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:
Pos. 1
Pos. 2
Pos. 3
Pos. 4
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: Ferndale City Council Position 1
Age: 41
Family: wife Sandy; sons Anthony, 14, Thomas, 13, Timothy, 6.
Education: two years associates degree
Work experience: 16 years as a federal law enforcement officer
Civic experience: four years as a Ferndale City Councilman; served on all Ferndale standing council committees; council liaison to several different community groups; two years president of the Community Coordinating Association; member of the following civic groups (within the last five years): The Knights of Columbus, Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Ferndale Downtown Development Association, Economic Viability Steering Committee, Ferndale Economic Commission.
Email: smalpezzi@comcast.net
Q and A
Candidates answered the following questions in their own words. These are unedited; candidates were limited to 300 words per questions.
Do you support the city's decision to commit $1.25 million to a new library?
Yes. I have been a longtime supporter of our library system here in Ferndale. It is a citywide amenity which is heavily used and needed. I believe the current, temporary; location turned out nicely and will serve the community well.
There are many things that are working well, such as the additional parking and the open floor space design. The library has also had the opportunity to create new partners with other Pioneer Park stakeholders; like: the Boys and Girls Club, Heritage Society, Old Settlers Association, and the Senior Center. The temporary location has some fault too. There is no air conditionally, and they regularly saw temperatures in the 80's during the summer months. The meeting space is inadequate and services suffer. The temporary Library also lacks an automatic door, which restricts access to the handicap.
I look forward to the continuing efforts of the Ferndale Friends of the Library, the Whatcom County Library System, and the Whatcom Community Foundation and their coordinated efforts with the City in bringing a new library to Ferndale in the near future.
Are you concerned about the city's debt load? If so, what would you do about it if elected to the City Council?
Absolutely, I would work toward stopping the borrow and spend mentality we are experiencing here in Ferndale. Our general obligation debt has increased over 600 percent in the last 4 years. And our debt capacity is nearly maxed out - 70 percent. In 2007, our General Obligation debt was below 2 million and is estimated to be almost 12 million by years end. Many of our revenues are down double digits. Our capital reserves are running very low - well below our own set financial policies - and nearly depleted. Our City Administrator received a double digit (18 percent) single year raise, and our retirement accounts are dangerously low. However, all is well, because our City Finance Director, once again, is predicting a "Robust" economic recovery. First, it was late 2010, and then mind 11',' and now he continues to make similar predictions. I believe most citizens in Ferndale would be astonished and angered if they were aware of the current financial situation of our city. In today's economy, these numbers should concern anyone.
My solutions are quite simple. Government - at all levels - needs to live within their means. We need to stop the borrow and spend mentality we are experiencing here in Ferndale. We need to stop spending more than we bring in. The tax/fee burden should not unfairly be placed on our current residence. We need to capture more retail sales tax dollars by encouraging responsible growth. We need to attract more visitors and businesses - that pay living wage salaries - to Ferndale, create jobs, which allow people to live, work and play here in Ferndale.
I believe our down town core could use some help to become more vibrant. The city should be attracting new businesses, which complement our current inventory quality shops, restaurants, and stores. We should reduce over burdensome and (exceeded word limit).
Do you think large retail stores are appropriate for Ferndale? If so, where in the city should they be located?
The simple answer is: yes and within the appropriate zone. However, like things the answer is a bit more complicated. Ferndale has been dealing with growth and specifically large retail store(s) for quite some time. Two election cycles ago-when I was first elected - this topic was the top political topic. And it was one of the first items we (as the Council) dealt with after the elections. We dealt with it by passing the E.A.G.L.E. (Energy efficient, Advanced technology, Greater good, Low-impact, and Economic development) standards. It has remained an issue the Ferndale City Council has been dealing with off and on for the last four years.
I believe the free-market system of our great nation should be the determining factor if and when large retail locates here in Ferndale. Both the City and large retail store(s) have a role in this system.
The City's basic role is to make sure large retail stores do what they are required in order to locate here. These requirements are designed to lessen the negative impacts of the development has on the community. The community plays a major role in this process. Their role is to set forth and maintain a vision of their city. This is accomplished through a vision statement, which sets the ground work of what we would like our city to look like in the future. The city should help with this process by facilitating community meeting and maintain a record of the vision.
Currently, I believe the citizens of Ferndale would like to see additional retail options that are scaled in size and magnitude to our city. Slater Road and Grandview Road seem to be the populate locations for large retail store(s). Maintaining Ferndale's Small-Town Atmosphere has been my priority as a member of the Ferndale City Council.
