On the Issues
Jobs and the Economy
I’m running for City Council because of the incumbent’s lack of understanding of our local economy. I believe the job of the City Council is to work collaboratively with the business community to create an economic environment that benefits our small business community. As President of the Shoreline Chamber of Commerce, I have worked to do just that—bring local elected officials and business leaders in our community together to solve the economic challenges we face.
By doing so, locally owned businesses will be able to create more jobs in our community and prosper. I am a staunch supporter of Shoreline’s business licensing program, which the incumbent voted against. This program will make it easier for jobs to be created in this community. It is also essential for ensuring that the city encourages smart development that is both economically sustainable and forward thinking.
Land Use Issues
Many critical land use issues face us in Shoreline. They include the proposed expansion of the Crista Campus, development of Point Wells, “mega-homes”, changes to Regional Business Zoning, the proposed Jail at Aldercrest, and the School District’s desire to sell Aldercrest Annex and Cedarcrest Elementary. What these issues have in common is the need for collaboration between the communities affected by change and those seeking to make the changes.
A common quote sums things up well: “You are either at the table or on the menu”. The best time to get involved in any change is in the beginning when you have the best chance to influence the outcome and make your needs known.
On the City Council, I will continue to advocate for the right of citizens to have a voice in government. I will put a high priority on getting the Planning Commission hearings televised.
In the meantime, I urge all citizens to pay attention to the Planning Commission. By the time an issue comes to the City Council, many critical assumptions have been made and the issues have been narrowed. It is much harder to lobby for a change to an idea that has already been recommended by the Planning Commission than it is to educate the Planning Commission at the beginning of the process.
Environment
Protecting the environment is not only essential for our quality of life, but is also crucial for ensuring our long-term economic prosperity. Walkable communities and increased pedestrian walkways are important, as they decrease traffic congestion, build social capital and benefit locally owned businesses. Protecting our beautiful green spaces and trees is a crucial job for the City Council, and I will work with fellow Council members to ensure that the sustainability strategy adopted by the Council will be effectively implemented to protect our open space and quality of life.
Open Government and Transparency
In the past several years, Shoreline’s City Council has worked to open up city government to all citizens who choose to participate. I will work to continue these improvements, as I strongly believe that those who pay the tax dollars, work and shop in local businesses, and attend local functions deserve a voice in the execution of city policy. As a Council member, I will host weekly coffees for constituents to ask what the intentions of the Council will be and hear your concerns. I hope that other Council members, along with additional community leaders, will participate in these events.
Taxes
An increase in property taxes has been proposed as one way to keep the city’s budget balanced. In today’s economy, that’s the wrong approach. Now is not the time to even consider raising property taxes in Shoreline. There is a better way to keep the city’s finances in order. Sales tax is the city’s biggest revenue source. We can reduce or eliminate the need for a property tax rate increase by supporting our small business community, the heart of our tax base. Eighty percent of all new business growth comes from existing business. Supporting existing business is the first step towards a sustainable local economy. Showing that support in measurable ways will make it possible to attract new businesses into Shoreline, increasing jobs and prosperity for all.