CANDIDATES FOR FRIDAY HARBOR TOWN COUNCIL
Related stories
List of news stories about 2001 election in San Juan County
Primary Election coverage
Town candidates field questions at forum
posted 09/05/01
Parking, affordable housing, communication between town and county governments were a few of the topics covered at the League of Women Voters primary candidates forum Thursday, Aug. 30. The three candidates -- Rick Bonney, Wally Gillette and Howard Rosenfeld -- explained their reasons for running and answered questions at Skagit College San Juan Center. The majority of the standing-room-only crowd earned extra credit from their civics teacher.
Parking or rather the lack of enough parking spaces in Friday Harbor is a concern for all three candidates for Friday Harbor Town Council Position No. 3. Mayor Gary Boothman's idea of using Browne Lumber's site on Spring Street for parking is looked on favorably by all three.
The candidates are also concerned about the difficulty residents have in finding affordable housing. Boothman asked what they thought about the county's desire to have the town take on 300 more low-income units to fill the county's needs. Bonney said the town needs more moderate rather than low- income housing. Gillette said the town's current residents have priority. If the units could be absorbed in a quality way it might work he said.
Rosenfeld said the county's needs could be a way for the town to get some help with infrastructure costs. "The town is the logical place to satisfy the need. They could make us an offer we can't refuse," he said.
Rosenfeld's motives in running were questioned by a volunteer firefighter. Rosenfeld said while he has always favored merging San Juan County Fire District No. 3 and the town's fire department that is not the reason he is running. He noted it would take a majority of the council to make the change, one person couldn't do it.
Asked whether they support unions, Bonney said he usually does but doesn't have all the facts concerning the town council''s negotiations with the union formed by town employees last year. Rosenfeld said he's proud the town employees organized and feels an agreement is possible. Gillette favors a union as long as it's local. He would oppose town workers joining the AFL-CIO or the Teamsters he said. He believes progress could be made in contract negotiations if the council and the union work together.
One of the civics students asked about the growing number of tourists overrunning the town. Gillette noted, "They bring that green we all enjoy." He would seek a balance between the residents' needs and the need to accommodate the local economy's "life's blood."
Rosenfeld said the town should work to attract a better class of tourist. Bonney thought solving the parking problem would help locals cope with the tourists.
Traffic in residential neighborhoods was another topic brought up by an audience member. Bonney said speed bumps don't work, he favored increased patrols by sheriff's deputies. Gillette said he is bothered by the construction traffic rumbling through neighborhoods early in the morning. He suggested limiting the hours they could use the neighborhood roads. Traffic circles might help with the county traffic coming into town. He said, "It might remind county people to slow down."
Rosenfeld is in favor of speed bumps. He said many neighborhoods in the past were degraded by decisions which were not well thought out by previous town councils.
All three agreed on the need for better cooperation and communication between town and county government and on the need to communicate with town residents.
In their own words
Candidates in the primary election were asked to respond to three questions. The responses we received from Town of Friday Harbor Council candidates appear below.
Wally Gillette
- Why are you running for a position on the Friday Harbor Town Council?
There is a need for a strong town council. Well thought out decisions will determine our town’s future. Public Utility decisions regarding the Sewer System, Water System, and Transportation System, (including sidewalks, trails, and roads) will have a long-term impact both in services and costs. Being a professional rather than a politician, I will help provide balance to the town council.
- What are the top two issues facing the town?
The number one issue is "Quality of Life" for the town’s residents. "Quality of Life" is affected by high costs we pay for water, sewer, taxes, housing, etc. "Quality of Life" is also affected by friendliness and cooperation. Lately we have seen animosity between too many local groups. Declining pride in our town also reinforces concern regarding "Quality of Life."
The second issue is the Town’s attractiveness for tourists. Our long-term economy is affected by tourists. We are fortunate to live in a paradise. Great thought is needed to balance the desires of tourists with the number one issue, "Quality of Life" for our residents.
- What are your qualifications?
I have worked in a Water and Power Department and then in an Engineer-Construction Company. I earned a "Certificate in Public Works Management." I have a Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering. I am also a Registered Professional Engineer. I have time and energy to devote to the town council position.
Howard Rosenfeld
- Why are you running for a position on the Friday Harbor Town Council?
I'm sure every candidate thinks they can make a difference but I've been actively making a difference in Town government for over six years. I know how Town government works, how the Council works, the budget process, analyzing levels of service, the Planning Commission, the Comprehensive Plan and the Fire Department. I will be effective from the get go, no learning curve. But, most important, I'm independent of the special interests which are trying to control the Town. I will protect the interests of Town residents.
- What are the top two issues facing the town?
A few years ago the major issue was growth. Now the growth rate is cut in half. Another was water. Now, we still need to be careful but barring another major drought, we're OK.
One issue for me is Affordability. This includes housing, utility rates, ferry fares and jobs because they all affect being able to live here. The Planning Commission is trying to address housing through bonus density credits for affordable housing. There are some excellent programs the Council could explore for affordable home ownership. I'd like to explore ways to lower utility rates. The Town is the commercial hub for the county but the infrastructure cost is borne by the few residents. There might be ways to share some of these costs.
Another issue is Parking. Friday Harbor is a great walking town but you have to put your car somewhere. The Browne Lumber property could be a big help. I'd like to see that happen.
- What are your qualifications?
I'm on the current Town Planning Commission, was Town Fire Chief 94-98, I've owned a business in Town since 1987, a volunteer firefighter for eighteen years and a twenty-one year resident. I was also Whale Museum executive director, a public health official at local, state and federal levels and a Peace Corps Volunteer.
Sharon Kivisto
and
Matt Pranger
can be reached:
phone:
360.378.3748
fax:
360.378.9748
by e-mail:
news@sanjuanislander.com
by mail:
San Juan Islander
PO Box 1118
Friday Harbor, WA 98250 USA