Edmonds City Council candidates Alicia Crank and Dave Teitzel are running in the Nov. 3 general election for the position that Councilwoman Joan Bloom is giving up after one four-year term.
The position is one of five Edmonds Council positions on the November ballot.
Crank and Teitzel recently sent statements about what they think are the most important issues in this year’s elections. Here are their statements, in the order their names will appear on the ballot and in the voters’ pamphlet:
Edmonds City Council Position #5 (4-year term)
Alicia Crank: This year’s elections are critical to the future of our city. Smart growth, affordable housing, and protecting natural resources are major issues. Edmonds relies on a strong business climate and tourism draws such as “A Taste of Edmonds” to keep our economy strong. True success can only be realized by working together. Successful positive planning requires transparency and cooperation. Anyone who wants to live in Edmonds should be able to do so affordably. Middle class families must be considered when developing residential areas. Infrastructure must be able to support growth, which should be implemented with minimal impact. Create mixed-use developments and walkable neighborhoods. Retail and park space we can reach without driving while protecting our unique quality of life. My vision for Edmonds is of a strong, tight-knit community that is affordable and enjoyable. I will strategize with downtown merchants and other stakeholders to determine the best methods to capture and grow area businesses.
Moving to Edmonds was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Now I want to help our city meet the challenges to come. By working together, committing to transparency and smart planning over fast profits, and keeping our community affordable, we can achieve our goals. I’m grateful so many people care deeply about Edmonds. I hope to earn your trust and support as we prepare for the future together.
Dave Teitzel: I have lived in the Edmonds area since 198. I am committed to protecting and enhancing Edmonds’ wonderful attributes as a member of Council I will actively seek input from all population segments to ensure Council establishes policies that benefit all Edmonds residents. Two of my top priorities for Edmonds are:
- Managing Growth: More than 5,000 more residents are expected here by 2025. We must work together now to establish policies to manage this growth in a way that protects the character of our neighborhoods. In particular, we can design zoning to encourage redevelopment along transit corridors, providing residents convenient access to mass transit to ease traffic congestion and reduce carbon emissions locally. While addressing growth, we need to work to protect and restore our local and regional environment for future generations.
- Fiscal Responsibility: Edmonds’ city expenses are growing at a faster rate than its revenues. In minimizing the need for property tax increases, continued expense controls must be exercised and additional sources of city revenues must be found. To reduce the city’s reliance on taxes from car sales and restaurant patronage, we need to focus on diversifying the range of businesses in Edmonds. We must make sure our budget sustains top-quality police, fire and emergency services and that we keep our streets, sidewalks and parks in excellent condition for the enjoyment of all.
Evan Smith can be reached at schsmith@frontier.com.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
