MOUNTLAKE TERRACE — City councilwoman Angela Amundson, who considers herself a passionate advocate for the people, will defend her seat against a neighborhood mom and a corporate professional.
On Sept. 20, voters will pick two of the three candidates to advance to the general election.
Amundson, 51, said her proudest achievement to date is persuading county officials against constructing a Brightwater wastewater treatment outflow pipe under the city. She also pushed for stronger environmental laws and took a stand against commercial flights in Paine Field.
“I think I’ve done a great job and I think the people appreciate and respect what I have done for them,” said Amundson, who owns Cafe on the Terrace in Mountlake Terrace.
Amundson has lived in Mountlake Terrace for 15 years. She has been a member of three “downtown” study groups, a police board, library board and Skateboard Park Committee. She also volunteers with the Rotary and Lions Club, Tour de Terrace, the Garden Club and Mountlake Terrace Seniors.
Cindy Bruce, 49, wants to make neighborhoods and parks, which she considers the real heart of the city, a top priority. She serves as chair of the city’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee.
“I care greatly for the city and I think its neighborhoods are very special. They are not a priority now because they are not income generating,” she said.
As a mother of six children and an active volunteer, Bruce said she can bring a spirit of respect and cooperation to the council. She has helped with the annual citywide clean up, the annual Easter egg hunt and Tour de Terrace as well as the city’s Blue Ribbon Citizen Survey.
Michael Jones, a vice president and manager for the Seattle office of JPMorgan, said he can offer his experience with finances, especially municipal budgets, and a “common sense approach.
“I will bring professionalism. I will bring maturity,” said Jones, a Mountlake Terrace resident of 15 years. “We do need some professionalism on our council and that is why I am running.”
Previously, he has worked as a financial consultant, commercial loan officer and real estate agent as well as a volunteer with Junior Achievement, Boy Scouts and Little League.
All three candidates are considering ways to redevelop downtown while preserving the community’s character as a close-knit village.
The city’s parks and recreation opportunities already attracts people and their business, Bruce said. If the city brings in businesses that cater to those clients, the city would be much more successful, she said.
“We need to find out what is inhibiting the growth of business,” she said. “If we look at the success and failures in the current business climate, we can learn from that.”
Jones agreed that it is important to “revitalize” the downtown area and for the city to encourage businesses to come in. He suggested the city needs a downtown study.
“In order for our community to thrive, we need to find more sources of revenue,” Jones said. “We want some vision for the city. We want some change. We want to go forward.”
Amundson noted the city has already completed two downtown studies and the city needs to consider them before spending money on a third study.
Her solution is to attract business that will be “destination locations” and making the downtown “walkable.” A new city hall could be a catalyst for redevelopment, but previous efforts have stalled.
“I am disappointed to say that city hall has missed the boat already,” she said. “Maybe we can pursue something in city hall.”
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