I would like to thank the Maple Valley Reporter for this opportunity to respond to comments that have been made about me and to me during this campaign. I have made campaign issues of the first two items, the third issue was thrust upon me. You the voters must decide the importance of these issues and cast your votes accordingly. It’s easier for me because I’m running unopposed; however we have two races where choices must be made and votes cast. I encourage you to sift through the rhetoric and look to the actions. This should not be a popularity contest. All the candidates are popular but actions should speak louder than words and two candidates by their actions are better prepared to serve our city.
Attending meetings should not be the only selection criteria. Experience and involvement need to be high on the list.
First: Let me state for the record I am proud of the work our chamber of commerce does in Maple Valley. Think about what Maple Valley would look like without a chamber of commerce and a strong business community; no fishing derby, no sponsors for our youth activity leagues, just to name two. I know you can think of any number of other events where the business community supports our city.
The chamber is not an evil organization as it has been portrayed this election year. Businesses in Maple Valley are currently being bullied and intimidated fearful that retribution will be damaging to their businesses and livelihoods. One business leader in Maple Valley, Jim Wasmund, wrote a letter to the Voice which appeared on Oct. 25. In it he states: “He (Noel Gerken) called out business names implying wrong-doing…” implying business owners should not be endorsing candidates.” I encourage others from the business community who have knowledge of this to come forward. I hope it is as unacceptable to our voters as it is to me.
This type of action should have no place in Maple Valley and from my experience the only way to stop it
is to talk about it. The only way to deal with bullying is to publicly address the bully and the issue.
Otherwise the insidiousness continues to grow and poison our community. Always remember, it only takes one or two bad apples to spoil the barrel. But once you remove the bad apples the rest of the barrel can be saved.
Second: The 156 acre parcel along Kent Kangley and 228th known as the donut hole/Summit Place
must be annexed into the city of Maple Valley prior to development. This impacts all aspects of our lives including our schools and fire department and our transportation planning. This property sits in the middle of the city and yet King County has refused to allow annexation to occur. Noel Gerken, independent of council direction, chose to send an inappropriate letter about King County’s efforts to sell this property. King County’s reaction was swift and lethal. Noel Gerken said at the first candidate forum “If you aren’t at the table, you are on the menu.” By his very action he made Maple Valley the main course. And all he can say is oh well. He has always taken the attitude it is easier to ask forgiveness than to ask permission. Annexation of the donut hole is very much in jeopardy and the responsibility sits with Noel Gerken.
Third: I want to thank all of you who have supported me by words and deeds. At the chamber candidate
forum Layne Barnes criticized my ability to communicate with my fellow council members. My response to that is that since 2010 under our current leadership council did not like what I was communicating and chose to ignore me. After all, I was the lone voice in the wilderness saying things they did not want to hear. Our citizens, from the feedback I’ve gotten, have no trouble with my communication abilities and have encouraged me to “keep up the good work.” I will however, continue to try and improve my communications with my fellow council members.
Thank you for your support. I look forward to serving you for the next four years. As citizens of Maple
Valley, and voters, we have the opportunity to take back our city with this election. We cannot sustain another four years of the puppet master and the puppet. It truly is time for a change and we have an opportunity before us with this election. All we need is the wisdom and the courage to vote for that change.
Just so there is no misunderstanding I support Karen Crowe and Bill Woodcock.
Maple Valley City Council Member
Position No. No. 7
