By Evan Smith
Herald Writer
Former Lynnwood City Councilman Jim Smith faces City Planning Commissioner Ian Cotton in the Nov. 5 election for the council position that Councilman Mark Smith gave up to run unsuccessfully for mayor in the August primary.
Jim Smith served on the council before losing to Van Aubuchon by 10 votes after a hand recount in the 2011 election.
In this year’s primary, Cotton led Smith by four votes, with candidate Shirley Sutton 88 votes behind Smith.
Here are statements on campaign issues from November opponents Cotton and Smith:
Ian Cotton
Thank you Lynnwood voters for making Ian Cotton No. 1 this primary! Lynnwood is a dynamic city with a bright future. We sit at the convergence of trade routes, connecting ocean to mountains, north to south. We are a regional hub that needs to leverage its potential. Lynnwood is a small city, with big city challenges and big city opportunities.
Sound Transit is coming to Lynnwood. As both a professional engineer and planning commissioner, I have the technical skill set to help guide policy and recommendations on how this will impact Lynnwood to ensure it is a positive addition.
It is time to reevaluate the tax hikes of 2009-2011. Now that we are $7 million cash positive, it is time to evaluate and repeal these tax hikes to utilities, property and businesses. Council will be updating the comprehensive plan; this has the potential to affect us all as it sets policy for growth and development in our city. As a planning commissioner, I am aware of many of the changes and how best to manage growth while intentionally protecting out single family zoned areas.
Maintaining Fire, EMS, Police and Transportation service is imperative.
I ask for your vote this November. www.cotton4council.com
Jim Smith
Experience does matter!
Financial stability continues to be one of our most pressing issues. With nearly all of the remaining council members having less than two years on the council, it is more important than ever to elect someone that has been seasoned.
My website (www.JimSmith2013.com) lists the leadership roles I have been elected to by my peers. You will also find my continuing longtime community involvement right here in Lynnwood.
I will draw upon my experience and common sense leadership to be your voice in Lynnwood. We must reduce local government waste and limit taxes to protect working families and seniors, while improving police, fire, medical services, and repairing our crumbling roads.
Recently Lynnwood enacted several new taxes in order to compensate for dwindling revenues. Now that revenues are increasing, it is time for the city to begin rescinding those taxes. That is only fair! As your councilmember, fiscal responsibility and rolling back unnecessary taxes are my top priorities!
Our parks and family homes have been threatened to be taken over by the State. We need to stand as a united voice to protect the environment and those families.
Experience…Vision…Leadership.
Evan Smith can be reached at schsmith@frontier.com.
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