MC Council Candidates for Position #1 Have say

vote3Previously you had a chance to read what the candidates for Position # 2 had to say in answer to 4 questions posed to them. Today I’m posting the responses from candidates for Position #1. Do tell.

(Please note: the questions were emailed to all the candidates on the same date & time – July 15th. I requested that they please respond by July 22nd because voters were receiving their ballots. Though I sent a follow-up email, I have not received a response from Sean Kelly. When I do, I will post.)

Again, the questions:

  1. How long have you lived in Mill Creek and what are the 3 most important aspects of life here, ones that you like the most and feel need to be maintained. Are there any aspects you do not like and feel need to be addressed.
  2. Why are you running for election to the Mill Creek City Council?
  3. What will you bring to the Mill Creek City Council that your opponents do not/will not?
  4. What do you see as the top three priorities for the Mill Creek City Council in the next 5 years? (some examples, but don’t feel limited to these: Public safety – Fire & Police, crime, managed growth in both residential and business areas, parks & recreation, roads/sidewalks

Herbie Martin:

1. How long have you lived in Mill Creek, WA?

 To my understanding it’s about 8 years since my property has become part of Mill Creek taxable income property.

What are the three most important aspects of life here, ones that you like the most and feel need to be maintained?

1. Excellent city to raise a family and live.

2. Excellent city to walk and accessible to all the freeways

3. Excellent city to be connected to Seattle and other forms of public transportation

Are there any aspects you do not like and feel need to be addressed.

 Needing to improve the sales revenue for Mill Creek.

2. Why are you running for election to the Mill Creek City Council?

I have served our country in the United States Army for 20 years of faithful service.

I am serving Washingtonians for 12 years, those most in need.

I would like to serve where I live and play. I have served mostly in Seattle, WA, but want to be closer to home.

3. What will you bring to the Mill Creek City Council that your opponents do not/ will not?

I bring to the city council’s table a reflections of diversity none of my opponents bring to the city council.

I bring my professional and personal experiences to the city council respect and valuing diversity.

I bring my God’s given talent of engaging people from all walks of life and making the connections.

4. What do you see as the top three priorities for the Mill Creek City Council in the next 5 years?

1. Fiscally responsible economic development is vital for our City’s future.

2. The community support of future annexations, that are currently on the table for considerations.

3. Mill Creek city needs to bring in some kind of business or  a major attraction to bring people from the surrounding area to stop and spend money in our city.

 

Lynn Sordel:

1.  I have lived in Mill Creek for nearly seven years with my wife Linda, daughters Carrie and Kristin. We moved here from Orlando, Fl when I was hired in my current position of Director of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts for the City of Lynnwood.

The three most important aspects of life here are the reasons we selected Mill Creek to be our home. First, we love the character of the community. The environment is amazingly beautiful and the fact we can walk trails or ride bikes safely is wonderful. We love the community based events the city sponsors as they connect us to each other. Finally, we love the Town Center as just about everything we need is there.

Mill Creek’s quality of life is unparalleled. We believe our community has a great deal of pride and our citizens feel safe.  There is a sense of being here and we have a vibrant economic base. I feel very fortunate to live in a community where our citizens are engaged and participate in the many activities and events offered by the city.

Finally, I also feel strongly about the city’s strong leadership. We have highly trained and dedicated staff. Our fiscal matters are stronger than most city’s and we are seen as a model by others. I know this to be true because of my work and connections.

I do think our traffic can be challenging and we will need to work with the county to explore ways to improve this matter. Our bus service has been hit hard by the recession too.

 

2. I am running because I want to preserve and enhance our quality of life. I want to devote my time and energy to help Mill Creek thrive.  I have been fortunate to spend over 30 years working in the public sector and I know how to create sound public policies. That is critical today. Finally, I love this city and will focus on the issues that matter.  Those decisions will represent what is best for Mill Creek. I have no other political ambitions and will not use this position to enhance a political career or opportunity.

 

3.  I bring 30 years of public service to my candiacy. My knowledge of municipal government is my strength. I understand the complexities of government and know how to get things done. My career has placed me in key leadership situations, and I have a reputation of being able to get things done. I am approachable and listen. I am not impulsive and think things through.

I have also volunteered with the city and served on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. This was an appointed position by council.

Finally, my experience, knowledge and energy have provided me with a positive outlook. I love working with people and love partnerships and collaboration. I also know how to look for efficiencies and have been challenged to make tough decisions.

