1. Where is Everett’s most dynamic potential for growth?
Arlan Hatloe: We can annex to our urban growth boundaries. We can also redevelop to include housing in the Everett Station area and along Broadway. Higher buildings downtown would also provide growth.
Jackie Minchew: Clearly the plan is to grow mostly downtown, and I don’t disagree. But the neighborhoods must be part of this, if the quality of life is to be sustained.
Mark Olson: All over the city. We are on the move in several areas throughout the city: downtown, riverfront, harborfront, Everett Mall and SW Everett industrial/commercial park. I also envision significant residential growth in the downtown.
Charlene Rawson: Everett’s most dramatic potential for growth lies in our downtown core, where we must transition to build high-rise buildings which provide storefront, office and housing space in one structure.
2. How should the city pay for roads that need to be built to keep up with the growth?
Hatloe: We will need help from the state and federal governments to provide better freeway access. We will stay committed to our widening and overlay programs to keep traffic moving.
Minchew: We must use state and federal funds where possible, but developer’s mitigation fees must provide for a good portion of the necessary infrastructure.
Olson: While I do not believe that our anticipated growth will require new roads to be built, we certainly need to continue our street overlay and maintenance programs. Funding will likely continue to rely on a combination of federal and state funds for major arterials, and development fees for those streets serving exclusively new residential neighborhoods.
Rawson: We need to invest in better transit rather than more pavement. It is good to correct safety hazards caused by bad road design but reducing the number of cars on the highway is the right goal for easing congestion.
3. How should the city handle annexations?
Hatloe: The way we always have. However, we need to take care that we don’t just annex residential, but business districts as well.
Minchew: Thoughtfully and carefully. Mutual agreement is essential.
Olson: We should be annexing only those areas identified in our urban growth boundaries under the Growth Management Act, and only when we can provide a level of government services consistent with city standards in public safety, utilities and parks.
Rawson: We should ensure that annexation does not result in a decrease in services to Everett residents and should aim to provide responsiveness to the needs of those being incorporated.
4. What should the city do, if anything, to manage housing costs?
Hatloe: The city shouldn’t interfere with private enterprise. The best we can do is partner with local agencies like Everett Housing Authority and Housing Hope to help them deliver their programs.
Minchew: It is considered a cardinal sin for government to meddle in the free market, but when the free market is out of control, that view may need to change.
Olson: High housing costs are a reflection of the high quality of life as well as a shortage of affordable housing. We need to develop policies which encourage creativity and flexibility in the market so that the supply of housing increases in a manner that does not undermine the quality of life in our community.
Rawson: There are a few developers who have made a great deal of money building in Everett. In the future, large developments or mixed-use buildings should be required to include provision for affordable housing.
5. What would you say to residents who believe the Waterfront Development project will ruin the appeal of their North Everett homes?
Hatloe: We are under restrictions prior to Nov. 16 to not discuss this quasi-judicial matter.
Minchew: There will unquestionably be an impact, but my larger concern is the socio-economic inequity of a “gajillion” dollar condo complex monopolizing the people’s waterfront.
Olson: Due to the pending land use application from the Port and Maritime Trust, the appearance of fairness doctrine precludes current city councilmembers from commenting on the project.
Rawson: Grand Avenue residents pay a higher tax assessment for those views and if their property value is adversely affected by the development, a tax rate adjustment should be made accordingly. Certainly they deserve to be heard and their concerns considered before proceeding.
6. How can Everett develop its downtown while still remaining accessible to and practical for families with children and low-income residents?
Hatloe: Until recently, we’ve had mostly low-income residents downtown. We need to balance that with people who can support our businesses. We should encourage housing opportunities for families as well.
Minchew: The socio-economic conundrum again. If businesses could profit by meeting the needs of families with children and low-income residents, the problem would solve itself.
Olson: Everett is for everyone. The development efforts we undertake in downtown and elsewhere benefit the entire community. They will not only make the city more “accessible to and practical for” lower income residents, but a whole lot more fun, too.
Rawson: Our city government must build relationships with socially conscientious developers who, in addition to building “market-level housing,” are willing to partner with Everett Housing to construct low-income housing where needed, including in our redeveloped downtown.
7. What should the city do to improve mass transit options for Everett residents?
Hatloe: Try to get light rail to Everett since we have many residents who work in Seattle. When the next Sound Transit proposal comes up, Everett must be a priority.
Minchew: Comments I hear suggest better buses, more routes and better coordination with other transit systems, especially Community Transit.
Olson: I was a co-sponsor of the council action that resulted in the voter-approved sales tax increase in September 2004 that will raise the necessary funds to support expansion of Everett Transit services throughout the city. In addition, Sound Transit is continuing to expand Sounder and regional bus service to our residents.
Rawson: Everett Transit and Community Transit must find a way to network to meet our region’s transit needs and we need to be willing to invest and experiment as a means of building ridership.
8. State why Paine Field should or should not offer regularly scheduled commercial flights.
Hatloe: Although I think a commercial airport would help economic development, I will wait to see the outcome of the newly formed committee to make that judgment.
Minchew: I haven’t given much thought to this one. I don’t think of it as a city issue.
Olson: Paine Field is an essential public facility serving aviation needs in our county. The Puget Sound Regional Council has identified a critical shortage of commercial aviation facilities for our region over the next two decades. Paine Field could help serve that need. However, extensive transportation and environmental analysis would need to be done first to determine feasibility.
Rawson: I am grateful that this is not a decision for the Everett City Council, although I personally do not oppose the idea. Unfortunately, I suspect the energy realities of the future will undermine the affordability of air travel and shipping.
9. What would your government do to welcome minority-owned businesses?
Hatloe: We have welcomed minority-owned businesses. However, I don’t think the city should treat them differently from other businesses.
Olson: The city of Everett already welcomes minority-owned businesses, as evident in the rich mix of small businesses owned and operated throughout the city. Everett is a great place to open a small business, regardless of skin color.
Minchew: Government must do all it can to help with financing, including micro-loans where needed, as well as training on the bidding process. Diversity in government is a necessary precursor.
Rawson: We need to support small business by showcasing available small business training programs, providing local sources of capital and by doing whatever is possible to provide for sound, affordable rental space in our business sectors.
10. How will you represent all of your constituents, particularly those who do not share your skin color, language or income level?
Hatloe: I do represent all residents of Everett. If I am called on to help, I treat everyone the same. My voting record shows support for those less fortunate than myself.
Minchew: Skin color and income levels are not conscious considerations for me. Language and cultural differences are practical concerns which can be met with effort, outreach and education.
Olson: I took my oath of office in January 2002 to faithfully represent all of the citizens of this community. I have reached out to our immigrant population through attendance at various social gatherings these past four years and will continue. I firmly believe that Everett is for everyone.
Rawson: As a member of the Communities of Color Coalition, I believe I have demonstrated my sincere commitment to addressing diversity issues most notably with regard to small business investment, minority hiring practices and the ongoing need to combat institutionalized racism.
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