Six candidates for Federal Way City Council participated in a forum Oct. 7 at the Federal Way Chamber of Commerce membership luncheon.

Roger Freeman and Diana Noble-Gulliford are competing for position 6, which is an open seat. Sonia Sciscente is challenging incumbent Linda Kochmar for position 2, and Mike Peterson is facing incumbent Jeanne Burbidge for position 4.

Candidates addressed questions from the audience at the forum moderated by Dr. T.M. Sell of Highline Community College.

Check out all candidates in the King County voters pamphlet by clicking here.

Have you made a deal regarding who will be the next mayor?

Kochmar: “There is no deal.” Each council member should have a turn as mayor and discuss a line of succession among one another.

Sciscente: “We all have to work together. Two heads think better than one.”

Burbidge: “No, I have not made a deal.” Seven elected council members each have opportunities to make their own decisions. Has served as mayor before.

Peterson: No deal. Every election should have people running for mayor. There is a lot of talent in Federal Way, and the mayoral candidate has to be the most eligible.

Freeman: No deal. There should be citizen input for the next mayor. Those interested should present a platform to the public.

Noble-Gulliford: “I am not in a position to reach that phase.” There should be teamwork in gathering information on what the community wants to see.

What is your vision for economic development in downtown Federal Way? Do you support a performing arts, cultural and conference center (PACC)?

Noble-Gulliford: Her vision would make small businesses the foundation of downtown economic development. She wants a PACC, but there is not enough money to “do it on our own.” Wants more retail downtown.

Freeman: City needs to develop a concept and vision of what it wants downtown, then market that. City should explore slogans that promote development and local spending, such as “Enjoy the world without leaving home.” Yes to PACC, but only “when we can afford it.”

Peterson: The business incubator concept is one way to promote development. City could reach out to junior colleges and high schools to recruit student leaders. Would love to have a PACC, but the city cannot afford it now. Homeowners want no taxes.

Burbidge: She said she has been part of the ongoing economic development in Federal Way. She supports finalizing a PACC when the city can afford it.

Sciscente: Wants more effort to keep Federal Way residents’ money within the city. More retail, stores, restaurants and marketing can raise the city’s quality.

Kochmar: Supports the future Symphony project for downtown, an investment that would bring $300 million into the city. The city’s budget is a bigger priority than a PACC.

What role do/will you play in Federal Way’s emergency management team?

Burbidge: Served as representative for the city in that role, helping staff become trained and ready to go when the time applies.

Sciscente: No answer.

Kochmar: As a risk manager at Lakehaven, her job includes emergency management training. She is also chair of a public issues committee.

Peterson: Has experience with emergency team planning at his company, working to ensure electronics stay operational in a crisis. “My job is to fit in with whatever job is needed.”

Freeman: Preparation assistance is key, such as proper training and funding for police and public safety agencies.

Noble-Gulliford: Start with educating homeowners and families on emergency management in order to take pressure of the city.

What is the most pressing need Federal Way faces?

Freeman: Public safety, especially at the transit center. He is concerned about homicides in the city, and as Federal Way grows, the potential is high for crime to come here. Proper training and funding for the police is crucial.

Noble-Gulliford: Balancing the budget without raising taxes or cutting core services. Wants to see police and security go “belly to belly” at the transit center.

Peterson: Economic development and bringing more companies to Federal Way, which as a low business occupancy rate. It’s hard for start-ups in Federal Way.

Burbidge: Public safety is essential to the city along with economic development in these challenging times.

Sciscente: Crime and public safety. There is too much loitering at the transit center.

Kochmar: Jobs and a balanced budget.

How can Federal Way combat violence?

Sciscente: There should be a curfew that keeps kids off the streets and out of Steel Lake Park during school hours to prevent trouble. She lives near Steel Lake Park and is running because of violence in the area.

Kochmar: Crime stats and stolen cars are down in Federal Way. Key is strong police presence and working with schools and parents.

Burbidge: Well-trained police. Proper funding for human services can help with prevention.

Peterson: City does well with its resources. Amid budget concerns, city must provide the proper tools for safety. Mentorship programs in junior high and high schools can help.

Freeman: Arresting and prosecuting isn’t enough. Teach young people how to be good citizens. Start young. “Mentor a young person and you’ll see crime go down.”

Noble-Gulliford: Would like to see more cops out in their cars, on bikes and on foot. Work with apartment owners on how to identify and screen out problem renters.

Where do you stand on the elected mayor issue?

Peterson: Will support whatever the citizens decide. If citizens do not approve the initiative, then council needs changes to move forward. Give each side its due diligence.

Burbidge: After much research, she concluded that changing Federal Way’s form of government to include a strong mayor will introduce harmful political involvement in the operation of the city.

Sciscente: It’s up to residents to decide, but thinks the current form of government is fine the way it is.

Kochmar: “You’re adding an eighth layer” to government with a person who only has a veto. With the money involved, an elected mayor is not good at this time.

Freeman: People want to elect someone to represent them and want a say in their mayor. He supports a hybrid model similar to Tacoma’s form of government.

Noble-Gulliford: Keep our form of government the way it is. She is concerned that power will shift from seven council members to one person, with special interests attached.

How will you help existing Federal Way businesses with economic development?

Noble-Gulliford: Streamline the permit process to promote quicker business occupancy. No new taxes. Encourage local shopping.

Freeman: Encourage citizens to spend their money in Federal Way, whether it’s on food or gas. The city needs a marketing campaign to get everyone on the same page.

Peterson: Encourage local spending as well as the business incubator project.

Burbidge: Shop local, and promote business incubator as well as medical incubator. Supports policy changes that help new businesses “pencil out” business plans. Serves on “green ribbon commission” to provide incentives for sustainability.

Sciscente: Shop local and try to do everything in Federal Way. “We have to keep our money here if we want our city to change.”

Kochmar: Small businesses are key along with the incubator program. “When you grow, we prosper.”

Opening and closing remarks

Kochmar: Has served 12 years on council. “I believe in servant leadership.” Longtime volunteer who helped with the city’s incorporation and served on the former community council.

Sciscente: “Violence is my main concern in Federal Way.” She is a mother and mortgage broker who wants to serve the city and bring change. “Give me a chance to show you what I can do.”

Burbidge: Has served on council for 12 years. She helps form partnerships between the city and non-profits, schools, fire department and utility district to promote more efficient government.

Peterson: Has 20 years of experience in the business world and wants this leadership opportunity. “We’ve had enough long-term professional politics in our area.” Promises to be fiscally responsible.

Freeman: Serves on human services commission, is a youth mentor and PTA volunteer. It’s time for a new generation of leaders to use their expertise, listen to the people and bring that back to government. “You need an advocate” who’s not afraid to speak up. “I want to harness your energy and my compassion to make Federal Way a better place.”

Noble-Gulliford: She is ready to join the council. “I have experience and knowledge of the inner workings of the city.” Top two priorities are balancing the city budget and long-term development of small businesses. Experience on community council in the 1970s, along with Planning Commission and Hylebos conservation gives her a “solid foundation.”