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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSpecial 2016-01-13 Item 2 - Continuation of Council Candidate Interviews for Position #3.m or `r DEC December 18, 2015 \ Tukwila City Council 6200 Southcenter Boulevard Tukwila, WA 98188 Re: Council Vacancy — Position No. 3 I am writing this letter to express my interest in the City Council Vacancy— Position #3. Over the past six years I have been volunteering on Tukwila's Planning Commission as a means to serving the greater community. I would like to expand my level of service to Tukwila as a member of the City Council. I have a long history in Tukwila; my father is a retired school bus driver, my mother is a retired para- educator currently volunteering on Tukwila's Library Board, and I had two kids graduate from Foster High School with honors. I was raised to serve in my community, whether it was the local synagogue, or the community as a whole. My passion for people and seeing they have the opportunity to fulfill their dreams motivates my efforts towards public service. I am a fan of the less fortunate and I enjoy building a process that helps them to change their life for the better. Currently I am a full -time Accountant, working at a CPA office in Bellevue. I really believe my skill set in budgeting, finance, and estimating would greatly serve the current council needs, especially in light of a bi- annual budget process facing the council. I am aware of the time commitment it takes to serve on the council and I am prepared for such a commitment. In fact, I have discussed this with my current employer, Dennis Goldstein, and he has encouraged me to apply for the position and will support my efforts. In closing, my letter and application for this vacancy comes devoid of agenda or judgement. My goals are to honestly assess where the city is with regards to goals and policies already established, and focus on working together to move Tukwila forward. I am not an individual trying to solve Tukwila's challenges, rather I want to be part of a team that makes Tukwila a city of opportunity for business and residents, and a community of choice for all. Regards, Thomas WW PcL`eod, 43 Ell Application for Vacancy by Appointment Tukwila City Council Position #3 Applicant Information Full Name Thomas W. McLeod Street Address 13017 — 37"' Ave S City, State, Zip Tukwila, WA 98168 Phone 206- 372 -6442 E -Mail Address Makabi5 @aol.com Eligibility Requirements, Notification and signature I understand that Councilmembers for the City of Tukwila must be registered voters in King County, Washington and must have lived in the City of Tukwila for 12 consecutive months prior to being appointed to office. I understand that as an applicant for appointment to public office, the information provided on this application will be available to the public. v Signature Date December 14, 2015 Additional Information Are you a registered voter in King County, WA? YES NO ._ Are you a resident of the City of Tukwila? YES NO - How long have you been a resident of the City of Tukwila? 26 years - annexed into Tukwila in 1989 How long have you lived at your current address? 32 years If you have lived at your current address for less than 12 months, please list your previous address. Previous address and length of time at address. Do you or any family member residing in your household, have a financial interest in, or are you an employee or officer of any business or agency which conducts business with the City of Tukwila? YES NO If yes, please explain. 45 rime Commitment Appointment to the City Council will require your attendance at a number of regularly scheduled and special meetings, which occur at various times including evenings and weekends. Councilmembers also serve on Council committees, regional boards and commissions, and represent the City Council at various community functions. Council activities generally require a minimum time commitment of 10 to 15 hours per week. Are you able to commit this amount of time and can you commit to arrange your schedule to participate fully as a member of the Tukwila City Council? YES .. _' NO Have you ever attended a Tukwila City Council meeting? YES NO If yes, please estimate how many Council meetings you have attended in the past year. 12 in- person, more online Supplemental Questions Please respond to the following questions regarding your interest in the position of appointed Councilmember for the City of Tukwila. Why are you interested in serving as a Tukwila City Councilmember? My interest in serving as a Tukwila City Councilmember is to serve the overall community with a wider impact. The responsibilities of the City Council, to establish policy and budget oversight, line up with my personal passions towards budgeting and good processes. I was raised with a responsibility to repair the world, or at least my portion of the world where I live. And while Tukwila is a wonderfully diverse place to live and work, we have tasks not yet complete. There are challenges facing