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Health & Fitness

Grass Roots Democracy

Democracy works when citizens are involved.

This past Thursday evening, the Tillicum/ Woodbrook Neighborhood Association gave meaning to democracy at work by hosting a forum where Bryan Thomas and I – your two candidates for Lakewood City Council, Position 5 – spoke to a number of important issues.

The association’s questions on the business classification of bikini drive-thru coffee stands, the Lakewood Police Department’s Use of Force Policy, and a number of revenue raising measures to maintain the city’s roads fostered a lively discussion.

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What follows are my thoughts.

I would work to classify bikini barista drive-thru coffee stands as sexually oriented businesses.

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Better yet, I would like to see them forced out of business through economic competition.

I think such businesses degrade the wholesome and family friendly atmosphere Lakewood needs to attract the economic capital and job creation it needs to grow.

With regards to the Lakewood Police Department, I respect the men and women who put on that blue uniform and gold badge.  These individuals risk their lives to protect law-abiding citizens from those who choose to act outside the law.

That said, I think the LPD must be transparent with regard to its policies on the use of deadly force. Trust is vital in maintaining a healthy relationship between the citizens and their police officers.

And last, the major topic of discussion centered on how the city might go about the challenge of paying for road maintenance.

In other words, we talked about your tax dollars.

To begin, I think Lakewood’s citizens should vote on any future tax increases.

In general, I do not support a property tax increase; I do not support raising the gambling tax; I do not support an increase of the utility tax; and I do not support an increase in car license tab fees. 

What I do support is an ambitious  program of sustained economic growth in this city.

There are signs this is occurring. 

Currently, city staff members have met with 69 businesses representing 1564 employees. Ranging from retail services and restaurants to construction and manufacturing, the city is working to learn what works while promoting economic success.

Furthermore, city officials are working to  recruit 13 companies to locate to Lakewood.  If successful, this would represent a significant economic boost.

And last, the total building permit valuation for Lakewood this year (January thru August) is $60.1 million – a $22 million increase over last year’s permit valuation for the same time period.

These are indicators that Lakewood’s economy is beginning to improve, and this means increased tax revenue which the city can use to meet its obligations.

On the other hand, raising your taxes – and thereby reducing your spending ability - will slow economic growth.

Furthermore, the city’s budget should be examined for more savings from top-to-bottom and from bottom-to-top.  I also think the city’s business licensing procedures can be streamlined and modernized for more efficient and cost effective service.

Most importantly, my commitment to economic growth means working collaboratively with city employees, county and state officials, and private agencies to promote job creation, economic efficiencies and growth.

The work ahead of us will not be easy.  There are tough decisions ahead for the citizens – and its elected officials – to make.

I have stated repeatedly that I will listen to you.  I have also stated that I will work collaboratively with my council colleagues and City officials to meet these challenges.

To be clear, I will ask questions and require clear answers of those who spend your money; I will demand transparency of city officials; and I will be accountable to you, the voter.

Over the past several weeks, I have listened to many of you as you’ve talked about your hopes for this community.  I share those hopes, because like you I live here; I work here; and I now own a business (a family friendly, drive-thru coffee stand) here.

Lakewood is our home, and I want the privilege of making it better for all.

 

 

 

 


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