King County Elections certified the results of the Aug. 17th Primary Election Wednesday morning (Sept. 1st), and announced a total voter turnout of 39 percent, the highest for a primary since 2004, with 421,157 ballots returned.
“We saw a respectable rate of participation considering this was not a Presidential election year,” said Sherril Huff, King County Elections Director. “We were able to process ballots very efficiently and got some great support from many voters who returned their ballots early.”
The general election will be Tuesday, Nov. 2nd, and ballots will be mailed Oct. 13th.
Here’s more from the county’s election website:
As with any election, some ballots could not be counted because they were postmarked after Election Day or had issues with the voter signature. Voters can use the online Ballot Tracker to make sure their ballot was received and sent on to be counted. Voters who may have experienced problems with their signatures or mailing address should be sure to update their registration information now so that they are ready for the upcoming November General Election.
Ballots for the General Election will be mailed on October 13. The deadline to update voter registration information for the election is October 4. New Washington voters can register in person through October 25.
In this election, 8,800 ballots were returned after Election Day. Voters are reminded that ballots must be returned to a Ballot Drop Box before 8:00 p.m. or postmarked by Election Day.
Here are final results that affect our area:
| LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT NO. 33 |
| Ballots Cast/Registered Voters: * | 20128 | / | 54670 | 36.82% |
| State Senator Legislative Dist No. 33 |
| Jack Michalek | Prefers Republican Party | 8120 | 42.14% |
| Karen Keiser | Prefers Democratic Party | 11107 | 57.64% |
| Write-in | 43 | 0.22% |
| State Representative Legislative Dist No. 33 – Position 1 |
| Tina Orwall | Prefers Democratic Party | 12306 | 94.68% |
| Write-in | 691 | 5.32% |
| State Representative Legislative Dist No. 33 – Position 2 |
| Dave Upthegrove | Prefers Democratic Party | 12651 | 95.14% |
| Write-in | 646 | 4.86% |
| SOUTH KING FIRE AND RESCUE |
| Ballots Cast/Registered Voters: * | 26059 | / | 69179 | 37.67% |
| South King Fire & Rescue Proposition No. 1 |
| YES | 11898 | 48.60% |
| NO | 12586 | 51.40% |
| * Reflects the voter registration count as of August 5, following the official logic and accuracy test |
| Note : The totals on this report reflect the results for King County only. |
King County Elections posted its “early returns” Tuesday night (Aug. 17) around 8pm, and with between 22 – 24% of the mail-in ballots counted, it looks like it’s Karen Keiser and Jack Michalek for the 33rd District.
Both Tina Orwall and Dave Upthegrove ran unopposed.
Here are the initial returns (keep in mind that these are preliminary results, and the final tally won’t be released until Sept. 1st.):
LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT NO. 33
| Ballots Cast/Registered Voters: * | 12931 | / | 54670 | 23.65% |
| State Senator Legislative Dist No. 33 |
| Jack Michalek | Prefers Republican Party | 5,003 | 40.30% |
| Karen Keiser | Prefers Democratic Party | 7,387 | 59.51% |
| Write-in | 24 | 0.19% |
| State Representative Legislative Dist No. 33 – Position 1 |
| Tina Orwall | Prefers Democratic Party | 8,176 | 94.66% |
| Write-in | 461 | 5.34% |
| State Representative Legislative Dist No. 33 – Position 2 |
| Dave Upthegrove | Prefers Democratic Party | 8,382 | 95.11% |
| Write-in | 431 | 4.89% |
Also, it’s developing into a very tight race for South King Fire & Rescue Proposition No. 1:
| YES | 7,554 | 49.46% |
| NO | 7,718 | 50.54% |
Further north in the 34th District, it looks like a neck and neck race between Mike Heavey and Joe Fitzgibbon (32.8%) for 34th Dist. State Rep., and Joe McDermott (59.3%) and Diana Toledo (19.97%) for King County Council, Dist. #8.
STATE REP. DISTRICT No. 34 – POSITION 2:
| Joe Fitzgibbon | Prefers Democratic Party | 5,065 | 32.80% |
| Mike Heavey | Prefers Democratic Party | 5,185 | 33.58% |
| Geoffrey Mac McElroy | Prefers Independent Party | 2,910 | 18.84% |
| Marcee Stone | Prefers Democratic Party | 2,191 | 14.19% |
| Write-in | 91 | 0.59% |
In the King County Council, Dist. #8 race, Joe McDermott is at 59.3% and former King County employee Diana Toledo is at nearly 20%. Normandy Park’s Shawn McEvoy is at 13%.
METROPOLITAN KING COUNTY COUNCIL DISTRICT NO. 8:
| Ballots Cast/Registered Voters: * | 23,990 | / | 109,557 | 21.90% |
| County Council District No. 8 Unexpired 1-year Term |
| Diana Toledo | 4,182 | 19.97% |
| Tim Fahey | 1,481 | 7.07% |
| Joe McDermott | 12,421 | 59.30% |
| Shawn McEvoy | 2,732 | 13.04% |
| Write-in | 129 | 0.62% |
Results can change of course depending on which areas get counted when, and we’ll be posting updates as they are released by the county.
In other interesting races (at least to us), here are some early returns:
United States Senator:
- Sen. Patty Murray: 140,192 • 57.98%
- Dino Rossi: 68,501 • 28.33%
- Goodspaceguy: 707 • 0.29%
United States Representative Congressional District No. 7 :
- Bill Hoffman*: 3,598 • 4.32%
- Jim McDermott: 64,258 • 77.16%
* We went to high school with Bill Hoffman; note to Bill: next time, choose a weaker opponent!
If you forgot to mail your ballot in, you can still drop it off until midnight tonight at the Riverton Heights Post Office (located at 15250 32nd Avenue South Seatac, WA 98188-9996 – (206) 241-7061).
Voters in Burien, Normandy Park and North Highline will help decide the only two contested races in the Highline area on the Aug.17 primary election ballot.
Ballots must be postmarked by next Tuesday, Aug. 17, or deposited in a King County Elections ballot drop-box by 8 p.m. that day.
There are no contested legislative district or local primary races in Des Moines.
A contest that has gained high-profile status is the race for the King County Council seat from District 8, which includes Burien, Normandy Park and North Highline.
The eventual winner in November will complete the unexpired term, with one year remaining, which was vacated by Dow Constantine after his election last fall as King County Executive.
And that outcome, depending on who is elected, may significantly alter the complexion of the county council.
Constantine’s replacement, former Seattle City Councilwoman Jan Drago, did not file for election to that post.
The quartet of candidates includes:
- Tim Fahey, a South Park carpenter who is basing his campaign on the need for immediate action to build a new South Park bridge and the failure of the county to replace the structure before it was permanently closed to traffic.
- Normandy Park City Councilman Shawn McEvoy, who has served as mayor and is a small business owner, and who cites his environmental record for protected critical areas in and surrounding the city.
- Former state Sen. (and Rep.) Joe McDermott of West Seattle, who is running on his 10 years in the Legislature, where he served as a Democrat before resigning to run for this position. He is endorsed by Constantine.
- Diana Toledo of West Seattle, who says her experience from 15 years as a county enforcement coordinator, animal cruelty investigator and licensing supervisor will help her reform and restore financial responsibility to King County government.
Fahey and Toledo both oppose the proposed .02-cent sales tax increase that advocates say is needed to avoid layoffs of sheriff’s deputies, prosecutors and court personnel next year. They maintain that savings can be found within the county budget to avoid those cuts.
McEvoy and McDermott both support the sales tax measure.
In the 34th Legislative District, which includes Burien and North Highline, Democrats Joe Fitzgibbon, Mike Heavy and Marcee Stone, and Independent Geoffrey “Mac” McElroy are running for State Representative, Position 2.
The winner in November will replace state Rep. Sharon Nelson, a Democrat who is running for the State Senate to fill the office vacated by McDermott.
- Fitzgibbon, who is chairman of the Burien Planning Commission, has been a legislative aide to Nelson and also a King county Council legislative aide.
- Heavey currently is director of Outreach and Constituent Relations for the King County Council, and has worked in fraud and identity theft prevention for Expedia.com.
- McElroy owns Mac’s Triangle Pub in White Center. A military veteran, as a member of the White Center Chamber of Commerce he is involved in community development.
- Stone, a legal administration professional who has worked for several law firms, has been a professional actor and a local political activist.
Dear Editor –
There seems to be a lot of confusion about Proposition One that our local fire district, South King Fire & Rescue, has put on the upcoming Primary election on August 17, 2010. Unlike cities and counties, junior (which SKFR is one) taxing district’s sole source of income comes from property values in the fire district. With the economy in a major slump the last couple of years, it has increasing had to look at ways to cut back and balance its budget without cutting back on services.