Tukwila, (i.e., budget, affordable housing, rental inspection policies, code enforcement, etc.) I would love to be part of a team that would provide policies and allocation of resources to meet such challenges. It is important to take an honest look at our city. One devoid of agenda and priorities. I feel I can take an impartial view of the city and listen to the voices that live and work here. Even our silent voices dream. If Tukwila is going to be the city of opportunity, dreams must come true here. We need to hear those dreams and I want to be a part of a council that makes dreams a reality. Dreams of employment, housing, and education. I once heard a quote, "If you will it, it is no dream". I want to be apart of a hard - working, well - intentioned Council that wills Tukwila to be the community of choice throughout our region. Describe your background in community service, Including any volunteer work you have done in or around Tukwila. Tukwila Planning Commissioner 2010 — Present: Serving the city to develop long and short term goals with the City's comprehensive plan. Reviewing land use issues for site development, and working with city staff to review and recommend development projects. Tukwila Sign Code Committee 2009: Assisted in policy updates to Tukwila's Sign code ordinances. Seattle Jewish Film Festival 2004 -2013: Helping to promote Seattle's Jewish Film Festival through outreach. Capitol Hill Community Resource Center 2004 -2007: Served as Treasurer for local group assisting homeless victims on Capitol Hill. Provide social services and various other resources to a disenfranchised community. Em foyer sponsored programs: Habitat For Humanity / United Way Volunteer Income Tax Program M The position of Councilmember #3 will be up for election in 2017. Are you interested in running for this elected position? Describe why or why not. Yes, I am interested. I would like to use the next year and a half to better understand the responsibilities and expectations of a City Councilmember. I do take my commitments and responsibilities very serious and I do want to be sure I can fulfill those duties. From what I have seen and understand, I think I can. I also want to be sure the citizens of Tukwila feel I serve them and my service fulfills their need for representation. If I can see the relationship is working between our residents, the business community, City staff, and the City Council, then yes I would love to run for the elected position. What do you think are the most important issues facing Tukwila in the next two -four years? I think budget oversight is really HUGE over the next two years. A serious look needs to be taken to the City's bi- annual budget. I believe there are areas that are fat within the city budget, and some that need serious attention, like Fire and Police. I think there needs to be a higher level of accountability within the city and that the City Council should use their power of budget oversight to see that it happens. I accept the Council's power to tax its citizens, but not before city staff and departments get their house in order. I also accept the Council's power to set employee compensation as just one of several means to get our house in order. Public safety will always be at the forefront, and it should be. Our investment in Fire and Police needs to ensure our citizens and business community that Tukwila is a safe place to plant and build. There are public facilities that are outdated and in need of repair, a vision for restoration needs to be implemented along with resources to fund such projects. This will start with a workable budget. I would also like to see more bridges that connect cultural diversity. I really believe people on the lower end of the socio - economic scale need to be empowered with opportunity to improve their lifestyles. If we could see the needy and less fortunate as siblings, not strangers, that would be a great place to create policy and budget oversight from. And while creating opportunity for new immigrants is important, new dreams should not come at the expense of older dreams. The retired community of Tukwila should not feel compromised in handing civic leadership to a younger generation. Please describe your understanding of the importance of regional collaboration and partnership in city government. Local and regional collaboration is essential to building the region. Tukwila is a piece in the regional puzzle. A perfect example would be Tukwila International Boulevard (TIB). There is a shared interest between Tukwila and Sea -Tac. We should have a collaborative effort to develop TIB with a common vision and a seamless boundary on TIB. I do appreciate all the work the council has done to build regional relationships with Sounds City Association, SCATBd, the Association for WA Cities, and others. While I have not been involved with these groups in the past, I do hear them being brought up in council reports and I appreciate the extra effort that is being made on behalf of Tukwila. As a Councilmember, I am very willing to get involved with these organizations and work my way into regional relationships. 