Mukilteo council race draws opposites

By Janice Podsada

Herald Writer

MUKILTEO — Voters in Mukilteo will have a definite choice when it comes to choosing who will occupy City Council Position 1.

Incumbent Cathy Reese, 56, is seeking her third term. She has served as council president four times in her eight years on the council.

Kevin Stoltz, 40, a Mukilteo business owner, is a political newcomer who deliberately chose to run against Reese.

"I see a lot of people follow her lead," Stoltz said.

Concerns over increased commercial development in the city and official talk of building a new road through Japanese Gulch — which he opposes — convinced Stoltz to run.

The two disagree on most major issues confronting the city. And they also disagree as to whether city government is accessible to constituents.

To begin with, Reese supports construction of the proposed road through Japanese Gulch. It would divert ferry traffic from the Mukilteo Speedway, Reese said.

"The proposed road is 10 years away from being built. Instead of running from this issue, we want the dialogue to continue," Reese said.

Stoltz is adamantly opposed to the road’s construction.

He claims city government is not accessible to citizens and that when they do speak before the council its members don’t listen.

He cites the city’s recent take-over of Mukilteo State Park as a case in point. Stoltz said residents should have a say in what kind of amenities the new city-owned park will offer. The council hasn’t offered residents that option.

"The advertising for public meetings is the bare minimum. We need to do a better job getting information out to residents."

Reese said she and other council members hear from the public all the time.

"I have explained the city council format to him (Kevin Stoltz)," Reese said. "It’s not a town meeting. It’s not a forum for questions and answers. If people have a question, we get them a written answer in two days.

"People can reach us through City Hall, at the grocery store, on my home phone. My phone rings all the time. If people think we’re not accessible they’re dialing the wrong number."

Reese said she wants to continue her work on the council, which included fighting development on the west side of Paine Field.

The city needs an active participant as it moves forward with several major projects.

"The redevelopment of the waterfront is going to be a huge project. I want to continue to be an active partner in the planning of Mukilteo Landing, the tank farm project."

Reese said another goal is to construct a new city hall, public works and police station without raising property taxes.

"We have a capital facilities fund, and that’s how were going to do it. Thirdly, I want to continue to increase our parks and open spaces.

Mukilteo City Council candidates for positions 2 and 3 are running unopposed.

You can call Herald Writer Janice Podsada at 425-339-3029 or send e-mail to podsada@heraldnet.com.

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