The District Commissioners decided two years ago to establish a “contingency ” fund knowing that the economy was on a downward cycle and they would need to protect the district as best as they could under the circumstances. This fund will not last past 2011 and without a way to stabilize revenues, service levels may have to be curtailed or reduced. SKFR is one of only three fire districts in the state to have a Class 2 insurance rating (Seattle and Bellevue are the others) there are NO ones. The Prop One measure on the ballot is to help the district maintain this high level of service.
There has been a lot of rhetoric flying around recently about our taxes going up by a whopping 60%. These people are simply confused about this different form of taxing property. Proposition One allows our district to stabilize its revenues for the next 6 years by instituting a Benefit Charge. Normal taxes are levied at $1.50 per $1,000 of property value. Under a Benefit Charge, the $1.50 is rolled back to a $1.00 and the remainder amount is calculated on the square footage of the property structures. The Board of Commissioners will set this rate every year in an open public process depending how much is needed to stabilize revenues and allow the district to maintain the high level of services the public has come to rely on.
Many other Washington State fire districts long have used this form of taxing properties without overly burdening its citizens unfairly.
I hope voters get involved in the election process and vote for Proposition One. By voting yes we are voting to maintain fast response times to fire and Emergency Medical Services responses so important to our community. As a side note, EMS now counts for over 80% of the calls for service in the district.
– Wayne Corey
Publisher
www.publicsafe.org
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On Monday (July 19), the King County Council announced that it had approved placing a proposal on the November ballot to increase the sales and use tax in King County, with revenue going predominately to public safety services.
According to a release, if approved by voters on Nov. 2nd the increase would generate around $59 million in revenue for King County in 2011 and $80 million in 2012, the first full year the levy would be collected. Under the proposal, the County’s portion of the proceeds would be used solely for public safety programs ranging from the Sheriff and Prosecutor’s Office to Public Defense and Jail Health Services.
In addition, 40 percent of the tax proceeds would go to the 39 cities within King County based on their population. This would mean that approximately $24 million would go to city governments with the County. State law requires that cities must spend one-third of the proceeds on criminal justice services.
The sales tax increase would remain in effect for a maximum of three years.
Along with an increase in the sales tax, the measure would use a portion of the County’s unincorporated area levy—$9.5 million in 2011—to fund police services in the County’s unincorporated communities.
The adopted ordinance now goes to the voters on Nov. 2nd as part of the general election ballot.
Here’s the full press release:
County Council places sales tax ballot measure on November ballot
Proposal to raise $80 million in revenue sent to general election ballot
Facing a projected $60 million budget deficit, the Metropolitan King County Council today approved sending to the voters in November a proposal to raise the sales and use tax in King County by two-tenths of one percent. The revenue raised by the ballot measure would go predominately to public safety services.
“It’s important to remember that the Council did not raise taxes today,” said Councilmember Julia Patterson, Chair of the Budget and Fiscal Management Committee. “We’re giving voters the chance to tell us if they support public safety services provided by King County and every other city in the County.”
“Keeping the public safe is an essential County function,” said Council Chair Bob Ferguson. “Voters deserve the opportunity to decide whether critical criminal justice services should be preserved.”
“A sales tax increase is absolutely necessary to save vital services such as sheriffs, prosecutors and programs that serve to lower our jail costs,” said Councilmember Larry Gossett. “What is at stake is the quality of life that we treasure so much in our county. This is the reason we are asking King County voters to support this crucial measure at the polls this November.”
“With public safety being the paramount concern of people in King County, voters must have a chance to weigh in about whether to cut $60 million in criminal justice services or preserve them with temporary higher taxes,” said Councilmember Larry Phillips. “Knowing the difficult choice this will be for voters struggling through this Great Recession, I worked to lower the tax burden and add accountability to the proposal by including a three-year sunset provision.”
“The Council’s decision today is all about giving voters a choice,” said Councilmember Jan Drago. “Cutting $60 million from the budget will touch every part of county government, and that’s just too big a number and too big of a decision to make without the public’s input. We need to know what people are willing to pay for or willing to give up in these tough economic times.”
If approved by voters, the increase would generate approximately $59 million in revenue for King County in 2011 and $80 million in 2012, the first full year the levy would be collected. Under the proposal, the County’s portion of the proceeds would be used solely for public safety programs ranging from the Sheriff and Prosecutor’s Office to Public Defense and Jail Health Services.
In addition, 40 percent of the tax proceeds would go to the 39 cities within King County based on their population. This would mean that approximately $24 million would go to city governments with the County. State law requires that cities must spend one-third of the proceeds on criminal justice services.
The sales tax increase would remain in effect for a maximum of three years.
Along with an increase in the sales tax, the measure would use a portion of the County’s unincorporated area levy—$9.5 million in 2011—to fund police services in the County’s unincorporated communities.
The adopted ordinance now goes to the voters on November 2 as part of the general election ballot.
| Jul |
| 20 |
| 7:00 pm |
Our sister site The B-Town Blog wants to remind our readers of its next Candidates Forum, featuring the contenders vying for Dow Constantine’s former seat on the King County Council.
It will be this Tuesday, July 20, from 7pm to 8:45pm at the Highline School District’s E.R.A.C. Building, 15675 Ambaum Blvd. S.W. in south Burien, across the street from Azteca Restaurant and just north of Hi-Line Lanes.
Moderator for the evening will be longtime local reporter and radio talk show host Dave Ross. Ross’s show airs 9am to noon Monday through Friday on 97.3 KIRO-FM.
All four candidates for the seat have been invited and all four have agreed to attend.
They are:
- Diana Toledo, former King County employee.
- Shawn McEvoy, former Normandy Park mayor and current Normandy Park city council member.
- Joe McDermott, current 34th district state senator.
- Tim Fahey, professional carpenter and South Park resident.
The forum format is to have area journalists ask questions for the first 45 minutes or so, followed by questions from the public. There is no admission charge and anyone and everyone is welcome to attend.
The 8th District council seat everyone is duking it out for is currently held by Jan Drago. Drago is not running for election.
The primary is August 17. Mail-in ballots will be sent to voters later this month. The two candidates garnering the most votes advance to the general election in November.
Hi there loyal Des Moinesians (that can’t be right, can it?). Leonard the goldfish here, with INCREDIBLE BREAKING NEWS!
I’m not usually one to type shout, but seriously, this is B-I-G big. After three long years of bugging the heck out of the Seattle Aquarium, they’re finally giving me a chance to get my own exhibit. I just have to prove that people (i.e. you) actually want me there. So I need to get 30,000 votes and I’m in. You can vote and find out more about my plight at VoteLeonardIn.com. Or follow me on my Facebook page.
Hopefully someday soon you’ll be able to follow me at the actual Seattle Aquarium, along with the otters, wolf eels, and moon jellies.
So please, Des Moinesites (ok, that sounds better), help me prove to the Aquarium folks I’m not too common to get my own exhibit.
Remember, a vote for me is a vote for goldfish everywhere.
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| Mar |
| 16 |
The King Conservation District (King CD) will be holding a district-wide election for an open seat on its board of supervisors this coming Tuesday, March 16.
King CD, working with Bellevue-based election administrator Election Trust, will be providing seven polling locations throughout the district.
Candidates for the position include:
- Mary Embleton, Seattle
- Mara Heiman, Auburn
- Teri Herrera, Redmond
- Kirk Prindle, Seattle
- Max Prinsen, Renton
For a list of voting locations, hours of operation and candidate backgrounds, visit www.kingcd.org.
Registered voters who reside within the district, which encompasses most of King County, are eligible to vote in the election, with the exception of residents of cities that do not fall within the King CD’s boundaries (Federal Way, Enumclaw, Skykomish, Milton and Pacific). Voters must present proper identification, such as a driver’s license, passport or birth certificate.
The all-volunteer, five member board includes three elected members and two who are appointed by the Washington State Conservation Commission. All supervisors serve three-year terms. The board of supervisors conducts regular public meetings to oversee the district’s budget and provide guidance and oversight to district staff.
The King CD provides information and technical assistance programs available to all landowners within the district’s boundaries (most of King County) on a voluntary, non-regulatory basis. The district provides grants for conservation-focused projects and programs, and initiates community outreach activities that include workshops, education programs, site visits, farm plans, and consultation on land, water, and wildlife management.
As one of 47 conservation districts in the state, the King CD is a natural resources assistance agency authorized by the State of Washington and guided by the Washington State Conservation Commission. The election is held in accordance with Washington Revised Code RCW 89.08.
Further information on conservation district elections and procedures throughout the state can be found at www.scc.wa.gov/index.php/Elections-and-Appointments.
