We’d like to welcome our latest Advertiser, Shawn McEvoy, running for King County Council, District 8.

Here’s what Shawn would like us to share with our Readers:

Thank you for taking the time to learn about me. I’d like to share a little about myself with you; perhaps you’ll gain some insight into why I’m running for King County Council and why I care so much about good government.

Shawn McEvoy

I grew up in Normandy Park and pretty much have lived here all of my life. I’ve seen when things didn’t work in this city and community and how things deteriorated. I’ve been involved in my community and city government because I care and because I feel I can make a real difference and I have. Whether it’s been serving as the Mayor and Council member for the city of Normandy Park, or as President and board member for the Normandy Park Community Club (Cove), I have always made great strides in improving the quality of life for my community and city. I’m proud of the many accomplishments and honors I’ve received for our successes.

The proof of my commitment to good leadership and government is easy to verify. During my twelve years on the board of trustees for the Normandy Park Community Club as President and Board member, add to that, eight years as Mayor and Councilmember for the city of Normandy Park, my service was completely voluntary. That’s right, even though elected, we are not paid a thing for our services. In volunteering I believe it is perhaps the truest form of leadership and democracy.

Our success is because we act in a non-partison fashion. I’m here to tell you non-partisanship works. I believe one of the problems we have today is that politics is getting in the way of solving problems and making progress. Career politicians at the County level are the problem not the solution. That is why our citizens of King County voted to have a non-partisan Council. Instead of career politicians, we want council members that work together on the problems of today and are focused on our future, not theirs.

I can make a difference at the County level. I have the experience, skills and the abilities to help solve the problems of political bickering, as well as help solve King County’s other problems. I can bring real change to the County Council. I’m endorsed by the 11th District Democrats, many Independents and Republicans. I’m rated Very Good by the Municipal League of King County. Because you want a moderate with an excellent environmental record, great leadership skills, strong council experience, and impressive regional involvement, I’m asking for your vote and I’m looking forward to earning your trust.

More information on Shawn is available at his website: http://friendsofshawnmcevoy.com.

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EDITOR’S NOTE: Our sister site The B-Town Blog hosted a forum Tuesday night (July 20th), and here their initial coverage of what turned out to be a very lively and informative forum (audio & photos coming soon):

by Ralph Nichols

All four candidates for King County Council District 8 agreed at a July 20 forum that county government must become more efficient, more effective, and related better to suburban cities.

Beyond that, Tim Fahey, Joe McDermott, Shawn McEvoy and Diana Toledo offered varying approaches – some pronounced, others marginal – on how to improve the way the county operates.

Sponsored by The B-Town Blog, the forum was moderated by KIRO radio talk show host Dave Ross. A panel of Journalists, including this Reporter, along with T.M. Sell, Phd, Professor of Journalism at Highline Community College, and George Erb, Editor of the Puget Sound Business Journal. Questions were also offered up by several of the 35 or so attendees.

The four will square off in the Aug. 17 primary election, with the top two vote-getters facing each other in November.

Current District 8 County Councilwoman Jan Drago, who was appointed to replace Dow Constantine after he was elected King County Executive last year, is not seeking election to that office.

Fahey, a carpenter who resides in South Park, was motivated to run because of the closure of the South Park Bridge after years of failure at all levels of government to replace it.

McDermott, from West Seattle, has served in the State Legislature since 2001 and was appointed State Senator in 2007. He ran unopposed for the seat in 2008.

McEvoy is a city councilman and a former mayor of Normandy Park.

Toledo is an enforcement coordinator for King County, where she has worked for 15 years.

“King County has been a little dictatorial with the way they treat the suburban cities,” Burien City Councilwoman Kathy Keene noted when the forum opened to questions from the audience. “How will you work with us so we can do our job better or be a better partner with you?”

[Note: Candidate responses will be presented in the order they answered specific questions.]

Fahey – “King County does not know better for Burien what’s good for Burien. You guys can make decisions for yourself.”

McDermott – “I want to continue to work with the cities, not come and tell you what to know.” Former State Rep. and former Mercer Island City Councilman Fred Jarrett, now Constantine’s deputy executive, is helping the county build relationships with the cities.

McEvoy – Cities need to be an “equal partner … a regional partner” with the county, which needs to maintain regular contact with the cities.

Toledo – “There is no doubt that over the past decade or more, King County has exhibited an arrogance that turned the cities off by shoving things down their throat. There is evidence that this is shifting” and the county “needs to continue to be part of that shift.”

