Letter to the Editor: Janet Way is exactly the leader Shoreline needs
Friday, November 4, 2011
To the Editor:
Janet Way is exactly the leader Shoreline needs. She’ll restore the priorities that did so much to set Shoreline on the right track when she was on the City Council.
Janet Way is independent, creative, analytical and forward-looking, devoted to safe, healthy and livable neighborhoods, with essential and reasonable regulations on development to preserve these neighborhoods and our natural environment while encouraging appropriate economic growth. Janet has been a successful, innovative promoter of these efforts, both on and off the Council, for many years.
Unlike her opponent (incumbent Doris McConnell), Janet Way respects and encourages Public Comment during council meetings, whereas Doris has voted to restrict Public Comment, even saying at one meeting that public comment was not important because “we have all made up our minds before we get here”.
McConnell is arguably the least qualified candidate and the most mean-spirited on the campaign trail where she flings about nasty unsupportable innuendos concerning her opponent, and has the backing of some of Shoreline’s most irresponsible practitioners of vicious electoral lies and other dirty-tricks.
Doris falsely claims repeatedly that she brought civility to council discussion, her major talking point. The fact is that Doris has rudely argued with persons testifying during Public Comment, even going so far as to accuse one of them of revealing “secret” information from a committee meeting that had actually been open to the public! Video records of the meetings attest to her own incivility.
Good governance requires vigorous pursuit of fact-based solutions, one of Janet Way’s major contributions to council discussions and decision-making.
We definitely need Janet Way back on the Shoreline City Council. Those who respect honest dealing and dedication to the public interest should make sure to get their ballots mailed by November 8, marked in favor of Janet Way for Position 4.
Elaine Phelps
Shoreline
Posts
8 comments:
Councilmember McConnell talks alot about bringing civility to the Council, but I wonder if she really follows her own advice.
In her first mailing of the campaign, instead of touting her accomplishments, she ran a tough comparative piece against her opponent. Then, on November 2, she posted a comment on Shoreline Patch claiming that Jesse Salomon's "hitting below the belt" last campaign mailer is the same style of "dirty politics" that plagues Shoreline elections. I would prefer that or candidates run on their records, but publicly smear the name of a Councilmember, a Democratic organization, and a private citizen does not seem to be acting civilly or rising "above the divisiveness" of Shoreline as she mentions on her website.
What her supporters say about Janet is even worse. I received an email that said that Janet was "rude and disrespectful" to ask that she be sworn in to office after her election to the City Council, despite the fact that "she was absolutely correct" in wanting to be sworn in.
I had high hopes for Doris McConnell when she was first elected. Despite serving for years in office, the Municipal League rated her "adequate" in 2010 for her run for the State Legislature. Adequate: "has provoked questions about suitability as an office holder."
We need a fighter for Richmond Beach and Shoreline in dealing with Point Wells. Janet has my vote.
Yes, Janet Way is a "liberal". She's a Democrat and cares about people. But she is also very pragmatic and this election is not about Liberal, Conservative, Democrat or Republican. It is non-partisan.
It is about who is going to stand up for these communities, especially for Richmond Beach most effectively.
We need someone who is going to scrutinize and do their best at determining what the staff is really doing. And determining what is really what the people want.
This election is not about old labels, or old news. It is about Shoreline's future and it is about NOW.
How ironic that this incredibly negative letter is complaining about negative campaigning. The writer is a hypocrite.
Ms. Way has made some unethical choices with her involvement in 'secret meetings' that cost the City hundreds of thousands of dollars in attorneys' fees. See http://www.seattlewebfeat.com/shoreline/lawsuit1.html for the story, including her deposition.
Syre Wildcat notes that the Municipal League ratings in last year's legislative election listed Doris McConnell as "adequate," its next to lowest rating, but he also should note that this year Janet Way got the: adequate: rating for the City Council election while Doris McConnell was rated "good."
Syre Wildcat notes that the Municipal League ratings in last year's legislative election listed Doris McConnell as "adequate," its next to lowest rating, but he also should note that this year Janet Way got the "adequate" rating for the City Council election while Doris McConnell was rated "good."
Everyone know that the Muni-League ratings are an "inside job". They vary from year to year and are sometimes bizarre. What they really want is electeds who will just go along with all developers schemes and not challenge the dominent paradigm.
The question is for Shoreline, "Who is going to really fight for Shoreline neighborhoods and especially Richmond Beach?"
Ms McConnell has shown no propensity to fight for the community, has no ideas on anything, and Shoreline voters deserve someone who will really be willing to challenge assumptions, not just rubber-stamp whatever staff wants.
If you ever attended a Shoreline City Council meeting when Janet Way was on the council, you witnessed the frustration other council members experienced trying to work (and understand) Janet Way. She couldn't formulate a coherent question and stated once that she does her best thinking while she's talking. Her method of leadership was stalling which cost the city many opportunities for positive growth. Then, Janet Way was voted out of office due to her dishonest behavior (see the link provided above by Carol Solle). Doris McConnell is by far the best choice in this election!
Post a Comment