivals throughout the Pacific Northwest.

For more information, visit the Highline Historical Society’s website here.

A preliminary state audit questions the Port of Seattle’s contract with the nonprofit “Port Jobs” program, and Rep. Dave Upthegrove (D – Des Moines) is sponsoring a bill that will make sure the program continues.

Since 1993, the private, nonprofit “Port Jobs” program has successfully matched job seekers with employers, as well as provided continuing education and job training opportunities.

“In the past decade, over 14,000 job seekers in South King County have turned to the services of Port Jobs,” Upthegrove said. “And employers know that when a candidate is referred to them through Port Jobs, that person’s qualifications have been thoroughly vetted.”

Upthegrove is sponsoring House Bill 2651, which specifically authorizes ports to support job placement and training programs that are operated by nonprofit entities. State law already authorizes port districts to contract with nonprofits for economic development. At issue is whether economic development encompasses workforce development.

“Port Jobs has connected thousands of job seekers with employers at Sea-Tac Airport, and to apprenticeships in the skilled construction trades. In this economy, we are doing everything we can to get people to work, and to help them stay employed once they get there,” said Heather Worthley, Executive Director of Port Jobs. “Representative Upthegrove’s bill, if passed, will make it crystal clear that the Port of Seattle has the Legislature’s backing to continue to fund this important work.”

The bill passed out of committee in the House and is awaiting possible action on the House floor. Upthegrove is pushing to ensure that the measure passes the House before the February 16 cutoff deadline for House bills.

“Our focus this year in Olympia is to create jobs and improve our economy, and this bill is all about jobs,” Upthegrove said.

Under the proposed legislation, Port Jobs would be required to submit an annual report to the Port of Seattle detailing the number of successful job placements. In 2009, Port Jobs placed more than 500 people through its Airport Jobs office.

From the Port Jobs website:

Port Jobs is not-for-profit action tank that develops practical programs and supports public policies that increase access to living wage jobs, fostering a more vibrant and equitable economy for residents of and businesses in Seattle and King County. We make good jobs easier to get and good employees easier to find, primarily in the port-related economy.

A 501(c)(3) organization, Port Jobs: engages in innovative research to increase shared knowledge; creates powerful partnerships in key action areas; and develops practical programs that provide important services to jobseekers, employers and our local community.

Good things are happening in Des Moines!! Good people are doing them!!

I say this as a reminder that all news is not bad!! We have problems, certainly, but we also have plenty to feel good about. We have people that care about this town. This is a fantastic jumping off point for constructive dialogue about what type of town we want to live in, as so many issues hang in the air. Budget problems, economic development questions and even a parade, seem to stir strong feelings. This is great!! It demonstrates that people are thinking about this town. I applaud ANY strong opinion, even if I can’t stand that opinion. If it comes from a place of concern for Des Moines, I am grateful and I thank people for caring.

With that in mind, the recent war of words regarding a parade has inspired me to throw my own opinion into the hat. The parade “debate” speaks to where we place value. It represents what kind of town we want to live in. It is about more than money, as plenty of people would do it and have done it for free, maybe not the police, but certainly many others. A parade and other events are about reconstructing a livable city. Des Moines has become so lame, it truly borders on unlivable. Those words break my heart, as I am a child of this town and love it more than anyone I know. Des Moines needs fun stuff to do. This need is not a superficial, fickle, immediate-gratification-regardless-of-consequence type of desire. Events foster a sense of community and belonging to something that connects people. It connects residents to local businesses and neighbors to one another. More than anytime I can recall, in the forty years I have lived here, Des Moines needs to get connected. These connections matter. These connections are connected to quality of life. A town without these vital connections and a high quality of life is a town people don’t want to live in. The beautiful thing is that we can manifest and determine our quality of life by engaging with each other having some fun. This is great. It is a cause for hope that a genuine win/win is possible! As the folks lined the streets last summer, I was reminded of what Des Moines can be, a true community, a place where people can come together and enjoy this town and feel proud to be a part of it.

Value is here.

On a warm day in July, I watched my five-year old daughter walk the parade dressed up as an eggplant, following the Farmer’s Market entry. My wife was an apple and my ten-year old son carried a pitchfork, frankly unnerving me a little bit. The memory of this day is priceless. It is priceless to me and it is priceless to my kids and many other kids and parents and residents that set-up their chairs early to sit in the summer sun and watch our parade. This has value. It is real. It is tangible and it matters. I can think of nothing this town needs more than opportunities for people to get together and feel good about living here.
There are problems in this town. There is no money. This is understood and undeniable. What we do have is interested, passionate people with big hearts and creative minds willing to set to task making good things happen. This has value, as well. A town with a strong service base and folks that can and will support events that create a sense of community is a good investment. A town that people want to live in is a good investment for OPM. We need it.