White Center resident Liz Giba wanted to know their positions on future annexation of the remaining North Highline unincorporated area by either Burien or Seattle:

McDermott – “The key is there is going to be a public vote” and the county should remain neutral. “It’s up to the public in the area to decide.”

McEvoy – The determining factor should be “what is best for the citizens of the region. White Center would be far worse off going to Seattle … Burien is the best fit for White Center.”

Toledo – “Burien is the best choice for the North Highline area. As a council member we should have an opinion and should voice that opinion.”

Fahey – “I fully and actively am in support of annexation by Burien.” North Highline “needs would be better served” in Burien than in Seattle,” and the area would remain free of the “yoke of Seattle’s business tax.”

Will they vote for or against the 0.02 percent sales tax increase to help fund public safety that the current county council approved on July 19 for placement on the November ballot?

Toledo – I will vote for public safety. I will vote for protecting our people. But I will not vote for it [the tax increase] … I’m particularly disturbed by the characterization of the sales tax [increase] as it’s for public safety.”

Fahey – “Certainly not a sales tax increase. We need to find where wasteful spending is going on.” A lot of King County deputies disagree with Sheriff Sue Rahr “that she can’t cut her budget” without cutting officers.”

McDermott – “I support it. It’s a small increase that will bring in $59 million in 2011 and $80 million in 2012. The choice is between that and cutting 60 deputies and 12 prosecutors.”

McEvoy – “I’m not a big fan of tax increases but I would say this is vital … it’s a temporary tax increase.”

What would they do with Metro Transit in light of a new study by the Washington Policy Center, which found that Metro got sales tax increases in 2000 and 2006, by 2009 had collected 20 percent more from those tax hikes than it needed, but had implemented only a third of the new bus service promised while diverting 60 percent of this revenue into bus driver salaries for average raises that are two times the rate of inflation.

Fahey – Metro bus service is “heavily subsidized” and commuters “should be willing to pay $5 per ride … as a union person, I always hate to see this come down to the union.” The popular ride-free-zone in downtown Seattle not only reduced Metro revenue but attracts “undesirable people” and creates “a law enforcement problem.”

McDermott – Initiative 695, which was approved in 1999 to limit car tab fees to $30, “is to blame” for a lot of revenue lost to Metro and other transit agencies. “We need to build relationships with other transit agencies” throughout the state … we need to hold people accountable. I want to be careful not to blame public employees but hold costs down.”

McEvoy – In addition to what the Washington Policy Center found, another Metro program to increase suburban bus service – the 40/40/20 plan – “has not been allocated as stated … it’s time for Seattle to pay its fair share” for bus service … we need to look at efficiencies and consolidation.”

Toledo – “This question highlights why I’m running for the county council … what does real reform, real accountability mean?” Although it’s hard to comment on the salary increases for drivers, the report shows a need “to cut some at the management level.”

What is the single most effective thing that can be done to help business in King County?

McDermott – “Provide all the things that people value,” including “transportation to work and from work” and getting supplies to businesses and products out.

McEvoy – “We need to foster an environment conducive to small business” and “initiate public/private partnerships to encourage small businesses.”

Toledo – “We need to cut red tape … and look at ways to create jobs that will bring in more taxes.”

Fahey – “Transportation and access to businesses obviously is paramount. Government cannot generate enough jobs.”

Citizens want all of the services government can provide for free. So what services should be cut?

McDermott – “The easy things to take out have been picked off a long time ago. We need to look at what government no longer needs to do.”

McEvoy – “We do need to examine central services. We need to make sure service levels match budget levels. There are probably some inefficiencies … no one thing is glaringly obvious … if junior programs get whacked, I’m sorry.”

Toledo – The county needs “to seek out more private partnerships … I have seen individuals collecting six-figure salaries, not because of what they know but who they know. We spend millions of dollars on audits and when the problems are not fixed a couple of years later, we ask for more audits … we need to eliminate waste, fraud and abuse.”

Fahey – “The cornerstone … is eliminating the [county] Department of Transportation … except to analyze roads and prioritize projects. Let the county fund projects … [and] replace all sercie work with union low-bid contracts.”

Is it the role of local government or the private sector to develop jobs?

Fahey – “The highest priority of elected officials is concern about jobs … everything said about unemployment is true – it’s dispiriting and sags your initiative … this government needs to get out of the way and make it easier for business to do business here … and hire people.” Examples of interference by government are cumbersome permitting and business licensing processes.

McDermott – “The public sector definitely has a strong role to play in job creation.” Ways to do this include Sound Transit development, building a new South Park Bridge, and apprenticeship programs.