 

4.  The priorities for the next 5 years begin and end with a prudent and responsible fiscal policy. The city must continue to look for ways to be even more efficient because an efficient government is of the utmost importance to our citizens. A focus on the optimization of budgets, innovation in service delivery is critical. I am also a strong advocate of using new technology where appropriate. The city will need to evaluate its resources and priorities. Costs will continue to go up, so there will need to be a continued effort to look for efficiencies.

Our public safety matters are also important. They are essential services and they should also be part of self-analysis to look for efficiencies.  Our EMT and fire services are also important components of our quality of life. We are fortunate to have highly trained police and fire employees.

Our business community needs to know the city cares about their welfare. We need to continue our efforts to promote them and ensure our codes and regulations are conducive to a vibrant business environment. Again, we should continue to self-evaluate our codes and regulations to allow the business community to succeed.

Our open spaces and recreational activities are vital to our quality of life. We enjoy civic events that connect us and I will continue to support them. These events also bring people into the city and helps our local economy. I am a strong advocate of tough laws that protect our trees and open spaces.

Finally, I also believe the city’s infrastructure will require attention. Our roads and sidewalks require care and maintenance. We will continue to require a solid capital plan to maintain these key elements that connect our community.

In closing, I am excited about this opportunity. Since my appointment to the City Council last November, I have made an impact and, because of my experience and knowledge, my “learning curve” has been short.  Our citizens deserve people who care about their community. I honestly believe my experience, knowledge and leadership skills give me an advantage. We will face many new challenges ahead and I am the best prepared candidate for Position 1 to represent our citizens.

 

Thank you to all the candidates who took the time to respond. We do live in an exceptional city. Please learn all you can about the candidates & what they offer to bring to the governance of Mill Creek, and make an informed decision.

MC Council Position 2 Candidates Have the Floor

Vote2I asked the three candidates for Mill Creek City Council Position #2 these 4 questions.:

  1. How long have you lived in Mill Creek and what are the 3 most important aspects of life here, ones that you like the most and believe strongly need to be maintained. Are there any aspects you do not like and feel need to be addressed.
  2. Why are you running for election to the Mill Creek City Council?
  3. What will you bring to the Mill Creek City Council that your opponents do not/will not?
  4. What do you see as the top three priorities for the Mill Creek City Council in the next 5 years? (some examples, but don’t feel limited to these: Public safety – Fire & Police, crime, managed growth in both residential and business areas, parks & recreation, roads/sidewalks)

The following – in alphabetical order by last name – are the responses I received:

Douglas Carlson —

I have lived in the area since 2008 and am interested in lending my time and talents to the community as a way to give back to the community that I love. The city of Mill Creek shares a name with the town Abraham Lincoln’s parents and siblings lived and has borrowed the same type of small town feel.  It provides residences for engineers, lawyers, doctors, and politicians who appreciate our location and conveniences. I would like to provide services and ammenities that will preserve that kind of environment for the future.  One issue needing to be addressed is storm water and improper drainage in the community.  It is my opinion that swampy conditions can have adverse health effects on the residents of Mill Creek.  My experience in government service uniquely qualifies me to serve as a city council member. I have devoted my life to community health and government service and I can objectively consider every matter brought before me while considering the viewpoints and voices of all of my fellow residents of Mill Creek.  My priorities over the next 5 years include providing essential services and recreation, ensuring community health and promoting education and trimming non-essential services.  I would seek additional revenue such as the new utilities tax on entities within city limits. I feel as though structures in Mill Creek that do not incorporate things like solar paneling for power generation into their construction ought to be responsible for providing the funds we need to operate while our town becomes more and more self reliant. Some of the new state revenue generating initiatives such as I-502 are designed to fund future efforts in emergency medical and law enforcement programs.

Donna Michelson —

  1. How long have you lived in Mill Creek and what are the 3 most important aspects of life here, ones that you like the most and believe strongly need to be maintained.  Are there any aspects you do not like and feel need to be addressed.

My husband and I have lived in Mill Creek 34 years where we have raised our family.