Recognizing, promoting, encouraging and prioritizing this as a part of any economic development plan is vital to shaping Des Moines future. It is not all about the feely-goody. Fun and feeling good about Des Moines is good business!!

I am including a letter I e-mailed around a few months prior to last year’s Anniversary celebration. It created some buzz and stirred opinions and seems timely given the current debate. I named it, ironically, the “Waterland Manifesto”. The irony exists in taking fun very seriously and the value in making great memories for ourselves and our kids. We need to do more of that in our terrific little water town.

My Waterland Manifesto by Dave Markwell

"Am I the only one that misses the Waterland Festival?" - Dave Markwell

I’ve been very conflicted recently with my own feelings of allegiance to the Waterland festival and my involvement in and support of the current events scheduled for the citizens of Des Moines. I struggle with whether or not I might be an anomaly. Am I the only one that misses the Waterland Festival? Am I clinging to the past and not giving the future a fair shot? Am I really not as progressive as I think by continuing to pine for the Waterland week?

Growing up as a kid in Des Moines, I looked forward to two weeks out of the year, Christmas and Waterland. Waterland was the highlight and exclamation point on every summer that I can recall. From sitting on my dad’s shoulders watching the parade, to spending the night on my uncle’s boat on L dock all five Waterland nights, to the first time I rode my bike to Waterland with my buddies and no parents, to “accidentally” getting to second base on the Skydiver in the eighth grade, to the annual reunion of high school friends who invariably would show up on Friday night, to being both the first and last person in the beer garden on the same day (once), to setting up, tearing down, guarding the gate, picking up garbage, being a vendor, sponsor and parent of kids enjoying the same things I did, my memories and experiences are not just Waterland memories. They are my life’s memories. They are the best thing there is. I am not the only one that has these memories. Anyone growing up in Des Moines has their own vault of great Waterland days. It is a collective joy shared. From Wednesday fireworks, to Thursday kid’s day, to the funny boat race, arts and crafts, B & E Tri-tip, Lions Club corn on the cob, barbershop quartet to old time rock and roll and the Seafair pirate ship cannon blast during the parade, Waterland had something for everyone. The cool, salty breeze on a hot summer evening mixing with the whistles and screams of the games and rides made it perfect. It defined community event. It was of, by and for Des Moines located in the heart and soul of Des Moines, the marina. The Waterland Festival was not perfect, but it was ours. It was something that residents of Des Moines could be a part of and enjoy. People were there as families. Local businesses were set up and people met one another and friends were made, some lifelong.

It was a showcase of the best Des Moines had to offer. People came and saw and had fun. In a landslide, the good times far outweighed the bad.

Granted, the last few Waterlands were shaky. Organization, security and accountability were issues as were money and politics. However, I hold that the good experiences still triumphed over the negative by far. My question now is why can’t it be great again? Des Moines is at the cusp of a fantastic renaissance with new restaurants and businesses cropping up, as well as new families moving in. How could Waterland be bad? It is a huge event with opportunities for every business, community group or interested person to get involved. It provides the best venue around to highlight and truly showcase all that Des Moines has to offer. With the 50 year anniversary coming up, there is not a better event to celebrate the occasion. Waterland represents the good things in Des Moines history and could really help define and highlight its hopes for the future. I believe that the combination of the new, enthusiastic and engaged citizens with the tried and true veterans of Waterlands past could create magic. We know where the problems were. How can we fix them? Solutions exist.

Many creative, talented minds also exist in this town. It is time to revisit Waterland and explore the potential. It is real and it is great and totally consistent with what every person who lives here, works in, or serves this town wants. Knowing what the problems were allows a great chance for some changes to help mitigate the issues. Having a couple years break allows an opportunity to reshape the event in ways that will make it something everyone will be proud to get involved with. It can be done. More memories of kids sitting on their dad’s shoulders watching a parade in their hometown are just waiting to be made, hopefully by my kids.

Thanks for indulging my thoughts and I hope to see you at the next parade as the Pete’s Towing truck train marks the grand finale. It’s about the coolest thing there is.

