We are always interested to see new candidates step up to the plate to serve their communities. Those of us that are more seasoned in this process understand that to do so requires dedication and lots of time. The time commitment includes carefully studying the issues and the history of the city to understand where we are today. It means serving the community through the many non-profit organizations or commissions that are the cornerstones on the community to gain some experience in these working relationships and knowledge of the community needs. It means actually attending the meetings of the office that you are running for so you know what is happening on a week by week basis.
We appreciate your opinions and giving us even more of an opportunity to set the records straight. This way, the citizens will have NO questions when it comes time to vote. But this time, allow me.
I have known Rebecca Olness for years, as a neighbor in Black Diamond and from her involvement on the boards of the Lake Sawyer Community Club and the Black Diamond Community Center. Becky has given countless hours of her time to help others by actively taking part in both fun activities and those that help people in need. She has a strong sense of commitment to the community to an extent that is rarely seen.
I am writing to set the record straight in regard to a few comments Jeff Granlund made in an article titled “Maple Valley Fire Board Race Turns on the Heat” and in his Letter to the Editor in the October 22, 2009 edition of the Maple Valley/Covington Reporter.
With the upcoming election for the Tahoma School Board Position No. 1 currently held by Tami Henkel, I am compelled to urge voters to re-elect Mrs. Henkel on Nov. 3. I have been a teacher in the district for 24 years; prior to the current board, I knew very little about the members, including their names.
In King County, there are over 35 police departments, the sheriff, plus our state, federal, and tribal law enforcement agencies. Together, we are collectively sworn to protect over 1.8 million citizens. We meet monthly as partners in this effort to address the most pressing public safety issues facing our communities. At our October meeting, the King County Police Chiefs Association discussed the impacts that Initiative 1033 could have on our ability to provide basic police services.
I am supporting Rebecca Olness for Black Diamond mayor because she will bring a fresh, positive change to City Hall.
Mark Lanza understands that our children are the most precious parts of our lives. During his tenure on the Covington City Council he has always based his decisions on what is best for our children. Their safety and well being has always been the driving force behind the direction he has taken as a City Council member.
After having the opportunity to work with Tami for the last three years as a teacher and coach in Tahoma, I’ve developed a better understanding of the work she accomplishes for our learning community and athletic programs. I was initially intimidated to work with a school board member for my program, but felt eased by Tami’s respectful demeanor, professionalism and ability to employ a diverse point of view.
Maple Valley Touchdown Booster Club, representing Tahoma senior high school football, endorses the re-election of Tami Henkel to Tahoma School Board Position 1. Tami has served on the school board for six years, most recently as the board financial representative.
Victoria Jonas is a well respected and experienced leader with a proven track record of community and public service. As your representative on the Maple Valley City Council, Victoria has worked hard to earn the reputation as a responsive, accountable and fiscally responsible elected official. During these tough economic times, it is more important than ever to have proven leadership you can trust representing you on the Maple Valley City Council.
The Maple Valley professional firefighters have unanimously agreed to endorse and support Erin Weaver in her election for City Council Position No. 4 and Victoria Jonas in her re-election for Maple Valley City Council Position No. 6.
We are very pleased to endorse Tami Henkel for Tahoma School Board Position No. 1.
Over the years while working as a volunteer for the District I have seen first hand the incredible commitment by the Board to advance the goals of learning for the children.
The debate for three positions on the Maple Valley City Council candidates lacked one thing. A debate! The evening on Oct. 15 was attended by a respectable crowd of interested citizens.
I guess anyone with money can buy silence these days to cover up misuse of taxpayer money. The Valley Medical Center hospital commissioner race has been highly unpublicized but is such an important matter in this district.
Black Diamond has stayed a small, idyllic town thanks to our current Mayor Howard Botts. However, with our impending growth it’s time for a change in leadership.
There has been speculation as to whether or not I am running for re-election as fire commissioner. I am running.
Allow me to set the records straight.
The Black Diamond race for mayor has gotten out of hand when it comes to mudslinging. As long as I have known Rebecca Olness, she has been one of the hardest working people that I have ever come across. Her willingness to contribute to the community is amazing. She volunteers at the community center cooking, organizing events and many more commitments that go unrecognized.
In 2006 over 94 percent of Maple Valley voters chose “no” during the infamous attempt by Valley Medical to annex Maple Valley into their taxing district. If that vote had passed it would have increased local homeowner’s taxes by approximately $250 per home. I and most others in the community worked to stop that unasked-for expansion of Valley Medical into Maple Valley.
I had the distinct honor of living all over this world while serving our nation for a couple decades. Living under other governments gave me a true appreciation for the privileges and freedoms we have here. Voting for me is a very serious issue entailing many hours of sober research before making a decision.
