Kent City Council candidates state their opinions | Election 2015 Q&A

At least one new member will join the Kent City Council next year as Tina Budell and Hira Singh Bhullar face off on the Nov. 3 general election ballot.

Budell defeated Bhullar and two other candidates in the August primary. Neither has held public office before. One of them will replace Deborah Ranniger, who decided not to run again.

Challenger Toni Troutner hopes to defeat Councilwoman Brenda Fincher in another showdown. The council appointed Fincher last year to a vacant position. Two years remain on the four-year term.

Gwen Allen is running as a write-in candidate in an effort to upset incumbent Les Thomas, who hopes to win a fourth, four-year term.

Council members Dana Ralph and Bill Boyce are running unopposed.

King County Elections mailed out ballots this week.

Following are the answers from candidates in the three contested races to six questions emailed to them by the Kent Reporter:

• BRENDA FINCHER vs. TONI TROUTNER

Why are you the best person for the job?

Fincher: Since becoming your council member, I’ve worked to make everyday life better for you. That starts with listening to you. You’ve seen me bring city hall to you, meeting you on your doorsteps, in your neighborhoods, at your businesses, and in community meetings. And you’ve seen me do this from the very start – not just during election season.

You’ve also seen that I won’t let rigid ideology stand in the way of progress. My willingness to work together with people of varied backgrounds and interests and unite people to do what’s right is why I’ve earned the support of my colleagues and so many leaders on both sides of the aisle.

I’ve worked to keep our neighborhoods safe and secured funding to make sure our officers are trained and equipped to safely and effectively serve our city. I led the creation of Kent’s E-Commerce Exchange Zone, allowing you to use the police department lobby to conduct safer Craigslist and person-to-person transactions.

While crime rates in other cities are skyrocketing, Kent’s crime rates are among the lowest in the region and are continuing to decrease. Kent has the finest police department and officers in the region, who continue to earn the trust and support of our community. We can’t make the mistakes other cities have made by changing mid-stream and moving away from what is working. I have the support of Kent Firefighters, Sheriff John Urquhart, and Former Kent Police Chief Steve Strachan because they believe my leadership will help keep Kent safe.

I’ve worked to eliminate regressive burdens and honor the will of Kent’s voters by opposing increases in car tab fees and B&O taxes. I’m working to keep Kent competitive by growing local jobs in Kent for Kent graduates and residents, getting back Kent’s fair share of tax dollars back from the state, reducing traffic in Kent’s east-west corridors, addressing housing affordability and homelessness, and putting our parks and public facilities on a path to financial stability. I’m proud to be supported by everyone from business owners and Chamber of Commerce leadership to many in Kent’s faith community and community groups.

It’s been an honor to serve you and I’ll continue to work hard to to represent you and work for a safer, stronger Kent.

Troutner: I have lived and raised my family in Kent. I have been more than a spectator in our community – volunteering with the PTA, my church, Severe Weather Shelter, and the Drug Free Coalition. During my campaign, I have knocked on the doors of and talked with nearly 4000 residents. As a result of that, I will represent the true voices of our city.

Should the city help find a location for a 24-7 homeless shelter? If so, what part of town should the shelter be located and should the city help fund the shelter?

Fincher: If a private, religious, or non-profit entity seeks to open a shelter, the city should play a role in evaluating the suitability of its location.

I currently manage a women’s homeless shelter in Kent, and I understand that the City has a responsibility to work with the community to determine and evaluate the potential impacts to our residents and neighborhoods, public safety resources and associated services.

The shelter should be in a location that provides minimal impact to surrounding neighborhoods and residents, allows for adequate coordination and access to public safety and service providers, and ensures the safety, mobility and security of the population being served. I would suggest evaluating a location in the vicinity of the old Pay ’N Pak near 1200 Central Ave S, across from Kent Municipal Court.

At the women’s homeless shelter I manage, I understand that the ultimate goal is not to provide shelter for a night, but a path to permanent housing stability. The full transition out of homelessness provides the greatest benefit to the individual, and the greatest social and economic benefit to our city. I believe our existing budget allocation should be performance-based and fund organizations who achieve high rates of permanent housing.

