The City of Federal Way Candidates Forum 2009
October 13 and October 15th
Sponsored by:
Federal Way Mirror Newspaper and
The South Sound Young Professionals

Federal Way Mirror Newspaper sponsored LakeHaven and Federal Judges' forum (October 13th, 2009: at the Federal Way High School - Little Theater : 6:00 PM)
On October 15th, 2009, South Sound Young Professionals hosted "Meet the Candidates for 2009" (October 15th, 2009: at the Korean Bar & Grill Palace in Federal Way: 6:00 PM). Each had two minutes to express about themselves. Each had chance to have the round robin.

LakeHaven Utility District Candidates position 1, Leonard Englund

He would like to continue to work hard to protecting delicate Ecosystem through safe and efficient wastewater treatment that LakeHaven Utility District already have when he retains his position as a commissioner. He also would like to have partnership with Schools in water conservation and protection program for continuing healthy environment with the resources available.

Len Englund For commissioner position 1, City of Federal Way daily news Mirror endorsed for Len Englund also endorsed by both 30th District Legislative Representatives. Mark Miloscia (D) and Skip Priest (R). He has also received the endorsement of Mayor Jack Dovey as well. He was appointed to the district board in April, following the resignation of Bev Tweddle. Mark This longtime community volunteer was chosen out of nine applicants for the job by the rest of the board members.

LakeHaven Utility District Candidates position 1. Ron Hall:

He has 24 years of experience and knowledgeable about the ins and outs of water systems and utility districts. He stated that he was able to maintains lower rates which was the 2nd lowest in King County. He would like to continue to work for high quality drinking water and maintain lower rates if he becomes the commissioner. Currently he is maintaining the management of water and utility district, he stated that it is not the conflict of interest for his job if he becoming the LakeHaven Utility District Commissioner.

Rebecca C. Robertson, Municipal Court Judge Position No.1:

She would like to see the changes and Federal Way Municipal Court as one of the best in Washington. Her plan is to run a courtroom efficiently, effectively, and fairly also respected manner if she is elected as Municipal Court Judge Position No. 1. She was endorsed by the women's political caucus, 30th District Democrats and 30th District Republicans. Endorsed by the Tacoma News Tribune, Federal Way Mirror and Federal Way Police Guild.

Michael Morgan, Municipal Court Judge Position No.1:

He wants to let the people know that he is a fair judge and a decisive judge and there will be no waste of Tax payers money. He has gained trust by the Decorate and Republicans,experienced judges, lawyers also throughout the community leaders with his long time experiences.

Dave Larson Municipal Court Judge Position No.2:

He believes that the Federal Way already has the best municipal court system and he would like to continue his effort to keep safe environment and keep fair judge. He managed to gain for both King County Bar Association Rating - “Exceptionally Well Qualified” Joint Asian Judicial Evaluation Committee Rating - “Exceptionally Well Qualified” and endorsed by The Federal Way Mirror, “ and he is endorsed by many local, state, and federal public officials, is endorsed by citizens, is endorsed by lawyers, and is endorsed by dozens of judges from all over this state. Teamsters Local 763 (the union that represents Federal Way court clerks and other city employees), the Federal Way Police Officer's Guild, and the Washington Council of Police and Sheriffs.

Renee Walls, Municipal Court Judge Position #2.

Renee Walls wants to focus on justice, fairness with her longtime experience as a prosecutor ensures to keep justice and safe environment from danger. Renee Walls believes that she will be able to change the Federal Way Municipal Court system and better serve with her seasoned experience. She is endorsed by judges, police, prosecutors, defense attorneys, victim advocates, interpreters, and court clerks.

City of Federal Way Council Position No. 2, Linda Kochmar:

She will continue to support multicultural and diversity event for City of Federal Way. She will work hard to improve public safety, traffic congestion, and quality of life in the community. It was her pride and worked diligently to maintain the budget with no new taxes and is proud of the City Hall as well as the new Community Center.

City of Federal Way Council Position No. 2, Sonia Sciscente:

Sonia wants to focus on providing additional resources to law enforcement in order to support effectively fight crime, and supporting programs that improve the quality of life for children and families. Also she would like to support local business owners and foster the arts. It is her plan to take care of the issues that are so important to everyone.