–Dave Markwell

The Port of Seattle Commission released a draft of its memorandum of agreement (download PDF here) with the State of Washington Monday (Feb. 1st) detailing its contribution to the proposed bored tunnel project that would replace the Alaskan Way Viaduct. Public testimony and comment are being sought by the commission prior to their vote.

The memorandum spells out the port’s intent to make an investment in this program, which is not to exceed $300 million during construction of the Viaduct Replacement Program. The port’s contribution will be linked to improvements that promote freight mobility and access to port facilities. Freight, cruise, agriculture, daily commuters and neighborhoods depend on this vital traffic corridor every day, and the corridor is essential to our regional economy.

The port commission is asking for your input before they make a decision on the MOA. There are several ways in which you can comment over the next two weeks:

• E-mail comments to Viaduct MOA Comments: viaduct@portseattle.org
• Mail comments must be received by close of business Monday, February 8, to:

Viaduct MOA Comments
Attn: Christine Lee, Regional Transportation
PO Box 1209
Seattle, WA 98111

Public testimony can be provided at two upcoming Commission meetings:

• Tuesday, Feb. 2nd, 1:00 p.m., (MOA item will come up around 2:30p.m.) at Aviation High School, 615 South 200th St. in Des Moines
• Tuesday, Feb. 9th, 1:00 p.m., Port Headquarters, Pier 69, 2711 Alaskan Way in Seattle
  

The commission is expected to make a decision on the MOA, following public comments, at their February 9th meeting.

by Brenda Anders

It is that time of year again – time to start planning for our community summer events.

As you may or may not know, the current economic situation and major construction projects within the city of Des Moines have dictated that many events be cancelled this year, including:

• Classic Car and Wooden Boat Show
• Italian Concourse Car Show
• Waterland 5k Run
• Waterland 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament

The good news is that there will still be many fun things to do in Des Moines this summer. There are many groups busily planning events for you and your families to enjoy, including:

• Fireworks over Des Moines! Brooks Powell / Powell Homes is dedicated to making this event happen and is seeking additional funds to privately cover the costs of city staffing needs
• The Des Moines Farmers Market, every Saturday (June 5-October 30), south end of the marina
• Waterland Music Series, dates and times TBD, Des Moines Arts Commission
• Des Moines Parks and Recreation’s Camp Khaos (Kids Having An Outrageous Summer), new location due to construction, Des Moines Field House Historic grandstand and ball field rededication, Des Moines Field House
• Missoula Children’s Theater, July
• Trash to Treasure (swap meet style), August, hosted by Des Moines Senior Activity Center

The Waterland Parade has NOT been officially cancelled. Yet.

There is a group of people, led by Anna Bjorneby, dedicated to making it happen with help from donations and private funding. The question is this:

Will residents and the business community support a parade?

Council Member Carmen Scott had this to say:

“This information is needed quickly by the people who would be putting on the parade in order to secure support and entrants. It is important to know if the parade is important to our residents. What does it mean to them? Parades require a level of staff support from the city. Your comments and response to the blog poll and/or email to council@desmoineswa.gov will give council members a good update on what importance the Waterland Parade has to our community.”

Here is where you can help. Parade planners and city council members need to know where the community stands on this. Due to time constraints, this is perhaps your only opportunity to be heard regarding a 2010 Waterland parade.

Please vote using our non-scientific Poll below this story, or on the sidebar. Feel free to also share your thoughts about the parade and what it means to you, your family and traditions by leaving a Comment below:

[2009 Waterland Parade Photo by Gene Achziger; buggy photo courtesy Des Moines Historical Society; 2009 Photo courtesy Carmen Scott]

Rep. Dave Upthegrove (D – Des Moines) filed a bill this week that would allow the Port of Seattle to continue to lease land to the Highline-area Little League organization at a steeply discounted rate for use as Little League baseball fields.

The measure authorizes “airport operators” to make airport property available for public recreation and other community uses at less than market value.

“I grew up playing Highline Little League baseball on these exact ball fields,” Upthegrove said. “Today, south county children continue this tradition only because of the extremely affordable lease rates the Port extends to the City of Burien. With local governments currently strapped for cash, a hike in the lease rates could put the future of these fields at risk.”

The ball fields in question are located in the second runway “buyout area” near SeaTac Airport, a neighborhood dotted with boarded-up residences. Federal law specifies how close a residence can be to an airport runway, and over the years the Port of Seattle has had to “buy out” home and business owners to keep them out of the prohibited zone. The recreational and athletic fields, however, continue to enjoy active use and are permitted within the zone.

