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Managing the city’s expenses in light of our economic constraints is critical to our success. I have CUT over 1.7 Million from our budget. As the Mayor, I will bring a new and innovative management style to the city. My 25 years of business, along with the operational experience required in my military and civilian government roles, speaks to my unique approach.
As your Mayor, I will encourage an inclusive city administration. I will reduce expenses to keep our budget in line with existing tax revenues, and I will do it by listening to your input as well as the input of others, even those who disagree with me, so that we don’t slash the programs out citizens value most. My objective is to keep Lake Forest Park the envy of the region - to be a city whose parks, and roads, and services are top-notch and enjoyed by all.
These aren’t just empty words. As your Deputy Mayor, I oversaw $1.7 million in spending cuts. They were painful at times, but being Mayor means being willing to make tough choices. My opponent would have you believe that I am a tax-and-spender, but, the facts simply don’t bear that out. On top of the nearly $2 million in reductions, I’ve cut thousands from different departments while on the council, because I knew, if our citizens were expected to find ways through tough economic times, we could make do with a leaner budget as well. I voted for discounted utility rates for our low-income seniors in January 2003 because, when I make decisions regarding the budget, the concerns of our most vulnerable citizens are at the forefront of my mind.
Public Safety
Public surveys, and the voices of hundreds of LFP residents that I have met doorbelling, state that the number one concern the LFP community has is public safety--OUR locally-controlled Police Department.
Now is not the time to pull the rug from beneath the Lake Forest Park
Police Department. My opponent has
stated more than ten times on-the-record that she favors outsourcing the police
services of LFP to King County. Lake
Forest Park can proudly lay claim to the fastest 911 response time in all of
North King County, and the lowest burglary rate among our neighboring cities
(40% BETTER). A Goss administration
would gut the LFP Police Department, instead opting to contract out with the
county, meaning longer wait times for the police to show up. There are many areas of the budget that
should be gone over with a fine-toothed comb, but saving money doesn’t have to
mean sacrificing our public safety. I will NOT contract out our POLICE FORCE.As recently as August 1st 2011, Mary Jane Goss said that we should explore our options with the county. They have been explored, and time and time again research has shown that it cannot be done. I favor an alternative option: we should consider consolidating police and municipal court services with the City of Kenmore, a move that by all measures would save money without decreasing the quality of service. However, from 1998 to 2006, she was an outspoken proponent of getting rid of our local police department. Meanwhile, I have stood by our police for the last 16 years.
Infrastructure
The vibrant soul of the Lake Forest Park community needs to be nourished, and that can only happen when vital infrastructure is safeguarded. We cannot be assured safe well-maintained roads without the proper funding. Minimal investment now in proper maintenance saves countless dollars in the future. That is why I have been a steadfast supporter of our roads and pathways. My opponent, on the other hand, cannot boast the same record. Her vote in December 2005 against $120,000 in road repairs illustrates that she lacks the same commitment. Neglect is bad public policy. She speaks of harnessing the contributions of our community in absence of city programs, but that won’t ensure snow removal and ice prevention, which is essential in the hilly and winding roads of Lake Forest Park. Our roads and pathways cannot be maintained on Mary Jane’s shoestring. A Thompson administration will preserve our critical roads and pathways!
The maintenance of our parks, on the other hand, offers a unique opportunity to partner with community organizations. With limited tax revenues, park maintenance is one area where volunteers and groups can step up to make a difference and assist the city to keep our parks open and usable. I will look to build upon those partnerships in my administration.
Senior Citizens
Making
sure our seniors are able to live at home in LFP is very important to me. If you grew up here, by all rights you should
be able to stay here well into your golden years. Our seniors must be provided accessible
support services from the Senior Services Center, such as Meals on Wheels and
in-home assistance. My leadership was
instrumental in the passage and funding of these programs, and I pledge to
continue that vigorous support as Mayor.My opponent and her Gov Watch allies hold the specter of seniors being kicked out of their homes over Lake Forest Park. This is based on a series of falsehoods. The reality is this: GOVWATCH and Mary Jane Goss have made it clear that their “top 3 priorities” do not include Senior Services. She has pledged to make backbreaking cuts to city services. Absent a commitment to take Senior Services off the chopping block, it is reasonable to conclude that the budget of a Mayor Goss would reduce or eliminate funding to the Senior Center and the services it provides to our most vulnerable citizens.
