Evan Smith: Introductory statements from Lake Forest Park mayor candidates
Thursday, June 30, 2011
By Evan Smith
ShorelineAreaNews Politics Writer
The primary for Lake Forest Park mayor matches City Councilman and current Deputy Mayor Dwight Thompson, former Councilwoman Mary Jane Goss, and Republican precinct committee officer Stan Lippmann.
The top two vote getters in the August 16 primary advance to the November 8 general election ballot.
Here are introductory statements from the three candidates appearing on the primary ballot:
Mary Jane Goss
“Public Service: Former LFP City Council, 1998-2005; Former Co-President, Shorecrest PTSA; earned Golden Acorn Award; Treasurer, 2010 “No on Prop 1” campaign;
"I was recruited to run for Mayor by citizens who believe my credentials and qualities are needed. I am a small businesswoman and 30-year resident. My four children graduated from Shorecrest High School. As the first woman to serve as Mayor, I will ensure Lake Forest Park can survive as a mainly residential city, with no unwarranted tax increases. Just as many residents have had to tighten their budgets, so must government. We need decision making which renders improvements, which reflect residents desires rather than outside influence. With your input, together we will achieve better solutions for our neighborhoods, environment and government. I would appreciate your vote for a much-needed change in our City leadership.
“Endorsements LFP GOV WATCH, King County Democratic Central Committee, 32nd District Democrats.”
Dwight Thompson
“Dwight has a vision for city government: Balance our city’s checkbook just as citizens do at home. We must live within our means. He will continue to reduce expenditures to keep within tax revenues. As Mayor, Dwight will maintain our superior police response time; ensure services for senior citizens; and improve road maintenance and parks.
“Dwight remains committed to protecting our environment for future generations.
“Dwight has the management, community, and leadership experience to lead our city through these tough economic times. He has been a successful small business owner for 25 years, a longtime volunteer Scout Leader, a City Council member and a Deputy Mayor. Dwight served our country as an Army Colonel, directing hospitals for our wounded soldiers throughout Afghanistan. Large or small organizations, private or public sector, Dwight has the proven executive experience a Mayor needs to bring a higher level of efficiency and accountability to LFP.”
Stan Lippmann
Did not respond
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3 comments:
Oh Mr. Thompson...why are you running away from your record?
I see your campaign statement that:
“Dwight has a vision for city government: Balance our city’s checkbook just as citizens do at home. We must live within our means."
Yet you were one of the architects of the proposition that proposed a more than 38% increase in our levy rate. You not only endorsed and campaigned for a "Yes" vote on Proposition 1, but also were the second largest individual contributor to the Yes campaign.
Now that you want to be mayor, you are trying to have us believe otherwise.
Cities have to balance their budgets ("live within their means") - you just want the taxpayers to pay significantly more, so you have more "means" to live within. Nice try.
Not mentioned in Ms. Goss' statement is that she is a real estate agent married to a real estate agent. With the exception of one wealthy individual, realtors were the largest contributor to the no prop 1 campaign. These folks may believe the Norquist/Bachmann mantra of "no new taxes" is the best bet for sales, but it's a pretty naive way to run a city.
To "anonymous". I believe someone in your life whether they are among your neighbors, your friends, or your relatives may be a real estate agent, and so your message is to all of them. What you do not mention, is, real estate agents are involved and support many facets of the community and understand it well. They are involved at local foodbanks, support of schools, the homeless, environmental concerns, etc. If you want to assign blame to anyone in the loss of last years levy lid lift measure (Prop 1), target the real reason why it failed, which was, the proponents (which included one of my opponents Dwight Thompson) failed miserably to show the measure would solve the financial gap it was intended for. The proponents of Prop 1 efforts were naive in believing the community would follow blindly without analyzing the information necessary for the decision. Take a look at what Mr Thompson's business does,how he makes his money, and how he has handled himself before you throw stones.
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