“The lease rate has recently been called into question by the State Auditor. My aim is to ensure that our state law is consistent with federal law, which actually permits these kinds of arrangements between airport operators and organizations like Little League,” Upthegrove added.

“Little League sports provide affordable recreation for so many children while teaching the values of teamwork, discipline and sportsmanship. We need to ensure that these Highline ball fields remain available for the community.”

The bill number is House Bill 3007, and it’s scheduled for a public hearing in the House Local Government and Housing Committee on Monday, Feb. 1st at 1:30 p.m.

by Ralph Nichols

In a victory for private property rights, the SeaTac City Council voted unanimously on Tuesday, Jan. 26th to rescind their earlier condemnation of the “Park-N-Fly” business at 17400 International Boulevard.

The paid parking lot – easily recognizable by its landmark sign, a vertical blue and gold key, across the street from Sound Transit’s light rail station at Sea-Tac International Airport – is the focus of ongoing negotiations over development of a proposed city center there.

Council members voted last Sept. 22 to condemn the property in an eminent domain action. Had the condemnation proceeded, it was anticipated that the SeaTac would sell the land to a private developer who then would build a parking garage and a city center complex.

“We are very pleased that the city council reconsidered its earlier action and upheld the Constitution and respect for private property,” John Houlihan Jr., an attorney for James and Doris Cassan, owners of Park-N-Fly, said following the action. “The Cassans look forward to continuing their long-standing business.”

Doris Cassan added that they now “will continue to pursue with the city what will make a first-class project.” This will be a mixed use development including some combination of a hotel, retail, office space and possibly some multi-family housing in addition to parking.

Councilman Rick Forschler said prior to the vote the earlier condemnation of the Cassan’s property was “a misuse of eminent domain.” He noted that while the council said it wanted to take the property for a “public use,” that use actually would have been a sale of the land to a developer who would build a private parking garage there.

“The Cassans are committed to making this a first-class development,” said Councilman Tony Anderson in support of rescinding the condemnation. He also appealed to both parties to “continue their negotiations (for development of the site) in good faith.”

And Councilwoman Mia Gregerson said she would vote to rescind because “the city and property owners are working together for a development that works.”

Councilman Ralph Shape, who defended the condemnation action at the council’s Jan. 12 meeting, offered no comment before voting to repeal it.

Council members approved the condemnation ordinance last year because they “believed it was in the best interests of the city,” said Councilman Gene Fisher, who introduced the ordinance to rescind at the earlier meeting.

“Because of conversations going on (since the original action) between the city and property owners … working together for development that works,” condemnation of the Cassan property is not appropriate and he could not support it, Fisher declared.

However, he noted that ordinance repeals condemnation without prejudice, which would allow the city to invoke that action in the future “if parking needs increase and negotiations with the property owners stall.”

Earlier in the meeting, Scott Roberts, property rights director with the Freedom Foundation, told council members there is a need for eminent domain reform in Washington and urged the lawmakers to act with that in mind.

“You know the difference between right and wrong,” Roberts added, and rescinding condemnation of the Cassan property “certainly is right.”

Companion bills to limit the use of eminent domain in Washington, introduced at the request of Attorney General Rob McKenna, currently are before the Legislature.

Doris Cassan summarized their plans for the property and urged the council to allow Park-N-Fly to remain in private hands and be developed privately by them.

by Ralph Nichols

King County Executive Dow Constantine re-affirmed in a talk in SeaTac on Friday (Jan. 8th) his commitment to creating a new spirit of cooperation with other local governments.

Constantine, who took office in late November, declared, “We are going to improve our relationship … between King County and the 39 cities in King County.”

This new relationship with the cities “will be one of partnership,” he said.

Constantine added that the county also has an opportunity to work with businesses to prepare and “provide leadership for the economic recovery that is to come.”

He spoke at a membership meeting of the Southwest King County Chamber of Commerce at the Cedarbrook Lodge.

“This region is the economic engine of the state,” he continued, noting that 30 percent of Washington’s population, 40 percent of its non-farm workforce and 50 percent of its economic activity is in King County.

These are primary reasons why “King County needs to reform the way it works with business … needs to reform the way it works with the cities.”

Reforms need to include county staff doing “the leg work” to find those regulations that affect individual businesses, so owners and managers can focus on running their businesses.

“We need to find ways to incubate new local businesses,” and then work to keep them here “rather than seeing them move elsewhere,” he said.