47 Summarize your experiences working collaboratively with others from different backgrounds. I have worked in two different careers over the past 25 years. First at my synagogue, I worked as the acting Rabbi of the community, youth leadership, and Treasury/Administration roles. During this time, We have been host to immigrants coming into our community, families of Jewish immigrants from Russia where we assisted them in housing, business, and community involvement. Second, in my career as a Tax Accountant, I have served clients who relied on public assistance, amassed great wealth, and international clients living abroad. I have always been able to build a bridge of communication and trust, an ability to listen and understand what need they were looking to fulfill. Additional to collaborating with others from different backgrounds through my careers, I spent four years volunteering with a group on Capitol Hill addressing the needs of homeless individuals, a circumstance that touches every cultural community. Discuss your qualifications relevant to the position of Tukwila City Councilmember. My qualifications have come from my background as a Tax Accountant where I have developed skills in budgeting, planning, tax calculating and estimating. Furthermore, I have developed negotiating skills through countless hours of representing clients before the Internal Revenue Service. New laws have required my research, interpretation, and implementation on both Federal and Multi -State levels Over the past six years as a Planning Commissioner, I have been collaborating with city staff in land use activity, research and review on development projects, and review of the city's comprehensive plan. I am comfortable speaking in public, asking difficult questions, and listening to the needs and concerns of others. My time on the Planning Commission has taught me about "Open Public Meetings', "Conflict of Interests ", and the value of collaborating with city staff and public interests. Probably my greatest individual strength is team building. To assess the strengths of the people I am collaborating with and to bring the best of our skills together so we succeed as a whole. I've been inspired over the years by a political quote I heard; "When building a team, look for those who love to win. If you cannot find any of those, look for people who hate to lose." I choose to build this way. Please provide any additional information or comments you believe will assist the City Council in considering your application. I am team oriented ahead of self- interests. I work hard to build relationships in all facets of my life, work and pleasure. I am seeking to be part of the solution for the challenges Tukwila faces and I believe I have the temperament to handle the pressure, ability to ask good questions and listen to both sides of a decision, and in the end stand on the side of "Right ". I am not afraid of long hours or hard work, if I have any fear, it is a fear of failure. So I will work hard to succeed in making Tukwila a community of choice and a city of opportunity. I appreciate any opportunity to serve, and regardless of the outcome of this appointment, I will continue to serve in some capacity. It is who I am. Thank you for your interest in serving the Tukwila community as a member of the Tukwila City Council. .; q J"A Accounting Budgeting Banking Payables Detail Oriented Forecasting Planning Accurate r�:Jqznva�n City of Tukwfla (2010 — Present) Tukwila, WA Payroll Research Managing Collaborative 206-372-6442 Tukwila, WA 98168 Taxation Receivables Confidential Supportive Tittle: Planning Commissioner ( Volunteer) Serving second Mayoral appointment on Tukwila's Planning Commission. I am trusted to develop long and short term goals along with the development of the City's comprehensive plan for policy, growth, economic development, transportation, and public safety. Trusted to provide confidentiality in Quasi-Judicial hearings. Review, analyze, and advise the City Council on public and private activities involving the physical, social, and economic development of the city, and to review a comprehensive plan for site development. Perform a variety of review services used to implement City's comprehensive plan. Approve development plans, research development projects, and identify options for recommending solutions to the City's staff and applicants. Dennis B. Goldstein & Assoc.,, (2011— Present): Title: TaxAcrountant Bellevue, WA (1998— 2007) Currently coordinating over 300 clients, up 40% from when I started, with tax compliance: Individuals, Business, and Fiduciaries that require detailed accuracy and reporting. I am managing the preparation, planning, audits, and communication of tax strategies to clients in order to meet Federal (IRS) and various State regulations. • General Ledger accounting and banking in preparation for corporate and individual tax clients, prepare budgets and payroll reconciliations. • Accounting presentations and reconciliations for IRS and