Brier incumbent’s response to challenge

Published 9:49 pm Thursday, October 7, 2010

Two weeks ago, I wrote about Mike Gallagher’s challenge to Brier City Councilman Dennis Nick in the November election.

In response, Nick told me last week that Gallagher had never shown interest in city government or been to a council meeting.

More on the importance of city councils

I’ve asked council candidates in several cities why the coming city council elections are important to citizens.

This week, I have statements from Kimberly Cole and Dan Swank, candidates for the position that Lynnwood Councilwoman Lisa Utter gave up to run for mayor.

Here is Cole’s statement:

“As the legislative branch of city government, City Council members are elected to perform the fiduciary duties of office, as policy makers and a balance to mayoral policies. Council’s the place for the people to have voices. Therefore, candidates sharing your vantage point matter.

“As few as four people’s personal priorities, among those seven members you elect, decide critical issues affecting your family. Some members advocate for people, others for big money. While policy about jobs, our finances, traffic, safety and welfare are their decisions, who council members are and where they get input matters. As average citizens, we notice elite perspectives rather keenly.

“Voting locally matters. As workers, your vote is equal to the bosses, mothers and retirees equal to any corporate CEO. Our interests as a community are decided by government’s few. Each council member is either working for you or for someone else. Hiring your choice matters.”

Here’s what Swank said:

“Among the City Council’s primary duties are: ensuring essential services (police, fire, medical response and public works), adopting budgets, authorizing taxes, overseeing Lynnwood’s municipal code, approving land-use regulations and guiding enrichment strategies for neighborhoods, families and businesses.

“It’s critical that council members have experience in these areas of governance and the proven administrative background to guide the city in a direction that’s in line with the values of the community.

“Citizen’s should care about who’s on the council because, much like the U.S. Congress, it represents the citizens and controls the many aspects of what makes or breaks Lynnwood as a great place in which to live, work and play. The wrong representatives could negatively affect the city’s future through misplaced financial priorities, failure to envision and develop economic growth, further raising of taxes and fees, and failing to understand the wants and needs of our growing community. “

Evan Smith can be reached at schsmith@verizon.net.