West Seattle Herald / White Center News - City Government

SeaTac council majority appears solid despite coming election after mayor loses opponent

ericm — Thu, 23 May 2013 00:30:12 +0000

Withdrawals in Highline cities leave fewer primary battles

Barring a successful general election write-in campaign, the SeaTac council majority will remain intact after the November election.

Mayor Tony Anderson will run unopposed for his council seat. His opponent, Suber Adam, withdrew this week after filing to run against Anderson.

Mayor Anderson often votes with Deputy Mayor Mia Gregerson and council members Barry Ladenburg and Dave Bush on controversial issues. Councilwoman Terry Anderson, who has served on the council since SeaTac incorporated, often votes with council members Rick Forschler and Pam Fernald.

Gregerson, Ladenburg, Bush and Terry Anderson won election in 2011.

Forschler, Kathryn Campbell and Othman Heibe will face off in the Aug. 6 primary election. The top two will go on to the Nov. 5 general election.

Fernald and her opponent, Joe Van have a bye until the November election.

Adding additional spice to the general election could be a proposed initiative to set wage and working conditions for some airport and hospitality workers around Sea-Tac Airport.

The SeaTac Committee for Good Jobs is collecting signatures to get the measure qualified for presentation to the City Council and for inclusion on the November ballot. The committee needs 1.541 valid signatures to qualify. The council could adopt the initiative or place it on the ballot if the petition drive is successful.

In Burien, former Deputy Mayor Rose Clark will not face a primary fight after Len Boscarine withdrew this week. Boscarine endorsed Clark’s opponent, Nancy Tosta.

There will be a primary for the other three Burien council posts up for election. The top two in each race will run in the general election.

Lauren Berkowitz and Kip Walton will oppose Councilmember Jack Block Jr.

Andrea H. Reay, Debi Wagner and Robert L. Richmond III are running against Councilmember Joan McGilton.

Chuck Rangel, Steve Armstrong and Joey Martinez are running for Mayor Brian Bennett’s seat. Bennett did not file for re-election.

Another Burien resident, who comments frequently at city council meetings, is also facing a primary battle. Goodspaceguy is running against incumbent Dow Constantine, Everett A. Stewart and Alan E. Lobdell for King County Executive.

With two recent withdrawals, there will be only one race, primary or general, for Des Moines City Council.

Councilmember Carmen L. Scott withdrew, leaving Victor L. Pennington II as the sole candidate for Position 3.

Mayor Dave Kaplan lost his opponent, Robert Bonds after Bonds withdrew from the race. Kaplan has said this will be his final term.

Mayor Matt Pina and Councilmember Melissa Musser are also unopposed.

Newly appointed Councilmember Jeremy Nutting will face a primary race against Chuck Swesey and James Payne.

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ericm

05/22/2013

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Rangel announces candidacy for Burien City Council

ericm — Wed, 22 May 2013 20:39:46 +0000

Press release:
My name is Chuck Rangel. My wife and I moved from Chicago to the Seattle area over thirty-seven years ago. We chose Burien because it had everything that we were looking for – many family friendly neighborhoods, great park facilities and an active center business core. We successfully raised five children in this environment. I believe Burien STILL has that opportunity available to many families who want to do the same thing – raise their families in a great small town.
In my thirty-seven years here I have been active and involved with many of the Burien “communities” – President of The Burien Jaycees, baseball coach of the Burien American Legion team and treasurer of the Burien Little Theater. I am Hispanic American and who served proudly in the US Army during the Viet Nam era.
I have many years of experience in organizational and financial matters in both the public and the private sectors including federal, state, city governments, and commercial banks. Governing a city requires the ability to understand fiscal matters. I worked for the Municipal Research and Services Center of Washington for three years. My past experiences and employment with this respected research service, will assist me greatly in making decisions as a member of the city council.
I believe that people of any city should have a voice in their government and have that voice heard. As with all of the groups I have worked with, the voices of members were the deciding factor in what we, as an organization, decided to do. We utilized the skills of some of the best our group had to offer. So too with the city; the city should seek and hear the ideas of its citizens. The city should encourage and reward their volunteerism. It is also their city and the council is elected to serve and represent the citizens.
I have lived through several changes of the Burien Business Core and believe I can help support a family friendly and successful business core through council policies. For too long the city has not provided the right environment of tax structure, policy and strategy to support existing businesses and entice new ones.
I was deeply alarmed to learn of the city’s failure to comply with state financial reporting laws. It is not acceptable for a governing body to tell its citizens to obey the law, pay their taxes, yet fail to comply with the law themselves. I will demand the city always be compliant with the law.
There must be an improved transparency in the city’s matters, so that the taxpayers know how THEIR money is being used. Compliance with the state’s financial reporting law will be a beginning for improved transparency and accountability to the voter.
If elected I will encourage the council to move in a business/family friendly manner with an open and compliant decision making process. I will be an active listener to your citizen concerns. I would appreciate your vote.
Sincerely,

Chuck Rangel

Rangel4Burien
P.O. Box 47148
Rangel4Burien.org

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ericm

05/22/2013

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Letter: Boscarine explains why he left Burien council race

ericm — Wed, 22 May 2013 20:34:21 +0000

I want to thank the media for giving me this opportunity to comment about why I withdrew from the Burien City Council election.

