BRIER — Incumbent Carlton Gipson, a city administrator, and Anne Cavazos, a paraeducator, are running for Brier City Council Position 1 because they want the City Council to get things done and to safeguard the city’s rural atmosphere.
Gipson, 56, is seeking a second term because he enjoys working with people and the City Council, he said. He also sees himself as a problem-solver.
“I believe there is a lot more to be done and I look forward to being involved in those things,” said Gipson, a Brier resident of 19 years.
Cavazos, a Brier resident of 14 years, is running for office because she is concerned about what happens in Brier. She is also pushing for “open and honest government,” she said. She has not run for political office before.
“I felt it was time for some things to change and I thought it might as well be me,” Cavazos said. “I thought I might as well roll up my sleeves and do it.”
Gipson said he is the best candidate because he has the desire and experience. Gipson has worked for the city of Everett for 23 years, where he is director of facilities and property management. Previously, he worked in banking for about eight years.
Gipson noted the Brier Council will have at least three new members — or more —depending on what voters decide on election day. Brier City Council members Bob Colinas, Sasha Doolittle and Ed McClenny are not running for reelection this year while Council member Dale Kaemingk is defending his seat against newcomer Marc Olson. Newcomers Dennis Nick and Ona Gem are unopposed for position 3 and council-at-large respectively.
“I would bring some continuity to the Council,” Gipson said.
When asked why she is the best candidate, Cavazos said she is connected to a large group of citizens who asked her to run. She has held several jobs over the years, including working in retail, operating a tax preparation business, working for the Internal Revenue Service and teaching gymnastics and Sunday school.
“I just feel like I would be a strong and positive independent force,” she said. “My priority is and always will be the character of Brier remaining the same.”
They both support keeping large lot sizes in Brier and believe a majority of residents feel the same way. Gipson said large lots will be difficult to maintain because the Growth Management Act is forcing its cities to rezone areas for smaller lot sizes.
“The residents, as I do, like the feel of Brier. Keeping its character is a trick,” Gipson said. “I cannot tell you how I would vote at this point.”
Gipson said he would like to see some family-related businesses move into Brier so residents can stay in town. He favors a restaurant where people can meet and visit.
Cavazos said she would like to see a cluster of small businesses that would appeal to residents and visitors, like a coffee shop or trinket shop. She hopes it would be attractive and improve the city’s reputation.
She said she wants to clearly define small areas for commercial uses and some multiple-family housing. Cavazos said she will strengthen the language in the comprehensive plan as much as possible to preserve large lot sizes.
“I believe there is room for growth in the city,” she said.
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