How would you address Main Street congestion issues?
I can tell you what I would not do. I do not support the "lights out" plan, which was recently proposed by the city administration. This plan included literally turning of all traffic signals in the down town core and allowing the motorists and pedestrians to work it out for themselves.
The main issue with the congestion of Main Street, in the downtown core, is the lack of synchronized traffic signals. I would make the purchasing of updates signals a priority. I also belief other possibilities such as one-way streets, flashing yellows (at certain times), removing a light or two, and revised parking configurations warrant study and consideration.
Addressing the congestion at Washington Street and Vista Avenue would also alleviate the down town congestion.
How would you revitalize downtown Ferndale as a member of the City Council?
The downtown core has three key factors hindering its further success, in my opinion: restrictive development requirements, traffic/parking, and limited types of businesses.
Working directly with the development community and addressing the overly restrictive requirement would be a good place to start. The congestion should be dealt with be exploring different traffic solutions. We currently have a down town parking plan. We just need to implement it. And economic development needs to take a larger priority in Ferndale and specifically in the downtown core.
What is your stance on the proposed coal and bulk cargo facility at Cherry Point, which would increase the number of coal trains going through Ferndale?
I have not developed a definitive position on the bulk cargo facility at Cherry Point. The process is only in the beginning phases. Once the County issues an Environmental Impact Statement, everyone will have more information to develop a position. I have heard many good and many negative things about the project, but they are merely conjecture until additional information is available. I will say, I will fight for the best interests of Ferndale in dealing with this project as it develops in the coming years.
Other than the above issues, what is the most pressing issue for Ferndale and how would you address it if elected to the City Council?
I am asking to be re-elected for another four years. The City has made many recent improvements. However, our spending and future growth remains an area of challenge. Our City debt has drastically increased and raising taxes/fees seems to be the growing trend locally. I pledge to be a strong advocate against the current borrow and spend mentality and fight to maintain Ferndale's small-town atmosphere.
Elected office you seek: Ferndale City Council Position 1
Age: 52
Family: partner, Wendy
Education: bachelor of arts in journalism; master of science in meteorology
Work experience: three years NASA Flight Experiment manager; seven years NASA public affairs officer; six years NASA atmospheric scientist; four years U.S. Coast Guard electronics technician 2nd class.
Civic experience: Volunteer with Mt. Baker Chapter of the American Red Cross and Habitat for Humanity; on Ferndale Public Market board of directors.
Email: watsonforferndalecouncil@yahoo.com
Q and A
Candidates answered the following questions in their own words. These are unedited; candidates were limited to 300 words per questions.
Do you support the city's decision to commit $1.25 million to a new library?
I do support the City's commitment to the new library building, most of which will be funded via future bonds sales once the library's fundraising is complete. However, until the economy rebounds or the City finds other sources of revenue to meet its ongoing obligations, I think any money the City borrows should be used to repair and maintain our existing infrastructure (roads, sewers, etc.), as well as rebuild our emergency and police pension funds. I think the library should continue to focus its efforts on fundraising until the City is able to provide them with the promised funds and I would gladly volunteer to help with that endeavor.
Are you concerned about the city's debt load? If so, what would you do about it if elected to the City Council?
I am concerned about the City's debt load. The City needs to replenish its reserves and not borrow money for new capital projects until revenues increase or they find additional sources of revenue. If elected, I would work with City staff to find untapped sources of revenue, such as non-governmental grants, and look at all options for reducing overhead costs, including sharing employees and equipment with other cities and the County. I also want to focus on bringing more family-wage jobs to Ferndale. These companies may not provide retail sales tax revenue to the City, but well-paid employees buy homes and pay property taxes, and are able to provide a better future for themselves and their children, ultimately making Ferndale a better place to live.
Do you think large retail stores are appropriate for Ferndale? If so, where in the city should they be located?
I don't think the citizens of Ferndale want a big-box store on the east side of Main St., which is where the City is focusing its large-scale retail efforts. According to the City's draft Planned Action Environmental Impact Statement: "Implementation of any of the alternatives would result in increased traffic in the study area. With planned improvements, the effects of additional vehicles on traffic congestion can be mitigated to varying degrees. However, there will be a net increase in congestion under any alternative." I don't want to see the Main St. interchange turned into the traffic nightmare of the Bakerview/I-5 interchange. If we're going to have a big-box store in Ferndale, I think it would be better placed in the Grandview area, though I am worried about the long-term effects a big-box store would have on existing retail businesses - I don't want to lose downtown businesses or replace good-paying grocery jobs with part-time/no benefits jobs in the hope the City will get enough sales tax revenue to pay its bills. We also don't know how much the needed traffic mitigations related to a large retail store will cost the City. If it costs the City $10 million to fix the roads to accept large-scale retail, how many years of sales tax revenue will be required to pay that debt? Without an answer to that question, I don't think the City should commit itself to providing expensive traffic mitigation so a large corporation can make millions of dollars in profit from our citizens.
