|
|
 
Tanna Baker Candidate Survey
7/27/2011
Tanna Baker
1. What is your #1 priority in the coming term? Why are you running?
To promote commercial and retail development that create revenue streams and builds a stronger retail tax base.
I am running for City Council to ensure equal representation for the constituents in Ward 1.
2. In your opinion, what are Anacortes’ main issues going forward?
Traffic and Transportation issues are at the top of my list. I would like to see a Transportation Center that could include SKAT, a taxi stand/call box, the airporter, and a school bus drop off and pick up. We could develop a downtown parking area for events, shopping and WSF visitors.
3. What is your vision for Anacortes and how might that be best achieved?
My vision for Anacortes is one of a more bicycle/pedastrian friendly community. A vision that encourages tourism and allows opportunities for new business owners to be welcome to start their business in our city as well as supporting our established local business core.
4. How do you feel that local business interests, especially those of small business, have been represented by local government? What would you change?
I feel that local business interests are not always given the necessary attention that they deserve. I would suggest we work for better integration with other governments and agencies to achieve coordination efficiencies. Communicate with our local businesses and industries to develop a path for them to suggest policies they would like to see local government implement.
5. What other comments relevant to your candidacy would you like to offer?
I believe in the electoral process. If my running for office sets an example for other community members for the future, it will have been worth it, regardless of the outcome. I do believe I am the best candidate for the Ward 1 seat on the City Council. I care about the direction that the future of Anacortes is headed. We need to promote "smart" growth policies to ensure that Anacortes continues to thrive as a waterfront community and that we are able to follow through when we suggest that people Coast In and Hang Out. Let's stop being a bus (ferry) stop to the islands and keep some of that revenue for ourselves instead of traveling through our town and out to the other islands.
Barbara Rogers Candidate Survey
7/27/2011
Barbara Rodgers
1. What is your #1 priority in the coming term? Why are you running?
To represent the residents of Ward 1 as their elected voice on the City Council. The makeup of Ward 1 is complex as it contains residential neighborhoods, commercial business district, urban renewal property, shoreline areas, marinas and the Port of Anacortes. The residents of this Ward can be impacted by decisions made in all these areas. I am running to promote and continue open and honest dialogue between city government and the taxpaying citizens.
2. In your opinion, what are Anacortes' main issues going forward?
To maintain the budget and make priority changes in order to remain financially on track, land use issues and maintaining the quality of services to our residents. We also have several issues yet to be voted on by Council. To encourage more retail opportunities for an increase in revenue to the city as well as shopping convenience for residents. Too much revenue is lost by shopping dollars spent elsewhere.
3. What is your vision for Anacortes and how might that be best achieved?
First and foremost to maintain the quality of life and the natural surroundings that make Anacortes a great place to live. The fact that we have an involved community helps achieve that goal. Second, to attract business sectors that would benefit the community. A good example is our excellent health facilities which are currently expanding. Construction has begun on a new Medical Arts Pavilion at Island Hospital and recently the Sleep Center at 22nd and O, and a new Orthopedic clinic on Commercial Ave. These facilities provide much needed services to the community and create well paying jobs. Also, continued cooperation with the Port of Anacortes in its effort to expand its revenue stream and create jobs.
4. How do you feel that local business interests, especially those of small business, have been represented by local government? What would you change?
I felt that the best way to answer that question was to go in the local shops and ask the owners. I told them their answers would remain anonymous so they could answer frankly. All had no complaints that they shared with me. In my opinion it seems the City is supportive of the businesses and supportive of the Chamber. The flower baskets they maintain in the summer, the lighting at Christmas, the Festivals
and events throughout the year all support the downtown business district.
5. What other comments relevant to your candidacy would you like to offer?
My executive experience in the business world at the local and corporate level. I managed the local branch of Washington Federal Savings and have 28 years dealing with the public, acquiring good interpersonal skills and problem solving ability. I have experience with builders and developers, both onsite and financial analysis of the projects. I have knowledge of contracts, cost estimates and determination of viable projects. I generated millions of dollars worth of loans locally and could see first hand the benefits to the community. Contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, landscapers, title companies, appraisers and building permits from the City. A portion of the wages and salaries from each of these was spent locally. It was very gratifying.
Ryan Walters Candidate Survey
7/27/2011
Ryan Walters
campaign 360-610-7770
1. What is your #1 priority in the coming term? Why are you running?
My highest priority in the next four years is to build better communication and trust between city government and everyone who lives and works in Anacortes. An important way we can do that is to work with residents, business owners, and other city officials to develop a clear, unambiguous zoning and land use policy--which is also the key to attracting new business to our city.
2. In your opinion, what are Anacortes’ main issues going forward?
The three main issues I've identified are (1) protecting our neighborhoods through clear zoning rules, (2) reinvigorating Commercial Ave and developing our waterfront, and (3) improving communication between the city and its residents and business owners. Reforming our zoning and land use code is the key to attracting family-wage jobs and to protecting what is for most people their most important investment: their home.
We need to attract the types of business and development that are compatible with the character of our unique community and that will sustain our way of quality of life. Although Anacortes is a very attractive tourist destination, we need to keep a broader economic base, including more retail and service offerings so we can keep more tax revenue on our side of the bridge. The Chamber is engaged in several interesting efforts to attract and keep businesses that are compatible with and would support our community, and the city should support those efforts.
3. What is your vision for Anacortes and how might that be best achieved?
A key goal of the Anacortes Futures Project is to "retain the small town, working waterfront character of the city." That's my vision as well, but we can do more than that--we can create a diverse, vibrant waterfront community that celebrates its natural beauty. We can encourage a variety of housing types, styles, and prices downtown so that we draw residents into our business district and create excitement about our central core. The best way to achieve that vision is through sound land use policies that make it easy for development that's consistent with our community's vision to locate and build here.
4. How do you feel that local business interests, especially those of small business, have been represented by local government? What would you change?
I’ve made a point of going out and speaking with some of the merchants along Commercial Avenue, and I intend to continue that outreach both as I campaign and if elected once I am on the City Council. Maintaining our local business is critical to maintaining the character of our community. It is critical in terms of tax revenues, job creation, and maintaining the quality of life that's the reason we all live here. We must listen to the concerns of small business owners and City officials must engage in a dialogue with them.
I have heard repeatedly during these conversations that small business owners feel overlooked by City officials, and I’d like to change that perception. Although the council’s primary function is policy-making, the Council, working with the Mayor, can direct City departments to be more responsive to the concerns of small businesses.
5. What other comments relevant to your candidacy would you like to offer?
I am dedicated to the principle of open government. Government officials clearly don't have all the answers, and government works best when it's informed by a diverse set of viewpoints that are sorted out in the marketplace of ideas. I'll work hard to build trust in city government by clarifying rules, streamlining processes, clearly explaining positions, actively listening to concerns, and always being open about what the city is planning and doing. Please learn more on my website at www.ryanwalters.com, and feel free to ask me questions or ask to meet.
|
|