State audits using strong presentation skills for no-change audit results. • Complete Federal and State income tax returns including related analysis and support. • Analyze, review, and calculate tax estimates and liabilities. • Provide full support for audits of Federal, State, and local filings. • Successful in forecasting tax liabilities and payment strategies. • Communicate directly with clients and IRS on confidential tax matters, utilizing strong research and listening skills to understand client needs and concerns. • Develop a strategic plan of action and provide timely resolution. • Recognize group and company processes that could be improved upon for greater efficiency for the whole. • Offer solutions to improve process flow of work. Strong letter writing and telephone skills, which leads to drafting letter's for management explaining tax strategies and/or complex tax scenarios. EEO Thomas McLeod Brighton Jones Wealth Management (2007 to 2011): Seattle, Washington 206 -372 -6442 Tukwila, WA 98168 Title: Tax Planner Specialized in Individual tax preparation and planning for high net -worth clients ($1,000,000 and up). Included: tax compliance, tax planning, budgeting, and cash -flow management, along with payroll and income reconciliations. My strong tax base and research skills allowed me to represented clients before the IRS and State auditors. • Completion of Federal and State income tax returns including all related analysis and support. • Provided full support for audits of Federal, State, and local filings. • Collaborated with financial planners to solicit information necessary for the preparation of tax work and planning. • Collaborative effort with other tax team members, upper management, program personnel, and financial planning teams. • Created tax training course for administrative staff to better understand taxation. • Excellent liaison between management and planning teams on tax issues and their impact on financial planning. • Ensured that appropriate internal controls were in place for income tax understanding. • Assisted tax management with planning and cash flow implementation as needed, estimated, budgeted, and monitored electronic cash payments. • Continually strived to accept more complicated work that would challenge and Increase learning opportunities. • Recognized group and company processes that could be improved upon for greater efficiency and offered solutions to improve process work flow. • Adaptable and flexible when implementing new tax software and time tracking tools within the department. EDUCATION: City University of Seattle: BS - Business Administration / Accounting (2005) IRS: EA license - Enrolled to practice before IRS: Highliine Community College: AA - Marketing & Business 50 December 27, 2015 City Council of Tukwila 6200 Boulevard Tukwila WA 98188 To Whom It May Concern: RECEIVED -� 7 DEC 2 8 2015 CITY OF TUKWILA CITY CLERK Tukwila has been for my home for more than twenty years. As a child growing up I was surrounded by unique individuals, helping me gain a greater understanding of the world and human stories. Individuals from all over the world shared their successes and struggles, similar to me in striving for a better home for their families. Unique stories from a lost boy of Sudan, a political refugee of Fiji, or the adopted Korean daughter all shared one thing in common; the promise of a better tomorrow in America. In this hope, my parents came to this country. I grew up, listening to the possibilities of the American dream, and for me that meant serving my community. I am seeking appointment for the open position on the city council for the city of Tukwila. I believe that my life of living in Tukwila as an immigrant to this nation reflects our community while adding a different voice to the council. I believe that if appointed, I would help create a more inclusive council that represents it community better. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to our interview together. Jonathan Joseph 206.778.4393 io87joseph @gmail.com 51 52 City of Tukwila 6200 Southcenter Boulevard • Tukwila, Washington 98188 .0. Application for Vacancy by Appointment Tukwila City Council Position #3 DEC 2 8 2015 CITY OF TUKWILA CITY CLERK Applicant Information Full Name Jonathan Joseph Street Address 14414 46th Ave S City, State, Zip Tukwila WA 98168 Phone 206.778.4393 E -Mail Address jo87joseph @gmail.com Eligibility Requirements, Notification and Signature I understand that Councilmembers for the City of Tukwila must be registered voters in King County, Washington and must have lived in the City of Tukwila for 12 consecutive months prior to being appointed to office. I understand that as an applicant for appointment to public office, the information provided on this application will be ,dvaiiabie to the public. Signature Date /27/2015 Additional Information Are you a registered voter in King County, WA? YES # NO ,_! Are you a resident of the City of Tukwila? YES [It NO How long have you been a resident of the City of Tukwila? 20+ years How long have you lived at your current address? 