Also, I want to thank the friends and neighbors who encouraged me to run for the council. It is always flattering to have citizens and friends tell you that you would be the right person to serve the city and their rights and interests in the city.

I decided to file for this election because until late Friday it looked like Rose Clark was going to run unopposed for the Burien City Council. I feel very strongly that new blood is needed on the Burien City Council.

Burien now has a situation in which the majority of the city council members have taken control of our city’s government and they have promoted some financially ill advised ventures such as the annexation of Area Y/White Center and spending into the city’s cash reserves.

Several citizens, and even some minority council members, have called for citizens’ advisory votes on such issues. The “Gang of Four” that holds the majority on the council have repeatedly said that they will not allow citizens’ advisory votes on the critical issues confronting the city.

When I saw that Nancy Tosta was running for the same position as I had filed for, I was delighted. Even though it would have been an honor to represent the citizens of Burien, I feel that Nancy is an even better candidate for this Council position.

She and I share many of the same ideas and goals for the City and the Council. I hardly endorse Nancy Tosta for Council Position # 5.

Nancy is a professional scientist, business owner, professional facilitator and one of the leading world experts in GIS mapping. In the early 1990s, she has even served as Special Assistant to the U.S. Secretary of the Interior.

Please take the time to view the website about Nancy’s background and many accomplishments at http://www.electnancytosta.com.

If you were considering voting for me, please cast your vote for Nancy Tosta for position #5 in the Burien City Council election. I feel that Nancy Tosta can help lead Burien to an even brighter future.

Len Boscarine
Burien

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ericm

05/22/2013

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Community effort in Des Moines to raise funds for swim lessons for children

ericm — Wed, 22 May 2013 20:22:16 +0000

Press Release:

May 20 was kick-off day for a four-week campaign to raise funds for the Faith Callahan Memorial Swim Lesson Scholarship Fund.

The fund pays for swimming lessons for children who live in low-income households in the Des Moines community.

The Des Moines Legacy Foundation, the Des Moines Pool Metropolitan Park District and the Mount Rainier Pool have joined together to raise funds for the summer swim lesson program. These groups share a core value of sustaining a water-safe environment for all citizens.

Nine Americans drown every day and three of them are children. Most never learned how to swim. One of the goals of the Des Moines Pool Metropolitan Park District is to assure that no child in the district ever be one of those statistics because they didn’t have an opportunity to learn to swim.

The swim scholarship program was named in honor of Faith Callahan. She had been a life-long supporter of the Mount Rainier Pool and in her 106 years recognized the importance of water safety, exercise and swimming, in particular.

Between May 20 and June 14, 2013, the goal is to raise $2,500 from community individuals and businesses.
Donations can be made by dropping by Mount Rainier Pool at 22722 19th Ave. S. in Des Moines or by mailing a donation to:
Faith Callahan Memorial Swim Scholarship Program
c/o Des Moines Legacy Foundation
P.O. Box 13582
Des Moines WA 98198

Checks should be made payable to DMLF-Faith.
DMLF is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Contributions are tax deductible subject to IRS rules.

The greater Des Moines community is blessed to live, work and shop on the shores of Puget Sound. We are reminded daily of the beauty of Puget Sound and the recreational opportunities it affords us. For the benefit the children of our community, we look forward to community support for this very important program.
To find out more about the Des Moines Legacy Foundation, the Des Moines Pool Metropolitan Park District and the Mount Rainier Pool, please visit us at www.DesMoinesLegacyFoundation.org, www.desmoinespool.com or www.mtrainierpool.com Should you have questions or comments, we are available at 206.406.3225.

Signed/Board of Commissioners, Des Moines Pool Metropolitan Park District

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ericm

05/22/2013

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Burien Albertson’s employees recognized Monday at Burien council meeting for rescuing boy

ericm — Mon, 20 May 2013 21:34:20 +0000

Press release:

On September 29th, of last year, a suspect accosted and attempted to abduct a 10-year-old child at the Albertson’s at South 128th Street and 1st Avenue South in Burien.

Albertson’s employees, becoming aware of a commotion, intervened and successfully rescued the child and after a struggle, detained the suspect pending the arrival of the police.

On May 20, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. Burien Police Chief Scott Kimerer will honor the employee’s with the King County Sheriff’s Office Meritorious Service Award. The Meritorious Service Award is the Sheriff’s Office 7th highest award conferred on an individual or group who demonstrate extremely meritorious dedication.

Please join Chief Kimerer and the Burien City Council when they acknowledge these very deserving citizens.

Burien City Hall 400 SW 152nd Street
Multipurpose Room

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ericm

05/20/2013

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Wagner announces bid for Burien council seat

ericm — Mon, 20 May 2013 19:29:16 +0000

Press release:

My name is Debi Wagner and I’m running for Burien City Council Position #3. I would like to tell you a little about who I am and why I’m running.