Troutner: Once a property has been identified by KentHOPE, the city should assist in working through the permitting process. The shelter should be located in an area that is appropriately zoned and where public transportation is available. I will continue to foster the partnership and support the funding that the city currently provides to the churches and other agencies that are working to address homelessness.

How should the city pay for park repairs?

Fincher: In a word: comprehensively.

You’ve read many stories about how our parks system was designed for a population nearly half of Kent’s current size, how previous funding options have fallen through, and how our facilities are being worn out faster than we can repair them with a budget that covers only 10% of the annual need.

I’ve talked to hundreds of Kent residents about this issue, and what the people of Kent keep telling me is that they don’t want to wait and see if they’re part of the 10% of the parks system that gets its necessary maintenance this year. They want to know that their neighborhood park, and any other park they visit is going to be safe, modern and maintained.

We have devised a task force to recommend the most viable options to achieve financial sustainability, and I expect to see a comprehensive options presented to the council that provide the framework for a package to be put before voters. From my conversations with people as I’ve been door-belling and visiting businesses, they’re open to supporting a ballot measure if they know there will be a responsible, proactive, and comprehensive approach taken to maintaining the parks, facilities and activities that they enjoy.

Troutner: I believe the recommended budget adjustment for 2016 is a good start, but we have sustainability issues. The formation of a citizens committee for parks to explore funding options is one approach that I would support.

Should the B&O tax be increased to help fund more projects? If so, what projects should it fund?

Fincher: No. Just because we can raise a tax doesn’t mean we should. When we implement a tax for one purpose, then unilaterally decide to raise the tax and use it for a different purpose, we violate the trust of our taxpayers. I’m not willing to risk that. In fact, I’ve already overridden an attempt to do so.

This tax was enacted with the stated purpose of fixing the streets, and we still have streets to fix. This tax impacts our small local businesses, who are Kent’s main job creators. I would rather have our businesses hire Green River College graduates or start internship programs than pay this tax increase for projects outside of the funding scope of this tax.

Troutner: No, I do not believe the B&O tax should be increased. In 2017, the cap will be lifted on the B&O and the full amount of revenue generated by the tax will go to fund more transportation projects.

Kent is using banked capacity to raise property taxes higher than the annual 1 percent limit, is that a good plan? Why or why not?

Fincher: Again, just because we can raise a tax doesn’t automatically mean that we should, particularly when it hits the budgets of working families. I plan to explore other available options to expand our tax base, before we ask for more from our existing tax base.

Troutner: I do not agree with the current proposal to use banked capacity. It constitutes an increase in taxes.

Should the city allow recreational marijuana businesses? Why or why not?

Fincher: Yes. I respect the will of the voters, and Kent voted in favor of allowing recreational marijuana businesses.

I respect the caution that some people initially took because they wanted to make sure that the implementation went smoothly in other cities, as well as make sure we don’t incur any unforeseen public safety activity or costs. Now that these business have been fully implemented across the state, including on Kent’s doorstep, we now see that there is not an increase in crime or underage use across cities who have allowed recreational stores.

When we have Kent residents who are unemployed, underemployed, are forced to endure nightmarish commutes to work, I don’t see enough information to justify the denial of 100 local jobs to Kent residents by preventing these businesses.

Troutner: If the state were to increase the allocation of taxes that go back to the city, to make it consistent with other retail sales, the city should consider allowing recreational marijuana businesses.

• HIRA SINGH BHULLAR vs. TINA BUDELL

Why are you the best person for the job?

Bhullar: I am the best person to represent the residents because I have strong experience in business and as a community leader in solving problems collaboratively. I bring people together, which is why I’ve been endorsed by Democrats, Republicans and Independents. I am also the hardest worker in this race. I’ve been knocking on doors across the city since June to meet and hear from as many people as possible, so I’m prepared to represent their voice on council.

Budell: I feel I am best for the job because I have a variety of real world experience balancing budgets and process improvement. I have worked in a variety of trades and have a strong team work ethic focused on the greater good. My desire to be the next City Council person is to help move the city forward while keeping the residents needs firmly in my mind.

