Editor’s note: The Reporter asked two questions of the candidates running for City Council in Maple Valley. Each candidate was asked the same questions.
The candidates are incumbent Erin Weaver and challenger William Prince for Position No. 4 and incumbent Dana C. Parnello and Richard Axtell for Position No. 6 and Linda Olson for Position No. 2.
The general election is Nov. 7. Ballots must be postmarked or placed in a drop box by Nov. 7. There is a drop box in Maple Valley at the
Tahoma School District Building, 25720 Maple Valley-Black Diamond Rd SE.
Position 4
Erin M. Weaver
Question No. 1
In your view what is one of the top issues voters should consider in this election?
The top issue that voter’s should be considering at this time in our city’s development is the diversification of revenue the city receives. Commercial development taxes need to supplant residential development taxes. The city is in the process of planning, marketing, and developing key sites within the city for job growth and commercial uses including retail, office, light manufacturing and higher education. How we do this, while retaining our small town charm and sense of community, is important for residents to think about. We need to work together to build a sustainable and successful future for 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’m the best candidate because I bring experience, common sense and a collaborative nature to resolving the issues that face the city. My city involvement has included the Planning Commission, the Shoreline Master Plan Committee, Economic Development Committee, public safety oversight and audit committees. Regionally I currently serve on the Sound Cities Public Issues Committee, with past involvement in the Cedar River Council and Puget Sound Regional Growth Management Committee. Knowing how regional issues and our issues align or differ is critical in seeking grant funding. My experience and knowledge will be helpful at this critical time in our city’s development.
William Prince
Question No. 1
In your view what is one of the top issues voters should consider in this election?
One of our issues is that we need to have a mature economic growth plan. Our small businesses are being stifled by huge rents, and we don’t have many large companies in our area. Without this, the tax burden for all city needs falls squarely on the citizens shoulders. If we worked with our small businesses and helped them grow, along with bringing a mix of big box stores to the area, we could properly fund much needed services in our area, without the increased tax burden.
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 feel I am the best candidate for the position, because I offer a new voice and a fresh perspectives to our issues here. My greatest skill is that I am a people person and I relate well to people. I am truly concerned with the issues that people face here on a daily basis and want to help address them. I will engage the community and be their voice to the city.
Position 6
Richard Axtell
Question No. 1
In your view what is one of the top issues voters should consider in this election?
One of the top issues I believe are of concern to the city’s population, is that the context of the feeling is that there is a lack of representation. Citizens are feeling left out of the decision making process and/or feeling as though when their input is provided, it is being ignored. All of this happens while change is occurring. This includes their voice in the economy, the continuous push for residential development, the closing of the fire stations and an increase in need for public safety, increased taxes, and the city’s spending, among many other concerns. For example, the studies into the development of the legacy site include a drive for more housing, when we still have a concern over the transportation and roads, or the clear cutting that occurred by the new high school, while two fire stations closed down due to a funding crisis. In my personal opinion, what I believe will help will be to focus on establishing a moratorium on residential development and focusing on the key areas described above, while also placing spending caps and generating sound fiscal and economic policies to strengthen the city’s budget, roads, and public safety.
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 have served our country and communities, including the Marines, Army, and in law enforcement. I served in the government at the federal, state, and local levels, and now currently own my own business, providing organizational studies and solutions to government agencies across this country. I changed a federal agency’s approach to contractor management, saving the agency costs, time and redundancies. In 2009, during the economic slump, I took it as a challenge and was key in the founding of a nonprofit, helping homeless and needy veterans and their families, raising more than $43,000. Now it’s an annual event in Clark County. Additionally in 2009, I brought in hundreds of employers for a large career fair for veterans and their families. These two events show that regardless of the economic slump, we can still thrive in the right way when we put forth the effort. My education in public policy, strengthens my own growth in smart and transformative decision making processes. Most importantly, I believe our citizens have added value in the decision making process and should be part of the system. These are the skills I would bring to the office.
Dana C. Parnello
Question No. 1
In your view what is one of the top issues voters should consider in this election?
Voters must consider their dreams for our community and which candidate is leading us in that direction. The below items are not just campaign ‘promises’. They have been and continue to be the driving force of my involvement. These are not just ideas; I continue to actively pursue bringing these to fruition! We are so close on so many. Supporting my retention on council supports the following:
• Variety of gathering places for all ages and abilities, including a true town center.
• Livable, walkable community, with a healthy local business environment.
• Public safety, physical well-being, economic vitality and a sense of community.
•Maple Valley as the gateway to recreation and sports! Including a golf course we can be proud to invite others to visit!
•Maple Valley branded as a destination for healthy activities.
•Bring entertainment and activities to current residents of all ages and abilities.
•Build our capacity to host events: sports tournaments, cycling, triathlons, running, weddings, outdoor concerts, business retreats and more!
•Fund our services with recreation and tourism.
•Bring living wage jobs to town on the gravel pit and King County-owned land by the new high school.
•Minimized added peak-hour traffic woes. No added school enrollments!
•Reduced residential property tax burdens.
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 began my local involvement in a variety of small and important ways; Girl Scout leader, volunteering at Rock Creek Elementary, Washington Trails Association and Maple Valley Make a Difference Days. I employed my degrees in policy analysis (B.S. UC Davis) and administration (MA, Northern Colorado) on Maple Valley’s Planning Commission and Library Advisory Board. After rising to commission chair, I was honored to join City Council (2010-11). After a two-year appointment (2014-15), I was honored you re-elected me for the balance of the current term.
I will continue working hard to help Maple Valley earn a reputation as a drivable, walkable, bicycle friendly community with a variety of gathering places for all ages/abilities. I firmly believe (and evidence supports) that these aspects are strongly tied to public safety, physical well-being and economic health.
Handled well, and working together, we can create an identity that represents and resonates with each of us. I am eager to hear from you and work with you to shape our community.
Position 2
Linda Olson
Question No. 1
In your view what is one of the top issues voters should consider in this election?
I feel developing a healthy economic base is at the top of the list. The golf course has been a drain on city funding since we bought it. We have to stop thinking of it as recreation and treat it as a business. The new summit park ball fields will give the possibility for tournaments. This not only benefits the kids in our community, but also would bring in outside dollars to our local businesses. We’ve taken great strides forward by hiring an economic development manager and I’m excited about the future of the city.
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 lived in Maple Valley for more than 14 years, and have been attending City Council/commission meetings for two and a half years. I’ve had a front row seat as issues and concerns have been discussed and addressed. I have spoken up during public comment and am ready to move on to being part of the solution.
I am a WSDOT retiree, where I spent my last several years as the purchasing and telecommunications manager. Not only is working for this particular agency significant because of our transportation issues, but a major focus of my job was to manage people and projects. I was successful in working through problems with a diverse group of people to come to an agreeable solution. These problem solving skills will serve me well as a member of the council.
