EVERETT — City Councilwoman Liz Vogeli has a challenger from businessowner Marian LaFountaine on the ballot.
Vogeli, who is an outspoken advocate for social rights and addressing homelessness, won election last fall for the remaining year on a vacant council seat.
LaFountaine is running because she is concerned about public safety, economic growth and blight.
Both candidates live in South Everett, meaning voting for either one wouldn’t create a geographic shift on council. When council districts begin in 2021, geographic representation concerns in the city may be less pointed as an issue.
Ballots are due Nov. 5.
The Tribune conducted a five-question interview by email, and here are the candidates’ answers:
The city is working to address a long-term budget deficit while trying to maintain quality of life for citizens. What suggestions might you give toward balancing the budget?
Vogeli: We need to encourage new forms of revenue, whether that is encouraging legitimate businesses to expand their footprint or identifying what industries are missing from the picture and working to recruit them. We must always base these decisions on the impact to our public safety and quality of life. I am confident that we are doing much of this already and we must continue to listen to the needs of both our residents and the business community so that we don’t miss out on the right opportunities when they are presented. Our codes and our requirements must allow for these efforts if we really hope to solve our budget issues.
LaFountaine: We need to make Everett a more attractive location for retail and other businesses to move to so we can increase our sales tax collection which would help lower the budget deficit, bring jobs to our city, and overall be a huge win for Everett.
What do you want to see Everett do in, say, the next three years – and how will you help make this happen?
Vogeli: I want our city to prosper, and there are many things I would like to see. If I were to pick the number one thing on the list it would be for Everett to have a comprehensive plan for housing within the city. Staff is working diligently on this very topic and I am helping by listening to the people’s ideas and bringing in new information that some may not have thought about during my housing roundtables. We need all sorts of housing, in all shapes and sizes, for all our residents.
LaFountaine: Engage the community on a higher level to come up with ideas around what “One Everett” means to them and what that would look like as it pertains to Everett. The purpose is to create a real framework that could create a better understanding of what the community wants so we can make better decisions on behalf of the citizens.
In your view, what are Everett’s largest priorities?
Vogeli: Everett’s largest priorities are public safety, housing and jobs/economic stability.
LaFountaine: The most significant is public safety! Every citizen and their families should have a safe community that they can thrive in. Enticing businesses back to Everett which would lower the budget deficit, and hopefully keep from raising property taxes for property owners.
What steps would you suggest Everett take to fill empty spaces downtown?
Vogeli: I would love to have an inventory of vacant buildings. With that we can see what types of issues there are with code and then help encourage (owners), through legislation, for those buildings to get up to code or (be) sold to an entity that will begin utilizing the space. Four floors and a corner store, multi-use additions that coalesce with current historic features.
LaFountaine: I would need to know the make up or ownership of the empty space to answer this question fully, but the city council and commercial property owners should work together to find a reasonable solution to this issue so that these empty spaces can be filled with businesses moving back to Everett.
What should people understand about your methods as a leader which they may not be aware of?
Vogeli: I am very interested in hearing what people have to say. Hearing the pro’s and con’s of any issue or idea helps me get a full picture of the situation in order to make an informed decision. You will find that I am straightforward and honest and quite keen on research and data. I don’t pretend to have all the answers but I know how to get answers. I believe in open and honest discussion in a respectful environment. I would like to continue having round table discussions on key topics in the city. I am currently convening monthly housing roundtables.
LaFountaine: I lead through coaching, and I possess one of the most overlooked leadership skills: listening to understand. Listening is essential as it helps to focus on building community strength, a better understanding of community needs and adequately assists in planning for the next steps in solving ANY problem.