20+ years If you have lived at your current address for less than 12 months, please list your previous address Previous address and length of time at address. Do you or any family member residing in your household, have a financial interest in, or are you an employee or officer -f anv business or aaency which conducts business with the City of Tukwila? YES L-1 NO I _! If yes, please explain. 53 Time Commitment Appointment to the City Council will require your attendance at a number of regularly scheduled and special meetings, which occur at various times including evenings and weekends. Councilmembers also serve on Council committees, regional boards and commissions, and represent the City Council at various community functions. Council activities generally require a minimum time commitment of 10 to 15 hours per week. Are you able to commit this amount of time and can you commit to arrange your schedule to participate fully as a member of the Tukwila City Council? Have you ever attended a Tukwila City Council meeting? YES N0 E YES lam' N0 If yes, please estimate how many Council meetings you have attended in the past year. 8 -10 Supplemental Questions Please respond to the following questions regarding your interest in the Position of appointed Councilmember for the City of Tukwila. Why are you interested in serving as a Tukwila City Councilmember? I am interested in serving on the city council because I believe that this open position presents a unique opportunity to create a council that is more representative of the whole community it serves. Proudly, Tukwila is one of the more diverse cities in the Nation. Yet our leadership does not reflect this. When my parents immigrated to the United States in the 90's they chose Tukwila as our home. As a child I have seen the community grow and change. When I entered Tukwila Elementary School, there were few miniority students. As I graduated from Foster in 2005, 1 was surrounded by students of different cultures, produly taking their first steps towards achieving the American dream. As an immigrant child, I have a unique perspective not represented on our council. I have experienced many of the same struggles facing our immigrant population in our city. I also believe we have an opportunity to create a more equitable city. We must celebrate the diversity of our citizens, but also make changes towards achieving greater equality for all our community members. I believe that with my unique persepective I will be able to help make strides towards building a better community. Describe your background in community service, including any volunteer work you have done in or around Tukwila. I began to serve on the Equity and Diversity Commision when I was 15 (2002) and served for many years after. Working to eliminate racisim and teach tolerance and diversity throughout the community, the commission sponsored events that would help this mission. Building the Mutil- cultural Action Commitee at the high school was a great step in building a more tolerant community. Providing financial aid for citizenship and immigration paperwork eased the burden for many of our low- income families working through the process of becoming documented US nationals. Providing translators at parent/teacher conferences or community events allowed individuals with little knowledge of the english knowledge much needed access to information. Being at community events thoughout the year, I am able to interact with neighbors and share their successes and concerns for the city. Being the moderator for the local candidate forum allowed me to better understand some of the frustrations facing our community, and become an acitve particpant in creating change for the future. Recently I began to serve on the Human services board. I now understand how Tukwila not only serves it citizens, but also provides help to many individuals within the greater Seattle and South King County region. 54 The position of Councilmember #3 will be up for election in 2017. Are you interested in running for this elected position? Describe why or why not. I understand that this position is up for re- election in 2017 and will be making a decision to run for re- election closer to that time. I believe that whoever holds this position must reflect the choices of the community, while making decision that will lead to a better future for this community. As long as I am the best candidate that can accomplish these tasks, I will seek re- election for this position. What do you think are the most important issues facing Tukwila in the next two -four years? Tukwila can see the effects of some larger regional changes. As the city of Seattle grows, smaller cities like Tukwila must be ready to deal with the influx of population effecting the greater Seattle area. Affordable housing options will be key in attracting working families to the area. Tukwila supports one of the largerst regional retail sectors. We must now convert the transient population into a commuter population. Increasing access to public