How would you address Main Street congestion issues?
There is little the City can do at this time to improve congestion on Main St. other than tweaking the timing of the downtown stoplights. The choke point is the two-lane bridge over the Nooksack and there is no money available now to expand the bridge. If the Federal Government begins a large-scale, national infrastructure repair program, the City should apply for funds to improve the Main/I-5 interchange and expand the Nooksack river crossing.
How would you revitalize downtown Ferndale as a member of the City Council?
I think people need to realize that the downtown of the 1950s, with a locally-owned department store, dime store, and movie theater, will never return, but we can make that area a more pleasant place to visit. Ferndale's downtown needs to draw more people into the area and the Centennial Riverwalk is a good start. In good weather, the Riverwalk and fountain are very popular, but I would like to see the City focus on creating more walking and biking trails along the river. A large-scale, Countywide bike trail system would bring many visitors to the area and hopefully increase sales tax revenue (bikers stop at the Ferndale Public Market on Saturdays to buy drinks and food). If elected, I would work with City staff to partner with local cities, the County, and interested organizations to pool our efforts to make these trails a reality.
What is your stance on the proposed coal and bulk cargo facility at Cherry Point, which would increase the number of coal trains going through Ferndale?
Although increased traffic and the associated noise is an issue for the Ferndale residents and businesses located near the tracks, I'm more concerned with the amount of coal dust that would be released into the water when the trains are off-loaded. I would like a neutral party to study how much coal dust the area can absorb without damaging an important fish breeding ground - I don't want to risk hundreds of fishing-related jobs to gain an unknown number of port-related jobs. I'm also concerned by SSA's large-scale public relations campaign - any time a large corporation spends millions of dollars trying to convince me they have my best interests at heart, I instinctively start wondering what they're trying to hide. Hopefully, SSA's Environmental Impact Statement will provide enough information for the State and Whatcom County to make a decision that everyone in the County, both now and in the future, does not live to regret.
Other than the above issues, what is the most pressing issue for Ferndale and how would you address it if elected to the City Council?
Revenue is the most pressing issue for Ferndale. As operating costs continue to increase, how can the City provide all the services its citizens have come to expect without increasing revenue? How can we maintain our expanded infrastructure (roads, sewers, buildings, etc.) without increased revenue? The City will need to look for creative ways to find funding. I would work to develop partnerships with other cities, the County, and the State to pool our increasingly limited resources. Can we share staff (Planning, Public Works, Human Resources); buy the same software/computers to receive bulk discounts; eliminate the need for expensive consultants by pooling talent and working with our local university and community colleges; form a health insurance consortium to self insure our employees? We also need to apply for every possible grant and matching funds, no matter how small, to bring additional revenue to the City.
Elected office you seek: Ferndale City Council Position 2
Age: 70 (by Election Day)
Family: wife Bertella Hansen; son Gregory Hansen, 44.
Education: Snohomish High School class of 1960; bachelor of arts in music education, Washingon State University, 1965; master of arts in music education, WSU, 1971.
Work experience: four years music director, Dayton, Wash., public schools; 28 years director of bands, Ferndale High School.
Civic experience: completing third term on Ferndale City Council; member and current chairman Whatcom Transportation Authority; member and current chairman Bellingham Airport Advisory Commission; member of Public Works Committee, Library/Police Ad Hoc Committee and Planning and Land Use Committe for the Ferndale City Council.
Email: musmel@aol.com
Facebook page: Melvin Hansen
Q and A
Candidates answered the following questions in their own words. These are unedited; candidates were limited to 300 words per questions.
Do you support the city's decision to commit $1.25 million to a new library?
Yes. I voted for the one million back in November, 2009 and again in 2010 when we were able to take advantage of the 4 for 1 match.
Are you concerned about the city's debt load? If so, what would you do about it if elected to the City Council?
I am always concerned when we need to borrow money. I would describe this debt as "good debt" , similar to people who need to borrow money when they buy a house or car. The City has similar needs. The debt was for needed projects such as the police station, the pavilion, and upgrades to our water and sewer systems. These projects were built (or are being built) at a very attractive cost due to the current economy. In addition, an historic low interest rate was obtained for the bonds. Moodys, an independent rating agency gave the City of Ferndale an A-2 rating while stating that "Ferndale is well positioned to take on additional debt and pay back their bonds."
