The Maple Valley City Council is considering a new site for City Hall and one member has expressed concerns about election year politics and leaks from executive sessions that may influence the decision.

Following the April 6 meeting, Stanette Marie Rose sent The Reporter a Letter to the Editor questioning the stance of Councilmember Victoria Laise Jonas on the property being considered by the council for City Hall.

Noel Gerken also wrote a Letter to the Editor responding to Rose in the same edition of The Reporter. Gerken stated, “Recently a candidate sent an inflammatory smear type e-mail making unfounded accusations and fabrications regarding her opponent.”

Gerken said during a phone interview Tuesday, “There have been leaks and it seems some are from the executive session. I’m concerned this (the leaks and political accusations) will affect the City Hall space issue because of election year politics.”

Rose publicly stated she is challenging Jonas for the No. 6 City Council seat.

Gerken said he thought the council needs to complete, “its due diligence. I think there are a lot of potential benefits to making a move.”

Following executive session deliberations at the April 6 meeting, the council adjourned in public session without making a decision on a move.

Roses’ letter noted the council has been considering leasing space in the Capstone building, located at 22443 S.E. 240th St. as site to locate City Hall.

Other cities around the region have considered leasing spaces for City Hall rather than building a facility. Covington has a lease-to-own arrangement for their City Hall space.

Bonney Lake considered leasing the Rainier Office Building in 2005, but decided against it. The city is looking at $9 to $15 million to build a City Hall in the Downtown area.