transportation is an important part for our regional and city growth. Public transportation is a key in moving mass amounts of people in and out of metorpolitan areas. Future citizens of tukwila will choose to call it home because it provides access to afforable homes, a successful school district, and retail and grocery options needed for every day life. Better public transporation will allow weekday commuters to move into Downtown Seattle or Bellevue for work, providing access to a larger work force for many companies based in both larger cities. This also provides opportunites to many members of minority groups that would normally need to rely on more costly forms of transportation. Please describe your understanding of the importance of regional collaboration and partnership in city government. Tukwila plays a vital role in the regional growth of the Seattle and South King County area. Maintaining and cultivating these relationships will lead to greater success for our citizens. Because of the city's size, many mistake Tukwila as just a "small city ". The truth is that being so close to a major metropolitan market means we deal with many of the "big city" problems. Working with municipal powers to combat violence and drug proliferation in the city will be key in achieving success. Working with state DOT agents will be key in creating greater ease of access to services provided in Tukwila. Building coalition with larger cities will give tukwila access to much needed federal funds that will keep Tukwila on a positive track for change. 55 Summarize your experiences working collaboratively with others from different backgrounds. I have worked with people from many backgrounds in many different areas of my life. As a high school student serving on a commission for the City, I faced unique challenges being one of the youngest. Instead of aggresivly asserting myself, I learned from that treatment and focused on the goals of the commission. By focusing on the tasks at hand, I was able to show my peers the level of work we can achieve together and gain their respect. I again had to do this while working at World Market. Over the course of my time there, I had worked in multiple positions at multiple locations. Achieving success was about being able to adapt to the current environment while focusing on achieving the goal. Once this remained the focus of all individuals, it becomes easy to work collaboratively with others. This will be the case working on the council. Although we may have different perspectives, the overall goal is the betterment of our community. Discuss your qualifications relevant to the position of Tukwila City Councilmember. I am qualified for this position because of the work that I have done within our community. I have been involved since I was a child and have seen many changes within the community. In March 2016 1 will complete my Bacholors degree in Law and Justice. During my course work, I learned that community particiaption is the key driving force for change. I see the opportunites within our city that will make a more equtiable region. Our city will provide opportunites for all to better themselves. I have a uniqe personal persepctive and will replicate the diversity that is found within our city, and would like to add that perspective to our council. Please provide any additional information or comments you believe will assist the City Council in considering your application. Tukwila is a part of my being, it is a part of my roots. Growing up in the city, I have been able to take advantage of the opportunites the citiy has provided, but have also faced some unique challenges. It could have been easy for me to become a low- income minority statistic, representing a negative attribute of the colored community, but instead I was able to rise. Its through the leadership of indivudals in my community that I saw myself becoming more than a statistic. I would like to provide that opportunity for others. Tukwila is truly the community of choice. I choose to live here, and I choose to make my community better everyday. Thank you for your interest in serving the Tukwila community as a member of the Tukwila City Council. 56 December 16, 2015 Tukwila City Council Attn: Laurel Humphrey, Council Analyst 6200 Southcenter Boulevard Tukwila WA 98188 RE: Councilmember Application and Letter of Interest Dear Ms. Laurel Humphrey, I am submitting my application for the Councilmember #3 position that has become vacant. For over 19 years, I have enjoyed being a resident of Tukwila. I love the charm of Fire Station #52, the Tukwila Historical Society and walking my children to Tukwila Elementary School. I know many families on Tukwila Hill and appreciate how neighbors truly look out for one another. Tukwila is on the verge of some dynamic growth including the Tukwila Village development, the new Southcenter high -rise mixed -use development, and the possible RFA for our Fire Department. Nevertheless, budgetary constraints are putting pressure on many future vision items and some tuff choices will need