By Polly Keary, Editor
With one month left to campaign, candidates are in full election mode, visiting forums, knocking on doors and sending mailers out by the thousand.
Running for one of three contested seats on the Monroe City Council are Kurt Goering and Dan Williams, who are running for the two-year, at-large position.
Kurt Goering, 44, has served almost six years on the council already. Because there is an eight-year term limit on council members, he can only serve two more. That is why, instead of running to keep the seat he already holds, he filed to seek the at-large position currently held by Kevin Hanford, who is now running for a four-year seat.
Goering has lived in Monroe with his family since 1998, holds a bachelor's degree in geography and social science and did graduate work in geographic system and urban planning at the University of Washington. Professionally, he has worked for 22 years in the private sector, in cartography, business management, software and system design at AT&T and Microsoft.
His opponent, Dan Williams, is new to city politics. He has a bachelor's degree from Penn State in finance, and is an Army veteran. He recently retired as a commercial airline pilot.
Kurt Goering
1. How would you describe the job of the city council in Monroe, and what is the job of the city council person within that larger role?
I believe the overall role of the city council is to represent the city residents in the city's business, enact legislation for the mayor and city staff to enforce, provide a city budget that is balanced both on paper and in reality, cast vision for the future and look out for the city's best interests.
I believe it is the responsibility of each individual council member to understand how our city government works, to always be approachable, to listen and act on citizen concerns, be well-prepared for the business at hand and always have a vision for the future of the city in mind.
2. In what ways is Monroe doing well, and in what ways could the city improve?
The city's success from focusing on economic development is a bright spot in an otherwise poor economy. The positive results from hiring an Economic Development Manager are undeniable and quite literally "in the bank." Thanks to an unwavering focus on making Monroe an attractive place to do business, we now have new businesses, new employment opportunities, funded reserves and are millions of dollars less in debt, all without raising property taxes. Additionally, the customer service culture at City Hall is vastly improved.
Now that the city is on firm financial standing, an improved focus is needed on finding funding for the city's list of transportation improvements.
3. What is the single most critical issue that you wish to tackle on the council?
I believe providing for the city's future through economic sustainability is the most critical issue the city faces. When our city's economy is healthy and thriving, everyone benefits. As Monroe becomes more business friendly, a financial gain for the city is realized, and the burden of government is lessened on the residents. The city has spent the last four years getting out of the financial mess from the previous administration and did it without raising taxes. Enacting policies that ensure Monroe is an attractive place for businesses to locate, for housing to be built and for families to live creates economic stability and sustainability.
4. How can Monroe go about attracting the kinds of businesses that citizens want (bowling alley, alternative grocery store like Trader Joe's, etc.) and that could encourage other businesses and people to move here?
Solving this problem is why the council created the role of the Economic Development Manager. We've seen success so far attracting new development and businesses that also create jobs, such as Natural Factors in the Fryelands Industrial Park. Making sure the city has as much available commercially-developable land as possible is key to making potential investors take notice. The council's role is to create policies that help Monroe promote itself, be marketable and attractive. I've personally reached out to Trader Joe's a number of times. Some businesses will simply choose to locate elsewhere.
5. Are our mitigation fees too high or too low? Does development pay its share of costs, or do our fees keep developers out?
From an overall standpoint, each mitigation fee the city charges needs to be evaluated (school, traffic, etc.). I don't believe that we should be afraid to raise or lower fees, whichever fee it may be, to make Monroe as attractive as possible for new businesses and housing. The city needs to be agile and be able to adjust to changing markets to stay viable and attractive. We're competing with many other cities for new businesses, housing and capital investment. Ultimately the market will determine whether the city's fees are too high or not. We should not be afraid to respond to changing markets.
