I’ve asked council members and council candidates in several cities to tell me why the coming council elections are important to citizens.
Here I present responses from Edmonds City Councilman Strom Peterson and his general-election opponent, Diane Buckshnis.
Here’s what Buckshnis said:
“City council is our municipal government’s legislative body that establishes regulatory, administrative, budgetary and taxation policies addressing business, residential and property owners’ interests. The city council also has administrative oversight responsibilities ensuring that staff appropriately carries out those policies. Like the U.S. Congress, our federal legislative branch of government, city council has both legislative and administrative oversight responsibilities.
“Council members shape economic development, property rights, and taxation policies that impact property values and quality of life concerns. Because the council is responsible for setting policy regarding land-use, budget, fiscal spending, and quality of life issues, council members’ judgment and decisions shape our community’s well being now and in the future.
“Citizens need council members that respect the expectations of the ENTIRE Edmonds community.
“The city council represents the ‘voice’ of the community. Citizens should elect those that listen to that ‘voice’ and share their values, balancing Edmonds’ traditions and heritage with sustainable growth.”
Peterson, appointed to the council early this year, said this:
“City council decisions affect our day-to-day lives, our neighborhoods and our community. While we aren’t debating health care or foreign policy, we’re working to improve our public safety and environment, protect neighborhoods and grow our economy.
“We make sure kids have sidewalks to get safely to school, hire excellent firefighters and police, and pass laws to make us all safer.
“Council works with citizens’ groups to reduce greenhouse gasses, improve water quality, protect trees, and clean up Puget Sound.
“We protect family neighborhoods and our downtown, find opportunities for growth and affordable housing and support parks, Yost Pool and the senior center.
“Finally, council works to support and attract local businesses. That means jobs and revenue to keep the city going.
“While we might not grab political headlines, council decisions have a great impact on our daily lives. We’re also a lot easier to find than a U.S. Senator.”
A clear lead for a water commissioner
Alderwood Water Commissioner Donna Cross has a clear lead over challenger Brian Travis after she got 55 percent of the primary vote to 32 percent for Travis. Another challenger, Boe Lindgren, was eliminated with 10 percent of the primary vote.
Evan Smith can be reached at schsmith@verizon.net.
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