City of Federal Way Council Position No. 4, Mike Peterson:

He would like to straighten the leadership for a small businesses advocate, fiscally responsible, and effective law enforcement to keep the public safety. Also wants to work on budget issues and make the tough decisions to support economic issues. He involves community work and diverse group of homeowners, renters, and small/medium sized businesses.

City of Federal Way Council Position No. 4, Jeanne Burbidge:

"You can count on me to work with you for a strong and dynamic community" said Jeanne Burbidge, and She would like to retain her current position No.4. Her priorities are : Maintain & enhance strong public safety, Protect neighborhood character and environment, Attract businesses to provide quality jobs, Vital downtown with appealing retail, green space, civic facilities, and Common sense traffic improvements. She is involved many community volunteer work like Boys and Giors Club Board, Rotary Community Service Chair, St. Francis Hospital Women's Advisory Council and Advancing Leadership Board Chair. The Mirror endorsed for Jeanne Burbidge.

City of Federal Way Council Position No.6 Roger Freeman:

His goal is to improve the quality of life for city residents, support law enforcement for police and emergency response team, develop a pedestrian friendly city center and inspiring performing arts venue, and create economic opportunities by promoting industry utilizing the strengths of diverse. He also support “seniors only” activity hours at local community center. The Mirror endorsed for Roger Freeman for City of Federal Way Council Position No.6.

City of Federal Way Council Position No.6 Diana Noble-Gulliford:

If she becomes Council position 6, she made commitment to Support No Tax Increases, Grow Our Revenue Base & Jobs, Committed to Public Safety. She also would like to support the multicultural and diversity events in Federal Way. She was city of Federal Way Planning Commission-volunteer, King County Boundary Review Board and appointed by Governor. It is her plan to establish viable new jobs through a permanent economic base right here in this city if she becomes Council Position No. 6.

Bill Pirkle, Federal Way School District No. 210 Director District No. 1 :

A small class size allow more individual teacher time with the kids. The class size should be set by considering the grade level and the subject being taught. He believes that small class size will make an easier work day for teachers. He also would like to make a change on WASL Test. He believes that eliminating the WASL will make a great plan for him. His goal is to build more Academic schools.

Ed Barney, Federal Way School District No. 210 Director District No. 1:

Support for fully fund education; basic education, special education, transportation. Ed Barney will continue to support the District and the Board continue will work with legislature . He will support for the Fine Arts, sports and extra curricular programs. The Mirror endorsed for him.

Angela Griffin -, Federal Way School District No. 210, Director District No. 4 :

She is ensuring achievement of our district’s mission to educate all students in academic knowledge, skills and ability. She is making sure that certain our district is maintaining high academic standards, enlisting highly qualified educators, and actively engaging parents at all grade levels. Her goal is to make a high quality and rigorous education for all children at all grade levels.

Steve Skipper - Federal Way School District No. 210, Director District No. 4:

Steve emphasis that all the students should well memorize the time table and how to count. Steve Skipper believes that the teaching basics. The students need to know at least what the grandparents had learned by the time they had left school. He would like to see improvements: Parental awareness, Parental choice Better Guidance for both parents and students, Better allocation of funding towards all students achievement, and More efficient use of taxpayer's dollars.

John Rickert - South King Fire and Rescue Commissioner Position No.3 :

He believes that his knowledge and experience will help the board make decisions which will maintain South King Fire and Rescue’s position as one of the best departments in the state. He will continue to keep the department to maintain its high standard and to improve service for the future. The challenges are for the future including: the need for expanding services in the midst of uncertain funding, and find a way to get better within the limits the taxpayers money. He is endorsed by: 30th District Democrats South King Fire Professional Firefighters .

J. Roger Hershey - South King Fire and Rescue Commissioner Position No.3 :

He believes that the South King Fire and Rescue have the best systems. He will continue to support what it's needed if he becoming commissioner position No.3.

South Sound Young Professionals organized Meet the Candidates and Each had two minutes to express about themselves. Each had chance to have the round robin. About 50 people joined this event and everyone had chance to meet the candidates as the candidates had speed dating. Led by Herman Brewer IV. Chrislyn Tust, SSYP president closed remarks and appreicated to the participants which they have learned about the candidates. It was inspired and chance to learn about the community leaders and other professional people also people had chance to learn about the polical involvement. November 3rd, 2009 is General Election day. Hopefully, we all remember to vote!!

Reported by catch4all.com, Sandra Englund October 21st, 2009

Related links:

King County Elections

Secretary of State Elections & Voting