Editor’s note: The Reporter asked two questions of the candidates running for City Council in Covington. The candidates are: Position No. 2 Jennifer Harjehausen and Paul Selland; Position No. 4 incumbent Joseph T. Cimaomo, Jr. and David Lucavish; Position No. 6 incumbent Fran Hollums.
Position 2
Jennifer Harjehausen
Question No. 1
In your view, what is one of the top issues voters should consider in this election?
I encourage voters to consider who will represent their voice as a true public servant to the people. My priority as a council member will be to increase community engagement by pushing out more information to residents so that the city is growing in the direction supported by the people living here. Many residents share that they don’t know what’s going on until final decisions have been made. I would like to change that. My vision of Covington is to support its growth as a safe, suburban neighborhood with easy access to shopping, dining and cultural events. We need more sidewalks and trails for walking and biking around town, more access to public transit and less traffic. I commit to being vigilant in identifying any areas of excessive spending and to be cautious about any recommendations of costs passed down to residents.
Question No. 2
Why are you the best candidate for this office? What are the skills you will bring to the office and how will those skills serve the public if you are elected?
I am the best candidate for this office because I am intelligent, fair-minded and a no-nonsense, forward thinker with integrity. My experience serving as a volunteer on PTA boards, preschool boards, Kent School District committees and city commissions has earned me the reputation as someone who is solution-oriented, diplomatic and not afraid to tackle tough issues.
I ran a campaign five years ago to save our neighborhood school, Cedar Valley Elementary. Not only was that an inspirational and successful undertaking, but it inspired me and demonstrated that I excel at: working with various stakeholders in a situation; analyzing their individual issues; transmitting and receiving critical pieces of information to/from them and ultimately empowering people to use their voice for themselves. When serving as your council member, I will make decisions listening to your voice.
I promise to make you proud as your city council member.
Paul Selland
Question No. 1
In your view what is one of the top issues voters should consider in this election?
Unsustainable state budgets and tax hikes prompted the passage of Initiative 601 in 1993, capping spending increases to inflation plus population growth and successfully aligning budgets with taxpayer’s ability to pay. Tax revenues drive spending because governments tend make purchase decisions based on what we can spend as opposed to the private sector that tends to ask what do we need? The city should be required to publish annual budget summaries that don’t require an accounting degree to understand and seek voter approval to exceed the I-601 formula. Good times have allowed the city to improve its cash flow position by $1 million dollars due to an upgraded bond credit rating, $3 million from transportation impact fees, and various amounts from new taxes. But the country is riding the wave of an asset bubble and it’s no time to ignore history or raise taxes again. My small business survived the Great Recession because I reduced debt and contained expenses in a healthy economy. The economics of debt tends to be uncompromising.
Question No. 2
Why are you the best candidate for this office? What are the skills you will bring to the office and how will those skills serve the public if you are elected?
I’ve worn quite a few hats in my various occupations prior to selling my auto parts business in 2013, mostly in problem solving positions ranging in applications from antique wagon wheels to experimental aircraft. I’ve always been interested in how things work, and picked up quite a bit of practical knowledge from people in many fields. For instance, I might have prevented the city from buying the Aquatic Center’s seahorse sculpture, fabricated from discarded steel barrels which oddly enough, rust. Even if proper surface preparation was performed prior to painting, which I doubt, it would still eventually become the maintenance nightmare on view now. Similarly, the Gerry Crick Skate Park surface mural was coated with an inferior clear coat and without the manufacturer’s recommended bonding primer, yielding a predictable and likely irreversible outcome. Since fleet service management is in my wheelhouse, I’d also welcome the chance to review the city’s vehicle maintenance and replacement policies, and learn a few things from that too.
Position No. 4
Joseph Cimaomo
Question No. 1
In your view what is one of the top issues voters should consider in this election?
One of our top issues in Covington is and has been our traffic. Covington is a booming city. We have grown to 19,500 residents and that growth is going to continue with the Lakepointe property and other new homes being built. The planning and design of the 272nd expansion is in progress and construction will begin in 2018. This will help reduce some traffic issues, but we will need to keep a consistent watch on our traffic and look for ways to reduce issues, such as roundabouts, expansion of roads and timing of stop lights.
Question No. 2
Why are you the best candidate for this office? What are the skills you will bring to the office and how will those skills serve the public if you are elected?
I am the best candidate for this position because I am forward thinking, I listen to the community and I have the experience. As a council member, I represent the people of Covington and enjoy getting out into the community and working with them. I’ve worked directly with the new block watch group in Timberlane and brought their concerns back to the council. Listening to the people who elected me four years ago is one of the biggest parts of this position and I take it seriously. I work to make Covington better for today’s residents and future residents. I will continue to listen to the community and go out into the neighborhoods to help make Covington better.
David Lucavish
Question No. 1
In your view what is one of the top issues voters should consider in this election?
Covington, Black Diamond and Maple Valley are adding substantial new homes and retail development in the coming years and traffic and safety (police) is already an issue. Kent Kangley is the main thoroughfare through our city and it is already bad. We need to get the state’s help to widen the Highway all the way to Four Corners in Maple Valley.
Question No. 2
Why are you the best candidate for this office? What are the skills you will bring to the office and how will those skills serve the public if you are elected?
I think experience and world savvy is the key. I attended almost every City Council meeting from 2001 through 2013 and was a council member for five years. I attended lots of planning commission meetings during that same period.
As a member of the Covington Economic Development Council which I was the co-chair twice we brainstormed on how to attract Costco, Home Depot, Target and other businesses that we felt would be a good fit for our city. When QFC decided to close down here in Covington we discussed the options to fill the space as soon as possible.
When MultiCare needed support so that they could get a license to open a hospital in Covington, I along with other council members gave personal statements to the state so that we won the license to build here.
In the community I serve on the Kent School District General Advisory Committee and the Technical Education Committee. I also have served on the board of the Covington Chamber of Commerce.
You might say I am committed to the town that I work and live!
Position No. 6
Fran Hollums
Question No. 1
In your view what is one of the top issues voters should consider in this election?
Concerning the top issue in this election, I urge the voters to seriously consider all candidates for our local election. We need to elect those who have sound, legitimate views on what the Covington residents’ concerns are and be able to work in concert with others for equitable resolutions. This is not the venue for pushing personal agendas.
Question No. 2
Why are you the best candidate for this office? What are the skills you will bring to the office and how will those skills serve the public if you are elected?
During the last 35 years as a medical provider, I ask, “What do I need to do for this patient?” As a City Council member, I ask “What do I need to do for this resident?” For nine years I have been involved with the city, eight years on the Human Services Commission and the past year as a council member. The position requires participation in city and county committees and organizations in order to get a broader perspective on how all levels of government work together.
I serve on the SCA Public Issues Committee and the South King MultiCare Board. I am involved in other related government, business and civic groups. Twenty four years of military service gave me leadership skills that translate well for this position.
Of importance to me – be open minded and informed on matters affecting our city. It is vital to keep the best interests of the residents in the forefront. I am a patriot and believe in God, family and country. Civic duty is a responsibility of its citizenry – I am first, a resident, and second, a council member. I can be counted on to do the right thing.