  1.  We feel safe, secure, serene and comfortable whenever we are in Mill Creek.  This is certainly due in part to our responsive and available Police Department and the Fire Department close for any emergency.  These public safety services of course must never be compromised and always maintained.
  2.  We must maintain our “community within a city” feeling. We are a city but we still have the small town feel.  I do not want to lose that community feel and believe it is in part due to the walkability and natural beauty of our city and the Town Center.  I believe the Town Center brings the community together with opportunities to gather and enjoy the shopping, dining and the ever growing and well attended community events.  We need to keep encouraging everyone to support our businesses and restaurants in our entire city (not just in Town Center) to help them thrive.  Making it easy to do business in our city needs to continue with our capable experienced staff being the contact point to assist with questions/issues.
  3.  We must maintain and preserve our aging infrastructure.  Our city is 30 years old now and we are no longer a young city enjoying “new things”.  We do not want financial surprises when it comes to pavement.  We need to preserve our pavement to extend its life.  This needs to be done on an ongoing basis before it becomes in need of expensive repairs.

2. Why are you running for re-election to the Mill Creek City Council?

I have enjoyed representing the citizens of Mill Creek and it truly has been an honor.  I believe I am approachable and always willing to listen to concerns and issues as I am out in the community on a daily basis.  I was part of formulating our city’s first Strategic Plan, our “road map” to help guide the future of Mill Creek and would like to be part of the team as we move forward in its implementation.

3.  What will you bring to the Mill Creek City Council that your opponents do not/will not?

After living in Mill Creek for 34 years (4 years before it was even a city) and being on the council for 14 years, serving 2 years as Mayor and 4 years as Mayor Pro Tem, I have garnered a lot of experience and history.  I have seen a lot of changes and growth.  I think Mill Creek is fabulous and very well respected.  There are a few things that I think could have been done differently and history, experience and my continuity on the council will help us work thru future issues and challenges.

4. What do you see as the top three priorities for the Mill Creek City Council in the next 5 years?

  1. East Gateway Urban Village:  We need to keep working to do the best we can on this last undeveloped parcel of land in Mill Creek.   Because I was on the council as Town Center developed I have history to help guide this developing area.  We of course need to attract businesses and restaurants as this can really pay off in the economic development arena. Our staff can help by making it easy to do business in Mill Creek.
  2. Maintaining service levels while controlling costs for all of our city services.  This is an ongoing challenge but one we continually address.  This means of course always maintaining our Public Safety as a number one priority.
  3.  Preservation of our infrastructure.  Again, as I mentioned above, we must continue to preserve our roads and sidewalks, which we are doing on an ongoing basis.  This cannot be put off for the future.  (I compare pavement preservation to that of taking care of your teeth; get a filling as your need it before you need an expensive root canal and gold crown.)  This must continue to be a priority.

Jason Wingert —

1. How long have you lived in Mill Creek?

For over ten years, I have been a resident owner of a successful insurance and financial services agency in Mill Creek. [and what are the 3 most important aspects of life here, ones that you like the most and feel need to be maintained. Are there any aspects you do not like and feel need to be addressed?] Mill Creek offers safe neighborhoods, clean parks, a walkable community, convenient shopping, local dining and a great sense of community.

2. Why are you running for election to the Mill Creek City Council? ?

I have always had a passion to serve and I will bring my business experience to help solve the challenges we face.

3. What will you bring to the Mill Creek City Council that your opponents do not/will not?

As a citizen and local business leader, I have been listening to the concerns of Mill Creek residents for over ten years.  I understand how to solve problems, implement new initiatives, and operate within a budget.

4. What do you see as the top three priorities for the Mill Creek City Council in the next 5 years? (some examples, but don’t feel limited to these: Public safety – Fire & Police, crime, managed growth in both residential and business areas, parks & recreation, roads/sidewalks)

My priorities are a strong police and fire presence to keep our neighborhoods safe, a business friendly environment to help our local economy grow, real fiscal responsibility, which means providing essential city services with low taxes and a great cost effective parks and recreational program.

 

Stay tuned.  Responses from the candidates running for Position #1 will be posted soon.

 

Design Review Board to Hold Special Meeting

The City of Mill Creek has announced that the Design Review Board will be holding a special meeting on Thursday, July 25, 2013 at 5:15PM  in order to review a monument sign for the Thomas Lake Shopping Center. Do tell.

Vote in the Primary August 6

VoteWashington State is holding the 2013 Primary Election on Aug 6, 2013. It is administered by Snohomish County Elections.

Registered voters in Mill Creek will have this opportunity to exercise their right to vote for the candidate of their choice who will then move on to the general election on November 2013. You should have received your ballot in the mail by now.