For more information on the King Conservation District, visit www.kingcd.org.
by Des Moines councilman Bob Sheckler was elected to a fourth consecutive term as mayor at the city council’s first meeting of the new year on Thursday, Jan. 7.
Councilman Dave Kaplan, who was re-elected to the council in the November election, was chosen as the city’s mayor pro tem.
Sheckler, who was elected on a 5-2 vote of council members, was nominated by Kaplan.
Scott Thomasson then nominated Matt Pina, who declined to be considered “for a variety of reasons.”
Newcomers Pina and Melissa Musser were sworn in and seated on the council at the start of the meeting.
After Pina stepped aside, Councilman Dan Sherman nominated Thomasson.
Voting for Sheckler were Kaplan, Musser and Pina, along with Councilwoman Carmen Scott and Sheckler. Sherman and Thomasson voted for Thomasson.
Kaplan was nominated by Scott, and Thomasson then nominated Musser. Sheckler, Kaplan, Pina and Scott voted for Kaplan, while voting for Musser were Sherman, Thomasson and Musser.
In recent years, Sheckler and Kaplan frequently have been on one side of a number of contentious issues, with Sherman and Thomasson on the other.
Assistant City Manager Lorri Ericson introduced Marion Yoshino, the city’s new economic development manager, to the council.
Yoshino, a Normandy Park City Council member, small business owner and 14-year resident in the area, will serve in this capacity on a pro bono basis.
“We have all witnessed the unfortunate recent closures of many of our small businesses,” Yoshino said. “It’s hard to see what’s going on around us.”
But, she continued, Des Moines has “the most spectacular beauty,” and noted the similarity here with waterfront settings in Bellingham and Kirkland where local businesses are doing relatively well even in the down economy.
“Our small businesses deserve this now,” Yoshino said. “If we all pull together we’re going to have a fantastic place.”
As if setting a new tone at the beginning of a new year, community activist and volunteer Brenda Anders, in the only comment from the public at the meeting, expressed support for the new council in its work ahead and declared, “I love Des Moines, Washington. This is a great place to work, a great place to live, a great place to play.”
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 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
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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
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This is the final installment in our online Des Moines City Council Candidates Forum series, today featuring the two only candidate vying for Position #5: Melissa Musser.
As before, we have made no alterations to her text, so the words used are purely hers, including any typos or other errors.
1. What is the primary objective you hope to accomplish for Des Moines if you are elected to the council? What qualifies you to lead this effort?
MELISSA MUSSER: My primary objective as a new City Council person for the City of Des Moines is to improve the stymied growth of our community that has occurred during the past few years. By that I mean, it’s the same “stuff”… different day. The lack of effective communication and meaningful partnerships between the City and her neighbors, Des Moines and the Port and between the council members themselves prevents any positive change from happening in Des Moines. By reading the Waterland Blog during the last two weeks alone, it has become abundantly clear the residents are asking, “What has the council actually accomplished?” Before the council can revise zoning and permitting parameters to encourage residential and commercial growth, before downtown can be revitalized or budget woes be solved, the council members have to put aside their own personal agendas and do what is best for this city.
My qualifications include years spent as a trainer both in my professional career and then as a Service Specialist with Washington State PTA. My current career as a manager of Community Associations and my common sense approach to problem solving provide me with the skill set needed to come to the table, listen with an open mind and weigh the pros and cons of an issue. I decided to run for city council because I wanted to represent the working families with kids. I bring a viewpoint to the council that it has been lacking for some time.
2. Des Moines tax revenue is down sharply, as reflected in the budget-cutting process for 2010. What will you do to increase revenue for the city without negatively impacting city residents and businesses?
MM: When you look up Des Moines on Wikipedia, it states, “The city has been the subject to land buyouts because of noise from aircraft landing or taking off from the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport three kilometers to the north of Des Moines.”
With the stigma of land buy-outs and aircraft noise the Council has an even bigger challenge of attracting new business to our city while lifting up the businesses that are still toughing it out. Don’t make it so hard for those developers who want to improve our city and actually have the money to do so. The Waterland Blog ran a story clear back in June about the All Star Sports Bar in the building previously occupied by the Chinese restaurant. It was their goal to have their doors open in time for football. It’s nearly November- and they have yet to serve a single customer. It is revenue lost to not only the business owners but the city.
The time for finger pointing and excuses is over. Let’s recognize and support the business owners who are elevating our city, and hold those who don’t accountable. The council needs to decide what its vision for this city is once and for all, support and listen to our Planning Commission volunteers, give the Planning, Building, and Public Works department clear and concise direction and build a revenue base for this community that is built on new business, growth and retail sales.
3. Business activity downtown remains sluggish. What will you do to position the city to encourage increased business activity and development downtown?
MM: Development Downtown… that’s the hot topic of the campaign isn’t it? The problem with the current Council and Downtown development is that the Council hasn’t even decided how to define Downtown. I recently attended a Saturday study session that the community was invited to attend and give comment. Attendance at this meeting was low, besides me, others present consisted of Matt Pina, Mel Ponder, and two business owners. At this meeting it was said, “We have seven council people and seven different visions of downtown.” It hadn’t even been decided WHERE downtown was. Midrise, residential, open spaces, Burien Town Square, Kent Station, no change, big change, sleepy bedroom town, waterfront oasis; these are all “visions” that have been shared with me during this campaign. One reason why new business doesn’t want to come to Des Moines is the fact that the city can’t decide what the future looks like.
What I will do to position the City towards positive growth is to push the 2010 council to come to consensus on downtown development. Money has been spent, time has been wasted; it’s time for the city to make a cohesive plan for the next, five, ten, twenty years then put in place the infrastructure needed to make its vision a reality. Will it be easy? No. But meaningful growth cannot take place in this city until the decision makers can agree. Hold the current businesses accountable and make it easier to maintain appealing, safe and inviting properties. What new business wants to move in next to a dilapidated property?
The FAA and the Port grant money to Highline Public Schools projects that require sound mitigation. What type of support can we push for from the Port to encourage growth from developers and business owners? Again, I’m stuck on that Wikipedia blurb.
4. Should Des Moines promote itself as a tourist destination? If yes, what should the city do (e.g., encourage development of bed-and-breakfasts, Puget Sound tour boat cruises from the Marina, summer salmon bakes)? If no, why not?
MM: This self-styled “quaint Maritime Village” is a favorite destination for people all over the world. This is a city that has preserved its history but also has many events that make this a vibrant community with incredible scenery, galleries, upscale shops, restaurants, beautiful gardens and many recreational activities.” Ah… if only this description was for Des Moines. Sadly, it’s for Gig Harbor. I was struck by Gig Harbor because on bright sunny days, my husband and his friends get in a boat in Des Moines and leave to go to Gig Harbor where they can pull up to a dock, enjoy lunch at the Tides Tavern, sit and visit with friends and plan their next trip to Gig Harbor. Winthrop has their Western theme. Leavenworth is a Bavarian Village whose Oktoberfest and Christmas tree lighting infuse the community with tourist dollars each year. The Yakima Valley embraced its agriculture and topography and has encouraged a thriving wine business and tourist industry.
Yes, in my opinion Des Moines should promote itself as a tourist destination. With its parks, history, proximity to the waterfront and beautiful views, we are a tourist destination suffering from the same blight as our business plan- we don’t have one. Once again, our city suffers from a lack of a common vision. The council needs to empower a community-based committee of volunteers to develop a tourism based business plan and not spend thousands of dollars on a “think-tank” like other municipalities have done. One time “events” like Waterland are wonderfully well received, but they barely break even. We need these types of events to draw people into a thriving, attractive, clean and safe waterfront town, then keep them coming back because we offer something more. We’re missing our something more.
5. Do you support development of Waterview Crossing and Des Moines Creek Business Park? If yes, what will you do to position the city to help these projects move forward? If no, why not?
MM: I support the development of the Pacific Ridge and the “buy-out” area of Des Moines. The Waterview Crossing development looks good on paper. Beautiful marketing material can be found at the developer’s web site; 1600 residential units, live/work space, office space and an aesthetically appealing plan. Again, on paper- it should all work. Close to the airport, easy freeway access and conveniently located near Highline Community College and transit. But it doesn’t work, in my opinion. Apartments designed with the goal of one day turning them into condominiums, minimal parking, hotel space mixed with senior housing and over 300 one bedroom or smaller live spaces planned (ear marked as “short term rentals”) has this professional multi-family community manager questioning if the developer really “gets” Des Moines. From what I have gleaned, the city really wants this project to work. They want it to revitalize the area and clean up crime. Some current council members have made questionable decisions, held closed door meetings and may have had their judgment clouded in an effort to have a shiny new “Library, Social Space and Business Center”. I support Multi-Family Tax incentives if they are given to builders who are committed to the city; not developers with projects that will end up sitting empty. We have enough apartments in Des Moines, especially “short term rentals”. It’s a topic I’m passionate about and not one I can sum up in the 300 words or less I’m given for each question.