Do you think large retail stores are appropriate for Ferndale? If so, where in the city should they be located?
Yes. Large retail would provide Ferndale residents with the opportunity for shopping opportunities that they must travel to get now. Since only 18 percent of the retail sales tax potential stays in Ferndale now, large retail would help to increase that percentage. I would prefer that large retail locate at either the Slater Road exchange or at the Grandview Road Exchange. However, the Axton road exchange would be acceptable providing major infrastructure improvements were provided by the developer. The Council has adopted very restrictive traffic standards for Axton and Main streets, insuring that traffic congestion will not increase with Axton/Main development. Couple the traffic standards already in place with the "Eagle" development standards adopted a couple of years ago and Ferndale can be assured that we will avoid Axton/Main becoming the next Guide Meridian.
How would you address Main Street congestion issues?
We gave already taken a huge step with the 2nd street entrance to Ferndale. Traffic congestion in downtown Ferndale has eased considerably since the 2nd Street addition opened. By adopting the new traffic standards for new development, we will avoid additional congestion caused by that development. Eventually, the Thornton overpass will ease congestion, however Thornton is a very expensive project and may be 15 to 20 years out. I do not feel one way streets with angle parking, as some have suggested, is the answer. We are already working on coordinating the traffic lights which should ease current congestion.
How would you revitalize downtown Ferndale as a member of the City Council?
In order to have a vibrant downtown we must first start with making downtown a place people wish to visit. Recent efforts with trees, flower baskets, benches and the Public Market are a good start. We have already eased downtown building and remodeling requirements, but there is more work to do. We need to look at parking requirements. Also, the City may be able to ease some of the development fees for developers who wish to do work in the historic downtown corridor. Downtown Ferndale is certainly a work in progress.
What is your stance on the proposed coal and bulk cargo facility at Cherry Point, which would increase the number of coal trains going through Ferndale?
The City Council will have very little if anything to say regarding the bulk cargo facility at Cherry Point. The decision will be make at the Whatcom County and State levels. If I am able to influence those decision makers, I would hope they wait until all the information is available and then make informed decisions. One note, several coal trains travel through Ferndale every day now headed for Canada. The usual wait time at the Washington Street crossing for a coal train is 2-3 minutes. Sometimes it takes 10-20 minutes for the switching of rail cars going to our own Ferndale Grain. Train issues are a fact of life in Ferndale. We cannot remove the tracks or be able to regulate the railroad.
Other than the above issues, what is the most pressing issue for Ferndale and how would you address it if elected to the City Council?
I feel the most pressing issues we have in Ferndale are the lack of sidewalks on many streets and major street repairs that need to get done. One of the benefits of increased sales tax will be the council's ability to fund more sidewalk and street projects to protect the safety of our citizens.We have lost tax dollars over many years with the development of Bellis Fair and other retail development in Bellingham. I hope Ferndale can assert itself and recover the tax money that has gone elsewhere over many years.
Elected office you seek: Ferndale City Council Position 2
Age: 38
Family: children Ethan Wagner, 8, Isabel Wagner, 5.
Education: Ferndale High School class of 1991; Rocky Mountain College, Billings, Mont., Equestrian Studies, 1991-92; U.S. Navy "A" School, Aviation Ground Support Equipment Technical School, Millington, Tenn., 1994; U.S. Navy "C" School, Aviation Ground Support Equipment Technician Hydraulics/Electrical, San Diego, 1994; Whatcom Community College, biology, 1998-2000.
Work experience: U.S. Navy, aviation support equipment technician, 1994-2002; property manager, Dargone USA, February 2010 to present.
Civic experience: 4-H from 1982-1991; Ferndale FFA 1987-1991; Whatcom County Explorer Search & Rescue 1989-1991.
Kelli Eshuis did not provide answers to the following questions asked by The Bellingham Herald in an online Q and A:
Do you support the city's decision to commit $1.25 million to a new library?
Are you concerned about the city's debt load? If so, what would you do about it if elected to the City Council?
Do you think large retail stores are appropriate for Ferndale? If so, where in the city should they be located?
How would you address Main Street congestion issues?
How would you revitalize downtown Ferndale as a member of the City Council?
What is your stance on the proposed coal and bulk cargo facility at Cherry Point, which would increase the number of coal trains going through Ferndale?
Other than the above issues, what is the most pressing issue for Ferndale and how would you address it if elected to the City Council?
Elected office you seek: Ferndale City Council Position 3
Age: 55
Family: wife Joylen; son Richard, 20.