“Permitting in King County now is daunting,” Constantine said, and the county needs to establish “one-stop shopping” for business licenses and building permits, and to work with the state to simplify business tax codes.

County government also needs to be more efficient, he said.

“I’m very hopeful about our future as a region,” Constantine continued. “It’s clear that the economy in fits and starts is starting to come around. We need to make sure that living wage jobs are available to everyone.”

He added that “visitor taxes,” which helped build Safeco Field, Qwest Field and other public facilities, “need to go to help bring more visitors to King County.”

Between Jan. 19th and 22nd, Highline Community College’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Week will feature nationally known authors and scholars discussing a variety of topics, including diversity, politics, education, sports and the legacy of Dr. King.

This year’s event includes an exhibit featuring local social activists and revolutionaries who played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement in Washington state. The exhibit is on display throughout the week in the Highline Student Union.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Highline Community College’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Week

WHEN: Jan. 19th through Jan. 22nd at various times

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

COST: Free and open to the public

SCHEDULE:

TUESDAY, JAN. 19th:

Dream Fulfilled? The legacy of Dr. King in an Obama age
A lecture by Dedrick Muhammad
9:00 – 9:50am,  10:00 – 10:50am Building 7

Dedrick Muhammad is a Senior Organizer and Research Associate for the Program on Inequality and the Common Good at the Institute of Policy Studies. His presentation will examine the current socio-economic status of African Americans, the progress that has been made since the time of Dr. King, and the prospects of African Americans under the Obama presidency

Cradle to Prison Pipeline
Celestine Lanier-McClary, Black Child Development Institute
11:00-11:50am, Highline Student Union Building 8, Mt. Constance Room

Children of color are entering the Criminal Justice at an alarming rate! In 2001, it was said that 1 out of every 3 African American preschool child has a chance of going to prison in his lifetime (CDF 2006). This workshop will explore the link between education and the criminal justice system and also examine the risk factors as it relates to people of color in the criminal justice system. During this time participants will begin to better understand this pipeline and start to create strategies for dismantling the Cradle to Prison Pipeline.

MLK Exhibit
Highline Student Union Building 8, Mt Constance Stage
Open all day/evening, Jan 19-22 Come view a display of local social activists and revolutionaries who played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement in Washington State.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 30th:

Why are Poor People Poor?
A workshop by Dustin Washington and John Page, American Friends Service Committee and People’s Institute Northwest
9:00 – 9:50am,  Highline Student Union Building 8 – Mt. Constance Room

Explore the roots of class inequality with two community organizers and leaders in the Seattle Area. Dustin Washington and John Page are from the Community Justice Program at American Friends Service Committee and do extensive work around anti-racism and social justice advocacy.

Workshop: Environmental Justice and You!
Presented by Community Coalition to Environmental Justice (CCEJ)
10:00 – 10:50am, Building 7

We hear about the environmental movement, but what we don’t hear about much is the Environmental Justice (EJ) movement. With the EJ movement, they take into consideration how certain populations are targeted and polluted on purpose, specifically people of color and/or low income communities. In addition, environmental injustice is impacting people not just locally, but globally as well. Come to this workshop to hear more about the EJ movement, discuss the root causes of environmental injustice such as racism and profits before people, and how you can get involved and make a difference.

Music and Liberation: A panel discussion
12:10-1:10pm, Highline Student Union Building 8 – Mt. Constance Room

Join us for a panel discussion with local activists and musicians. Explore how social change, activism and music intersect. The artists will represent different genres of music that include Hip Hop, R&B, Folk, Reggae and Latin.

Music and Liberation: A Caucus Discussion
1:30-2:30pm, Highline Student Union, Building 8 – Leadership Resource Room

Join a follow up discussion of how music was, can, and is used for activism.

THURSDAY, JAN. 21st:

Inter-Minority Racisms and Cross-Racial Identifications: The Role of Hip Hop in Shaping Contemporary Asian/Black Relations in the U.S.
Lecture by Nitasha Sharma followed by Q &A session
9:00-10:30am,  Building 7

In this talk, Professor Sharma will analyze the political potential of hip hop for framing Asian/Black relations in the U.S. Americans often view Asians and Blacks to be distinct minority groups with little in common; however, history and politics reveal otherwise. Drawing from her fieldwork on 24 South Asian American hip hop MCs, DJs, record label owners, and journalists, Dr. Sharma will discuss how some Asian American youth call upon hip hop to articulate their racial identities and politics. Within the context of Asian anti-Black racism and Black anti-immigrant sentiment, perhaps hip hop offers a space and form for some youth to create cross-racial connections across these divides.