I recognize that tough economic times hit Lake Forest Park hard across the board. It is particularly hard for our senior citizens. That is why I voted to discount sewer rates for low-income seniors in January of 2003. That is why I voted to support the construction of the Senior Center, and the programs that it hosts. As mayor, I will do what I can to support and publicize federal and state programs which subsidize property taxes for low-income seniors and assist with home repairs. The needs of our most vulnerable citizens will always be a top priority for me.
Flooding
As I’ve said many times, Lake Forest Park seems to get those hundred-year floods every couple of years. Although we’ve secured funding for a creek diversion project from the state government, the diversion is somewhat limited and short-term. An effective long-term solution to our flooding problem can only be realized by a larger project. This last year our request for 3.4 million dollars from FEMA was rejected, but that won’t happen on my watch.
The city has already invested a large amount of money in studies to produce an effective proposal. As Mayor, I will make sure we find a permanent solution to a problem that has cost the city and its residents millions of dollars in damage. As a small-businessman, a Command Executive Officer in charge of operations of thousands of soldiers, and a Colonel in charge of military hospitals throughout Afghanistan, I know how important it is to not let things fall through the cracks. We will continue to pursue and be successful in securing funding for our flooding projects.
The Burke-Gilman Trail
The Burke-Gilman Trail is the crown jewel of the King County trail system, and it’s right in our very own backyard. I supported redevelopment of the trail when opponents of the Burke-Gilman took the city and the county to court. Mary Jane led the legal fight that wasted $300,000 of city taxpayer money, and still she was not able to grind renovation of the trail to a halt. I will see the renovation and revitalization of the trail through to the end. A wider trail will be a safer trail - one for all to enjoy, whether you walk, or run, or cycle. A better trail will increase property values, NOT decrease them. I will also ensure that the trail is fully replanted and restored even better than it was in 2010.
Third Place Commons
Third Place Commons in the Towne Centre is a treasured institution in our community. It is a place where our residents celebrate community and come together to share over 800 different events per year. In hard economic times like these, community centers are important. The city’s public-private partnership with the non-profit Friends of Third Place Commons is essential to preserve our very own nationally recognized indoor park. It is also provides a home for the Farmers’ Market, the most successful farmers' market in King County - one which both enhances community and stimulates business.
My opponent does not share my views with
regard to the Commons. Mary Jane has voted to cut thousands of
dollars in funding to Third Place Commons, and, just recently, she said that
the continued funding of this meeting place was not a priority for her. In her own words, “we’ll try to keep it open
as long as possible, but there are other things we need to do.” Those aren’t the words of someone committed
to further support.There is no fence on this issue! Not only am I a strong supporter of Third Place Commons, I have a vision for the Towne Centre as well. As a member of the council, I voted for the new development guidelines that would enable appropriate and needed commercial and residential density at the Towne Centre--- and preserving the Third Place Commons. I will continue to work with the management and owners to bring a more vibrant business climate to our Towne Centre. And I will reenergize the effort to redevelop the Towne Centre over a ten-year period.
Your success is my success
In closing, our city's success is dependent upon a balanced set of priorities. It is not just about police, planning and potholes. Government is about supporting the people and institutions that make our community unique. I pledge a balance in priorities that will make our city the safest, greenest and most livable in King County. Being a good mayor is not only about being a good executive, it is about being a good neighbor to 12,800 neighbors who live with me and my family in Lake Forest Park. I will be a Good Neighbor and a Good Mayor.
Your Good neighbor and Your Good Mayor;
Listening to YOU,
Talking to YOU,
Responding to YOU.
Thanks for your time and I value your support!
Sincerely,
Dwight Thompson
Please don't hesitate to email me with your thoughts and questions!
