Issue statement from an appointed Ronald Wastewater commissioner
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Appointed incumbent Shoreline Wastewater District Commissioner Richard Matthews is running in the Nov. 5 general election against engineer George Webster.
Matthews holds one of two positions created when the District Board expanded from three members to five in 2012. He and Webster are running for a full six-year term that begins at the end of the year, plus the last month of the term that Matthews holds by appointment. The other new position will appear on the 2015 ballot,
A full term for a continuing position also will be on this year’s ballot.
Here is an issue statement from Matthews:
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| Richard Matthews |
Richard Matthews
As Commissioner since August 2012, I have been an integral part of the effective management of the RWW system, and my legal background emphasizing real estate and business transactions has informed District decisions. My record demonstrates I have the experience and commitment needed to protect both ratepayers and the sanitary system.
The city would like to take over Ronald Wastewater without allowing voters to determine whether it will do a better job at lower cost. Some of its officials support another candidate who supports the city’s position but has virtually no prior civic involvement or service.
The RWW system is in good shape, and its management is transparent and accountable. As your advocate, I will oppose the city’s demand for increased control of our well-managed, locally controlled wastewater system prior to full disclosure of potential costs and future burdens upon our residents.
As a public servant answerable only to you and other Shoreline voters, I will continue as Commissioner to collaborate with all groups, including ratepayers, to protect the system we all depend upon, while engaging with city officials about the best ways to keep our rates low and the operation of all our facilities efficient and in good condition.
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2 comments:
Shoreline's sanitary sewer system is well-built, well-maintained and stable. It does not need improvement. It needs to be left alone. The same goes for the management of said system. The City of Shoreline on the other hand has its hands full. It is simultaneously trying to rehabilitate Aurora Square, prepare for Light Rail, and mitigate the Point Wells redevelopment. The last thing the City needs now is to second-guess our sewers. Leave well enough alone, for the time being anyway. Anyone who has played the game of Risk, knows what happens when you spread your armies too thin.
Unfortunately, the City is ambitious. It wants control of everything within reach. So the challenges facing Ronald Wastewater over the next term are predominately legal, not engineering. Mr. Matthews is eminently more qualified than his opponent to meet those challenges.
I often wonder and suspicious why someone has to post as anonymous. What are you hiding.?
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