McEvoy – It is “imperative for local government to be involved in economic development. It is in King County’s interest to build a strong economy” through infrastructure that helps “small and disadvantaged businesses” and encouraging “a quality of life that builds a strong workforce.”

Toledo – With a $60 million [county] budget shortfall, we need to look at ways to help get us out. Unless the sales tax and property tax [revenues] go up, the gap will increase.” Red tape and overregulation are “detrimental … we definitely need to provide for public safety … but when it goes too far it impedes economic activity.”

Instead of increasing taxes to cover his state’s budget shortfall, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is taking on public employee unions to get them to renegotiate contracts and reduce pay raises and benefit packages. Should King County adopt this approach?

Toledo – We can find money by cutting wasteful spending. Our priorities are out of what in King County? Why cut sheriff’s deputies when there are other priorities?”

Fahey – “I admire Gov. Christie. I definitely would like to see contracts re-examined. I don’t think it’s unreasonable for people in government service for taxpayers to hold them to a different standard” including heavy cuts in middle management that would save King County “tons of money.”

McDermott – “The perception that public employees have not paid a price is in error … over 10,000 state employees were laid off” in the last two-year budget cycle. “It’s not the council’s role to unilaterally reopen union contracts” already approved.

McEvoy – “People want more government for their money, not more money for government. But it’s not the council’s place to reopen contracts. I agree that we need to cut mid-management.”

Our sister site The B-Town Blog wants to remind our readers of its next Candidates Forum, featuring the contenders vying for Dow Constantine’s former seat on the King County Council – including former Normandy Park Mayor and current Councilmember Shawn McEvoy.

It will be this Tuesday, July 20, from 7pm to 8:45pm at the Highline School District’s E.R.A.C. Building, 15675 Ambaum Blvd. S.W. in south Burien, across the street from Azteca Restaurant and just north of Hi-Line Lanes.

Moderator for the evening will be longtime local reporter and radio talk show host Dave Ross. Ross’s show airs 9am to noon Monday through Friday on 97.3 KIRO-FM.

All four candidates for the seat have been invited and all four have agreed to attend.

They are:

• Diana Toledo, former King County employee.
• Shawn McEvoy, former Normandy Park mayor and current city councilmember.
• Joe McDermott, current 34th district state senator.
• Tim Fahey, professional carpenter and South Park resident.

The forum format is to have area journalists ask questions for the first 45 minutes or so, followed by questions from the public. There is no admission charge and anyone and everyone is welcome to attend.

The 8th District council seat everyone is duking it out for is currently held by Jan Drago. Drago is not running for election.

The primary is August 17. Mail-in ballots will be sent to voters later this month. The two candidates garnering the most votes advance to the general election in November.

The mailman delivered our latest gizmo gadget (a state of the art Ultra Flip HD Camera) a few weeks back and we thought “what the flip should we do with this ding-dang newfangled thingamabob?”

Out of the red, white and blue, it occurred to us that our third President, one Thomas Jefferson, who loved new gadgets and devices and inventions and discoveries, would have gotten a kick out of this powerful little digital camera, the size of a deck of cards, not much smaller than a hand-held booklet-sized copy of what is known as the Declaration of Independence.

It was 234 years ago right now, that our Founders were “cutting and pasting” their final draft of what became known as that treasured and precious document, the Declaration of Independence, whose primary author was the then 33 year-old future President Jefferson.

So someone said:

“Let’s take our camera around Normandy Park and Burien (and Des Moines and White Center) and ask our fellow neighbors and friends and passersby to read aloud the Declaration into our new little camera, piece the quotes together into one colorful video, and release it to the nation and world on our various neighborhood news blogs.”

And so we did – well actually Mark Neuman did, then Scott Schaefer edited it – see if you can find yourself, or a friend or two:

(…at the end of the video, look for some amusing outtakes as well as terrific “Happy Birthday USA!” salutations)

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY NORMANDY PARK!

According to the City of Normandy Park’s July/August “City Scene” newsletter, engineers at the City, County, and State levels have decided that a reconstruction project is required for the 80-year old Sylvester Bridge, which is also used as an access road to parts of Burien, like Three Tree Point.

Wrought with many problems, including cracked columns and girders, weathered and worn rails and deck, and an antiquated design, experts say that reconditioning does not appear to be the best option for service to the bridge.

The city says that construction will cost $2.8 million, and is slated to begin this summer in Feb. 2011.

According to City Manager Doug Schulze:

“We anticipate the design completion in November 2010 and start of construction in February 2011.