Should the city help find a location for a 24-7 homeless shelter? If so, what part of town should the shelter be located and should the city help fund the shelter?

Bhullar: We are a compassionate community in Kent and one that takes care of its neighbors when they are most in need and helps them get back on their feet. I believe the city should help find a location for a 24-7 shelter by conducting an assessment of possible locations, weighing the pros and cons and ensuring a transparent and public process. Before committing any city funds to such a project, I would want to look for resources and partnerships at the state and federal level while also reviewing our own budget to ensure we are using city resources as effectively as possible.

Budell: I do think that the city should work with the nonprofits that are actively trying to tackle our homeless issue here in Kent and help them find a suitable location for a shelter that offers a variety of services to help address the underlying issues; counseling, recovery support, job skills and transition programs to get them back in the mainstream. I think that having a shelter along either the I-5 corridor or West Valley Highway would be a better choice than in trying to place the shelter in a neighborhood or major commerce center. It would be best to have a large enough facility to let homeless who still have cars a space and legal place to park them at night.

How should the city pay for park repairs?

Bhullar: Improving city parks will be a high budget priority of mine as a council member. We must provide our city’s young people, families and seniors with safe and accessible recreational opportunities. Parks promote public health, keep kids playing and out of trouble and are used by all city residents.

Budell: I would look to find funding for the park repairs by looking for sponsorship of several of our quality parks in town. Partnering with businesses that support our vision of a vibrant park system and encouraging our residents to get out and enjoy the variety of outdoor activities that our parks have to offer.

Should the B&O tax be increased to help fund more projects? If so, what projects should it fund?

Bhullar: Before considering such an increase, I would want to know more about which businesses would be impacted and ensure that we are not hurting any small businesses that are the backbone of our community. There are many priorities we need to fund in our city—public safety, transportation, parks, after-school programs—and I look forward to working in a collaborative fashion with other council members, the mayor and members of our community to ensure we maintain the quality of life our residents deserve.

Budell: No, I don’t think the B&O tax should be increased to help fund more projects. We need to be focusing on getting the roads projects fast tracked to show the residents and business owners that we are using the money for what we said we would use the funds for.

Kent is using banked capacity to raise property taxes higher than the annual 1 percent limit, is that a good plan? Why or why not?

Bhullar: It is clear from watching the city council and listening to the voices of residents that we need balance and fairness in our revenue system. We cannot simply rely on one form of revenue, whether it be property taxes or B&O taxes, to meet our obligation to be good stewards of our community. I do not support raising the property tax higher than the annual 1 percent threshold unless we can find a balanced approach that relies on everyone paying their fair share.

Budell: I am not sure to be honest. The amount of the property tax increase for the homeowner with a $300,000 house value is about $20 additional a year, I would hope that this would only be a one time adjustment and that we can stay at the increase under the limit if we need to readjust tax revenue in the next four years. I think with the growth in our economy and an increase in the number of warehouses being constructed and filled in the warehouse valley we won’t need to raise taxes again, but instead focus on bringing in more businesses to the city. Encourage small and medium businesses to choose Kent as a headquarters.

Should the city allow recreational marijuana businesses? Why or why not?

Bhullar: We are still in the early years of marijuana legalization in Washington and I’d like to see more data to ensure that they do not have a negative impact on public safety or access for kids. If we do allow them, I would want to ensure that we have adequate health and safety measures and tight regulations on their locations and hours, for example. I do support allowing marijuana processing and production businesses in industrial areas of Kent, since this is an opportunity to generate much-needed revenue for the city without the risk to public health and safety.

Budell: This subject has me torn. I fully support the medical marijuana dispensaries which the prior council forced out with the moratorium and successful lawsuit, and with the state rules since I-502 became law has the medical patients going out of town which is forcing more of a medical hardship on them. However, I don’t think that the majority of the residents are in favor of a recreational dispensary. I would support having a business within the recreational laws be allowed to open a shop that caterers only to the medical patient community. With the recreational shop on Highway 99 in Des Moines those residents that choose recreational marijuana can purchase there, but we need to keep the patients in mind and work to provide them compassionate care. After watching my mother benefit from medical marijuana during her cancer treatments she was granted an additional three years of life, I know that it is more than just a drug to alter minds, it is medicine and the patients shouldn’t be treated like criminals.

