For the 2019 Voters Guide, we emailed Pullman City Council candidates a set of 16 questions on professional experience, local priorities and general issues. We have included those questions and the unedited responses. We have noted when candidates left questions unanswered. We have also provided links to candidate websites, campaign funding reports and other local media coverage when available.
Any questions or suggestions should be sent to: whitmancowatch@gmail.com
CANDIDATE BACKGROUND
Website: www.electannparks.com
Social media: Facebook / Twitter
PDC campaign funding: Parks 2019
League of Women Voters ballot info: Vote411.org
Other recent coverage:
Moscow-Pullman Daily News: Pullman City Council candidates talk transparency, downtown, infrastructure
Daily Evergreen: City Council voters guide
Lewiston Tribune: Two council seats being contested in Pullman
Daily Evergreen: City council holds debate forum
Moscow-Pullman Daily News: Pullman City Council candidates talk business, transparency
QUESTIONNAIRE
What is your current occupation or job title?
Licensed Insurance Representative
What other memberships or affiliations would you like to list for voters?
Current Pullman City Council member, United Way of Whitman County Board member, Distinguished Young Women of Pullman Board member and Judges Chair, Neill Public Library Board member, Whitman County Democrats member, past chair, and past State Committeewoman, Washington State Federation of Democratic Women member, Washington State Democratic Municipal Officers member, Pullman Civic Theater Board past member, Pullman High School Boosters past member and volunteer, Pullman Cub Scout Pack 415 and Boy Scout Troop 460 past volunteer and proud Eagle Scout mother.
What professional accomplishment are you most proud of and why?
I am most proud of my 19-year tenure with Dave Christy State Farm because of the number of people I have educated to ensure they have the proper protection and helped through difficult times, the relationships I have formed in the community with our policyholders, and the opportunity to be part of a small business in Pullman that has a long history, solid reputation, and supports our community in many ways. I am also proud to be a part of the growth of the business over the years.
What is your vision for the City of Pullman as a community and are there any cities that you see doing things right or would like to emulate?
My vision for the City of Pullman is to promote a greater sense of community by creating public gathering spaces in our downtown as well as improving the look of and accessibility to downtown so it is more welcoming. The City is currently working on a Downtown Master Plan and has hired, with City Council approval, BDS Consulting to assist with this process. There are programs and granting agencies at the state and federal level that can also be pursued. Spokane has had success in revitalizing downtown areas, and Chehalis, Yakima, and Renton have worked to improve the appearance and welcoming feel of their downtowns as well.
As the city anticipates continued growth, what is your philosophy for guiding new business and housing development?
My philosophy is to ensure proposed new business and housing development meets the needs in the community but also is compatible and appropriate for the community. Is the housing and/or commercial project compatible with the surrounding area? What is the environmental impact? How does the proposed development impact traffic flow; does it add more cars than the area can accommodate? My role in this as a council member is to work with city staff to review and refine our zoning laws and comprehensive plan to make sure they are relevant and accommodate the concerns and desires of the community. I can also assist in adopting new design standards for new buildings in the community as well as design elements for existing structures, particularly in our downtown business district
Are there steps the city should take to help make housing more affordable? What do you consider the city’s greatest housing challenges?
There was a comprehensive housing study completed recently (Palouse Regional Housing Assessment) and I believe it accurately describes the need and path forward in terms of affordable housing in Pullman and Whitman County as a whole. The fact of the matter is that Pullman’s population is booming and housing is becoming less affordable. Surprisingly, Whitman County was among the nation’s top 20% in increased cost of single-family homes. Pullman needs an attainable housing program. Although there is not a one-size-fits-all approach, a cost reduction such as permit fee reductions and impact waiver fees would be a huge step. In addition, a construction loan for an attainable housing project could be effective. I am committed to achieving more affordable housing for the region and I encourage my fellow council members to support the recommended strategies in the Palouse Regional Housing Assessment.
What do you consider your highest priority for city parks infrastructure? (Multiple choice)
Protecting and expanding green spaces throughout city.
Possible answers: •Maintaining and expanding trails, paths or parking. •Replacing antiquated playground equipment. •Upgrading picnic shelters or sports facilities. •Facilitating events that draw people to parks. •Protecting and expanding green spaces throughout city. • Other, with write-in.