Nitasha Sharma is a professor in African American Studies and Asian American Studies at Northwestern University. Her ethnographic research focuses on Asian/Black relations through hip hop culture and the multiracial experience. She is the author of “Hip Hop Desis: South Asian Americans, Blackness, and a Global Race Consciousness.” Her latest project analyzes the negotiations of mixed race Asian/Blacks in Hawaii.

Poetry Workshop
11:00-11:50am, Building 2

Engage in this workshop for new and existing poets and discover how poetry can be used as a platform for expression.

Open Mic Poetry
Laura “Piece” Kelly &  Freshest Roots
7:00-9:00 pm, Highline Student Union Building 8 – Mt. Constance Room
An evening of poetry open to anyone wishing to share their poetry in a like-minded environment.  Co-sponsored by Freshest Roots.

FRIDAY, JAN. 22nd:

Freedom When? Race and Labor, Then and Now
Lecture by David Roediger, followed by Q & A Session
10:00 – 11:30 am, Building 7

Dr. David Roediger has a doctorate in History from Northwestern University and teaches African American Studies at the University of Illinois. Dr. Roediger’s talk looks from periods of slavery and conquest to current workplace traditions, to suggest that keeping people apart has been a consistent key to overworking and underpaying them.

Movie Fridays: SLAM
Facilitated by Aaron Reader
12:30-2:00 pm, Building 7
Slam is a 1998 independent film starring Saul Williams and Sonja Sohn. It tells the story of a young man whose talent for poetry is hampered by his social background. It won the Grand Jury Prize for a Dramatic Film at the 1998 Sundance Film Festival. Co-sponsored by Movie Fridays.

For more information contact Natasha Burrowes at 206-878-3710 x 3256 or via email.

SPONSORS: HCC’s Center for Leadership & Service, Multicultural Services and Learning & Teaching Center

MLK Week Committee Members:

• Natasha Burrowes, Chair
• Darryl Brice
• Naiomi Etienne
• Jodi Golden-White
• Yoshiko Harden
• Heather Johnston-Robinson
• Aaron Reader
• Gayatri Sirohi
• Barbara Talkington
• Gerie Ventura

If you need accommodations due to a disability, please contact Access Services at (206)878-3710, ext.3857(voice) or (206) 870-4853 (TTY) no later than January 5, 2010.

Highline Community College was founded in 1961 as the first community college in King County. With approximately 18,300 students and 350,000 alumni, it is one of the state’s largest institutions of higher education. The college offers a wide range of academic transfer and professional-technical education programs, with day, evening, online and weekend classes.

With the most diverse population of any college in Washington state, Highline takes a multicultural approach to education for the success of all its students and the prosperity of its surrounding communities. Alumni include Scott Schaefer, Publisher/Editor of this website former Seattle Mayor Norm Rice, entrepreneur Junki Yoshida and Washington state poet laureate Sam Green.

by Ralph Nichols

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 District

The 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.”

by Ralph Nichols

The Des Moines City Council approved with one dissenting vote at its Dec. 10 meeting a $15,660,337 general fund budget for 2010.

Based on total projected revenue of only $15,891,600, the new city budget reflects the harsh impact of a drop in revenue of almost $3 million in less than two years.

The major program cut made by the council to balance the operating budget is a reduction of $879,221 in the 2010 police budget. This will necessitate layoffs of five sworn officers and civilian employees – reducing to 49 the number of department employees.

After weeks of deliberating the 2010 budget, council members adopted the new spending plan without discussion or comment. Mayor Pro Tem Dan Sherman cast the lone no vote.

The 2009 city budget reflected sharp cuts in every department except the police department, which sustained only marginal reductions.

But a continuing decline in revenue – and with the police department accounting for about 50 percent of city operating expenses – Des Moines lawmakers faced limited options for balancing next year’s budget.

When word circulated in October that one budget-balancing alternative was to cut the city’s Parks and Recreation Department, a public outcry from the community forced that possibility off the table.

This left the police department as the lone city agency vulnerable to major cuts. While there was some disagreement among local residents, opposition to cutting the police budget did not rise to the same level as that generated by possible closure of parks and recreation programs, or by the earlier threatened closure of Mt. Rainier Pool.

