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 Council biographies
Social media: Twitter
PDC campaign funding: Wright 2019
Other recent coverage:
Lewiston Tribune: Two council seats being contested in Pullman
QUESTIONNAIRE
What is your current occupation or job title?
Retired, community volunteer
What other memberships or affiliations would you like to list for voters?
Board of Directors, Pullman Chamber of Commerce and Pullman Regional Hospital Foundation
What professional accomplishment are you most proud of and why?
Maintaining on-going positive relationship with WSU through continuing dialog and town gown collaboration.
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?
Continue to promote Pullman as a welcoming city through embracing our multi cultural population, ensure our commitment to being a “green” walkable city and introducing facets of multi-modality in our traffic and circulation plan. I have recently visited Vail, Colorado and would emulate their non vehicular central business district and their commitment to supporting affordable housing options for their diverse demographics.
As the city anticipates continued growth, what is your philosophy for guiding new business and housing development?
I believe we should be reviewing our city ordinances, revise those that are outdated and remove those that impede responsible growth and development both in business and housing options. We cannot put up a sign that says “closed for business” but, we must be responsible in the types of business we recruit, make sure they are aligned with our city values and we must always be cognizant of all the groups that are impacted by our decisions (including those that lie outside our city limits).
Are there steps the city should take to help make housing more affordable? What do you consider the city’s greatest housing challenges?
I believe a variety of housing options should be available to our various constituencies whether that be single family or multi family in nature. I believe we are meeting some of those needs currently and would rely on agencies such as the Community Action Center to continue to review and make recommendations for future, affordable options.
What do you consider your highest priority for city parks infrastructure? (Multiple choice)
Maintaining and expanding trails, paths or parking.
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?
While improvement in efficiency and effectiveness is ongoing, I believe both our public safety agencies are very well run, transparent and responsive to the needs of our citizens.
What, if anything, should be done about the Mimosa building?
We should be working collaboratively with the owners of Mimosa to develop a plan that would be mutually beneficial to them as well as to downtown and our constituencies.
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?
I think tax rates in Pullman are starting to become higher, but, not frivolous. We have wonderful schools, an amazing hospital and a city that is very livable and safe according to many surveys. Our first question as it relates to taxes should always be, how can this help our citizens. I believe we do that today and are always aware of that increasing tax burden.
Do you support the city enacting policies to address climate change or promote environmental sustainability? If so, what steps would you take?
I support reasonable efforts to promote environmental sustainability without imposing irresponsible restrictions. The city currently aligns itself with the Citizens Climate Lobby and works closely with both WSU and Whitman County in solid waste management. We also have a variety of practices in place that relate to storm water awareness, education and management.
What do you think of existing local regulations on cannabis businesses and production operations? (Multiple choice)
Generally appropriate
What are your thoughts on the city’s relationship with WSU and what, if anything, might you adjust or improve about that dynamic?
As I stated earlier, I strongly support our ongoing partnership and will continue to be active in our town gown collaboration.
If you could wave a magic wand and instantly change one thing about Pullman, what would it be and why?
I would make Pullman a destination location with a vibrant and attractive downtown and successful business community, schools that continue to provide excellence in education and a healthcare community that provides a variety of options to our varied demographics.