Evan Smith: Goss, Thompson react to LFP cuts

By Evan Smith

ShorelineAreaNews Politics Writer

We had a post Tuesday, July 5, headlined “Lake Forest Park continues to cut services and staff.”

Here are reactions to those cuts from two candidates for Lake Forest Park mayor, former City Councilwoman Mary Jane Goss and current Councilman and Deputy Mayor Dwight Thompson. The third candidate, Stan Lippmann, has not responded.

The three are running in the August 16 primary election, with the top two vote getters advancing to the November 8 general election,

Here is Candidate Mary Jane Goss’ statement:

“Our current city structure and its cost is a result of six years of inadequate governmental performance under Mayor Dave’s and Deputy Mayor Dwight Thompson’s control. It appears the Mayor believes the challenge of the 2013-2014 biennium budget rests in interesting the public to support less services with increased revenues (i.e. taxes) because of inflation. Government structure and its cost does not match residents needs for this small residential city. As Mayor, I will implement more creative solutions to maintain essential services while reshaping City administration and address the need to stimulate economic activity. The key is a change in attitude, and administration, to confront economic reality and fiscal needs while effectively utilizing our citizens’ ingenuity, and expertise for service with more satisfactory performance at a cost, which residents can afford.”

Here is Candidate Dwight Thompson’s statement:

“Over the last four years, the city has had to make difficult decisions that address the budget shortfall. We balanced citizen input with the realities of our limited resources. These cuts make it clear that we will need a strong mayor with administrative and executive experience, a mayor who can work in concert with the combined wisdom of our citizens, the Council, and City staff to bring about new creative solutions to the pressing need for quality city services. It is the provision of these services that is critical to a safe and livable Lake Forest Park. Although these cuts reduce some of our choices, they are necessary considering the economic pinch we are in, and I stand ready to take on the challenge if elected as the new mayor in 2012.”