• LES THOMAS vs. GWEN ALLEN

Why are you the best person for the job?

Thomas: I am the senior member of the City Council and the one with the most political experience. I have lived in Kent since 1950 and have been endorsed by the Kent Fire Dept. RFA.

Allen: I am qualified because I have a proven track record of leadership, within our city and with various community organizations, which has helped me develop as a servant of the people. I can meet the demands, challenges and responsibilities with optimism, fairness and inclusion as we continually grow together. I believe that having a fresh, new voice in this seat will be a welcomed change for our city and it’s citizens.

Should the city help find a location for a 24-7 homeless shelter? If so, what part of town should the shelter be located and should the city help fund the shelter?

Thomas: The city should help its faith-based and nonprofit organizations find and encourage locating a shelter perhaps in the industrial areas of the city.

Allen: I do feel that the city should work with citizens and organizations who are providing solutions to homelessness, in and around our region, to help provide for the needs of those who really need assistance. No one should feel that they are the disdain or shame of a city, when there is no access to shelter, either part-time or full-time, day after day. How can we continue to welcome big business and corporations and consciously step over the needy? The south end or north end of Central Ave would be good places to start as far as location matters.

How should the city pay for park repairs?

Thomas: A user fee may seem to be the most fair and equitable way to help pay for park improvements.

Allen: After having conversations with a few citizens about this, I tend to agree with an idea of engaging members of all our different service organizations, (Rotary, Kiwanis, Lions) to come together as one major project to provide support, upkeep and restoration of our parks. These clubs already do great work in the community and typically have financial supports built in to their service model. Or, we could suspend the renewal of the Hogan Park field project and use the funds to pay for as much of our backlogged park repairs as possible.

Should the B&O tax be increased to help fund more projects? If so, what projects should it fund?

Thomas: No. I was the only council member who voted against the B&O originally so why would I want to raise it? It only discourages businesses from locating in Kent.

Allen: No. The tax was created for street and road repairs, first, right? We should not fund any other projects out of the B&O tax, until the streets around all the city have been made more user friendly. No more “robbing Peter to pay Paul.” Stick to what was proposed to the business community surrounding this issue.

Kent is using banked capacity to raise property taxes higher than the annual 1 percent limit, is that a good plan? Why or why not?

Thomas: I haven’t made up my mind on this proposal by the mayor.

Allen: Most property owners are sick and tired of being the “wallet for the budge.” Taxes, taxes, taxes. However, using banked capacity would be a good step to take, on a graduated level, if it is to be raised higher than the annual 1 percent limit. This is an area which takes a lot of research and study and can probably be better answered by someone who has already been involved with this process as our mayor and as a current Council member. RCW 84.55.092 is a great place to start in understanding this complicated process.

Should the city allow recreational marijuana businesses? Why or why not?

Thomas: Absolutely not. It has led to an enormous increase in DUIs in Kent and elsewhere. I feel the citizens of Colorado would never approve of their marijuana laws that they enacted several years ago again if put back on the ballot.

Allen: Yes. The time is out for being “stuck-in-the-days-gone-by” on this matter. Other surrounding cities are benefiting from the taxed revenue and Kent should want to do the same. Not to mention the fact that the voters said yes to sales of recreational marijuana, I-502, in the state of Washington. Medicinal can be met without folks trying to figure out where they can go to get their products, safely. Here are some numbers to consider of the sales in the first year in the state, to date: Excise Tax: $89 million. Purchase by consumers: $292 million. Additional sales taxes revenue, assuming 9 percent average: $24 million. We could do lot with our share of this revenue stream, with the passing of HB 2136, including infrastructure repairs and restoring our parks. We should at least bring this item back to the table for another vote by the City Council. I highly support the sales of recreational and medicinal cannabis.