There is usually a balance, but which set of transportation goals do you think the majority of Pullman voters considers the higher priority for downtown? (Multiple choice)
Make downtown more walkable/bicycle friendly by slowing or diverting traffic, adding bike lanes and increasing public transit service.
Possible answers: • Reduce downtown traffic congestion, widen lanes and increase parking convenience/accessibility. • Make downtown more walkable/bicycle friendly by slowing or diverting traffic, adding bike lanes and increasing public transit service.
Are there any new policies or investments you think would make Pullman Police or Fire more efficient or effective?
I think continued investment in personnel for Pullman Police and Pullman Fire are essential as our city population grows. I support an expansion of the Police department and considering using the current city hall building as a potential Public Safety Building as Councilmember Pat Wright suggested earlier this year. I also support a third fire station and working within the budget to fund the personnel and apparatus needed to ensure all three fire stations are working efficiently. In addition, I support a new training facility for our firefighters.
What, if anything, should be done about the Mimosa building?
Currently the city is bound by ordinances that prevent action being taken to address the repair or razing of the building. The City has been in talks with the owners to explore options of what can be done to reduce the blight on our downtown caused by this vacant and dilapidated structure. The City is also working with several entities to discuss opportunities moving forward. At this time, the owners are asking an amount to purchase the building that is far beyond what the City can reasonably afford.
How would your rank your expectations for council/city government transparency on a scale from 1 to 5, with 1 indicating a discrete approach to governing and 5 indicating a proactively open approach?
Four
Do you consider tax rates in Pullman high or low? As a steward of taxpayer dollars, how do you approach balancing demands for city service against the citizen tax burden?
Tax rates in Pullman are somewhat high, but this is to expected when there is no state income tax funding source, and the expectation from the residents for level of services is high. Pullman provides above average experiences in many areas such as our schools, hospital and healthcare, police and fire service, and public works. The public has the authority to approve bond levies and legislation for higher taxes. I respect the authority of the community to make these decisions and as a steward of taxpayer dollars, I analyze the need for the service or increased service against the increased tax burden to the citizen. Is it worth the added taxation amount? Will the tax replace an existing tax or will it be a new tax? If new, how long will the taxpayers be obligated to pay? Will the city be able to pay off the bond early? I research these questions and I also ask the Finance Director for detailed information regarding the impact on the taxpayer as part of my decision-making.
Do you support the city enacting policies to address climate change or promote environmental sustainability? If so, what steps would you take?
I support the city enacting policies to address climate reality and environmental sustainability. Our transit system is a good example of the City’s dedication to having a smaller environmental footprint while still providing services our community expects and depends on. The Director of Transit has worked hard to apply for grants to help with purchasing hybrid busses now and electric busses in the future.I support the effort to become less dependent on fossil fuels. I also listen to climate concern groups and integrate their concerns into my research of everything from city-owned vehicles to new building design and preservation of nature preserves and green spaces throughout the city.
What do you think of existing local regulations on cannabis businesses and production operations?
Not restrictive enough
What are your thoughts on the city’s relationship with WSU and what, if anything, might you adjust or improve about that dynamic?
I think the City and WSU have been working hard to cultivate a good working relationship and it continues to improve. There are many groups responsible for this: The Chamber of Commerce, Town Gown Collaborative, 2040, and the Downtown Business Association among others. The work on the Downtown Master Plan involves stakeholders from both the city and WSU working together to make downtown more appealing and accessible to all. President Schulz has also commissioned the Campus and Community Mental Health Task Force to bring together members of both communities to work on coordinating mental health services on campus and in the community. I am proud to serve as the city representative, and I am happy to have the opportunity to assist in assessing the community needs and seeking the best way to ensure resources are available and that residents know how to access them.
If you could wave a magic wand and instantly change one thing about Pullman, what would it be and why?
I would create attainable housing for all residents who seek it, from tiny homes for any income level to one-level living homes for retirees or those needing accessible-friendly designs. I believe the needs addressed in the Palouse Regional Housing Assessment can be met, but it will require time, leadership, and community support.