Education: high scholl graduate, some college.
Work experience: 24 years U.S. Border Patrol.
Civic experience: four years Ferndale City Council member.
Email: olson4council@comcast.net
Q and A
Candidates answered the following questions in their own words. These are unedited; candidates were limited to 300 words per questions.
Do you support the city's decision to commit $1.25 million to a new library?
I feel it was a fair exchange for a building the library has outgrown and needed a larger location. I see this is a "purchase" of an existing building that could be re-used saving tax payer funds for a police station. Since the library wanted out of that building, it was only fair they be compensated for it at fair market value towards their new location. By agreeing to move early they halped the city start the new police station and we could help them with a larger location which is their current location.
Are you concerned about the city's debt load? If so, what would you do about it if elected to the City Council?
The city passed a WA state audit over their financial shape and reserves. If this was an unacceptable financial situation, the state would have made a finding of such.
The allegations of a "debt load" have been made by other candidates as an election year "issue" that had no bearing of truth. Obviously city of Ferndale residents did not accept their misrepresentations and those candidates did not survive the primary mayoral vote. That says a a lot.
Do you think large retail stores are appropriate for Ferndale? If so, where in the city should they be located?
Large retail stores will bring much needed sales tax revenue to the city of Ferndale and shift the tax burden off the homeowners who shoulder much of it due the lack of sales tax revenue in Ferndale. Under the current system of government from Olympia, sales tax revenue is the life blood of cities. We must greatly increase our sales tax base in order to achieve the improvements we want to see in Ferndale as property taxes cannot continue to rise taxing our elderly out of their homes and property.
The best location is the Slater Rd / I-5 area of Ferndale which has a large supply of land and recent improvments to the surface streets in that area. There will of course need to be added improvments in that area due to the addition of large retail and those improvements should be paid for by the developers of those properties and not the citizens of Ferndale.
How would you address Main Street congestion issues?
Main street has had a large improvement by the widening of it through the down town corridor. It has also seen traffic congestion go down with the completion of the 2nd Ave. improvments which takes a huge load of traffic off Main Street during the evening commute times.
Main street improvments are very limited by things not under the purview of the city such as the railroad crossing & bridge, new Nooksack river bridge permits. Unless you can remove the constrictions of widening Main street it would be better to seek other freeway exits. This has also been looked at and priced in the Thorton Rd area but is unattainable at this time due the the costs and lack of federal / state funding.
How would you revitalize downtown Ferndale as a member of the City Council?
Main street consists of privately owned buildings. By law, the city is prohibited from the "gifting" of public funds so it's not an option for the city to use tax payers funding to improve privately owned buildings. The city has spent large sums of money to improve Main street and now it's up to the owners of the buildings to improve their properties to match a newly design and built Main street.
Businesses are driven by consumers, if the business is not viable to the consumers, they will not shop there. Private enterprises must decide what businesses are needed and make them successful to the shoppers of Ferndale.
What is your stance on the proposed coal and bulk cargo facility at Cherry Point, which would increase the number of coal trains going through Ferndale?
The one drawback to the traffic alternatives to Main street are the other routes must cross railroad tracks, i.e. 2nd Ave. perhaps Thorton in the future. I wopuld be against any additional train traffic that causes massive traffic jams at evening commute times. Unless the bulk cargo developer wants to finance new routes of egress and ingress, I would have to see what options are available for increased train traffic.
There is not a lot of specific information on this project yet and I would have to continue research as the project progresses.
Other than the above issues, what is the most pressing issue for Ferndale and how would you address it if elected to the City Council?
One of my pet projects while on the council was water/sewer rates and I managed to try and keep them balanced between home owners and businesses. After leaving the council, the increased costs were shifted back to the home owners and business and multi- family properties enjoyed a price reduction at the expense of the home owners. If elected to the council again, I would research this and attempt to restore balance to the water and sewer rates paid by all.
Elected office you seek: Ferndale City Council Position 3
Age: 60
Family: wife Bertha Reta
Education: Nooksack Valley High School, Bellingham Technical College
Work experience: farm, Intalco, Army, Three La Lomita restaurants, La Colima alteration store, Northwest Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
Civic experience: involved in Hispanic community affairs since age 16; served as point man in Vietnam; started the Northwest Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; board member of Ferndale downtowm association; helped donate aid vehicle to Sumas from Intalco; in 1976 helped lead a color guard in front of the Washington covered wagon headed to Philadelphia, group was the only Hispanic color guard to finish the journey in the USA.