The Des Moines Creek Business Park area needs development. It’s empty space that invites crime and devalues the area. It comes back to finding a way to work productively with the Port. They own the land, we own the roads. I support retail “big box” stores, but I would not support a Wal-Mart.
Remember, the deadline to mail your ballots in is Tuesday, Nov. 3rd.
If you’d like to review all our Online Candidate Forums, here are the links:
- Position #7: Dave Kaplan vs Susan White
- Position #3: Melissa Ponder vs Carmen Scott
- Position #1: Anne Farmer vs Matt Pina
This is the third in our online Des Moines City Council Candidates Forum series, today featuring the two candidates vying for Position #7: challenger incumbent (in Pos. #5) Dave Kaplan vs incumbent Susan White.
As before, we have made no alterations to their text, so the words used are purely theirs, including any typos or other errors.
Each candidate is identified by their names and headshots, then initials:
1. What is the primary objective you hope to accomplish for Des Moines if you are elected to the council? What qualifies you to lead this effort?
DAVE KAPLAN: The primary objective I hope to accomplish for Des Moines when I’m reelected is to continue the steps we’ve been taking to make our budgets sustainable into the future, to focus on bringing in new revenues to the city by expanding our business base through necessary revisions in our City Code and making infrastructure improvements, and for maintaining those services that make Des Moines a great place to live.
I’m qualified to lead this effort because I’ve already been helping to take the lead on these issues as an incumbent Des Moines City Councilmember. We have made a lot of progress, and I don’t want to see that progress halted because of those who oppose change.
SUSAN WHITE: Positive economic development for downtown, finish the historical rehabilitation of our historical Beach Park District, continue to make Des Moines a business friendly environment to attract new business, jobs and affordable housing.
I have eight years of experience on the Des Moines City Council and have produced positive results for the city in spite of difficult economic times. I brought $220,000 through my efforts in Washington DC with our representatives to commence our Historic District in Beach Park. Then was able to raise $2M more as well. The auditorium will be open next year.
2. Des Moines tax revenue is down sharply, as reflected in the budget-cutting process for 2010. What will you do to increase revenue for the city without negatively impacting city residents and businesses?
DK: My intent is to first prioritize how and where we spend on City services. Rather than adjusting the same budget from year to year to year, we need to actually start from scratch, determine what is important, and then whether or not we have the revenues to provide all of the services we do (or if there are better ways to provide them). Then and only then would I consider tax increases. The cuts and revenue increases necessary to submit a balanced budget for 2010 will negatively impact city residents and businesses. There is no way around it. We must close a gap of $2 million between revenues and projected spending levels, out of an approximately $18 million budget. That is the short term. The long-term solution is to grow our business revenues by providing incentives for businesses to locate in Des Moines rather than elsewhere. Only long-term solutions will fix our long-term problems, and our gap between on-going revenues and on-going expenses requires an on-going solution.
SW: Unfortunately (and Des Moines is not alone in this budget crisis) we have had to cut some positions, furlough days and ultimately I think we will be looking at combining services perhaps with other cities.
3. Business activity downtown remains sluggish. What will you do to position the city to encourage increased business activity and development downtown?
DK: To better position ourselves we need to do a number of things. We need to ensure that the infrastructure is in place to support business and make it thrive — water, electricity, sidewalks, traffic flow, parking, and connectivity with the marina. We need to streamline our permitting system by investing in the correct technologies that are user-friendly and self-driven. We need to review our zoning code to determine whether small adjustments in signage, building heights, or other areas may make our downtown more attractive as a place to locate and invest. And we must partner with other resources (Highline Community College, as an example) to help find ways to promote and support businesses that choose to locate in Des Moines. Without a local chamber of commerce or effective advocate for our businesses, downtown will not succeed.
SW: I currently chair South King County Economic Development Initiative (SKCEDI) which is a partnership with our neighboring cities working on a Business Attraction Program and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC). We must continue to position ourselves to encourage new business for downtown, Pacific Ridge and keep working on the Des Moines Creek Business Park.
4. Should Des Moines promote itself as a tourist destination? If yes, what should the city do (e.g., encourage development of bed-and-breakfasts, Puget Sound tour boat cruises from the Marina, summer salmon bakes)? If no, why not?
DK: Yes! Des Moines has a beautiful public presence on Puget Sound. Our marina, downtown and Des Moines Beach Park and perfectly located to bring people to town. We should encourage development of small hotels and beds & breakfasts. We should encourage restaurants, antique shops, bakeries, and artistic shops to locate here. Summertime boat service from Seattle to Des Moines makes sense, but has to be thought out carefully (the passenger-only ferries were proposed to be used for commuters only and would not be used for tourism purposes — that is one of the reasons I opposed them). If our residents won’t spend their money in Des Moines, we need to find a way to bring that revenue to Des Moines. Tourism is one of those ways.
SW: Of course! We have a Marina, roughly six miles of shoreline and a wonderful city. I support Water Transportation, specifically passenger only ferries and certainly support the idea of a nice hotel downtown . . . more restaurants, more shops . . . Once the Beach Park is finished we will hopefully contract with a professional management company to bring people into Des Moines via water transportation.
5. Do you support development of Waterview Crossing and Des Moines Creek Business Park? If yes, what will you do to position the city to help these projects move forward? If no, why not?
DK: Yes, I’ve supported Waterview Crossing (I voted for the development agreement in November 2007), and I’m a strong supporter of the Des Moines Creek Business Park. I think we need to take advantage of what limited commercially zoned land we have in Des Moines (downtown, the business park, and Pacific Highway) and encourage businesses to invest in Des Moines. I’ve supported a number of changes to make redevelopment of Pacific Ridge more likely, including adoption of a Multi-Family Tax Exemption, waiver of some traffic impact fees, and the underlying zoning which provides for taller buildings on a stretch of land badly in need of redevelopment. The Des Moines Creek Business Park has a great deal of potential, as do some surrounding properties, and we need to make certain that impacts from that development is well-managed. Part of that is continuing to make progress on our Gateway transportation project for S. 216th Street and 24th Avenue S. As chair of the Public Safety & Transportation Committee, I’ve worked and will continue to work to keep the project moving forward.
SW: Yes, I support both. The economy will need to move forward but I believe the City is well positioned now after all the work that has been done on these projects to move forward.
Coming up next, the candidate for Position #5: Melissa Musser.
This is the second in our online Des Moines City Council Candidates Forum series, today featuring the two candidates vying for Position #3: challenger Melissa Ponder vs incumbent Carmen Scott.
As before, we have made no alterations to their text, so the words used are purely theirs, including any typos or other errors.
Each candidate is identified by their names and headshots, then initials:
1. What is the primary objective you hope to accomplish for Des Moines if you are elected to the council? What qualifies you to lead this effort?
MELISSA PONDER: We need to improve our financial situation in order to be able to provide services citizens say they want. In order to accomplish this, we need a council that will act more collaboratively. Unanimous agreement is not always necessary, but a healthy goal oriented working environment is critical to serving the people of Des Moines. An example of my ability to listen, work collaboratively, and work towards solutions is demonstrated by the fact that I was nominated by and elected by fellow Commissioners on the King County Civil Rights Commission to serve as Chairperson for two terms. These skills are going to be required in these tough economic times in order to find broadly supported solutions to the city’s problems.
As Program Coordinator of the REACH Diabetes Program at International Community Health Services, I was responsible for supervision of the $130,000 budget, as well as for the community based research data collection, evaluation, and reporting involved with the project.
I also have an understanding of the small business person as I have the benefit of running my own photography business which means I have to negotiate the landscape of taxes, licenses, etc. that all businesses must travel. I am a quick learner, hard worker, and strongly believe that community as a whole can make a great impact. I genuinely believe the City Council should be representative of and accountable to the people of Des Moines.
CARMEN SCOTT: My primary objective is to hasten our city’s recovery from this economic recession, and put us on a sound financial footing. To identify and make use of the most accurate and effective methods of understanding and resolving each of our most urgent issues. This means communication, cooperation, reaching out and listening, resolving differences, and working cohesively towards achievable goals.
I have been a very successful business woman for three decades, particularly skilled in analyzing property values, and understanding the factors that affect the desirability of homes, neighborhoods and communities. Starting in 1978, I served 10 years on the Des Moines Planning Commission. In 1988, My work was instrumental in securing a State Historical designation for Covenant Beach Historic District. I am a board member of the Des Moines Legacy Foundation, which raises funds to sustain critical programs and activities benefitting at-risk youth, family and seniors. I am a city historian, and board member of the Des Moines Historical Society. As an effective member of the current Des Moines City Council, I have earned respect, and a reputation for doing my homework, and arriving at sound logical conclusions. I am proud to be endorsed by those who have served beside me and know me well, including our current Mayor, two former Mayors, and the majority of our current council.
