Candidate statements: Lake Forest Park City Council

The Lake Forest Park City Council has three positions on the 2019 ballot.

In Council Position 2 Deputy Mayor Catherine Stanford is faced by challenger Lorri Bodi. Incumbent Phillippa Kassover, in Position 4, faces Brett Newsham. These races will be on the November ballot.

In Council Position 6, incumbent Tom French faces Justin Johnson and Tracy Furutani. With three candidates, this race is in the primary. The top two will face off in the general election.

The candidates in the primary were asked to answer the following question:

What do you think is the greatest challenge facing Lake Forest Park and what skills do you bring to the council to help meet these challenges?

TOM FRENCH

The biggest challenge we face in our city is the preservation of our natural environment and the small town character of LFP.

As a 50-year resident and as a City Council member, I have worked collaboratively with our citizens to improve our city code to ensure the preservation of our park-like setting and small town atmosphere.

I have advocated steadfastly for balanced improvements to our town center that are reflective of the community’s vision, which has been consistent for decades.

With the strong support of the community, I authored and guided passage of one of Washington’s most comprehensive plastics ordinances.

I also advocated for and helped facilitate the acquisition of more than seven acres of pristine natural forest to preserve for future generations.

Working together as neighbors, we can improve and ensure the preservation of our natural environment and community values to keep the “forest” in Lake Forest Park."

Website: www.electtomfrench.com/
Email: electtomfrench@gmail.com

JUSTIN JOHNSON

Email: jfjohnson12@gmail.com

Candidate did not respond

TRACY FURUTANI

I have asked many residents, "What brought you to Lake Forest Park?" They’ve said the wildlife, green spaces, streams, the non-urban nature of the close-knit community.

LFP is facing significant changes: ST-3, Town Center redesign, and additional traffic that will affect all our lives. "What do we want LFP to look like in the future?” This question is important because we have the ability to grow our city into the future we want to see if we work together as a community and government utilizing inclusive, transparent communication.

As a geologist, I have taught science and climate change issues for 25 years. Along with my experience as a business owner and union officer, I have the skills to represent our community and lead us toward a sustainable future that maintains our community values.

Change is inevitable. How we change is not. We can make a difference.

Join our campaign: tracyforlfp.org
Email: tracy@tracyforlfp.com