Introductory statement from an LFP Council candidate

Lake Forest Park City Council candidates Edgar Escandar and Mark Phillips are running for the position that Councilman Don Fiene now holds.

Here is a statement on campaign issues from Phillips:

Mark Phillips

Mark Phillips

I believe informed citizens are essential to a fully functioning city government. I’ve been surprised by how many of the people I’ve met while campaigning feel “in the dark” about civic matters in Lake Forest Park.

Effective communication from city hall is especially important because it is the means by which we work together on all the other issues that concern us. There are inexpensive steps the city can take right now to be better connected with the public.

We can publicize the electronic news services the city provides, and sign-up more residents. We could easily produce short, readable quarterly reports and post them on the website. What actions have been taken? What matters are coming up?

The council has agreed in principle to broadcast their meetings on our public access channel or via the city’s website – let’s move ahead with that.

Next year’s comprehensive plan update presents a special opportunity to creatively reach out to as many residents as possible and directly involve them in guiding Lake Forest Park’s future.

If I’m elected, I will pursue these and other ways to make information about local government activities more accessible, and provide more opportunities for citizen participation.