The dates and length of bridge closure will be determined after bid award, which is anticipated to occur in December or January.

At this point, these are estimated dates, but we will have a better idea of project timelines in September.”

Built during the depression era, Sylvester Bridge has spanned Fox Creek for eight decades, and is one of a handful of large concrete bridges built in this area during the twenties and thirties. The existing Sylvester Bridge replaced a timber trestle in the same location, which served the area through the turn of the twentieth century. The city says that the new bridge is planned to be a full span bridge, meaning that there will be no supporting columns like the existing bridge has, which are not designed to carry earthquake forces.

The city also adds:

“Design work on the replacement bridge is currently underway. The design of the new bridge is being planned to look somewhat similar to the existing bridge with concrete rails possibly as depicted above.

Construction is planned for the Spring and Summer of 2010.

Unfortunately a lengthy closure will be necessary for removal of the old bridge and construction of its replacement. Detours will be developed by the Cities of Normandy Park and Burien.

More details on closure dates and detours will be published in the coming months.”

For more information, residents are asked to contact the City of Normandy Park Public Works Department at 206-248-8269.

Scott Schaefer dropped by the bridge Monday afternoon and shot this Sound Slideshow:

Click to Play Scott Schaefer’s Sound Slideshow

The City of Normandy Park rejected the Clearwire Corporation’s application for a Conditional Use Permit to install a 95-foot wireless communication facility at City Hall Park.

The application was formally rejected during the week of June 14th, after City staff and City Attorney Jim Haney determined that Normandy Park Municipal Code limits the height of wireless communications facilities to 40-feet in public parks.

Clearwire representatives have indicated a desire to meet with City staff to pitch other sites for a wireless communications facility in Normandy Park.

As a result of the rejected application for the City Hall site, the hearing on the SEPA Appeal has also been canceled.

Current Normandy Park City Councilmember and former Mayor Shawn McEvoy, running for the 8th District seat on the King County Council, will be holding a campaign kick off party on Tuesday, June 22nd from 7pm – 8:30pm.

The event will be held at the Normandy Park Community Club, with hor d’ouvres provided by Mick Kelly’s.

Here’s a statement from McEvoy’s campaign staff:

Campaign Kick Off Party!

Current City Councilmember and former Mayor of Normandy Park Shawn McEvoy invites you to come mingle with friends and neighbors as we officially kick off his campaign for the 8th District seat on the King County Council.

Although this is the ‘official’ kick off for his campaign, Shawn has been working hard already at getting elected to the non-partisan position, meeting with groups and individuals throughout the 8th District. Come meet and see what Shawn has to offer our communities.

Please join us and show your support for Shawn McEvoy!

WHEN: Tuesday, June 22nd, 7pm – 8:30pm

WHERE: Normandy Park Community Club, located at 1500 SW Shorebrook Drive
 Normandy Park, WA 98166

Hor d’ouvres provided by Mick Kelly’s,

Friends of Shawn McEvoy
P.O. Box 48154
Burien, WA 98148

The City of Normandy Park is beginning the process of updating its Shoreline Master Program (SMP) in accordance with State law (WAC 173-26), which means that if you have any thoughts, ideas or comments you should start preparing to share them with the city.

Normandy Park residents interested in serving on the Shoreline Master Program Advisory Committee are encouraged to contact the City of Normandy Park (see contact info below).

The City Council will appoint committee members in August.

This is a two-year process, and it will include numerous opportunities for public participation. According to the city:

“The goal of the public participation process is to inform and to involve agencies, stakeholders and the public, to solicit early and continuous feedback from the community and stakeholders and to assist in the decision-making process.

Under state law, over 260 towns, cities and counties that have shoreline areas covered under the State Shoreline Management Act must develop these individual, locally-tailored programs to guide construction and development in regulated shoreline areas.”

The primary contact for the City of Normandy Park Shoreline Master Program Update is:

Chad Tibbits, Planner
City of Normandy Park
801 SW 174th Street
Normandy Park, WA 98166
(206) 248-8249
chadt@ci.normandy-park.wa.us

by Ralph Nichols

Normandy Park City Councilman Shawn McEvoy says it’s time the Highline area is represented by someone who lives here, and not in West Seattle.

So McEvoy, now serving his second term as an elected member of the city council (he was appointed to fill a vacancy in 2002), recently announced that he is a candidate for the county council from District 8.

The district includes Normandy Park, Burien, the western reaches of SeaTac and Tukwila, North Highline, West Seattle, Vashon and Maury Islands.

McEvoy makes an obvious point.