Campaign website: manuel4citycouncil.com
Email: nwwhcc@yahoo.com
Q and A
Candidates answered the following questions in their own words. These are unedited; candidates were limited to 300 words per questions.
Do you support the city's decision to commit $1.25 million to a new library?
I support the idea, because our children need the tool to enhance their learn process for our future. The money will be well spend if tools of education are installed for our local community
Are you concerned about the city's debt load? If so, what would you do about it if elected to the City Council?
I am concern about the city's debt load. Stop any more monies toward growth until the voters have a say in the direction they which to go. Voters should have a say in our system. Communication should be a vital tool for our city to promote.
Do you think large retail stores are appropriate for Ferndale? If so, where in the city should they be located?
Lets take care of our downtown core before we start inquiring about other stores. If the voters are in agreement the large store should be installed by the freeway only after the road congestion is modified to ease the problem.
How would you address Main Street congestion issues?
Have it one way, or set it up for right turns at intersection for drivers.
How would you revitalize downtown Ferndale as a member of the City Council?
Lower the city codes and give the opportunity for business to come to down town. Give incentives for new businesses
What is your stance on the proposed coal and bulk cargo facility at Cherry Point, which would increase the number of coal trains going through Ferndale?
I support the the coal cargo facility. I worked in the pitch pit at Intalco Aluminum for 8 years. If everything is in place to prevent pollution, I believe out students will benefit from the facility in the future
Other than the above issues, what is the most pressing issue for Ferndale and how would you address it if elected to the City Council?
I would like the city to be more accountable for the spending, and to bring more business in place but to keep it strong in a economical status. Ferndale has the ability to progress in a positive way
Elected office you seek: Ferndale City Council Position 4
Age: 70
Family: wife Barbara; son Jon, 28.
Education: Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, Calif., 1966, Mechanical engineering; Culinary Institute of America, Napa, 1978, culinary arts.
Work experience: 12 years in engineering; 28 years running "Osprey's of Sonoma County," my high-end catering business.
Civic experience: Past president, board member Ferndale Kiwanis; board member Ferndale Dollars for Scholars; board vice president Ferndale Veterans Memorial; board member / executive chef Ferndale Community Meal; board member WHATCOM 911; board committee member Whatcom Unified Emergency Planing Commission; serving fourth year as Ferndale City Council member; city of Ferndale representative to the Chamber of Commerce board, Ferndale School Board and Whatcom County Fire District No. 7.
Email: paulsingram@comcast.net
Facebook page: Paul S. Ingram
Q and A
Candidates answered the following questions in their own words. These are unedited; candidates were limited to 300 words per questions.
Do you support the city's decision to commit $1.25 million to a new library?
Yes, I voted in favor of it, and nothing has happened to change my mind.
Are you concerned about the city's debt load? If so, what would you do about it if elected to the City Council?
Not at all, according to Standard & Poor's, "The City of Ferndale has a moderate debt load and a unique group of revenue streams to service that debt." While some people just can't understand it, ( or just won't admit it ), Ferndale is not even close to debt trouble.
Do you think large retail stores are appropriate for Ferndale? If so, where in the city should they be located?
Yes, I do. If located in properly zoned areas, designed to our very stringent design standards, meeting our "EAGLE" program standards and complying with all mitigation requirements. It would be great to capture more than our current 18 percent sales tax share.
How would you address Main Street congestion issues?
We have already started. Look at the new 2nd Avenue extension through to the new round-a-bout at exit 263. The new improved Main Street from 3rd to Douglas. The new 2nd Ave has greatly affected traffic on Main. You can now take exit 263, go to Vista Dr. and all the way up to Thornton with just 1 (one)! Stop sign. We will be trying to partner with other interests soon to see if we can get a traffic signal installed at Slater and Imhof Roads. That will make Imhof Rd. a 3rd viable egress and ingress route.
How would you revitalize downtown Ferndale as a member of the City Council?
We have been working for years with our Down Town Assc. and our Chamber of Commerce. New business is relocating to Downtown and more are on the way.
What is your stance on the proposed coal and bulk cargo facility at Cherry Point, which would increase the number of coal trains going through Ferndale?
First, you need to stop publishing the fear mongers mis-information and start doing actual fact finding, responsible reporting. Other than that, we as a City have no say in the mater. It would be great to see all those high paying jobs for Ferndale residents, but this issue is up to those not in our control.
Other than the above issues, what is the most pressing issue for Ferndale and how would you address it if elected to the City Council?
For me, the creeping issue of gangs, and the ongoing issue of Domestic Violence. Both are a serious threat to the enjoyment of life in Ferndale and the safety of our streets and schools. We are making progress, but we must never waver in this battle.
