INTEGRITY and TRANSPARENCY

Whether you are a local resident, a business owner or part of our community's workforce, everyone agrees that we need more parking - now!

1.  LOCALS: People who live and work here should not have to pay for parking in or near downtown all the time.  We understand that weekends are packed.  But midweek we can do better.  In quieter intervals, our downtown businesses need local support.  In addition, the real Bavaria honors pedal power.  

LOCAL PARKING INITIATIVE: Monday - Thursday  2-3 hour passes for local registered voters with vehicles in metered zones, downtown and/or in city lots.

LOCAL BIKING INITIATIVE:   

As part of the downtown redesign, or as a stand alone, Leavenworth should offer an attractive covered space downtown for bike racks. Let's support Leavenworth's recreational bikers and pedaling workforce. 

2.  VISITORS:  As visitor interest continues to increase, we benefit by more parking downtown.  I support a private or public spaces being developed.  First on the list:  "The Pit" across from the Festhalle.

VISITOR PARKING POSITION:   No more delays!  We must develop 3-5 stories of parking in "The Pit," across from the Festhalle and just below the espresso stand.  I do not favor combining the parking project and location with housing units or more retail space. 

Published Sept 20, 2023

Resident surveys taken over the past 5 years continue to shout for parks, walkways and open space. I favor actively responding to the community by prioritizing pedestrian & green space.

1.  LION'S CLUB PARK AND POOL:  Resoundingly beloved by residents our pool is a community treasure. Like the majority of citizens, I favor keeping the current location (perhaps the only spot downtown that remains a local hub) with its corresponding calm green space in Lion's Club Park.  At the same time, issues of upkeep, staffing and funding must be addressed.  

COMMUNITY POOL:

I support a year around pool that maintains the majority of Lion's Club park as is, while continuing to allow for open sky swimming. A total or partial cover is vital as part of the updated or new pool that will need to be constructed  in  the next decade.  Our PRSA must be supported and empowered to gain funding and bring the community options.  On one hand, we have experienced the current, one season pool.  On the other, we have seen the drawings of the conservatively estimated $23,000,000 "water park" that will target tourists for funding.  I favor reviewing a diverse portfolio of options, including estimated price points, that our citizens can choose from, afford... and keep local! 

2.  PARKS:  As development occurs at an accelerated rate of density due to premature code changes encouraged by the Mayor and his appointed planning commission, respecting our town's green spaces and parks is urgent.  We must create a green infrastructure management plan ASAP to balance growth with our mountain aesthetic. 

PARKS AND POOL POSITION: 

The people have spoken. We love Leavenworth!  No initiative or decision made by City Hall should fail to preserve or at least account for our exceptional mountain environment.   

Published Sept 22, 2023

Infrastructure is crucial to living, development and business in Leavenworth.  But our  infrastructure story is remarkably  grim in terms of streets, traffic flow, sewer, water. 

1.  STREETS:  Leavenworth has the third worst streets in WA State.  A recent city study projects that improvements will cost one million dollars per street. 

2.  WATER:  Leavenworth draws from wells along the Wenatchee River and taps wilderness lakes during the dry season via Icicle Creek. Yet our city squanders 24% of flow because of leaking, obsolete water lines.  

3.  SEWER: Our sewer system is close to triggering a visit from the Dept of Ecology when it tips 85% during our busiest months.  Yet the city has OK'd dwellings for 1000 more people by giving developers a green light of "non significance" regarding infrastructure.  The developments are currently under construction. 

4.  TRAFFIC FLOW/WILDFIRES:  Due to windy canyons that empty into Leavenworth including  Chumstick, Icicle, and Tumwater,  the Leavenworth zip code is rated number one in WA for wildfire danger.  The city has failed to prioritize creating an emergency management plan for evacuation, a challenge given that Highway 2 is bottle-necked at both ends of town.  

INFRASTRUCTURE POSITION:  Infrastructure hardly makes an exciting campaign promise, but it's one of the most important responsibilities before the council.   I support immediately prioritizing a comprehensive, solidly funded infrastructure initiative that must inform all further development.  

Published Sept 27, 2023

Washington's Bavarian Village! We've built it, they are coming, and now it's up to us to balance and plan carefully to curb the negative effects of "over" tourism while promoting and leveraging the positive ones to benefit the people who live and work here. 

1.  BUSINESSES:  

Leavenworth is filled with independently owned shops and offers many opportunities for entrepreneurs.  But in talking with local business owners, I'm hearing concerns that include finding and paying for workers, and workforce housing challenges.  Parking is a huge concern. There are high rents and midweek lulls.  The need for active listening from City Hall, and an  increasing disconnect with residents remain problems to be addressed.

2. RESIDENTS: 

Word from residents includes enthusiasm for downtown amenities, at the same time, citizens are frustrated by 15 -30 minute traffic snarls on Highway  2.  Some residents have given up trying to enjoy the downtown businesses certain times of year.  Parking is a big issue.  Local outdoor enthusiasts express frustration when they can't park at a trailhead, hike in peace in the wilderness or float down the river without bumping against an adult beverage flotilla.     

TOURISM/ECONOMY POSITION

Because our economy is almost completely tourism dependent and the downtown is a few blocks from everyone's home, we must constantly strive for our own version of a "work/life " balance.  If I am elected I will work hard to re-create a connection between the community and downtown businesses, listening to all ideas, identifying win/win scenarios.  We also need to diversify our economy as opportunities to do so arise.  

Published October 16, 2023