I am excited to announce my candidacy for re-election to the Maple Valley City Council.

It has been my honor to serve on the city council and I am humbled by the number of citizens who have encouraged me to run again.  I find I still have much I would like to contribute to our city and to the city council.

During my time on council I have worked hard to gain the knowledge and experience to enable me to better serve our citizens.  This election cycle there will be five (5) of the seven (7) positions standing for election.

Two current members of the city council have announced they will not be seeking re-election so we will be electing a new council with new ideas.  I believe this new council will benefit from the support and guidance of the experienced members of the current council and I am excited to serve with new voices and help their transition into one of the most enjoyable and fulfilling jobs in politics today.

We have all heard about the ‘fiscal cliff’ Maple Valley is facing and with creative ideas and actions by our new council I believe we can avoid the cliff and instead find ourselves a stronger city.  Economic Development is going to be of paramount importance to Maple Valley as we begin the second half of this decade.  Our efforts to build a strong economy in Maple Valley will have huge pay-backs in avoiding the infamous ‘fiscal cliff.’  Our community partners are anxious and more than willing to work with the city council to build our city into a financially strong city.

The Maple Valley-Black Diamond Chamber Of Commerce, the Tahoma School District, Maple Valley Fire and Life Safety, the Greater Maple Valley Community Center, the Maple Valley Rotary, and many other dedicated organizations contribute greatly to our wonderful city and are anxious to help the city and the city council grow and strengthen our city.

We learned that partnerships are a great asset to our city when we partnered with Black Diamond and Covington on issues affecting all three cities.

Our city staffs are now working collaboratively to find new economies brought about by combining our resources and working together.

We learned the power of working with our legislators when we successfully changed the law to allow the annexation of the ‘donut hole.’  Then we supported the Tahoma School District in their endeavors to purchase acreage from King County to build our new high school which is now scheduled to open in September of 2017.  Now we are working with our legislators to help fund transportation projects that are vital to our ability to move around and through Maple Valley.

We have many other issues facing us, not the least of which is how and where to provide sports facilities in Maple Valley.  Our current council has recently committed to run a bond in early 2016 which would fund new ball fields and park facilities.  The next seated council will have the responsibility of following through to bring needed recreational opportunities to Maple Valley.  We are still considered a young city but we are learning fast.

My experience will greatly enhance the efforts our new city council will be undertaking in the next four years.  I believe I have a voice that is needed on Council and in the community and hope I can count on your support on November 3rd.  Check me out on Facebook at Linda Johnson for City Council.