Elected office you seek: Ferndale City Council Position 4
Age: 56
Family: widowed. Children Gayla Dawn Jorgensen, 32, Colin Lee VanAssche-Kolb, 28.
Education: Macomb Community College, Michigan, 1976, para-legal certification; University of North Dakota, 1986, pre-engineering associate; Yakima Valley Community College, 1990, civil engineering associate of science; Shoreline Community College, 1996, wetland delineator certification.
Work experience: 1974-75, Chrysler Corp., Highland Park, Mich., tool & die technician; 1976-77, Honigman Miller Law Firm, Detroit, para-legal; 1977-78, Detroit Institute of Arts, exhibits guide; 1980-81, Twin City Foods, Ellensburg, cannery processor; 1990-present, Washington State Department of Transportation.
Civic experience: 1995-1997, Federal Way schools, junior high PTA treasurer; 1996-2003, Federal Way Neighborhood Disaster coordinator; 1996-2003, Friends of Hylebos volunteer, water quality testing, restoration of native habitat, educate Montessori students on salmon life cycle, habitat, and water quality; 1996-2002, Muscular Dystophy Association telethon volunteer; 1998-present, Friends of Carbon Canyon; Mt. Rainier National Park trail volunteer until 2003; 2001-209, Outings Committee chairman, Cascade Chapter of the Sierra Club; 2006-08 mountain dteward, North Cascades National Park/US Forest Service; 2006-09, Ferndale Parks, Recreation & Trails Advisory Board member.
Major endorsements: Washington chapter of the Sierra Club
Email: terrasolutions@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.
Do you support the city's decision to commit $1.25 million to a new library?
The existing library foundation was originally designed to support a second story for further expansion. The city also owns property behind the current library location which could have been expanded for the additional parking they were seeking. So no, I do not support the city committing $1.25 million for a new library in the current economic climate, especially in light of the savings that would have been garnered by upgrading the existing facility.
Are you concerned about the city's debt load? If so, what would you do about it if elected to the City Council?
I am very concerned that the city claims to be completely financially solvent, and yet has committed our citizens to the future debt load for a new police station, street improvements, and the pledge towards the new library. The existing police facility is in a rented space and the department has needed a new modern building for at least 10 years. Given the current population of our city, and projected growth, the city decided to go with the largest facility possible for future expansion. The original plan was to have the new police facility include space for the municiple court. That is not what is currently being constructed. The city owns ample property (especially where the new library will go) where a new modular style police department building could have been constructed. Give the hard-working police the space and equipment that they need to do the job now, and allow for future growth on the site. This would have apportioned out the cost over a longer period of time, and not indebted the city so much now. If elected I would carefully decide on any expenditures by the city and whether they are absolutely necessary or just on someone's wish list. Expenses that I would be willing to accept would be to upgrade the city's stormwater sewer system to stop flooding private properties; upgrade sidewalks to ADA accessible standards in order to be in compliance with the law; and reroute downtown Ferndale traffic by making Main St. and Vista Avenue one-ways, and directly traffic out of town via the new Portal Way / Second Avenue roundabouts. Completion of Thornton to I-5 also is a priority of mine.
Do you think large retail stores are appropriate for Ferndale? If so, where in the city should they be located?
Downtown Ferndale has open space available for constructing large retails stores; not on the scale of what Bellingham needs but on a Ferndale scale. There are also empty commercial buildings that can be utilized for new business ventures in downtown Fernale. Building large retail close to I-5 diverts traffic away from our downtown and fiscally harms our city. The city has made substantial investments in downtown to widen Main St., construct the Centennial Riverwalk, improve the Sports fields on Second, and upgrade the Pioneer Pavillion building to house the temporary library. It is a fine structure now and has adequate parking. If we build large retail, I would look at ways to encourage retailers to make use of the commercial buildings vacant and available in downtown Ferndale first. Then build between downtown, the Nooksack River, and I-5, to the west. Also towards Slater Rd. but with the presence of many wetlands in that area, construction will be more limited. I don't favor large retail being supported north to Grandview Rd. as most of the lands are rural and in active farming / agricultural use and should remain in those uses.
How would you address Main Street congestion issues?
First a simple restriping of Main St. to allow for angle parking would help with parking congestion.