Former District 8 King County Councilman Dow Constantine, who was elected county executive last fall, lives in West Seattle. So does his replacement to the District 8 seat, former Seattle City Councilwoman Jan Drago.

District 34 State Sen. Joe McDermott, who is not seeking re-election so he can run for Drago’s seat, also lives in West Seattle – as does District 34 State Rep. Eileen Cody.

“I think the voters [in these districts] outside of West Seattle feel under represented, even ignored,” McEvoy said. “The political process is heavily skewed to West Seattle. We want representation …

“I have the qualifications, I have the experience, and I can do a better job than the other guy,” he continued. “I understand the issues of King County, the problems and challenges facing King County, and the issues in District 8.”

His time on the city council – including serving four years as Normandy Park mayor – also gives him the “demonstrated experience to develop a responsible budget, the demonstrated experience to respond to public concerns, and demonstrated leadership skills.”

McEvoy also points with pride to his “strong environmental record,” including salmon habitat recovery efforts in Miller Creek and the Cove that received national recognition from Trout Unlimited.

He is on the steering committee for Water Resource Inventory Area 9, which is responsible for Chinook salmon protection in the Duwamish/Green River watershed.

A five-point “immediate action plan” is the framework for McEvoy’s campaign:

• Better communication by King County government with the public.
• Enhanced county partnerships with the cities.
• Ensure that “service levels and funding match. “If we haven’t got the money, don’t spend it.”
• Stabilize funding of county services.
• “Work with county employees to solve problems” from budget-cutting job furloughs to streamlining the way services are provided “to make the county better to work for all of us.”

These address what McEvoy called King County’s “image and relationship problems with mayors, city councils – and citizens,” who see county government as “bloated, dictatorial, inefficient and Seattle-centric.”

In the interview, which took place before this week’s county council vote on a proposed sales tax increase and then a proposed property tax “reallocation” to help fund the sheriff’s and prosecutor’s offices and the courts, McEvoy said, “I’m a strong believer in public safety.

“When [Sheriff] Sue Rahr and [Prosecutor] Dan Satterberg tell me it’s important to have these funds [generated by a 2-cent increase in the sales tax], I believe them.”

Asked about contracts negotiated by public employee unions, which include pay raises and benefit increases at a time the county is facing another multi-million-dollar revenue shortfall, McEvoy added he would “certainly support a study to see if public contracts are in line with the private sector … or not.

“Whether we look to the unions as a first place to cut, [the cost of county government] is still an open question. But public safety and public health are, to me, number one.”

Noting a recent Puget Sound Regional Council projection that the area will experience a lot of growth by 2040, McEvoy said more roads probably will be needed.

He added his interest in “quicker buses” that provide service every 10 minutes to provide “a good, cost-effective people mover.”

Although he was “initially skeptical of light rail,” McEvoy said “it has started to make sense to me … we need to look at all [transportation] options and go with what makes sense.”

But county residents “don’t see much in return” for the taxes they pay the county,” he continued. A “classic example” is the way Metro bus service was reallocated. Although more routes were supposed to go to the county rather than Seattle, “it hasn’t worked out that way.”

[PHOTO CREDIT: City of Normandy Park]

The City of Normandy Park published an update on the progress of the First Avenue South construction project this week, claiming some elements of the job are over 90 per cent completed, while others are much lower.

It’s no secret that this ongoing project, funded by federal grant money, has caused numerous travel delays in the area, garnering frustration not only amongst commuters, but from business owners whose businesses have suffered because of it.

Additional work will begin at the intersection of 192nd SW following Memorial Day weekend, which will require closure of the entire intersection for approximately two weeks.

The city did not specify an end date for the construction, but we know that many residents would like it to happen soon.

Here’s the city’s update, as printed in the May 28 City Manager’s Report:

To date the Contractor, Pivetta Bros. Construction, has made the following progress:

• Storm sewer – 99 percent complete
• Joint Utilities – 90 percent complete and
• Retaining walls (2) – 90 percent complete
• East side improvements;
  • Curb and gutter on east side – 75 percent complete
  • Sub grade preparation;
  • First two lifts of asphalt;
  • Street lighting foundations – 50 percent complete;
  • Concrete sidewalk formwork – 33 percent complete
• Signal modifications – 80 percent complete;
• Street lighting conduit for both sides – 90 percent complete.

Work will begin at the intersection of 192nd Avenue S.W. following Memorial Day weekend. The work involved will require closure of the entire intersection for approximately two weeks. Detour signs will be erected to direct motorists to alternate routes. Project completion is estimated by mid- July based on the contractor’s schedule.