Statements from two Shoreline City Council opponents

Incumbent Shoreline City Councilman Chris Roberts faces challenger Michael Javorsky in the only contested Shoreline Council position on the Nov. 5 ballot.

Here are statements from the two candidates on campaign issues:

Michael Javorsky

My goal is to aid the citizens of Shoreline with my knowledge of city government and my commitment to all Shoreline citizens. I want to make Shoreline a viable place for businesses to create family wage jobs that build strong communities. I will meet with all Shoreline citizens, build a viable coalition that will lead our community to strong, open government and a clear vision for the future.

I want to discuss the real community issues of family, jobs, safety and education. I want our city to aid its citizens in putting a roof over your head, food on the table, obtaining employment, health insurance coverage and early and post education for your family members regardless of age. Shoreline must provide for the peoples’ needs first and take care of administrative tasks only after the real needs of the community are met.

Shoreline is a great place to live, love, and raise a family.  I would be honored to serve you in this city, our city, the City of Shoreline.

Chris Roberts

The three most important issues facing Shoreline are hiring the City Manager, balancing Shoreline’s budget, and ensuring a strong business climate.

 Shoreline’s City Manager is in charge of the day-to-day operations of the City. The Manager provides strategic policy advice to the Council – from light-rail station-area planning to negotiations about Point Wells. In addition, the City Manager will need to integrate a new water utility into existing operations. It is imperative that we find a City Manager that brings out the best in Shoreline’s staff, thinks strategically about the challenges that face our City, and maintains the trust and confidence of Shoreline residents.

The second challenge facing the City is the budget. In 2010, Shoreline residents placed their trust in the Council to keep costs under control with their vote for a property-tax lid lift. We must continue to look for efficiencies in City operations, ensure stability in city finances, and advocate for sensible changes to State laws to protect and preserve vital services provided by municipalities.

Finally, we need to do more to celebrate, strengthen, and patronize our local businesses and restaurants. We accomplished a lot over the past four years and I am excited about Shoreline’s future.