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: City contact page
Social media: None
PDC campaign funding: Filings not listed / 2017 Violation
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?
Pullman City Councilmember
What other memberships or affiliations would you like to list for voters?
Palouse Basin Aquifer Committee, Whitman County Solid Waste Advisory Committee, Downtown Master Plan Steering Committee, Pullman Senior Center Board Member, Town/Gown Steering Committee Member, Pullman Kiwanis Board Member, Downtown Association- Design Committee Member, Whitman County Landlord-Tenant Association- Past President, Pullman Civic Trust member
What professional accomplishment are you most proud of and why?
Being a founding officer and member of the Whitman County Landlord-Tenant Association.
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?
Many cities are making good choices and we will all benefit by looking at their examples. Coleville, Everett, Burien, and many others have revitalized their downtowns and we have an excellent consulting team preparing a Downtown Master Plan. We should see the final results in February. It will then be up to us to carry that Plan forward.
As the city anticipates continued growth, what is your philosophy for guiding new business and housing development?
Small business startup is a challenging process. The City is launching a “one stop shop” approach to make it easier for new business to navigate the regulatory requirements. Zoning and Code updates and changes are needed to encourage new investments. Variety is key to a prosperous business climate and we can encourage this by being open and helpful.
Are there steps the city should take to help make housing more affordable? What do you consider the city’s greatest housing challenges?
A variety of housing options is needed. There are many State and Federal programs that provide incentives for lower income housing and multi-generational housing. Providing a resource roadmap to these programs is something the City can do to help ensure that the widest range of housing is available to all residents.
What do you consider your highest priority for city parks infrastructure? (Multiple choice)
All of these things are important! However, we need a complete inventory of trees and major vegetation. Health trees are not only beautiful but safe. It is always sad to see a tree removed but as trees reach their natural lifespan they need to be replaced with climate appropriate new trees to take our parks into the future.
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?
We need a third Fire Station with staffing and Pullman voters have already approved funding to purchase the land. We continue to bring Police staffing levels up and I am proud of the commitment our Chief has made to continued training for our officers.
What, if anything, should be done about the Mimosa building?
Many other communities have Vacant Building Ordinances but I have not been able to get any traction on this for Pullman. Recently, Councilmember Chapman and I identified some hazardous conditions at this property and Code Enforcement has taken steps with the property owner to mitigate these specific issues. I have also proposed establishing within our City Code measures to deal with such properties but was not supported by staff or enough Councilmembers, so as it stands, there is very little that can be done. Very frustrating.
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?
Taxes that are currently in place have been enacted by the voters not by council action. The voters will decide on any new taxes or replacement bonds. We have many projects in the works that are funded at the present time by voter approved measures. City services are the priority as a matter of policy and the voters will decide what funds are going to be available.
Do you support the city enacting policies to address climate change or promote environmental sustainability? If so, what steps would you take?
The formation of a Climate Action Plan is currently under consideration and I support this action. Our City Maintenance and Operations are staff are already looking out on a fifty year horizon for flood management and other weather and climate related issues. As a member of the Palouse Basin Aquifer Committee we are preparing for long term water supply strategies with full awareness that climate change is here and cannot be ignored.
What do you think of existing local regulations on cannabis businesses and production operations?
The Washington State Liquor and Cannibis Board regulates these matters, not the City of Pullman. City Code that applies is the same as for any other retail or production operation.
What are your thoughts on the city’s relationship with WSU and what, if anything, might you adjust or improve about that dynamic?
President Kirk Shultz has transformed the Town Gown relationship. We now have a healthy and vibrant communication process and we will all continue to move forward as a community, not as separate entities as odd with one another. I am delighted to be a part of it all.
If you could wave a magic wand and instantly change one thing about Pullman, what would it be and why?
Make our Downtown lively and successful, a place you want to be.