Most community opposition to cutting the police department budget was made in e-mails and blog posts. Not a single city resident appeared at the Dec. 10 meeting or at a public hearing on Dec. 3 to address the council directly in support of maintaining police funding at 2009 levels.

In other action, city lawmakers approved unanimously an agreement between Des Moines and King County for construction and implementation of the Intelligent Transportation System Initiative to support the RapidRide A-Line Project.

The project will install a fiber optic communication cable in an existing underground conduit along Pacific Highway South for traffic operations monitoring and traffic signal timing at key locations to streamline the flow of vehicles along this state highway.

And after a lengthy discussion, they delayed until January possible action on an increase in and modified structure of the city’s transportation impact fees.

by Ralph Nichols

Buffeted by sharply declining city revenue, the Des Moines Council is scheduled to adopt a 2010 general and street funds budget tonight (Thursday, Dec. 10) that will cut five positions from the police department.

The $15,660,337 budget – based on total projected revenue of only $15,891,600 – reflects a reduction in revenue of almost $3 million in less than two years.

As currently structured, the new city budget will reduce to 49 the number of sworn officers and civilian employees in the police department.

“We’re struggling to maintain a basic level of city services across the board, and it’s unfortunate that we are in a position where we have to cut police services,” said Mayor Bob Sheckler.

“This is a clear call to the Des Moines community to do everything we can to rejuvenate the downtown business district to increase commercial activity and increase local revenue for the benefit of all.

“I am determined to work on the revenue side of the budget so in the future we will not have to face this kind of tough decision again,” Sheckler added.

Police Chief Roger Baker said, “I stand by the city council’s and city manager’s decision. The police department will do the best we can with what he have, and we thank the community for their support.”

While Des Moines Council members sustained on Dec. 3 their prior reduction of $879,221 in the 2010 police budget, they did reinstate a sergeant position that previously was eliminated.

This action followed a request by Baker that the current level of administrative positions be maintained, and that he be given flexibility to find the savings of $30,000 elsewhere in the department.

Baker told city lawmakers the higher level of internal oversight and accountability afforded by the additional sergeant is essential for professional management of the department to avoid problems that existed before he became chief in 2003.

The Des Moines Police Guild countered with a statement issued on Dec. 5 that charged the mayor and city manager with retaliation by forcing cuts on the department rather than accepting an offer to take reduced compensation for one year to help balance the city budget.

City Manager Tony Piasecki responded to that claim earlier this week, saying the police guild didn’t tell the public “the rest of the story” in its statement.

The guild wanted increased benefits from the city beyond 2010 if it agreed to concessions next year, Piasekci noted.

Council members did avoid another budget controversy on Dec. 3 when they agreed not to cut the city’s code enforcement officer.

The 2009 city budget reflected sharp cuts in every department except the police department, which sustained only marginal reductions.

With revenue continuing to decline and the police department accounting for about 50 percent of city operating expenses, Des Moines lawmakers had limited options available for balancing next year’s budget.

Then, when word got around in October that one alternative was to cut the city’s Parks and Recreation Department, a public outcry from the community forced that possibility off the table.

This left the police department vulnerable to major cuts – yet public opposition has not risen to the level it did over possible closure of parks and recreation programs, or to the earlier threatened closure of Mt. Rainier Pool.

While there has been an undercurrent of support for maintaining the current level of police department staffing, not a single city resident spoke out during a hearing on the 2010 budget at the council’s Dec. 3 meeting.

The police guild said in the Dec. 5 statement that it “agreed to a one time surrender of a funded annual benefit, saving the City in excess of $70,000.”

But “in an unprecedented event,” the city officials again “met with the Guild in an effort to re‐open concessions negotiations on the existing contract … [for] an annual reoccurring cut in wages, amounting to approximately $62,000.”

The guild said it “countered again with a one time surrender” and agreed to respond to the city’s request – but instead the city retaliated by cutting almost $900,000 from the police department budget.

What the guild didn’t say, according to Piasecki, is that it wanted a lot more from the city in exchange for a “one-time surrender of a funded annual benefit.”

Piasecki recalled that during a negotiating session on Nov. 19, which included Sheckler and police guild representatives, the guild indicated it would be willing to accept either a reduction in the Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) increase or a change to their health plan to save costs, or both.

“But in exchange for those concessions, they wanted one or more concessions from the city that would increase vacation time, increase the allowed cash-out of sick leave at the time of leaving city employment by adding a second category of sick leave cash-out, or increase other time off by increasing the number of hours off in lieu of paid compensation.”