2. Des Moines tax revenue is down sharply, as reflected in the budget-cutting process for 2010. What will you do to increase revenue for the city without negatively impacting city residents and businesses?
MP: Des Moines tax revenue is down sharply, as reflected in the budget-cutting process for 2010. What will you do to increase revenue for the city without negatively impacting city residents and businesses?
One of the few things that all council members and candidates seem to agree upon is that the best opportunity for revenue is the Des Moines Creek Business Park area (which has already been zoned as such). We need to pursue possible state tax incentives that will not also require us to give up needed city tax revenues, in order to get developers and businesses back to the table. We need to actively seek input from community members and our neighbor cities about what kinds of businesses they would like to attract (or avoid). While proceeding with that measure, the council may need to have a retreat or two early in 2010 specifically aimed at strategic planning, so that we can hear everyone’s ideas. Budget issues need to be a yearlong process right now, not just a couple of months in the fall.
CS: I am going to cover my ideas for new revenue in the three topics that follow this one. Increased revenue sources usually take months to start accumulating, and even longer To actually be available for use. In the meantime, we need to hold off on any expenditures that are not urgently needed.
I am scheduled to meet at Highline College, to discuss greater cooperative efforts between the city and the college. It may be that a way can be found for students to gain college credit for real-world work experience with the city, in an area related to the degree they are pursuing. Other organizations and individuals can be approached, to help build, repair, replace or adopt small parks or playgrounds or facilities, even If only to keep them clean, mowed and open.
3. Business activity downtown remains sluggish. What will you do to position the city to encourage increased business activity and development downtown?
MP: Business activity across the country is sluggish and we are not immune to national/global economic problems. It will help to get the Des Moines Creek Business Park up and running as that will also be one of, if not our most, significant employment centers and all those workers may want to come down to the waterfront area for lunch or a break. The city can make sure that infrastructure is in place for new projects downtown. While the Business Park could become our primary new revenue generator, I see the downtown as providing locals and visitors with services including restaurants, legal, medical, food shopping, specialty shops, businesses that might provide a place for youth/teens to hang out, etc. It seems unlikely that the downtown will ever look exactly like or serve all the same functions as it did decades ago and it is time to re-think the contemporary function of a downtown in a small city that is part of a larger metropolitan area.
CS: Downtown Des Moines has enormous potential. The first and easiest way to increase business development downtown is to extend to 2011, the reduced parking requirements for new businesses, (which expires at the end of 2009). The next easy step is to put signage on the roads leading to downtown, so that people know they can use 7th avenue too. Another help would be to have walking maps available in stores and restaurants, the marina, and in kiosks at each end of downtown. (Rotary has plans for kiosks). Larger improvements would include water main replacements, bringing pressure up to fire flow requirements. Lack of adequate fire flow has halted new buildings that would have been built before the recession began. A major limitation for growth on Marine View Drive is its designation as State Highway 509. The rules for State Highways create major problems for using it as a main business street.
Council must make it a priority to find a way to reach agreement on concepts for downtown planning and building heights.
4. Should Des Moines promote itself as a tourist destination? If yes, what should the city do (e.g., encourage development of bed-and-breakfasts, Puget Sound tour boat cruises from the Marina, summer salmon bakes)? If no, why not?
MP: Most towns have something that would interest tourists. Des Moines has the Marina and Des Moines Creek Beach Park (which will soon sport a great fully paved walking/biking trail), Redondo Boardwalk, and Saltwater State Park. The Field House is also a well known historic structure which the city has wisely maintained. The Beach Park will have fully refurbished structures which can be a center for both civic activity and tourism. Who wouldn’t want to spend a day in such a beautiful location? I think our city is in a good situation to promote these amenities as they come on line.
CS: A modest investment in marketing could bring a very real and very fast return on investment. Our town has been the “BAD” example used in Economic Development &Tourism seminars ever since Booth Gardner was governor.(1988) “ Fantastic Views, rugged mountains, a wonderful walkable marina and fishing pier, a great variety of restaurants, a historic beach park, easy access from an interstate freeway, International Airport and 6000+ hotel rooms within 15 minutes by car.” And they don’t bring those spendable dollars into Des Moines. They don’t even know Des Moines is there. Many of my clients (business travelers) have stayed in local hotels over the years, and will ask “where can I buy a good bottle of wine and flowers for dinner at my new bosses house” or “steaks for his barbecue” or “ Really? A marina! Can I jog there? Saltwater? Rugged Mountains? Restaurant overlooking it all? Really? Where is it? I didn’t see a brochure at the hotel.”
A Tourist, today, is more likely to say “We planned our trip on the Washington State Tourism website. Saw lots of neat waterfront towns, didn’t notice Des Moines” (That’s because Des Moines has never made it a priority to develop its State Tourism site). And don’t forget we could also promote Redondo, Salty’s, The MaST Aquarium, fishing pier, boardwalk.
People who think we have nothing to offer, don’t know what they are talking about! I have been promoting Des Moines for years in Note Cards, Calendars, and in tourism magazines. We need to get our act together and put our town on the map.
5. Do you support development of Waterview Crossing and Des Moines Creek Business Park? If yes, what will you do to position the city to help these projects move forward? If no, why not?
MP: Just as the Business Park has a primary role for revenue generation and the downtown has a primary role for providing services to the locals, the Pacific Ridge area has been zoned as a location for the density increases required under the Growth Management Act. Light rail and employment centers will themselves increase the viability of residential projects in Pacific Ridge. I understand that developing the Pacific Ridge area for density will have the least disruption to the rest of the city and is ideally situated near transportation services, including future light rail, as well as employment opportunities at the proposed Business Park. I struggle with the idea of displacing current residents, not having available and comparable alternatives within Des Moines to which they might relocate. Currently, the city is not required to provide relocation assistance to those residents. I would like to see that the city finds ways to provide assistance to the residents. The timing of these projects is more dependent on factors not under the control of any local government. I believe that our current focus should be on the Business Park for revenue generation which may then spur interest in the residential development on Pacific Ridge, just at the time that the light rail planning process focuses on South King County.
CS: I support redevelopment of both Pacific Ridge (a blighted & crime ridden area) and the Des Moines Creek Business Park, as well as any other well-thought-out endeavor that would create a sustained increase in city revenue and the overall betterment of Des Moines.
If or when Waterview Crossing is built, it is likely to be the first large redevelopment project within Pacific Ridge` It is currently a mobile home park of about 90 households on about 6 acres, with frontage on the east side of Highway 99. Sunway Services, represented by Matthew Chan entered into a negotiated development agreement with the city of Des Moines on November 15th 2007. This agreement was passed by a unanimous vote of the council. Sunway Services undoubtedly will determine When the economy will support starting the first phase of their project. The residents of the mobile home park are entitled by law, to one year’s notice to vacate. Council has not received any information to indicate that such notice has been implemented.
The Des Moines Creek 89 acre Business Park was slated to begin development the summer of 2009. The developer withdrew in 2008 after the economy became worse than anticipated, and the Port was not willing to discuss contract renegotiations. Our City Manager has indicated that some Port commissioners seem to be more willing to listen now, and it may be feasible to reopen discussion.
I have requested that all due diligence be put into talks with both parties, and see if the project can be revitalized. If the developer is not interested, it is pertinent to determine exactly why, and to see if the decision can be turned around. If not, then it would seem worthwhile to ask the port to check back with the ten developers who were not previously selected, and see if any of them retains an interest in the project. If all possible efforts fail to stimulate any interest, if it becomes likely that several years will pass before supply and demand correct themselves, then I would question the wisdom of prioritizing money into road improvements for that project any sooner than is warranted.
Coming up next, the candidates for Position #7: Dave Kaplan vs Susan White.
The Des Moines City Council voted unanimously at their Oct. 8th meeting to oppose Initiative 1033 on the November 3rd ballot.
I-1033 would limit the annual growth in revenue that cities, counties and the state could use to provide services under a formula based on inflation and population growth. Revenue from both taxes and fees above that limit would be used to reduce property taxes the following year.
The resolution adopted by the Council said “the initiative will undermine the ability of the state, counties and cities to provide services to constituents.”
It continued, “the effect of the limitation is exacerbated during the recession, as the Initiative does not address the impacts of a recovery following and an economic downturn.”
City Manager Tony Piasecki said a fiscal analysis indicates that under I-1033, Des Moines would lose almost $1 million over the next four to five years.
