A voter’s opinion/analysis of candidate answers to mayoral Mirror question #2: What is your proudest accomplishment in public service?

Quality of question: Strong

Purpose of analysis: Help voters identify the substance (or lack of substance) in the answers.

Candidate #1, Mike Park: Chair on the Finance, Economic Development and Regional Affairs Committee

Analysis: Great interest in business development, but no examples of “fiscally conservative” or “pro-business environment;” e.g.: What business complaints/problems did he solve? Did he reduce taxes? Reduce regulations? Create pro-business regulations? Streamline the permitting process? Why do businesses now want to move to Federal Way?

Answer: Very weak

Candidate #2, Jim Ferrell: Led the effort to pass Proposition 1.

Analysis: No proof electing a mayor is necessary for Federal Way voters to choose their destiny at an increase taxpayer cost of $112,000 plus benefits plus support. Why is an elected mayor more cost effective? Why will better governing result? Does mayor have special governing powers? Why can’t voters choose their future without an elected mayor?

Answer: Very weak

Candidate #3, Linda Kochmar: Development of City Hall.

Analysis: The council agreed to spend $15 million of taxpayer money rather than $20 million to $25 million to develop a new City Hall. Was the expenditure was absolutely required? What’s the taxpayer return on investment?

Answer: Very weak

Candidate #4, Skip Priest: Public safety.

Analysis: Authored Auto Theft Legislation, “led the fight to strengthen sex predator laws” resulting in legislation, leadership role in the stopping the proposed Peasley Canyon sex predator facility. Should have cited bill numbers.

Answer: Strong

Still, no candidate’s “proudest accomplishment” was: Reduced the size of government, taxes or regulations; relieved traffic congestion; eliminated government competition with private businesses; reduced cost of utilities; remove illegal aliens; protected freedoms and liberties.

Differences to date: Still, slim to none.

Frank Comito, Federal Way