He said the guild also wanted an increase from a minimum of 2 percent to a minimum of 3 percent in the COLA formula beyond next year, as well as other provisions that “would weaken the city’s management rights in scheduling employee shifts and in deciding whether any police services would be contracted out.”

Piasecki noted that “given how much we have cut [from other departments] in the past two years, there was very little cutting we could do without gutting departments or gutting programs” – crippling city government in the process – or completely eliminating Parks and Recreation, which public opinion is strongly opposed to.

“Do we make more cuts in the Finance Department?” he asked. If that were done, the city would be unable to track revenue and expenditures with accuracy, eventually creating problems with the State Auditor’s office.

Cutting the assistant city manager “would leave me without anyone to perform human resource duties,” Piasecki continued. “By cutting the city attorney, we would lose the checks and balances we need, and we would be unable to respond to lawsuits and prosecute crimes.”

And cutting planners would impact the city’s ability to maintain its comprehensive plan and review the shoreline master plan. “If we cut from those programs, we can’t comply with state law,” he said.

“The city council is working to maintain balance in the city. That’s why they’ve made the decisions and choices they have. But the budget is not adopted yet, even given all the work that’s been done to date, and it will not be until it gets at least four yes votes.”

City Councilman Dave Kaplan said “with a $2 million gap between expenses and revenue” when the budget process began, “it was clear we were going to have to take some pretty drastic actions … then we got 125 people at city hall saying don’t cut Parks and Recreation….

“We promised not to cut the parks department and we were not going to ask for any additional tax … none of us wants to cut cops, but we were left with no other option.”

Last year, Baker said, the police department absorbed budget cuts without cutting personnel by not replacing equipment. But the continuing revenue shortfall and budget-balancing decisions by the city council have made employee layoffs unavoidable next year.

Baker offered the city council four levels of proposed budget cuts:

1. Freeze and unfund two “vacant” positions (those officers currently are assigned elsewhere with their salaries paid by other agencies) and freeze two vacant and unfunded civilian community service officer positions.
2. Freeze and unfund one police officer position, lay off and unfund one civilian records specialist, and cancel the city’s contract with the emergency management coordinator that also serves SeaTac, Burien, and Normandy Park.
3. Lay off two officers and freeze and unfund those positions.
4. Lay off three more officers and freeze and unfund those positions as well.

“The council wants all four” budget-reduction options, Baker said. Combined, they will reduce the number of police department employees – officers and civilians – from 60, a number he agreed to last year, down to 49.

This means patrol teams will be reduced from five officers to four. Each patrol team still will have a supervising sergeant.

“All four cuts are taking hours from the proactive crime task force,” Baker noted, because task force members will be required at times to cover for patrol on calls for service.

As a result, the crime task force won’t have as much time to deal proactively with prostitutes, gangs and slumlords, which has been effective in reducing crime along Pacific Highway South, he added. “If we cut back too far, the gangsters and slumlords will begin to return.”

Fewer officers on patrol will “impact our response time to calls for service, and will impact the time our officers in the field have to investigate calls,” Baker predicted. “I think we can anticipate lower response times and less investigation.”

Although the city council has faced a difficult task in maintaining essential functions of each department as it balanced the 2010 budget, he observed “the litmus test is this: when you call 9-1-1, who answers?”

Baker did voice support for before- and after-school programs through the Parks and Recreation Department because they keep young people engaged in positive activities that keep them away from influence that could lead to gang involvement.

State Rep. Tina Orwall (D-Normandy Park) will be holding a “Telephone Town Hall” on Tuesday, Nov. 17th from 6pm to 7pm, and to participate, you don’t have to drive anywhere in the rain at night or find a parking space – all you have to do is call a toll-free 1-877 number.

Similar to a traditional town hall, this “teleforum” will serve as a forum to bring up questions, comments and concerns about the 33rd district and topics related to the Washington state Legislature. By utilizing this new technology, participants can take part in the discussion from the comfort of their own homes.

Many residents of the 33rd district will receive a call that evening inviting them to stay on the line and join the conversation.

if for some reason you do not receive the call directly by 6:10pm Nov. 17th., you can just phone in that evening by dialing toll-free (877) 229-8493, PIN code: 15263.

Dear Blog Editor,

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

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.”

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.

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%

Dear Editor –

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...]

The citizens of Des Moines have an opportunity this election to stand with tradition and stand with their children, seniors and community.

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.