In less than two years, the City already has experienced a decline in revenue of almost $3 million, Piasecki noted. As a result, Council reduced 2009 general fund expenditures by over $1 million. Another round of cuts totaling about $2 million now must be made to balance the 2010 budget.
Mayor Bob Sheckler said, “Typically as a Council we don’t take positions on ballot issues, but we made an exception in this instance.
“One of our greatest concerns is that I-1033 doesn’t take into account the fluctuations in revenue that smaller cities experience,” he said.
“For example, revenue from a large development, including permit fees, sales taxes and utility taxes, may have to be used to reduce property taxes citywide rather than to pay for the additional services required by that development.”
In case you missed the various Des Moines City Council Candidates Forums, we here at The Waterland Blog have gone to the trouble of creating our own online forum which consists of answers to five relevant questions we emailed to each candidate.
Here are the answers from the candidates for Position #1 – Anne Farmer and Matt Pina. Please note that we have made no alterations to their text, so the words used is purely theirs, including any typos or other errors.
Each candidate is identified by their names and headshots, then initials:
1. What is the primary objective you hope to accomplish for Des Moines if you are elected to the council? What qualifies you to lead this effort?
ANNE FARMER: The primary objective I have for Des Moines is to return cash flow to the community in the form of tax revenue. This means becoming business friendly as quickly as possible while maintaining funding for essential public services such as police and parks/recreation. Increased tax revenue will give the city the support it needs to pay for essentials such as parks/recreation as well as pay for upgrades to the marina and other areas that attract visitors to our community. The whole idea is to make Des Moines a safe and attractive place for businesses, residents, and visitors.
I am qualified to lead this effort due to my experience in sales, marketing, and business development. I also have a Master Degree in Business Administration. In the past I worked as a Director of Corporate Development where I was responsible for making failing businesses either profitable or marketable to be sold to large corporations. Currently, I work in a sales capacity for a large pharmaceutical company. This translates well to running a city because I am highly accustomed to dealing with government regulations. I also have major responsibility for generating revenue and managing a budget for which I must account for every penny spent. These skills are essential for handling Des Moines current budgeting crisis. I feel that my background has prepared me well for this and will also help lead the effort to promote Des Moines as a destination.
MATT PINA: My main objective as a Des Moines Councilman is to focus on the city’s revitalization and redevelopment. This doesn’t mean that we should overlook the primary responsibilities of public safety, transportation and public services. What it does mean is that the council needs to work together with the community to develop a vision for the future that we can work toward. Once the vision is established, plans will need to be made, issues identified and efforts prioritized. To ensure accountability, the council will need to identify a project manager or Economic Development Manager that will oversee the effort and provide frequent community/council progress reports.
My background in finance, business, quality assurance and project management will help as the council provides direction, feedback and leadership oversight with this process. My experience and relationships in government will help as we address the many challenges that are likely to arise during this process and look for ways to solve each issue.
2. Des Moines tax revenue is down sharply, as reflected in the budget-cutting process for 2010. What will you do to increase revenue for the city without negatively impacting city residents and businesses?
AF: Not only is tax revenue down, Des Moines ranks lowest in the State of Washington for cities with populations over 20,000. Des Moines is not business friendly, and the city needs to take action to attract investors, builders, and business owners. To make this happen we need buy in from the council members as well as a strategic marketing plan to promote the city as business friendly.
First of all it starts with the City Council as a whole making the tough decisions that need to be made rather than spend 4 more years arguing about how to do it. Secondly, we need to remove the roadblocks in the permitting process as well as reduce permitting costs. Even though permits generate revenue, the city is going to have to give up something to get something. Third, I would like to work directly with developers and current building owners to make adjustments to zoning and height restrictions. As it stands right now, Des Moines is incredibly expensive for both commercial and residential developers to build in. We need to make the process easy and affordable as well as provide incentives such as the option to build an extra 10ft in height on certain parcels.
All of these adjustments if done correctly can be made with little impact to residents and businesses. Minor adjustments to height restrictions downtown will make it easier for developers to build attractive residential/commercial buildings near the water. Also, updated buildings will attract more local businesses to move here. With regards to the other commercial areas of Des Moines, expediting improvements to zoning and permitting will also make it easier for large retailers such as Costco or Home Depot to move into Des Moines rather than continue to locate themselves just outside city limits.
MP: The long term solution to resolving the city’s budget challenges rests on the development of the city’s business base. In the short term the city must partner with its existing businesses and help to promote them along with the other assets Des Moines has to offer. I will consider opportunities from corporate sponsors as a way to generate revenue and help with park maintenance and facility support.
I will also explore partnerships with fellow cities and government entities to see if there are other opportunities that make sense and help ease the cost of certain operations. Additionally, I will look for ways to increase efficiencies through automation and process improvements. Sample ideas might include an automated building permit process that will minimize the staff and effort required to process each request. Another idea is to look for and incorporate the use of workforce multipliers like internet ready police vehicles, providing instant access to offender records and in-car remote visibility of high-crime hot spots. Finally, I will look for opportunities with Stimulus Funds and other pro development initiatives that may help to address capital infrastructure
3. Business activity downtown remains sluggish. What will you do to position the city to encourage increased business activity and development downtown?
AF: As I mentioned in the question above, this all starts with making our commercial areas attractive to investors, builders, and business owners. We need a strategic marketing plan as well as definable goals to accomplish these improvements. Downtown Des Moines, can not be properly marketed until the council removes all of the roadblocks to development as well as clean up criminal activity in the area. No matter what direction you drive in to our city, you are greeted with an unsafe feeling. This is not only disconcerting for people who live here but also people who shop and visit here. Des Moines is a prime location for retail businesses if we market it properly and make it easy to build here. We are next to the water, 8 minutes from the airport, 20 minutes from Seattle or Tacoma, and easily accessible from the freeway. Each day, thousands of cars pass through town on Marine View Dr and Pacific Hwy. We need to give people a reason to stop, get out of the car, and open their wallets.
If the council can move forward from this mess and start working together, we can take action now and start attracting new businesses right away.
MP: Community celebrations, activities and events help to attract people to the town and create the buzz “that something’s happening in Des Moines”. When the city sanctions a local event, the council needs to do so stating a “Des Moines first” mandate. This means that if there are food and beverage opportunities at an event, preference will be given to bids from local merchants.
I see partnership opportunities with the Highline College media and marketing programs to promote Des Moines businesses both within the community and in the surrounding areas. This will create both business and learning opportunities.
An initiative to communicate to local community about how much their sales tax contributes to the finances of the town will help to create awareness and encourage a “shop in Des Moines” attitude.
We need to engage in dialogue with the local merchants to make sure we understand what it is about business in Des Moines that is working and what isn’t. The council needs to understand their issues and make necessary changes to ensuring that we are both business friendly and competitive with the other cities in this area.
Finally, we need to reach out to successful businesses in surrounding areas and ask them to consider expanding into our city. This will help to decrease vacancies while increasing both community draw and revenue.
4. Should Des Moines promote itself as a tourist destination? If yes, what should the city do (e.g., encourage development of bed-and-breakfasts, Puget Sound tour boat cruises from the Marina, summer salmon bakes)? If no, why not?
AF: The city should absolutely promote itself as a tourist destination. However, that likely won’t be able to happen until the business community is brought back. The combination of a run down city with little retail shopping coupled with crime ridden streets lacks any desirability to tourists. If we can get the city back on track, bring back tax revenue and clean up the crime there will be plenty of money for promotion of Des Moines as a destination. As I mentioned above, Des Moines is located in a prime location for all of this.
MP: We need to promote Des Moines as a local destination (shopping, dining, view walks, etc). However, I don’t know if all the examples given are reasonable considerations. I believe the community supports events like car shows, salmon bakes and summer concerts. I don’t know if they will support Puget Sound tour boats. This option requires much more thought and consideration. Is our marina equipped to support these vessels without costly infrastructure development? Additionally, (other than going to Anthony’s) what do we have at the marina for tourists (without land transportation) to do when they arrive? It’s a possibility, but it will take some discussion. We need to work through the ideas and identify those that are a best fit for the city. We definitely need to improve the connection from the marina to downtown.
Des Moines is really a diamond in the rough, we just need to work together to help it shine.
5. Do you support development of Waterview Crossing and Des Moines Creek Business Park? If yes, what will you do to position the city to help these projects move forward? If no, why not?
AF: I support development of all commercial areas in Des Moines. However, the projects must be prioritized and the council must agree on a vision for each area. These projects have been debated and talked about for too long and it should be the council’s responsibility to set a realistic goal for development. I would like to see Des Moines resemble Edmonds or Kirkland. These are smaller cities that have several different commercial areas. Each city has a quaint waterfront filled with local businesses, restaurants and bars, followed by larger commercial areas near the freeway that cater to big box stores like Costco as well as office parks. I think we need to look at what these two cities have done grow their commercial areas and model our vision after them. It is absolutely possible for small towns to have a successful business community no matter how bad the economy is.
