Lynnwood City Council, Position 3
Kerri Lonergan
Did not respond.
Ruth Ross
What can you do to improve communications with city government?
City government is responsible for many different communications. One way to improve communications between government and its citizens would be to provide basic directions for some of the more common services, such as getting a fence permit or applying for a Home Occupation business license, which could then be translated into a variety of languages. One way to improve communication between government and its employees is to create opportunities for discussion groups to brainstorm about issues facing the city. Ultimately, communications between all aspects of city government will be improved by greater transparency and a commitment to enhanced working relationships.
How should the city handle its financial problems?
City government is responsible for many different communications. One way to improve communications between government and its citizens would be to provide basic directions for some of the more common services, such as getting a fence permit or applying for a Home Occupation business license, which could then be translated into a variety of languages. One way to improve communication between government and its employees is to create opportunities for discussion groups to brainstorm about issues facing the city. Ultimately, communications between all aspects of city government will be improved by greater transparency and a commitment to enhanced working relationships.
How should the city deal with annexation issues?
The impacts of annexation are being carefully evaluated by the city. One area we have looked at is the best possible effective date of the annexation, should it be approved by voters in those areas. The sales tax rebate from the state will allow us to recover some of the costs of ramping up services within the annexation area. By carefully choosing the effective date, we can better handle those costs and begin providing improved services more quickly. We also have to ensure that the increased population and the increased demands for services do not negatively impact our current citizens.
Bob Young
What can you do to improve communications with city government?
Communications must begin with the Mayor, the city staff and Council. We need to assure the Mayor will be open to genuine discussion and not treat the Council and staff as he has the past four years. The Mayor must be able to delegate the day to day operation of the city to it’s department heads and work harder to allow them to be creative to streamline each department to maximize efficiency. The financial viability of the city depends on each department to reduce expenditures to get the most value out of our limited resources.
How should the city handle its financial problems?
We need to build a strong economy by limiting the size and scope of city government and prioritize spending to benefit our residents. During the last four years the city staff has added new departments and their cost vs. benefits to our citizens need to be studied. We need to generate new revenue streams to minimize the financial impact of our citizens. The current council will attempt to immediately remedy our 9 million dollar financial shortfalls by tax increases, reducing services by our police and court. We need to procure funding for the immediate services our planned expansion will consume.
How should the city deal with annexation issues?
I’m for annexation and do not believe the Council has done enough to advise the potential new Lynnwood citizens of all aspects and impacts of the planned annexation. We need protection of our property rights and I support property tax relief for our fixed income citizens. Currently our council has given the green light to Increasing Property tax beyond the 1% limit (2006). Doubling of the Real Estate Excise Tax (REET), 1.4 Million Dollar tax increase through the library tax 6% tax on garbage collection, Ambulance Transport Tax after the public approved the EMS levy (about 2.3M dollars).
Lynnwood Mayor’s Race
Don Gough
What can you do to improve communications with city government?
As Mayor, I’ve implemented community outreach programs. Through nearly 60 neighborhood, group, and public meetings, and mailing to every residence and business, 500+ people participated in, and reviewed, our unanimously adopted city future vision. Besides our boards and commissions I’ve added two citizen task forces on: Visioning and Traffic/Transportation.
We need to expand public outreach meetings for “Lynnwood Taxes/Budget College;” upgrade our website for new technology and to handle more on-line government services, i.e. permits/applications; and begin organizing neighborhood committees. And, inside city government I’ll be asking for a retreat to improve council-staff working partnerships. For detailed Visioning information: www.ci.lynnwood.wa.us/VisioningLynnwood.
How should the city handle its financial problems?
My first responsibility is ensuring Lynnwood’s financial stability by using tough financial and budget policies, living within our means, making tough decisions and maintaining reserves. Because of this, we’re financially secure and have a great credit rating. Our 2009-10 budget issues have been worked out. Department directors together worked hard ensuring that essential services remain at levels you expect. We’re cutting expenditures by 3.5%. We’ll use only part of our 1998 “rainy day” reserve. We’ll continue to spend tax dollars wisely, remaining accountable to you. For tax and budget details: www.ci.lynnwood.wa.us, click Quick Links – “City Finances”, then “Current Budget Reports.”
How should the city deal with annexation issues?
