This coming election season we have the chance to select who we would like to represent our city as mayor for the next upcoming term. The option presented to us is our current Mayor Rebecca Olness and Dave Gordon. Mayor Olness and Dave Gordon are two very different individuals with very different ideas of the future for our city, so when it becomes time to fill out those ballots Black Diamond— who do you envision leading our city into 2014?

To help Tina and I with our decision we recently invited Dave Gordon to our home to discuss his campaign and learn what his vision for Black Diamond would be should he become mayor. We wanted to give Dave Gordon the opportunity to introduce himself and his campaign to us so that we could make the most educated decision on our vote in the election.

We learned the following from our conversation. Dave Gordon has been a citizen of Black Diamond for the past 7 years. He is a full time employee that works for a large corporation. He has no previous city government experience. Prior to his campaign he has not attended any or very few City Council meetings, major Black Diamond events, or school functions. Dave Gordon intends to cut back on city staff and programs. He values our local law enforcement, however has not visited the station to introduce himself or his vision for the police department. Prior to his campaign he was unaware that Black Diamond had a food bank and had not visited the community center. I asked him why he decided to run for the position and he stated the following: “It was not a decision that came lightly, I was asked to run by so many people…and the MPDs (master planned developments) are too big for our town.”

This statement makes me question his passion and commitment for the city if his decision to run required persistent coaching.

I also asked Dave how he intended to increase City revenues, and promote the prosperity of our existing small local businesses. Dave did not address small business growth, but he stated that, “we need big commercial business here in Black Diamond to create revenue.”

This concerned me because I do not picture the future of Black Diamond littered with big box chain stores. We also asked Dave where he felt community and school involvement ranked on the mayors list of responsibilities should he be elected. His comment was these items are “only P.R.” and he would for the most part remain at City Hall. We had a real strong contention to this statement.

We believe that not only does the position of mayor for Black Diamond have all the standard mayoral job descriptions which are challenging and trying considering the pivotal time in our city, but there is an obligation as mayor to help set the tone for the culture of our community. Be involved with our nonprofit organizations, be involved with the local school districts, and take interest in our community groups. Have a “boots on the ground” approach with our city so that as mayor you truly realize and understand the needs of our citizens—from our youth to our seniors.

These items are abilities and attributes that Dave Gordon has not proved he is capable as of yet. I would encourage Dave Gordon to become involved greater with our city and our great community. He seems like a real good man from which our city can benefit from his involvement, however I just do not believe having him sit at the head of the table is the best decision we can make as a community.

He does not have the experience for this yet. Get involved first Dave Gordon, serve on the planning commission or the council, learn the procedures, and progress through the system accordingly.

Mayor Olness has proven she has the ability to fulfill these requirements and her list of involvements and accomplishments are staggering.

She has committed a full time schedule to this city’s government and is vested in our community with her tireless volunteering. Mayor Olness serves on the following boards: Black Diamond Community Center, Black Diamond Labor Day Committee, and Black

Diamond/Maple Valley Kiwanis Club. She is a member of the following organizations: Maple Valley/Black Diamond Chamber of Commerce, Sons of Italy, Black Diamond PTA, Soup Ladies, Vine Maple Place, and she also coordinates the Black Diamond Shop with a Cop program.

She has continued to work with council to develop balanced budgets for the City in the worst of economic times. I would encourage all of you to view her campaign website (www.olnessformayor.com) for more details about her and her involvement with our city.

I know who Tina and I are voting for this election season and I ask you Black Diamond once again: Who do you envision leading our City into 2014?

Mayor Olness who has all the experience, credentials and dedication for the position, or Dave Gordon who has recently taken an interest in the size of the future MPDs. This is a simple decision for the prosperity of our wonderful City!

Jack and Tina McGann

President and Vice President

McGann Electric LLC

Black Diamond