to be made in 2016 -2017. The voice I can bring to this Council is one of strong leadership including budgetary and fiduciary, planning and collaboration, contract and term negations experiences. As a mom, wife, entrepreneur, businessperson, community volunteer and Girl Scout leader, I respect the diversity of opinions in the Council and know I can hit the ground running. Thank you for this opportunity. Rei lly yours, � r' 412 Lau a Ann Garris 14443 59th Ave S Tukwila WA 98168 206 - 617 -5702 57 rp4n. p1% Application for Vacancy by Appointment Tukwila City Council Position #3 Applicant Information Full Name Street Address City, State, Zip Phone E -Mail Address Laura Ann Garris 14443 591h Ave S Tukwila, WA 98168 206 -617 -5702 Greenbylaura@gmail.com DEC 16 2015 CITY OF TUKWILA CITY CLERK Eligibility Requirements, Notification and Signature I understand that Councilmembers for the City of Tukwila must be registered voters in King County, Washington and must have lived in the City of Tukwila for 12 consecutive months prior to being appointed to office. I understand that as an applicant for appoin ent to public office, the information provided on this application will be available to the public. Signature r' ��7`��I ✓OJT "'�'�'r -_�9 Date Additional Information Are you a registered voter in King County, WA? Are you a resident of the City of Tukwila? YES X NO YES X _ NO How long have you been a resident of the City of Tukwila? 19 years How long have you lived at your current address? 18 years If you have lived at your current address for less than 12 months, please list your previous address. Previous address and length of time at address. Do you or any family member residing in your household, have a financial interest in, or are you an employee or officer of any business or agency which conducts business with the City of Tukwila? If yes, please explain. YES X_ NO LAURAANNCOLOURS- Sole Proprietorship- Owner- Kids Yoga Teacher TEAM 709 LLC- Limited Liability Company- officer- invention /consulting company +r'-, Time Commitment Appointment to the City Council will require your attendance at a number of regularly scheduled and special meetings, which occur at various times including evenings and weekends. Councilmembers also serve on Council committees, regional boards and commissions, and represent the City Council at various community functions. Council activities generally require a minimum time commitment of 10 to 15 hours per week. Are you able to commit this amount of time and can you commit to arrange your schedule to participate fully as a member of the Tukwila City Council? Have you ever attended a Tukwila City Council meeting? YES X NO YES X If yes, please estimate how many Council meetings you have attended in the past year. Supplemental Questions Please respond to the following questions regarding your interest in the position of appointed Councilmember for the City of Tukwila. Why are you interested in serving as a Tukwila City Councilmember? Tukwila is a wonderful gem. It takes courage and foresight to continue to lead and guide our policy decisions for the benefit and well being of our community. I want to represent the hardworking people of Tukwila and be a voice that helps shape the policies that drive this city as a true economic center and inclusive community for all. I have watched Tukwila bloom over the last 19 years. I have come to know the families and children in our community and seen how coming together on issues we are strong, such as: the pool, new school building /district and new Tukwila Village project. As a mother of a 13 and 11 year old, I want the best for my community, my children's future and the economic welfare of the region. It is at this crossroads in my life that I have the time to allocate whole - heartedly to the council and their various committees. I love our country and believe in the power of Democracy and the Constitution. I intend to speak boldly for truth and delve into the research of pertinent facts that can bring to light the best possible choices for change, action and wellbeing. The fresh voice needed by this council is here. Describe your background in community service, including any volunteer work you have done in or around Tukwila. - GIRL SCOUTS- TUKWILA TROOP 41107- Co- leader, Cookie Manager and Treasurer for 5+ years; Soundview Day Camp strategic planning committee and volunteer, supported Tukwila Police K9 unit, CARE night, Tukwila Food Pantry, Northwest Harvest - TUKWILA COMMUNITY CENTER- Taught Kids Yoga Classes - TUKWILA ELEMENTARY PTA Member- Book fair, Christmas shop, Field Days and special events - TUKWILA ELEMENTARY TUTOR /Volunteer- Helped students in Reading that were behind grade level - NATIONAL ANNUAL NIGHT AGAINST CRIME – Block Party— participate yearly in neighborhood event-59th Ave - PRESBYTERIAN ELDER- Mission trips /committees /teach Sunday school - BOY SCOUTS- Active volunteer, Camp Shoenwald, Planning committees - PACWEST LITTLE LEAGUE- Manager, Volunteer and Team Mom •1 The position of Councilmember #3 will be up for election