Under the 1990 voter approved state law, cities are required to plan for annexation of adjacent areas. The 2006 legislature agreed to help defray annexation costs. My administration took leadership to examine and analyze several possible annexations. Departments carefully studied services, and conservatively estimated our financial ability to serve the annexation, including $50 million in state assistance, and without financially burdening current Lynnwood residents. The council voted unanimously (7-0) to put annexation on the 2010 ballot. The state citizen board that judges annexations, unanimously (5-0) approved the proposal. Ultimately, annexation voters will decide. For more detailed information see: www.ci.lynnwood.wa.us/annexation.
Loren Simmonds
What can you do to improve communications with city government?
As mayor, I would improve communication by offering a new model. I will reply to e-mails, phones calls and correspondence promptly. I will be readily available for personal appointments. I will be open and transparent with all.
I will dedicate two days each month to visiting neighborhoods and local businesses to hear their concerns and receive counsel. I will increase the use of “town hall” meetings and enhance the use of social media tools to expedite the flow of information to and from citizens.
How should the city handle its financial problems?
The key to our City’s financial problems is diversifying our economic base.
A diversified business base will greatly stabilize our revenue streams and reduce huge budget shortfalls which Lynnwood is currently experiencing.
The net results will be an expanded tax base which will reduce the pressure to raise residential property and utility taxes and lessen the dependence on erratic retail sales taxes.
With input from citizens and stakeholders, we must recruit new companies that pay a family wage and provide incentives for key business sectors that are currently underutilized.
How should the city deal with annexation issues?
From the outset, it must be a win-win situation for all parties. Lynnwood citizens must be assured that their level of services will not deteriorate nor will they bear the burden of added cost as a result of annexation.
In turn, the annexation area must be aggressively assimilated into Lynnwood by newly established neighborhood councils and stakeholder groups . We must quickly move beyond tolerance to inclusion. The mayor must take the leadership in creating and maintaining that environment. This is my pledge.
Jim Smith
What can you do to improve communications with city government?
Too often politicians turn off their ears once they are elected. Having a pulse on the community is not accomplished just two days a month. It has to be constant and ongoing. The key is to actively solicit the opinions of the people, not just listen to the loudest, most vocal special interest groups.
I will pledge to use my own, personal time to continue talking to our families, businesses, and community organizations. I will also make a point of being accessible…including the regular returning of phone calls!
How should the city handle its financial problems?
Priorities of Government (POG) must be addressed. Although we would like to have everything, we must restrict our spending to within our means.
Spending has increased substantially while at the same time fire, police and medical services are being asked to cut back. We must remember what our essential services are and stay within our budget…just like our families do.
Against my advice, the other candidates have continued overspending and overtaxing during this recessive period of time. It is understandable for them to differ in opinion. However, it is unconscionable to continue without realizing and admitting their mistakes.
How should the city deal with annexation issues?
I feel uncomfortable when we have annexations this big, nearly doubling the size of our city overnight. Annexations are not money makers…they cost and drain our revenues, and will force higher taxes to pay for them.
I am convinced that it will be a burden on the current taxpayers of Lynnwood, even with the new partial, limited-time subsidy program with the state. I am concerned with this economy and the fact that the state sales tax has inched higher in recent years, reaching 9.5 percent today.
Lisa Utter
What can you do to improve communications with city government?
As Mayor, I would continue my policy of access, candor and appropriate disclosure. Trust comes with sharing of timely and complete information. I have a record of supporting transparency and good access to government information, as evidenced by:
1) My initiation as Council President of the award-winning e-council system that allows access to council agendas, minutes and all back up documentation on the web
2) Advancing the policy that Community Transit board committee meetings be open to the public with agendas and minutes accessible on the web.
How should the city handle its financial problems?
We hid our head in the sand last fall, which is why I and other Councilmembers were not able to support the current budget. The department heads have now brought 3.5% across-the-board cuts to the Council. They have been creative and the City of Lynnwood is not discussing staff reductions. Across-the-board cuts are easiest politically, but that methodology does not assess and prioritize programs and services. As Mayor, I would provide citizens and Council with full information to determine service levels that meet our needs and that we can afford.
How should the city deal with annexation issues?
I have insisted that the revenue projections for the annexation financial assessment be adjusted down to a very conservative level. Even with these prudent adjustments the annexation is projected to be a financial win for the City. Timing is critical to successful provision of services in the new city areas. As Mayor, the criteria I would continue use in making the decisions on annexation issues are that 1) current residents should not experience a reduction in service or increase in taxes and 2) new residents are provided with clear and accurate information about the services and taxes they will receive.
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