The Mill Creek City Council has 4 seats up for election. Two of these – Positions #3 & #4 have 2 candidates; so they will square off in the general election. Two – Positions #1 & #2 each have 3 candidates running. This primary will decide which two candidates of the 3 for each position will, in fact, advance to the general election.

Please look for 2 follow-up posts which will present a “forum” of sorts for the candidates in the primary. Do Tell Mill Creek sent the same 4 questions to all 6 candidates on July 15, 2013. Their responses will be presented unabridged & unedited for your consideration.

Mill Creek is a great place to live, work & play. Please learn all you can about the candidates & VOTE  in the primary, August 6th. Your ballot must have a first-class stamp & be mailed in time to be post-marked by August 6, 2013 or be IN one of the 24 Hour drop-boxes by 8pm on August 6. It is very important that your vote is counted & your voice is heard. Do tell.

 

Kid’s Fun Run Aug 10, 2013

Please join Mill Creek Parks & Recreation staff for the fourth annual Kids Fun Run 2K on Saturday, August 10, 2013. The Run will take place at Heatherwood Middle School Track and Field (1419 Trillium Blvd. SE, Mill Creek, WA 98012). Do tell.

Children ages 3 years through 5th grade are invited to participate in three age-appropriate run/walks starting at 10:00 a.m. Check-in at 9:00 a.m. $15 Registration fee includes t-shirt & goodie bag.  No t-shirt with registration after July 25, 2013.

$5 of the registration is donated to the American Red Cross Relief effort to help families in Snohomish County. For more information, please visit www.millcreekkidsfunrun.com or contact the Parks and Recreation Department at (425) 745-1891.

A Special “Thank You” to the Sponsors:

 Run26, Waste Management, Mill Creek Children’s Dentistry, Sterling Savings Bank, Union Bank, Z-Ultimate Self Defense Studios, Applause Studio, Bay Equity Home Loans, Thrive of Mill Creek, Pellegrini Orthodontics, Top Pot Doughnuts, Town Center Eye Care, American Families Insurance, Evergreen AutoWorks, Everett Aqua Sox, YMCA, World’s Tastiest Frozen Yogurt, Western Washington Medical Group, QFC, McDonald’s, 8 to 8 Dental, Mill Creek Vision, Mill Creek Family Practice, Community Transit, Hot Yoga Mill Creek, Frankie’s Pizza, Firestone, Les Schwab, AAA, Burgermaster, Qdoba & American Red Cross.

Sid Dickens at Nest Home & Gifts

NestWallAmong all the other great finds at Nest Home & Gifts, a favorite of mine to give & receive are the Memory Blocks designed by Sid Dickens.

What are Memory Blocks? 

“Handmade in Canada since 1995, Memory Blocks are the original collectible wall plaques.  Interactive and timeless, the collection captures pieces of history as tangible, enchanting collectible art for modern life.”

“Unique chunks of history & visual fragments from early cultures represented in a modern and accessible way.”

“Patterns and combinations are limitless & can be arranged to create a customized narrative that expresses a language of memory.” Do tell.

NestBeeToday, July 16, 2013 at Nest Home & Gift in Mill Creek Town Center, they are 15% off the regular price for their Tuesday Market Special. Choose a Memory Block that has a special meaning for you or for someone you love. Either in stock or by special order, you will get this sale price today only. Includes the new Fall 2013 “Bygone Time” collection!

Nest Home & Gift is located at 15217 Main Street in Mill Creek – Suite 105. Visit their website Nest Home and Gifts

Because they said it best, the description of Memory Blocks by Sid Dickens was quoted directly from their website. siddickens.com

Photos are representative & Memory Blocks shown in this blog post may or may not be available at this time. Some Memory Blocks designs may be retired from collection. Photos are the property of  © dotellmillcreek.

 

Mill Creek Festival This Weekend

logo-mill-creek-festival-642x263The Annual Mill Creek Festival & Street Fair takes place this Saturday – July 13th 11-7PM & Sunday – July 14th  11-5PM & will feature juried artisan booths (handcrafted items, only), Food Court, Kids Korner, Pet Plaza, The Main Stage with live entertainment, Car show, the “Madness on Main” 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament on Saturday, Business Booths, Beer & Wine Garden and The Community Stage with local acts. There will be something for everyone. Do tell.

