Lake Forest Park City Council, Position 1

Alan Kiest

Age: 60

Residence: Lake Forest Park

Marital/family status: Married with son attending Shorecrest High School.

Education: Bachelor of Arts, University of Puget Sound; Master of Public Administration, Evans School, University of Washington; Associate Business Continuity Professional, Disaster Recovery Institute International

Occupation: Operations manager, King Eastside Community Services Office (in Bellevue), Dept. of Social and Health Services

Question 1: How will you address ethics, accountability and transparency in city government?

All of my colleagues know I am true to my word. There has never been any question of that during my service to the city. I will never, for example, make an announcement to the public of my intentions to run or not run for re-election and then, without any correction, do the opposite of what I have said. And my campaign reports to the Public Disclosure Commission are complete and timely. Our city should adopt a formal code of ethics for both staff and elected officials. It would be in the best interests of staff to have clear guidelines.

Question 2: How do you envision managing the city’s budget deficit without putting the financial burden on your constituents?

This is a core position of my campaign. I have been willing to take the political pressure resulting from my opposition to further taxes in 2009/2010 without a vote of the people. An average household pays over $1,600 per year for municipal city, fire and library services now. I resisted the mayor’s proposal for a 20 percent property tax increase for 2010. I have also resisted his proposals to enact a sewer tax in the LFP Sewer District and to double the tax on electricity.

Question 3: How will you foster and deepen regional, city and community communications?

I will continue my work with United Way to develop increased funding for people suffering from the economy. This is now in place. I helped initiate the McAleer Creek regional watershed Forum to address drainage issues and supported a similar initiative for the Lyon Creek basin. I have had discussions with Shoreline council members to develop options to save the Cedarcrest open space. I worked with our volunteer citizens to initiate the popular city Web site and supported upgrading our software to provide online services for citizens and businesses. I support the ”Map My Neighborhood” program to strengthen our communities.

Question 4: How will you help the city to support developing a sound economy?

I have supported the multiuse zoning now in place that gives a creative option for the redevelopment of Town Center. Two years ago I supported the council’s update of the home business regulations. More should be done here, including an expansion of the allowable square footage used by the business. Also, I’m mindful that businesses don’t get to vote on property tax levies. So I believe the council should deliver increased efficiencies during these hard economic times and trim non-core services before proposing increases to the property tax, electricity tax or sewer tax.

Sandy Koppenol

Age: 42

Residence: Lake Forest Park, 11 years

Marital/family status: Single

Education: Post-doctoral (University of WA), PhD and MS: Pharmacy (University of WI), BS: Pharmacy (Philadelphia College of Pharmacy)

Occupation: Pharmaceutical scientist/consultant and Pharmacist

Question 1: How will you address ethics, accountability and transparency in city government?

A consistent voice for citizen input and government transparency, I championed council accountability to citizen commissions by requiring council liaisons for all commissions. I serve on the Community Services Commission and recently, I sponsored two commission initiated resolutions. Commission meetings are open to the public and encourage an open dialogue with city staff and the council representative.

Due to the loss of the Enterprise, I support a re-evaluation of the frequency and format of the Town Crier and other low-cost communication tools such as electronic document delivery. I require direct communication with residents on city projects that affect select neighborhoods.

Question 2: How do you envision managing the city’s budget deficit without putting the financial burden on your constituents?

The city needs to more efficient than ever while still providing the high quality of services that the citizens need and deserve. Where gaps exist, the city has used and should continue to consider the use of its “rainy day reserves.”

The city has an obligation to provide a safety net for its citizens in crisis. I will fight to maintain access to programs such as the Senior Center and programs that serve LFP’s special needs populations and low-income youth. These programs help our citizens to get access to food, transportation and positive, healthy interactions that directly impacts people’s lives.

Question 3: How will you foster and deepen regional, city and community communications?

I am strongly committed to my appointment as council liaison to the Community Services Commission which provides input to the development of public policy in the areas of human services, parks and recreation, and public safety. This group has proven itself to be an effective portal for the communication of citizens concerns directly to the floor of the council chambers. At the regional level, I am LFP’s representative to the Public Issues Committee. This committee gives our city a voice at the county level. I expect to expand my regional involvement to make a difference for the city.

Question 4: How will you help the city to support developing a sound economy?

The city has shown flexibility with changes in the economic landscape. However, more can be done. The city must work with Towne Centre management to create a green and economically competitive environment. I will continue to support changes to home-based business legislation made in my term and advocate for more progressive legislation that fosters business growth and positive interactions with the community. I will challenge the city administration to work with local jurisdictions to conserve resources and eliminate duplication. In addition, I will continue to network with elected officials in neighboring cities to identify areas where we can work together.