Letter to the Editor: An historical perspective on Councilmember Keith McGlashan’s record
Wednesday, October 25, 2017
Did you know the current site of the Shoreline Historical Museum, 18501 Linden Ave N, was once the site of a major controversy in Shoreline? Here’s what happened:
McGlashan and a partner proposed to redevelop the property. The City allowed the property to be rezoned so the project could move forward. Then, McGlashan and company changed the proposal to add more stories. The proposed height and square footage increases required improved water infrastructure for firefighting, but McGlashan failed to consider the higher costs, which, combined with the recession, ended his plans. McGlashan filed for bankruptcy.
As far as I know, McGlashan did not overtly try to influence City Staff, but he did not have to. The fact he was a Council member was enough to influence decisions by the Shoreline Planning Department and fellow Councilmembers. They approved everything he requested over the vocal opposition of citizens, who objected to the project’s size and location. Was this a conflict of interest?
The City Council has since up-zoned vast areas to force land use changes around the two Sound Transit stations to be built in Shoreline, in spite of strong citizen opposition. Did you know McGlashan studied for his broker’s license while voting on the zoning changes? Every real estate transaction generates income for the broker involved. McGlashan is now a broker. Is McGlashan hoping to cash in after supporting the upzones?
Do you want a City Government run for and by real estate interests and developers?
McGlashan failed to listen to us about the Museum Property development or about the upzones. Is there any reason to believe he will listen in the future?
If you want a City Government run for the community it is elected to serve - Jin-Ah is listening.
Wendy DiPeso
Shoreline
Note: Keith McGlashan rebuttal letter here
Wendy DiPeso correction letter here
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3 comments:
This is exactly the kind of thinking that got Kshama Sawant elected to the Seattle City Council - "she'll stand up against real estate developers".
That sounds great, but what the voters didn't realize is that it was just a small part of a much larger radical agenda, and the rest of that agenda is ruining Seattle - demonizing law enforcement, prioritizing vagrants over tax-paying homeowners, normalizing criminal behavior, taxing businesses out of existence, ruining neighborhoods with HALA upzones for "affordable housing", and forcing landlords to rent to felons.
Is this what we want for Shoreline?
Wendy Dipeso is accusing the entire 6 member council and 7 member planning commission of nepotism. All 13 people corrupt, and not one dissenter- seriously?
Real estate agents are a vital part of connecting our new families and old folks to the right houses. With 100's of Realtors in Shoreline, how can you accuse one person of benefitting when there is the possibility of a little more housing stock? More housing stock will stabilize prices and reduce sales commissions, lowering the realtor's income.
Or is Wendy still bitter that she only got 7% of the vote when she ran for city council against Keith McGlashan? Keep the deceit and revenge to yourself please Wendy.
Regardless of Wendy de Peso's failed run against Keith McGlashan he is still not suited for the position, and she is a clear-thinking and articulate member of the community. Keith McGlashan does not represent the residence of Shoreline. He places his own interests and financial gain above his obligations to serve the community. I am posting as anonymous because I do not think this is a safe environment for free expression.
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