This event is free to the public & there will be free parking/shuttle service to & from H.M. Jackson High School so you don’t have to sweat the parking.  Jackson High is located at 1508 136th St SE  Mill Creek, WA 98012

The Mill Creek Festival will be located on Mill Creek Boulevard behind Mill Creek Plaza (Albertson’s, Staples, Rite-Aid) & turning right up a portion of 161st between Rite-Aid & Bank of America. You really won’t be able to miss it.

For more details please visit:

MillCreekFestival.com

To see the schedule of entertainment directly click on this link. http://www.millcreekfestival.com/entertainment

Above information was obtained from the Mill Creek Festival website & was believed to be accurate as of 07/10/13. Some schedules may be subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances.

 

This Week In Mill Creek

summer_concert_millCreek_smallThis is going to be a great week, especially weatherwise, with many opportunities to get out & enjoy our community.

This Wednesday, July10th from 6-8PM enjoy the music of Borrowed Time playing the music of Styx. This is part of the Mill Creek Summer Concert Series brought to you by The Mill Creek Town Center Business Association & The City of Mill Creek along with sponsors: North Creek Roofing, Columbia Funding Mortgage, Chaplin’s Bellevue Volkswagen & Subaru and North Bend Chevrolet, The YMCA, Silver Dollar Casino, The Rotary Club of Mill Creek, Mill Creek Business Association & Purity Integrative Health & Chirobody.

art_walk_poster_2013small copyNext up on Thursday night July 11, stroll Main Street & beyond for the Second Thursday Art Walk which takes place between 5-8PM in the Town Center area. Again brought to you by the Mill Creek Town Center Business Association & The City of Mill Creek, twenty-four merchants are participating as they host artists working in media ranging from wood working, jewelry, soft sculpture, painting, & photography.

You will enjoy music along the walk & many of the merchants offer simple refreshments. Look for the businesses with colorful rainbow windsocks hanging near their doors. In addition, maps are available at participating merchants & the info booth located on the corner in front of Boston’s. Do tell.

Then, if that wasn’t enough The Annual Mill Creek Festival takes place this Saturday & Sunday- July 13th & 14th. More about that to follow in another post. Please check back.

Emory’s on Silverlake-Lakeside Bistro & Bar

EmoryB

 

Did you know that Emory’s on Silver Lake – Lakeside Bistro & Bar has the largest waterfront deck in Snohomish County? They do. It’s a great place to enjoy Happy Hour on Silver Lake on these long, warm, sunny days.

EmoryA

 

Did you know that you can reserve the entire restaurant for breakfast & lunch events? Well, you can — for 50 to 150 or more people. Do tell.

Is a dinner event — think rehearsal dinner, retirement party, anniversary, small reception — more to your needs or style? Emory’s has a private banquet room that can accommodate up to 50 people. Emory’s is located on Silver Lake just North of Mill Creek on the Bothell-Everett Highway. 11830 19th Ave SE Everett, WA 98208 to be precise.

To learn more visit: emorys.com  & click on Banquets. Of course you’ll also find everything else you might want to know: Menus, Hours, Directions, special events.

emorys2

 

I was there recently for the Happy Hour ( a late lunch & a little bit of research ) I sat out on the deck, of course. I knew it was 5:00 somewhere, but I decided to just order an Arnold Palmer. Need to get back to the office. Then I chose the Garden Salad & Dungeness crab cakes – all for $15.95 plus tax & tip.

Summer Happy Hour is much more than an hour. It runs from 1-6PM. On Mondays it is from 1-Close in Lounge. 21+ of course.

emorys3

City of Mill Creek Design Review Board Vacancies

The City of Mill Creek is seeking two volunteers to fill vacancies on the Design Review Board, with a term that expires on August 31, 2016.

Design Review Board meetings are held the third Thursday of each month at 5:15 p.m. The Design Review Board was created to review & make urban design decisions that will promote visual quality throughout the City. The Design Review Board reviews all site plans, building elevations, landscaping and monument signs for attached single-family residential, multifamily residential, industrial, and commercial developments.

The Board Members shall be from the professions of architecture, landscape architecture, urban (design) planner or similar disciplines and need not be residents of the City. Do tell.

If interested in volunteering, please send a letter of interest to:

Attn: Sherrie Ringstad

City of Mill Creek

15728 Main Street

Mill Creek, Washington 98012

or Deliver to City Hall no later than 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 18, 2013