The Bellingham Herald sent questionnaires to candidates for major offices in the November 2011 general election. Candidates answered the following questions in their own words.
These are unedited; candidates were limited to 300 words per question.
For quick links to each candidate's responses, click on their names below:
The election is Nov. 8. If you are not registered to vote in Washington, you can register in person at the Whatcom County Auditor's Office until Monday, Oct. 31.
If you are registered to vote but miss the deadline to update your address, you can still vote. Contact the county elections office where you are currently registered in order to obtain a ballot.
Elected office you seek: Nooksack City Council, Position 2
Age: 37
Education: Lynden High School; Pacific Lutheran University, bachelor of arts degree
Work experience: none given
Civic experience: none given
Q and A
Candidates answered the following questions in their own words. These are unedited; candidates were limited to 300 words per questions.
Would you ever consider a merger between Everson and Nooksack? Why or why not?
At this point in time I would not consider a merger of the two cities. I have spoken with residents of the city regarding this issue and all were against it. Beyond that, given the economic times we are faced with, I do not feel it is financially wise at this time. To undergo a merger would take a certain amount of capital. Any financial benefit, if any, from a merger would not be seen till later down the road. Our present funds need to be stretched as far as possible to focus on the basic needs of our community such as upgrading our aging water lines.
What are your hopes for growth in for Nooksack? How would you achieve them?
I personally am not interested in bringing huge growth to our city. I have seen large growth in many cities, including some in our county and have not liked the results. I believe people live in our city because if its size and the character and values that come with a smaller community.
With that said, I understand we are faced with the issue of growth. I believe it is an issue that needs to be done responsibly in a way that our community does not lose its values and character.
How would you work to increase sales tax revenues for the city?
I believe the most cost effective way to increase sales tax revenue is to promote and support businesses, whether it be new businesses or those already established. If business increases and is strong, then tax revenue will increase. As a city council member I would support business by promoting low business taxes. I would also stress removing any unnecessary permitting hurdles for new and already established businesses that wish to expand.
How would you make sure that Nooksack maintains its character and identity?
One of the most important issues Nooksack faces in the future is in the area of growth.
As future development is being approached, it needs to be done responsibly, without impacting the residents and the city's character. This can be done by not making half hazard decisions. Instead, decisions on growth need to be well thought out, using common sense, and not based on how quickly someone can make a dollar. Some areas in the county have given in to this quick dollar mentality when it came to growth and have lost much of their identity and values, as well as incurred ever increasing crime.
Other than the above, what do you think are the biggest issues facing Nooksack and how would you address them on City Council?
One of the biggest issues facing Nooksack is its aging water lines. Many of the 50-plus year old lines are made of metal and, as a result, are deteriorating. Others are smaller then they should be. There is concern that if these smaller lines experience too large of a draw they will collapse, such as when the fire department puts out a large fire.
What makes you the best candidate for the City Council position?
I was born and raised in the area and because of that I truly care about the community and how things are handled in our city's government. I believe in supporting the residents and allowing Nooksack to continue to be a good place to live. I also believe the city needs to be diligent in stretching its funds so that its citizens can keep more of their money in their pockets. This is needed more then ever in these difficult economic times.
Elected office you seek: Nooksack City Council, Position 2
Age: 48
Family: children Lexie, 26, Nathan, 17, Julia, 13.
Work experience: Commercial fishing 14 years, commercial marine insurance agent 10 years, accountant 16 years.
Civic experience: None
Email: peter.g.lubetich@hotmail.com
Q and A
Candidates answered the following questions in their own words. These are unedited; candidates were limited to 300 words per questions.
Would you ever consider a merger between Everson and Nooksack? Why or why not?
I would not consider revisting a merger between Nooksack and Everson in the near future. The ulitimate decision must be based on the overall benefit for the residents of Nooksack. The original financial costs would be high; ie, outside independant review, legal filings within the State, logistic changes such as duplicate street names, cost of re-elections of city government, and review of city ordinances which currently apply to one city but not the other. A merger to one city will not increase revenue from sales tax nor be an item to attract new commercial ventures. At this time, and based on incurring costs with not sight of benefit, I do not see a merger coming in to play.
What are your hopes for growth in for Nooksack? How would you achieve them?
My hopes for Nooksack is to grow as a family community. For several years our growth has been residential not commercial. Commercial growth will eventually occur, however will require monitoring as not to downgrade our way of life in this small community area. While commercial growth may increase revenue for our City, it will also increase noise, traffice, and general safety. I am not oposed to commercial growth, but would prefer smaller retail venues rather than large.
How would you work to increase sales tax revenues for the city? (No answer given).
How would you make sure that Nooksack maintains its character and identity? (No answer given).
Other than the above, what do you think are the biggest issues facing Nooksack and how would you address them on City Council?
Upcoming issues facing the City of Nooksack in the current economy are budgets that reflect our city priorities. There are many critical issues including managing growth and development, protecting our neighborhoods, preserving open space, and maintaining our roads due to development. It is important that these issues are prioritized and fiscally responsible.
What makes you the best candidate for the City Council position?
I am raising my children in the City of Nooksack and therefore plan to be here many years in to the future. My decisions will be what is best for the safety, growth, and appeal of this communtiy. I will be an advocate for all residents of the City of Nooksack. My background in corporate finance will focus on future budgets and expenditures for the economic survival of our communtiy in these trying times.
Elected office you seek: Nooksack City Council, Position 5
Age: 52
Family: wife Rebecca; daughters Teresa, 26, Maria, 24, Sarah 21, and son Matthew, 17.
Education: high school
Work experience: sales manager, Central Welding Supply
Civic experience: chairman, Bellingham Technical College, Welding Advisory Committee; president, Nooksack Valley High School, Pioneer Athletic Club.
Email: msj210@aol.com
Q and A
Candidates were asked to answered the following questions in their own words. Marshall Judy did not provide answers.
Would you ever consider a merger between Everson and Nooksack? Why or why not?
What are your hopes for growth in for Nooksack? How would you achieve them?
How would you work to increase sales tax revenues for the city?
How would you make sure that Nooksack maintains its character and identity?
Other than the above, what do you think are the biggest issues facing Nooksack and how would you address them on City Council?
What makes you the best candidate for the City Council position?