Next promoting bicycle travel as much as possible. The new roadway widening has added bike lanes, which is great. But many of the other arterials are not that safe for bike travel, so people tend to use Main Street/ Axton Rd. I myself bike to work occasionally, and would not consider using Slater Rd. as the shoulders are narrow, traffic travels at high speeds, and there are sight distance issues. Much safer to take Main St. / Axton Rd. to Northwest Avenue and come into north Bellingham that way. Traffic signal timing can be improved with the I-5 ramps to facilitate traffic getting onto I-5. Main St. should become a one-way coming into our downtown core, and Vista Drive one-way exiting downtown for traffic heading north to I-5 via Second Avenue / Portal Way.
When funding is available, Thornton needs to be completed, finishing the Second Avenue project to connect Thornton to I-5. This is going to necessitate a bridge over the BNSF railroad tracks, and will be costly. I would not indebt the city for this improvement until the economy improves and the debt load Ferndale is currently carrying has been reduced. I did not state what I did for the WA State. Department of Transportation, but these kinds of fixes are our bread and butter. There is not a lot of money available to Ferndale to correct congestion issues, so I look for the simple, low-cost effective methods first. I have worked in design, project management, materials engineering, and environmental compliance. I have experience writing grants (with some of the non-profits I have volunteered with) so that is one place to look for additional funding for sidewalk improvements, bike lanes, and simple fixes.
How would you revitalize downtown Ferndale as a member of the City Council?
Downtown Ferndale is doing a good job of revitalizing itself, with new bike lanes, the Centennial Riverwalk, and the new retail shops between the Nooksack River and I-5.
We are not tapping into the huge resource of volunteers to do beautification projects downtown. We have great volunteers working at Pioneer Park and keeping the flower beds clean and planted. One day a year for cleanup should become an ongoing monthly project. Painting garbage cans, cleaning up empty lots, and building murals are some of the things people can volunteer to do. The things I know people come to Ferndale for are the festivals. We have space and time to host more events, if the citizens know where they can volunteer. Keeping our retailers in downtown by supporting our local businesses is something I would definitely work to get the word out to people, by having special shopping events and promotions. There are businesses in Ferndale that I am suprised to see pop up and I do patronize and support them. One other thing the city has not done is enforce the municipal code for people to clean up their empty lots and business properties. Most do a good job, but we have absentee owners who allow grass to grow 7 ft. tall on some lots, and buildings that need to be painted and maintained. The code officer needs to be more active in getting people to clean up their junk cars and other unsightly trash.
What is your stance on the proposed coal and bulk cargo facility at Cherry Point, which would increase the number of coal trains going through Ferndale?
I cannot support coal in any form coming through Ferndale. About 5 trains daily currently carry coal to Twassen, BC. This is not the scale that SSA is talking about at Cherry Point. The site had an agreement in place in 1997 to allow for a shipping terminal to ship eastern Washington agricultural products, potash and manufactured goods. This I can support, with the appropriate environmental safeguards in place. Protection of the eelgrass and herring at Cherry Point are critical, as the first link in the food chain for salmon and other species. Millions have been spent restoring habitat for salmon and other endangered species, so it does not make sense to injure those efforts in any way. For the human species, coal is just not good for you. I have a personal stake in this, as my adult son has Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy. I will fight to protect air quality for him as well as every other child, senior, and other Ferndale citizens to not breathe coal dust in our air. It makes no fiscal sense for the coal producers to sell coal to China at $14 / ton. We are giving away our children's resources if we do that, and the result is further degradation of our oceans due to acidification from the burning of coal. Instead we should be promoting clean energy jobs and manufacturing in the US and in Ferndale, to provide living wage jobs to more people over a longer time than temporary construction jobs buidling the terminal, and terminal operators. I am also greatly concerned about safety issues at rail crossings, as we have seen far too many pedestrian and other deaths and accidents at railroad track crossings.
Other than the above issues, what is the most pressing issue for Ferndale and how would you address it if elected to the City Council?
As a council member, I will listen to people who come to share their views and concerns, and be active in addressing those concerns. Too often people feel left in the dark and the last to know about a big project or change that impacts their neighborhood. That is not the way civil government should work, and there are rules to abide by. People become frustrated and stop involving themselve in the civil life of a community when they do not feel heard. I also want to see gang violence addressed in our community, and programs put in place to rehabilitate young people who commit crimes. There are plenty of projects to put these people to work on.
As we are on the Nooksack River and close to Mt. Baker, our community needs a neighborhood disaster response team. The local police and firefighters will not be able to come to the assistance of local people trapped by a collapsed Nooksack River Bridge, or in the event of flooding or a volcanic eruption. I would take the lead to develop such a training program and team, and seek funding by grants to support such a program.
I am running as I love Ferndale, even with it's issues. The citizens are lively and diverse, and we have wonderful parks and I really enjoy the new library!