6. What are ways the city can help facilitate a healthy business district in the downtown?
I believe that the Federal EB-5 program is a very viable vehicle through which to attract capital investment dollars and related jobs for downtown Monroe. This program is designed to stimulate economic activity and job growth. The city has looked into this program previously as part of a potential public-private partnership for re-development and enhancement of First Air Field. I believe that Monroe could make a case for marketing itself as a potential EB-5 Regional Center, attracting investment, with the added bonus of implementing the Downtown Master Plan.
7. As the economy improves, and with Walmart coming in, it is likely that the city will start to get a little more revenue in coming months. A lot of cutbacks were made through the recession; where should Monroe direct new revenue first?
With Monroe finally back-on-track financially, the city must remain economically viable. The failed policies of the past must not be repeated. After the city's current services and reserves are funded, I believe the wisest course of action is to pay off the remaining debt from North Kelsey, to fully fund the Police Department and fund the city's list of traffic improvements. I have met a number of residents who have been a victim of a recent crime. They appreciate our Police Department and want to ensure they have the tools they need to protect our community. We also need better East-West road connections through town. Taking care of these items can positively affect the city's bottom line.
8. What would you like Monroe citizens to know about you?
I am truly honored to serve as a city council member. My family is proud to call Monroe home since 1998. We love this town! From worship to shopping to community service - we do it all here. We're advocates for local activities, businesses and special-needs children. What matters in this election is a record of proven leadership, common-sense decision-making and a dedication to fiscal responsibility, which is what I offer as a council member. Monroe needs approachable leaders with vision, who are willing to make tough decisions to improve our quality of life. I am that leader. I would be honored to serve Monroe in this way again.
Dan Williams
1. How would you describe the job of the city council in Monroe, and what is the job of the city council person within that larger role?
The number one job of the city council is to uphold the ordinances of the city of Monroe using the powers of the council which are set out in RCW34A.11.020, and listed on the city website. Also, the council needs to be receptive to the ideas and opinions of our citizens. Each council member should make sure that the citizens have a chance to be heard, and that their concerns are given consideration.
2. In what ways is Monroe doing well, and in what ways could the city improve?
Monroe has so much potential that is not being realized by the current council. We can improve so much by listening to our citizens.
3. What is the single most critical issue that you wish to tackle on the council?
The most critical issue in this city is alienating of our citizens. As council members we need to bridge the gap, and create an atmosphere that makes each citizen feel part of our government.
4. How can Monroe go about attracting the kinds of businesses that citizens want (bowling alley, alternative grocery store like Trader Joe's, etc.) and that could encourage other businesses and people to move here?
Monroe has had a visioning process where citizens and the government set out guidelines for the type of business and development which were clearly set. These guidelines should be enhanced and then followed. Businesses like to know they can depend on ordinances to be upheld so they have a clear vision of the type of community they are investing in.
5. Are our mitigation fees too high or too low? Does development pay its share of costs, or do our fees keep developers out?
Our mitigation fees must be constantly monitored to ensure that development pays its fair share so that costs do not fall upon the taxpayers of Monroe.
6. What are ways the city can help facilitate a healthy business district in the downtown?
The city can facilitate a healthy business district in our downtown by working with property owners and businesses to enhance the area, and make it a vibrant destination. The current council has allowed Walmart to come into the city, which has the potential to damage some of our existing businesses. Council should consider dedicating some tax dollars generated by Walmart to enhance our downtown area with landscaping and parking. This will allow us to add back to the community by giving our small business owners a better chance to compete.
7. As the economy improves, and with Walmart coming in, it is likely that the city will start to get a little more revenue in coming months. A lot of cutbacks were made through the recession; where should Monroe direct new revenue first?
All of our city departments including the police and fire departments must be reviewed to be sure they have the budgets and the personnel they need to provide our citizens with service.
8. What would you like Monroe citizens to know about you?
I would like the citizens of Monroe to know that I have their best interests at heart. I have no connection to special interest groups, and am not a "polished" politician. I have frequently attended our city council meetings, and know we can do better. I hope people will contact me; I promise that if I am elected they will have a voice on city council.
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