MP: It is clear that Des Moines needs to develop a business park in the 90 acre Port of Seattle buyout area. It will create jobs and the help to provide necessary, long-term contributions to the city’s budget. There have been many discussions and plans for how to do this. I believe the process even got to the point of developer selection before the downturn in the economy. I will use my position on the council to partner with others to get this effort restarted and moving forward again.
Hopefully this little Q&A will help you to decide on whom to vote for in the Nov. 3rd election.
Coming up next, the candidates for Position #3: Carmen Scott vs Melissa Ponder.
Burien Police Chief and Chairman of the KCPCA Scott Kimerer
Police chiefs from King and Snohomish counties voiced their concerns at a press conference in Burien Wednesday morning (Oct. 21) about potential impacts of Initiative 1033 on public safety – especially in smaller cities.
But they stopped short of opposing the revenue-limiting ballot measure. Public officials are prohibited by state law from campaigning for or against ballot proposals as well as candidates.
Instead, said Scott Kimerer, Burien police chief and chairman of the King County Police Chiefs Association (KCPCA), “People have a right to make their own decisions on how to vote. But they need to be informed….
“We are encouraging citizens to ask their city governments what effect I-1033 would have on their ability to provide services if it is successful.”
Kimerer and Des Moines Police Chief Roger Baker represented Highline cities at the press conference.
I-1033 would limit future growth in the revenue cities, counties and the state could take in, based on annual growth in inflation and population. Revenues above the limit would be used to reduce property taxes.
“Already reeling from tough economic times that have seen 15 to 20 percent reductions in revenues, the financial analysis indicates that police services, many of which have already experienced budget cuts this year, could be further restricted to the point of struggling to meet the needs of their citizens’ public safety concerns,” Kimerer said.
“Police budgets generally represent half or more of cities’ general fund expenditures,” he added. And there has been “a 30 percent drop in cities’ anticipated enrollment of new hires in the (state) police academy” in Burien.
“If people want less government, they will get less government,” - Burien City Manager Mike Martin
The impact of I-1033, if approved in the November election, Kimerer said in response to a question, also could delay North Highline annexation by Burien, which now is expected to take place in late March. Residents of the southern part of the unincorporated area voted 56 percent to 44 percent in August to become part of the city.
Burien City Manager Mike Martin, who attended the press conference, concurred with Kimerer’s assessment.
“If people want less government, they will get less government,” Martin said. “There will be fewer departments and less people (police officers) on the street.”
Kimmerer said “the easily discernable impacts of I-1033 can be found by examining the general funds and budgets of the 82 percent of suburban cities in King County having a population of fewer than 50,000. These cities function with a small margin to provide all the needed services and are very transparent in their budget process and revenues.”
Statewide, 94 percent of all cities have populations less than 50,000.
Marysville Police Chief Rick Smith, chairman of the Snohomish County Police Chiefs and Sheriffs Association, said his department experienced sharp cuts due to the recession this year. Further cuts, should I-1033 pass, “could impair our ability to provide services to our city….
“The whole criminal justice system (including prosecutors, courts and jails) would be impacted, maybe significantly,” Smith said. “We just don’t know. The bottom line is for citizens to ask officials what impact 1033 would have on their city.”
Any cuts in the budgets of local law enforcement agencies “minimizes our response,” he added.
One problem with I-1033, said one police chief who spoke on condition of anonymity, is that it “targets state government, large counties and large cities” without taking into account the different circumstances of smaller cities and counties.
by Mark Neuman
Seven candidates for the Des Moines City Council, including incumbents and newcomers, met last night (Tues. Oct 13) at a public event sponsored by the North Hill Community Club.
Event organizers set the ground rules at the outset, asking the approximately 70 attendees to refrain from debating with the candidates during the forum.
“This is a ‘get aquatinted’ event,” said host Don Riecks. “If anyone has a wish to speak up about a candidate, you’re welcome to take it outside.”
It was cold and rainy Tuesday night, and from this reporter’s perspective everyone appeared to stay indoors.
The North Hill Community Club is located in a residential area just east of 1st Avenue South in north Des Moines.
Incumbent Carmen Scott, running for re-election to Position 3, took a portion of her allotted ten minutes to praise fellow council member David Kaplan, who is running for Position 7 against another current council member, Susan White. This prompted host Riecks to interject a request for all candidates to refrain from endorsing any other candidate during the forum.
Scott, a longtime Des Moines resident, is completing her second term on the council. She emphasized her years of life and business experience.
“Being experienced and mature has value,” Scott said. “I miss the downtown we used to have. We need to remove the hurdles that get in the way of business.”
Melissa Ponder, challenging Scott for Position 3, emphasized her 18 years of residence in the Zenith area of Des Moines. Ponder and her husband have four children.
“We need to demystify the process of government. We need to increase our human services budget,” Ponder said. “The council as it stands now is not unified on the future of Des Moines. We need to be thinking 20 to 25 years into the future.
“I’m new to politics, but I am a quick learner,” Ponder said. “I bring with me no allegiance to any special interests.”
Matt Pina and Anne Farmer are running against each other for Position 1. Neither are incumbents. Both spoke of their respective business experience and understanding of complex budgetary issues.
Farmer has worked for several years as director of business development for a pharmaceutical company.
“I know what it takes to manage a budget,” Farmer said. “I have to account for every penny. I have to report to the Food and Drug Administration.
“I will not cut the police budget,” Farmer said. “I want to see a more aggressive approach to dealing with crime. We need to consider bringing in red light (traffic) cameras. Those cameras can be donated for free. They can generate revenue overnight.
“I’d like to see some height restrictions near the marina taken away,” she said.
Pina is a longtime employee of Alaska Airlines in the Information Technology area.
“We need to make the marina pedestrian friendly,” Pina said. “Also, Pacific Ridge takes an inordinate amount of our police resources. We need to re-develop Pacific Ridge,” he said, referring to the eastern portion of Des Moines through which runs Pacific Highway South.
“Maybe a Costco or a Home Depot should be brought in to the potential business park area near 216th,” he said. “I have a passion for Des Moines.”
David Kaplan and Susan White are each running for a third term on the council. One will win. One will lose.
White spoke of her lobbying in the nation’s capital to bring back to Des Moines over $200,000 for Beach Park projects.
“We need change on the Des Moines city council,” White said toward the end of her ten minutes. “Give new candidates an opportunity.”
Kaplan said “This election is about leadership. We need to remove the burden of taxes from property owners. We have never taken a root look at our budget. We need to change the way we budget.
“We need to tie the marina to downtown,” Kaplan said. “The marina feels walled off.”
Melissa Musser, who is running unopposed for Position 5, also spoke, joking good-naturedly about being given only one minute to speak.
On a more serious note Musser told attendees “North Hill residents will be represented (by me), not overlooked.”
The General Election is Tuesday, November 3.
| Oct ’09 |
| 19 |
| 2:30 pm |
Highline Community College’s student government will be hosting the next Des Moines City Council Candidates Forum on Monday, Oct. 19th from 2:30pm to 3:30pm in Building 7 on their main campus.
As election day (Tues., Nov. 3rd) draws nearer, things are heating up in the Waterland City, so this should be a lively forum.
Here are the details:
WHAT: Des Moines City Council Candidates Forum
WHEN: Monday, October 19th, from 2:30pm – 3:30pm
WHERE: Highline Community College’s main campus, Building 7. The campus is located midway between Seattle and Tacoma at South 240th Street and Pacific Highway South (Highway 99); address: 2400 S. 240th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198.
COST: FREE and open to the public
INFO: The forum will be a moderated question and answer session to introduce the Des Moines City Council candidates and their platforms followed by a town-hall style question and answer session with the audience.
SPONSORED BY: Associated Students of Highline Community College
Last week the Waterland Blog sat down with our latest Advertiser Carmen Scott, to learn of her goals in representing you for the next four years. Carmen is a current Des Moines councilmember, running for re-election to City Council Position #3.
Carmen told The Waterland Blog:
“Anyone who wants to effectively represent the best interests of 30,000 people needs the knowledge, skills, and judgment to arrive at sound logical conclusions, articulate their position well, and earn the agreement of enough other council members to be on the prevailing side of decisions. I am effective, respected, and deeply aware of the importance of the decisions we make on behalf of our community.
“As a successful business woman, I developed and honed my analytical skills, particularly in understanding property values and factors that affect desirability of neighborhoods and communities. I love a challenge, have always needed to learn and excel. Seattle Magazine has named me (twice) as a 5 star winner of their Real Estate “Best in Client Satisfaction” award. When the people of Des Moines elected me, YOU became my clients. I will never waver in my dedication to your best interests.
