Lynnwood has long seen itself as a city in transition. It may be more true now, in the city’s 50th year, than ever.
An annexation could bring more than 27,000 residents to the city next year, nearly doubling the population. A citywide, nonmotorized transportation system is under way, encouraging more pedestrians and bicyclists and fewer cars as the city grows. Plans for developing a new city center, giving the city a downtown core it has always lacked, remain in place — although the recession has had a part in keeping it just a plan for now.
Balancing the service needs and priorities of what could soon be a city of 63,000 requires smart, seasoned city council members who understand what citizens expect and are willing to pay for. In this fall’s three city council races, we think the best candidates to help lead a positive transition in Lynnwood are incumbents Ruth Ross and Mark Smith, as well as newcomer Dan Swank.
Swank, a telecommunications business owner and 17-year resident, is running for the seat given up by Lisa Utter in her unsuccessful bid for mayor. Swank argues for a conservative fiscal approach and cultivating a robust business environment, including along the Highway 99 corridor. His entrepreneurial background and keen knowledge of city issues shows an ability to envision possibilities and guide them to fruition. We think he would bring a prudent, practical businesslike approach to the council.
Swank is opposed by Kimberly Cole, a Stevens Hospital commissioner and aide to County Councilman Mike Cooper. Cole is intelligent and energetic — she’s also working on a law degree at Seattle University. She made us pause, though, when she said she would favor installing more red-light cameras because they’re such a good revenue source. Other candidates — correctly, in our view — said the chief value of such cameras is safety, and that more cameras shouldn’t be added just to bring in more money.
Ross, currently the council president, is seeking a third term. She’s a former city code compliance officer, and understands the details, nuances and consequences of council actions. As such, she knows better than most the impact the proposed annexation would have. She continues to better herself, having recently earned a bachelor’s degree in social sciences.
Ross is challenged by restaurateur Kerri Lonergan, an engaging candidate who, like Swank, argues for a keeping a tighter reign on spending. She would bring energy and commitment to the job, and could serve ably. In a close call, we think Ross’ experience and positive record argue for keeping her on the council.
In his first term, Smith has pushed hard for the nonmotorized transportation plan, and has been a strong proponent of a city center that maximizes partnerships with businesses to create a truly functional, attractive urban center for Lynnwood and all of south county. He also understands that most council decisions involve tradeoffs between services and costs, bringing an analytical, level-headed approach to such decisions.
His challenger, businessman and software engineer Craig Parsons, got into the race after he led an effort to retain street parking in his neighborhood that was to be converted to bicycle lanes. He worries that the city is spending too freely and moving toward what could be wrong solutions on traffic management — bicycle lanes, specificially. Parsons isn’t as up to speed on the city center plan as he should be, suggesting a steep learning curve. Voters are better off with the effective Smith.
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