I believe it’s time to reform Burien city government, make it accountable, transparent and responsive. Citizens need to be heard. This isn’t happening with the current council majority.

Public safety needs to be a top priority along with jump starting our local economy. Burien’s businesses need to be revitalized and new ones need to be recruited.

Environmental protection and Town Square need to be an important part of Burien’s planning. With years of experience in financial management and environmental issues, I have the knowledge and skills to guide Burien during these critical economic times.

Many times I have spoken as a strong citizen advocate before the Burien City Council on important city issues such as; the costs to Burien of the proposed annexation of area Y/White Center, the lack of a badly needed City business plan, the unwillingness of the council to allow citizen advisory votes on annexation, wards, Town Square and forms of government for the city. I believe we need to get back to the business of Burien, stop pointing fingers at others for blame and work together for positive change.

In recommending me for the city council, Burien's founding First Mayor and co-author of “Carbon Reduction - Policies, Strategies and Technologies” Arun Jhaveri said; " I have known Debi for many years, as a passionate and dedicated Community Leader, working in the areas of Environment, Education, Fiscal Policies, Children Causes, and Sustainability. As a wife, mother, and champion of local issues, she has demonstrated her leadership qualities of vision, integrity, diplomacy, communication, coordination, accountability, and transparency."

My husband and I are long time Burien residents – we love living in Burien. We chose to raise our family here because of the small town atmosphere. All of our children attended Highline schools. We support local businesses and participate in our community. I intend to preserve, sustain and enhance Burien’s assets. I would appreciate your vote and look forward to working with you in making Burien an even better place to live, work and play.

Please take the time to view my video and find out what I stand for in this election at:
http://youtu.be/-CMl0rRGYGc

Please visit my web site at: friendstoelectdebiwagner.org

Any contribution would be greatly appreciated. Please write to me at:
Debi Wagner Campaign
P O Box 48208
Burien, WA 98148

Wish to volunteer, put up a campaign sign, send me a note at: dwagner007@msn.com
Thank you.

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ericm

05/20/2013

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http://www.westseattleherald.com/sites/robinsonpapers.com/files/images/wwwhighlinetimescom/2013/05/debi-wagner.jpg

Debi Wagner

Expect construction delays on Burien’s 1st Avenue South

ericm — Wed, 15 May 2013 19:56:43 +0000

News release:

Motorists might want to avoid 1st Avenue South between 140th and 146th Streets this week as grinding and asphalt work will be taking place. Traffic could be congested especially during peak travel times (mid-day/lunch hour).

Access to driveways will be limited and may require using the next available access.

Please plan for extra travel time or consider alternative routes to destinations along 1st Avenue South.

The project is nearing completion with the final layer of asphalt coating to be applied within the next few weeks, weather permitting.

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ericm

05/15/2013

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Highline Forum meeting set in Burien on May 22

ericm — Wed, 15 May 2013 19:51:51 +0000

On May 22nd from 2:30-4:30 p.m., members of the Highline Forum will meet at Burien’s City Hall Council Chambers, 400 S.W. 152nd St. The public is invited to make comments at the start of the meeting. The city of Burien is hosting the meeting and the theme is education with a larger focus around regional partnerships.

The Highline Forum includes the southwest King County communities of Des Moines, Burien, Normandy Park, SeaTac, Tukwila and Federal Way and the Highline School District, Highline Community College and Port of Seattle.

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ericm

05/15/2013

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Public comments not allowed on minimum work standards initiative at SeaTac council

ericm — Sat, 11 May 2013 01:41:17 +0000

Comments will be allowed later

City of SeaTac press release:

The SeaTac City Council received a proposed petition from an independent group known as the SeaTac Committee for Good Jobs, in order to collect signatures for an initiative entitled “Setting Minimum Employment Standards for Hospitality and Transportation Workers.”

Committee representatives are in the process of seeking the required 1,541 signatures, which is 15% of the registered voters from the November, 2011 City elections.
While the City will follow through on the initiative process as required by State Law and City Code, the Initiative was filed by the independent group.

It has come to the attention of the City of SeaTac that members of the public may attend upcoming Council Meetings to comment on the proposed initiative. While the City understands that members of the public may have strong opinions on either side of this issue, it is imperative that City facilities not be used to either promote or oppose any current or proposed ballot measure.

In accordance with guidelines from the State Public Disclosure Commission and State Law, the City wants to advise that members of the public and Council shall not give comments regarding a political candidate or a ballot proposition pursuant to RCW 42.17A.555.

In the event anyone begins making comments in violation of this statute, any member of the Council, City Clerk or the City Attorney may interrupt with a point of order in order to ensure compliance with State Law.

Should the sponsors of this Initiative gather enough signatures, the City Council will have to take action either adopting the proposed Initiative as written or submit the measure to the SeaTac voters for approval.

Should the City Council be required to make this determination, members of the public will be able to comment prior to Council action.

However, any comments at a Council meeting prior to this time would be premature. Should a member of the public wish to contact the City Council directly, they may access contact information at www.CityofSeaTac.com

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ericm

05/10/2013

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