“I believe that a balanced life must include service to your community, Over the last four years I have gradually moved from a business career, to full-time community service. Now serving as a Board member of the Des Moines Legacy Foundation and of the Des Moines Historical Society.”
Carmen’s “time to give back” actually started in 1978, and continues through today:
- Des Moines Planning Commissioner (1978 – 1988)
- City Council (1988 – 1991)
- Earned State Historic Register recognition of Covenant Beach Historic District – (1988)
- Des Moines representative on the Regional Transportation committee (1989 – 1991)
- Waterland events photographer (1989 – 2004)
- Board member of the Des Moines Legacy Foundation, a charitable organization founded to raise funds to sustain critical programs and activities benefitting youth, family and seniors in Des Moines (2004 – present)
- Very involved in research and documentation leading to placement of Covenant Beach Historic Camp on the National Historic Register (2005 – 2006)
- Des Moines City Council (2006 – present)
- Created Des Moines Note Cards as a fund raiser for the Legacy Foundation. At the Farmer’s Market almost every Saturday with 60+ Des Moines Note Card scenes . (2006 – present)
- Commits each August to creating a Des Moines Calendar for the community, and as a fundraiser for the Legacy Foundation (2005, 2009, 2010) (2010 on sale now $5.00 each, Farmer’s Market)
As a councilmember, Carmen has spent the last four years serving on the Municipal Facilities Committee, the Finance and Economic Development Committee, council liaison to the Farmers Market Board of Directors, the Des Moines 50th birthday committee, where she created and donated historical displays for a number of events, and helped to organize and arrange video interviews of people who have been important to our city over the last 50 years.
Briefly, from Carmen’s campaign platform:
THE BUDGET:
I will not vote to sell the marina. I will not close down the parks and recreation programs. I have opened discussion on ways to enhance revenue options and look for opportuni- ties to encourage renewed interest in development of the 89 acre business park (a victim of the economic downturn). We are looking at very painful budget decisions over the next few years. Experience and in-depth knowledge are essentials for sound decisions and a sustainable recovery.POLICE and PUBLIC SAFETY:
Public Safety is essential, a number one priority. I worked for passage of the Levy Lid Lift, have provided materials to assist with police department recruiting and have appreciated their participation in my community calendar projects.DOWNTOWN:
Many good businesses and services have disappeared from downtown Des Moines over the years. Those which depend on discretionary spending are now facing very tough times. Some of the problems bear directly on transportation decisions made 18 years ago, and carried out in 1993. I am a strong voice for healthy growth, and aware of the complex factors that must be resolved.PARKS & PLAYGROUNDS:
As a member of the Municipal Facilities committee, (and as a mother whose children practically lived at the fieldhouse as they were growing up) I am deter- mined that we be good stewards of the land and facilities entrusted to our care. Many of our citizens are struggling financially. I believe it is our responsibility to see to it that city parks stay open and recreational and senior programs remain available at a time when they are most needed.
Carmen never runs out of energy when it comes to helping Des Moines, through her efforts on the Council and her commitment to the community.
“Your vote in this election is vital to how you will be represented in the next four years. I would be honored to serve you again.” said Carmen.
| Oct ’09 |
| 13 |
| 7:00 pm |
The next Candidates Forum for Des Moines City Council will be Tuesday night, Oct. 13th at 7pm at the North Hill Community Club, located at 20827 3rd Ave South.
This will be the next opportunity to ask questions of each candidate, and all residents are invited.
Here are the details:
WHAT: Des Moines City Council Candidates Forum
WHEN: Tuesday, Oct. 13th at 7pm
WHERE: North Hill Community Club, located at 20827 3rd Ave South in Des Moines.
INFO: According to NHCC Board of Trustees member Amy Bergstrom:
“This coming Tuesday, (10/13) at 7pm, we will be hosting a political night.
We’ve invited the members of the Des Moines City council and those running for seats on the council to a debate and question and answer from the public.”
Story by Janet Grella
Photos by Scott Schaefer
On a warm and sunny fall Friday afternoon in Des Moines, nearly 400 people rallied at the Mt. Rainier pool for a SOS (Save our Swimming) meeting, complete with one of the world’s fastest women swimmers, Ariana Kukors, along with one of the oldest, Des Moines’ own 104-year old Faith Callahan.
What do these two women have in common? They both train at the Mt. Rainier Pool. To honor them, Mayor Bob Sheckler presented them with certificates commemorating their achievements.
After the appropriate speeches and acknowledgments, Ken Spencer, pool manager and coach for King Contry Aquatics took to the pool, fully clothed as part of an impromptu fundraiser.
USMC private and pool supporter Chris Burrage told the audience that he credits “my father and the Mt. Rainier pool for making me what I am today.” Chris has just returned home to Des Moines from boot camp. “Every community deserves a pool, and this community will fight for this pool,” he added, to roars of approval from the crowd.
Willie Salmond, Jr., chairperson for the committee to Save Our Swimming, told The Waterland Blog that beginning Saturday (Oct. 10th), volunteers will start doorbelling and distributing literature about the pool and their cause.
The audience of both young and old enjoyed an old fashioned BBQ outside, while there was an open swim for anyone who wanted to take a dip.
One banner said it all, for the supporters of SOS:
If Prop. #1 doesn’t pass, the pool will close forever on December 31.
Here’s a photo slideshow by Scott Schaefer of the event:
Incumbent Des Moines council members jousted with challengers at a candidates’ forum Wednesday afternoon (Oct. 7th) at the city’s Senior Activity Center.
Despite their stated differences, however, all voiced a common theme on one point: the city needs to attract more businesses, both downtown and along Pacific Highway, to minimize the burden to the taxpayers of Des Moines.
Councilman Dave Kaplan, who is running for a third term – this year for Position 7 against Councilwoman Susan White, who also is seeking election to a third term – began the discussion with a question:
“Is the city better off now than it was four years ago?” His answer was “Yes!” But, Kaplan added, “The city is at a crossroads. We need to build the business base.” To solve the 2010 budget crisis facing Des Moines, Kaplan called for “prioritizing how we spend money.”
His priorities include public safety, transportation and the “living community” (parks and the Mt. Rainier Pool).
White acknowledged the $2 million budget shortfall facing Des Moines in 2010, but said she is “not in favor of cutting parks and rec” to balance the budget. White has been a long-time advocate of senior services and the senior community. She also took a leadership role in getting funding for the city to preserve historic Beach Park.
During “these tough economic times,” White advocates “pulling together for the good of the community, both council and volunteers.”
In another contested race, newcomer Melissa Ponder is running against incumbent Carmen Scott for Position 3.
Ponder told the more-than 100 people in attendance, “Community as a whole can make a difference,” and that “Council needs to make a sense of community.”
Scott told the audience “I thought Tony was using ‘Shock & Awe’ (tactics) just to be certain that no one failed to understand the seriousness of the additional $2 million dollar shortfall.”
She recommended that Des Moines “re-opens discussion on the business park (south of the airport), see that downtown is healthy,” and “overcome reasons that downtown isn’t working.”
Former Highline School Board member Matt Pina and Anne Farmer are running in the city’s other contested council race for Position 1.
Pina said he stands on his record from two terms on the school board, where he represented 100,000 people and helped oversee a $500 million dollar budget, and the appropriate responsibilities that came with this charge.
Pina voiced his “commitment to and passion for the community of Des Moines.” He wants to make “Des Moines business friendly to minimize the burden to the taxpayer. Our current business base is not sufficient to support the need of the community.”
Farmer stated her campaign slogan as “Out with the old (Des Moines) and in with the new (Des Moines).” She advocates more police, and in some cases, more aggressive police, and cited the drug and gang problems that are moving off Pacific Highway South and into the neighborhoods.
She also ”supports an aggressive approach in attracting business to Des Moines, including incentives for new businesses and changing the height restrictions downtown.” With a masters degree in business, Farmer would like to “run the city more like a business than a charity.”
Melissa Musser, running unopposed for Position 5, said, “My heart sank over the news of Parks and Rec. We need to find a solution to keep parks open for everyone.” She stated that there is a “lack of common vision on the (current) city council.”
One audience member later questioned Kaplan’s “collegiality towards White” in his last-minute move from running against Musser to running against White.
Kaplan responded that he’d “rather serve with Melissa than Susan.”
White then countered that “Kaplan switched positions to run against me in the last 15 minutes. There was no reason he should have done it. He knew about my husband fighting cancer and my daughter in the hospital for two months (prior to delivering healthy twin boys).”
Publisher/Editor Scott Schaefer captured this photo slideshow of the event:
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