Everett City Council candidates differ on economic-growth plan

EVERETT — If there’s one thing Brenda Stonecipher has learned about City Council, it’s that it’s lot harder than it looks.

She’s running for a third term against Scott Bader, an attorney now employed by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Seattle.

During her time on the council, she’s learned how important strong leadership is to the job.

“You have to pick your battles and stand firm on the things that are important,” Stonecipher said.

For her, that means standing up when others on the council wanted to eliminate all-night meetings and supporting projects that would make Everett the type of place people want to live.

Stonecipher, the chief financial officer for a Seattle private school, also has a history of asking pointed questions about city purchases. She often applies her financial skills to scrutinize how the city handles its money. When the city wanted to annex land, she did her own analysis that showed the move would end up costing Everett taxpayers more in the long run.

Bader said he stepped into the race because he was concerned about the fiscal stewardship of the city.

“I hate talking negatively but she has a tendency toward bigger projects,” Bader said, referring to Stonecipher. “We shouldn’t be doing that, at least in these tough economic times.”

He mentioned the city’s decision to spend more than a $1 million to fix up a city-owned former bank building so it could be leased by the Village Theatre for its Youth Education Center. Stonecipher supported that project and served on the Village Theatre board.

The two disagree fundamentally about how best to drive economic growth. That’s been an issue in nearly all of the Everett City Council races this fall. Stonecipher supports the city’s effort to create a vibrant downtown, which the city says should help attract employers. So do fellow candidates June Robinson and Drew Nielsen.

Bader disagrees — just like candidates Erv Hoglund and Ron Gipson. Let downtown be safe and clean but forget spending money on big projects, Bader said. Instead, it’s important the city’s leadership is as friendly as possible to new employers and the businesses that are already here, he said.

Bader spent most of his life in Everett, much of it in south Everett, and now lives in the Riverside neighborhood.

The city hasn’t always made even-handed decisions when it comes to improvements, he said. As an example, he pointed to the Evergreen library branch in south Everett, which is bursting at the seams.

“I know money is tight but I just think someone needs to be there to speak up for south Everett,” he said.

Bader has a law degree. His current job is focused on raising money and finding volunteers for his employer.

From 1992 to 1996, he served on the Mukilteo School Board. At the time he was living in an area of Everett served by the school district.

He ended up stepping down from the position because of what he described as a contentious atmosphere.

“Once you get people who are out to create turmoil, there’s not a lot you can do,” he said.

Stonecipher has received a total of $10,520 in campaign contributions. Those contributions reported so far are from individual donors and all are $200 or less.

Bader has secured campaign money from organizations including firefighters, Everett municipal employees and the Washington State Council of County and City Employees. Notable individual contributors include former Everett leaders Carl Gipson and Ed Hansen and developers Arthur Skotdal and Craig Skotdal. In total, he’s raised $8,530.

Debra Smith: 425-339-3197; dsmith@heraldnet.com.

Everett City Council, Position 6

Scott Bader

Age: 47

Occupation: Director of Parish Stewardship for the Archdiocese of Seattle

Website: www.scottbaderforeverettcitycouncil.com

Priorities: Prioritize spending on essential city services that serve all of Everett; improve transportation to keep people and goods moving; increase the representation on the City Council beyond northwest Everett.

Brenda Stonecipher

Age: 46

Occupation: Chief financial officer for a private school

Website: www.voteforbrenda.org

Priorities: Keep a close eye on the city’s budget; develop a long-term plan for funding the city’s capital investments; continue to push for more open government.