Candidates
Candidates
2017 general election
City of Newcastle
Council Position 5
I am proud to serve the residents of one of the top 20 small cities in the United States. We have high quality roads, wonderful trails and parks, low crime, and an efficient storm water system. This has been accomplished without any new revenue sources being required during my tenure.
We were able to acquire City Hall using funds dedicated to capital purchases , lowering our expenses by $40K the first year. We maintain a $4M operating reserve.
I was instrumental in procuring more than $800K from King County to alleviate flooding on Lake Boren and to build a new swimming dock. I serve as the Newcastle Historian, attend many neighborhood homeowner meetings, and represent Newcastle at Sound Cities and King County meetings.
I am a vocal critic of the financial burdens of the Sound Transit 3 Program, and will fight for resident safety regarding the proposed Energize Eastside project.
Newcastle is a wonderful city. I’m glad I live here. I want to keep Newcastle viable. Unfortunately, the State Auditor warned about a financial cliff and recommended a long-term financial plan. A vote for me is a vote for financial responsibility.
A $7.2 million city hall purchase ballooned the city’s debt by $4 million, and decimated the city’s $1.5 million emergency fund to $10,000.
Proposed future improvements for Lake Boren and Downtown estimate spending another $24 million; money we don’t have. Mistakes in zoning resulted in too many apartments and worsening traffic.
My opponent led the overspending, historic debt, and failed to provide a long-term financial plan.
The city must live within its means and keep our total tax burden low. Spending priorities should be maintaining infrastructure: roads, parks, trails. Restore the disaster/emergency fund to $1.5 million.
Endorsements: Councilmember John Drescher, former Councilmember Bill Erxleben, Tapatio Mexican Grill, Newcastle Watchdog.
Contact Elections
Email: elections@kingcounty.gov
Phone: 206-296-VOTE (8683)
TTY: Relay 711
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