Lynnwood City Council incumbent Sid Roberts and challenger George Hurst recently sent statements about what each think are the most important issues in this year’s Lynnwood election.
The two will meet on the Nov. 3 general-election ballot.
Here are the Hurst and Roberts statements in the order their names will appear on the ballot and in the voters’ pamphlet:
Lynnwood City Council, Position #6
George Hurst: In the next two years, no less than four major construction projects will be completed in Lynnwood, including Costco, a hotel and at least two multifamily complexes of over 250 units each. Has the City Council made sure that our streets and roads, and our fire and police departments are ready for this growth? I do not think they have. In the budget approved in December the City Council increased the city’s expenditures by over 7 percent. But, that same budget cut the Fire Department by over $1 million, eliminated an assistant chief and a training captain and failed to return the police department to a fully staffed level. And road maintenance was reduced from $2 million to $600,000. This same budget had more than $2 million in tax and fee increases, why can’t the City Council find the money to provide the basic services for our citizens?
Now the City Council is holding meetings with Fire District 1 to negotiate the merger/annexation of the Lynnwood Fire Department into Fire District 1. Before the Council decides to eliminate the Lynnwood Fire Department there has to be detailed study to make sure that the City retains the high level of service that they now have with the City Fire Department.
Sid Roberts:
Budgeting and Financial: The City Council must always remember that it is the taxpayer’s money that is being spent. Frugal ideas, common sense and accountability are needed. Most basic city services like water, sewer, public safety and infrastructure shouldn’t be cut. We must find financial efficiency in other places.
Public Safety: Public safety must be prioritized in the city budget. The City of Lynnwood is just beginning to discuss a merger with Fire District 1 to look at possible efficiencies. The City Council must carefully weight the facts before deciding whether to seek voter approval. Unfortunately some are using this as a campaign issue without even knowing all the facts or vetting the issues. I will do my best to carefully weight the issues and vote with integrity.
Land Use: We need sensible land use planning to meet the needs of our citizens. We must wisely and prudently manage growth. Lynnwood will continue to grow. Most of that growth will be vertical but some will come through annexation. My background in commercial real estate will help me advise the council on such matters.
Roads and Traffic: Our roads are in need of repair and we are far behind schedule to fix them. Good and safe city streets must be a priority. We also must be diligent to find a solution to traffic congestion.
Evan Smith can be reached at schsmith@frontier.com.
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