in 2017. Are you interested in running for this elected position? Describe why or why not. Yes. After being appointed as Councilmember #3 by the Council, I will campaign vigorously to the Tukwila voters. Two years is just the tip of the iceberg on growing this city to where it wants to be in the future. I look forward to taking that journey with the City, Community and Council. What do you think are the most important issues facing Tukwila in the next two -four years? Tukwila Village Project Fire Department Increasing Tourism /Commercial Corridor Property Zoning Issues Excellent Schools- Education Human Services- Children's needs/Tukwila Community Center Please describe your understanding of the importance of regional collaboration and partnership in city government. We as a city are part of a county, then a region and then the state. Once what we did well by ourselves, now takes cooperation economically, professionally and politically to handle our services and needs to an even higher level. Instead of duplicating city services over and over, a regional collaboration, allows fluid resources and points of delivery for all residences in the region. It seems to be the "new normal" operating procedure for city governments. 61 Summarize your experiences working collaboratively with others from different backgrounds. *Residential Realtor- Represented both buyers and sellers in contract negotiation for homes. Dealing with various religious, ethnic, gender and racial backgrounds, I worked diligently to coordinate a variety of services including: mortgage brokers, appraisers, handymen, landscapers, interior decorators, title companies, and real estate attorneys. *Information Technologies Recruiter- Screening and talking to hundreds of people to match them to the right positions and companies. These people and companies were highly educated; all wanting the best fit at the best rate available. Setting up many candidates and their interviewers via phone and email, I focused on the importance of clear, concise and accurate information for all involved. *Executive Director- As a District 5030 project of Rotary, Rotary Homeless Youth Foundation represented Rotarians and the face of the homeless youth to the community. As Executive Director, I worked with Rotary clubs to fundraise, educate and develop relationships with organizations that serviced the homeless youth community. The reclamation of the Sand Point Naval base into housing for Homeless Youth was the highlight of this endeavor. *Sales- Sold millions of custom manufactured envelopes for Atlantic Envelope Company by working with Birmingham's large businesses purchasing, marketing and executive departments in creative, cost- cutting measures. *Rotarian- Served as Emerald City Rotary Board member that interacted with all backgrounds of business people locally, nationally and internationally. Hosted Rotarian Exchange Group Members from India, Russia and Brazil. Discuss your qualifications relevant to the position of Tukwila City Councilmember. Residential Realtor- Metropolitan Park LLC- Worked in depth with contracts, negotiating terms, organization, mediation between multiple parties, fiduciary responsibilities, marketing of properties, and market comparisons. Assistant Property Manager- Trillium Management- Helped managed significant commercial, residential, land property portfolios throughout downtown Atlanta, Georgia. Business Owner- LauraAnnColours- Kids Yoga Instructor- Understand the legal obligations of small businesses /proprietors in Tukwila. Information Technologies Recruiter- KeyStaff- Able to ask pertinent questions in interviewing process; discernment in screening process, and negotiating terms in competitive environment. Executive Director- Rotary Homeless Youth Foundation- Excelled at public speaking after speaking to over 40+ clubs through out the district. Worked in a transparent manner to alert clubs, members and agencies of current needs. Presbyterian Elder- Chair committee, working with Council /Session to set short and long term vision, fiduciary and budgeting responsibilities and community building. Rotarian- Board member, budget and fiduciary responsibilities, contract negotiations, community involvement. Co- Leader /Treasurer Girl Scouts- Troop 41107- Connecting deep within the community to families of various backgrounds. Strong planning, communication and patience with members and projects. Filed Annual Report. Please provide any additional information or comments you believe will assist the City Council in considering your application. Bachelor of Business Administration- Georgia State University 1989 Sales Rookie of the Year and 100% of quota awards, Atlantic Envelope Company Paul Harris Fellow- Emerald City Rotary, Seattle WA Rotarian of the Year- Shades Valley Rotary Club, Birmingham AL Atlanta & Seattle Presbytery - Missions committee Troop Cookie Manager, Tukwila GS Troop 41107 led service unit 033 in all cookie sales 2014 Thank you for your interest in serving the Tukwila community as a member of the Tukwila City Council. 62