Disqus - Latest Comments for llindstrand

Re: RYAN RYALS: 'The Great Recession' leaves City Council members circling budget questions - Covington Reporter

llindstrand — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 23:17:53 -0000

I agree with Ryan's article. There is some very pertinent and viable information there. While I am not in general in favor of raising taxes, I feel it is warranted n this case. According to a number of sources we are coming out the other side of the curve and the economy is beginning to slowly improve. The city is already short staffed. Last year we lost both the City Manager and the Assistant Manager. We have not replaced the assistant manager which leaves the leadership short handed. The EDC lost part of its staff support with the loss of the assistant manager. It was forced to cut from two meetings per month to one and has lost considerable viability as a result. Also after being in business management for many years, I realize the problems with cutting staff too far as well as the lag time that is inevitable when they are finally replaced.

Our city attorney served us well during the time we had neither a city manager or assistant manager. Also I have not heard of any major legal problems while she has been the attorney. Once the economy continues on the upward path we will need her services full time.

The latest information that I am aware of is the building permit requests are on the upswing. I grant that it looks like Fred Meyer, Kite, and Summit Place developments will be postponed till 2011; however, they are still planned to be constructed. In addition there are additional commercial construction projects just waiting for the economy to get stronger.

Therefore, in both cases, I support the need to find a way to finance the two positions. Also in light of the amount of Utility Taxes in other cities of our size are much higher, the small percentage that is needed to maintain the above positions is definitely warranted and needs to be supported.

Re: Leadership change needed on Maple Valley City Council - Covington & Maple Valley Reporter

llindstrand — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 01:00:28 -0000

I agree with the Gillespie's for many of the same reasons that they give. I don't agree with either of the writers of the other comments. To put it simply I feel that the three above candidates are the best ones for the job.

Victoria Jonas has been on the council for a number of years and while I don't agree with her on some issues, she gives a lot of thought and research before voting on controversial ones. She definitely supports Maple Valley and and as far as I am concerned is the best one of the two candidates for the job.

Bill Allison is a new comer, but brings the experience of a small businessman as well as having a strong leadership ability. I first met him a couple of months ago and sat down and talked with him for a couple of hours. I was impressed with his grasp and knowledge of City affairs. He definitely comes to us with absolutely no potential conflicts of interest while his opponent will seemingly have many of them. With Jim's professional duties I don't see how he can discuss or vote on any code or property items. From the last round with the state auditor, I think he would challenge many of the decisions if Jim is elected. Currently Jim serves as an ambassador between the Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Committee, Planning Commission and City Council. His knowledge and experience is invaluable to these groups and I feel that he can do more for the city in this last position. I know I would miss his council in these groups. Bill is definitely my choice for this position.

I have had the opportunity to work with her for the past two years on the Planning Commission. She has impressed me with her knowledge of building codes and council activities as well as her devotion to Maple Valley. Erin is extremely skilled at working for consensus between differing opinions. She has previously served on the Council and is deeply involved in the various activities in Maple Valley.
Erin is definitely my choice of the two candidates.

Re: Erin Weaver well suited to lead Maple Valley forward - Covington Reporter

llindstrand — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 00:16:25 -0000

I have worked with Erin the past two years on Planning Commission and find her extremely knowledgeable on a wide variety of subjects. She has a deep understanding of the building codes,as well as knowledge of other Council actions. She is extremely talented at reaching consensus between differing views. While I will miss her on Planning Commission, I feel strongly that she will do an excellent job on City Council.

Re: Maple Valley council members advised to avoid appearance of conflict of interest - Covington Reporter

llindstrand — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 10:45:41 -0000

You're right. Both of these have serious baggage to consider when one
votes for the council candidates Maybe we should elect him and he can
find gemstones at the meetings and balance the city's budget..

Re: Maple Valley City Council Position No. 2 debate set for Thursday - Covington Reporter

llindstrand — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 22:44:34 -0000

I was impressed with the quality of the debate and the subjects covered. There are two issues that are especially troublesome to me relating to the candidacy of Jim Flynn.

The first is his conflicts of interest in being a large property owner and manager of Maple Valley properties. He would have to excuse himself from any actions regarding Zoning, Building Codes, and Economic Development in order to comply with the conflict of interest rules published in the August 7th Reporter. There is hardly a council meeting that doesn't require action on property items.

The second challenge is his statement that he wants to implement a complete Maple Valley Building Code. The City Council and Planning Commission have completed only three or four sections of code in the last four years. It would take another four to five years to finish the complete code. His suggestion would effectively stop development until the code is completed. I feel that this is not fair to either the property owners involved or the citizens of Maple Valley.

Maple Valley needs council members that will act effectively and without conflicts on all items coming before the council.

Re: Maple Valley council members advised to avoid appearance of conflict of interest - Covington Reporter

llindstrand — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 22:22:53 -0000

This article is very interesting. I am surprised that there is conflict of interest in these cases where the involvement is so slight. If this is the litmus test, then how can Jim Flynn possibly serve on the council? I would think that as a property owner and manager for a significant amount of real estate, he would have to excuse himself from all matters relating to building code, property zoning, economic development etc. This would significantly reduce his effectiveness on the council.