Letter to the Editor: Deep concerns about re-electing Doris McConnell

To the Editor:

I have deep concerns about re-electing Doris McConnell to another term in City Council. I follow Council minutes, and my initial impression was that McConnell was not an active participant in the Council. A deeper dive showed that in 2018, the Council took over 100 votes, but McConnell missed over 20% of them. Compared to any other Councilmember, this number is staggering. According to records, she didn't vote on the 2019 budget and amendments to the 2018 budget, nor did she call in for those votes. For the 2019-20 budget, she did not submit a single question during three months of review. Similarly, she did not submit any questions for the 2018 budget, and she was not present to vote on the 2018 budget or taxes.

When we consider the substantial changes that are inevitably coming to Shoreline, I want Councilmembers who are actively involved and listening to constituents. Does Doris McConnell stand for anything in particular? She has described herself as both a progressive and a moderate and seems to play to her audience for support. I was not encouraged by her endorsement by the 32nd LD Democrats, which was fueled by Janet Way and her vision of a Stagnant Shoreline. Change is coming, and growth must be overseen by a Council that envisions smart development rather than an unlivable, unwalkable, bedroom community.

David Chen has shown that he responds to public opinion and and has clear ideas for the direction of our beautiful city. He supports small business, traffic management, and public spaces. Chen will fight to ensure that middle class families and senior citizens won't be priced out of our city. Most importantly, he will be an active, eager, and responsive Councilmember. I urge you to vote for David Chen.

Corinna Sullivan
Shoreline (Ridgecrest)