The Mirror is offering Federal Way mayoral candidates an opportunity to speak to readers in their own words. Below, the candidates answer the question: Is the proposed development that includes three high-rise towers the right project for downtown Federal Way? What kind of economic development project should be the top priority for Federal Way?
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Jim Ferrell
The current plan of three high-rises, two of which are proposed to be 45 stories, is the wrong direction for our city.
When we first discussed this development several years ago, I had great hopes that we would see a development that was primarily retail and business, that would help create a vibrant city core.
Unfortunately, that agreed vision has morphed into a condo-centric plan that will put over 700 housing units into four acres, with retail being incidental to housing. Setting aside the obvious infrastructure burdens this will place on our traffic and water services, this entire scheme will literally stick out like a sore thumb in our community.
I strongly believe we need a downtown park, larger than proposed in the current plan, that will be a gathering place for this community that we can build around. With that foundation, we can promote public investment along with private investment so that we can bring jobs to our city and create the kind of vibrancy that we all want, and will integrate into our community seamlessly.
Finally, I do not believe the role of government is to act as a private enterprise by buying and developing land. A city’s role is to provide infrastructure in the form of streets, parks and police protection. When we do our job right, we set the table for private enterprise to flourish.
This is why I have voted against this plan and will continue to do so in the future.
Fast facts: Ferrell was first elected to city council in 2003, then re-elected in 2007. Last fall, Ferrell led an effort with voters that created the elected mayor position. He works as a King County prosecuting attorney.
Website: www.voteferrell.com
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Linda L. Kochmar
The high-rise project, the name of which is yet to be determined, is a creative attempt by the city to revitalize the downtown and to create synergy for the surrounding properties. The downtown core and frame is ready to be redeveloped and transformed from a low-density, retail-only location dominated by surface parking and strip malls, into a vital mixed-use neighborhood.
As the downtown develops, the city’s vision is that of a dense, walkable neighborhood with shopping, coffee shops and restaurants interspersed with pocket parks and open space. The proposed project with have three high-rise towers, one of which is a hotel, with beautiful views above the 15th floors, surrounding a public park. The park will have several amenities, hopefully including an interactive fountain, a veteran’s memorial, and a stage for outdoor concerts.
As your mayor, I was privileged to be one of eight western mayors to be invited to attend the Mayor’s Institute of Design at Arizona State University last spring, where I discussed this project with nationally recognized architects and planners. Their recommendations were given to staff and I asked for open houses to include the public in the planning process.
It is very difficult in this economy for developers to find financing and this is not anticipated to change for a number of years. This project will bring jobs and a $300 million investment to our city. The city’s design review process will ensure that if the development does move forward, that it will be a quality project.
Fast facts: Kochmar was first elected to the city council in 1997, and was appointed mayor under the current form of government in January. She works as a risk manager with Lakehaven Utility District.
Website: www.lindakochmar.com
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Mike Park
A mayor must be proactive and realistic in decision making. I have been championing city center economic development since 1995, including the Twin Development project since 2004, and have been consistent in pushing this project forward. It is absolutely the right project for Federal Way during this tough economic time, because what the city needs right now is economic stimulus, and the Twin Development project will create 3,000 private sector jobs. That’s 3,000 people working to support their families, paying taxes, and supporting local business by buying goods and services in Federal Way.
The Twin Development project will also improve Federal Way in establishing a city center, and its affordable condominiums will have a public park for all citizens to enjoy. The strategic location will connect the transit center to The Commons mall, making it pedestrian friendly, reducing traffic and parking congestion.
As your new mayor, I will base my decisions on new projects based on the following principles:
• The safety of families must never be compromised.
• The project must stimulate the local economy.
• The project must improve traffic flow and enhance the quality of life for families.
Two examples of upcoming projects I would support based on these criteria are the Performing Arts and Convention Center and the Triangle Project, both of which will provide immediate economic stimulus in the short term, and improve quality of life while bringing in revenue in the long run — either by cultural activities, or by reducing traffic and improving safety.
Fast facts: Park was appointed to the city council in June 1995, won re-election in 1995, 1999, 2003 and 2007, and served as Federal Way’s mayor from 2000-2001 and 2006-2007. He owns Midway Cleaners in Kent.
Website: www.votepark.com
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Skip Priest
Federal Way’s budget crisis is the context for all economic development questions. This year’s $4.5 million deficit is just a sign of long-term fiscal challenges. The first step for fiscal management has to be protecting our taxpayers by stabilizing the city budget through reductions in spending to sustainable levels.
The city’s fiscal crisis, however, underscores the need for comprehensive downtown revitalization, and the jobs and tax revenues that are created through economic development. If we are to afford the public services basic to a quality community, such as keeping our neighborhoods safe, we need new economic development to help us pay for it, rather than creating additional tax burdens on our homeowners and businesses.
The City Council has already approved the so-called high-rise project, a major $350 million downtown development initiative. The project’s financing appears promising — a rarity for these times — and the proposed development may provide a catalyst for additional downtown development.
As the council has approved the tower development, the mayor’s role will be critical to ensure the project’s implementation does not worsen traffic congestion in the downtown core, provides the best economic benefit to the city, and fits within a comprehensive vision for the area that will facilitate spin-off development and enhance the downtown core’s appearance. The mayor should also ensure that the $6 million the city receives for the development is invested in additional infrastructure that benefits our residents, helps fills existing empty spaces, and creates community jobs.
Fast facts: Priest served on the Federal Way City Council from 1991 to 1997, including two years as an appointed mayor under the city’s current council-manager form of government. Priest was first elected to the state House of Representatives in 2002. He will forgo re-election to the Legislature in order to run for mayor of Federal Way.
Website: www.skippriest.com
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LEARN MORE
The Mirror is offering Federal Way mayoral candidates an opportunity to speak to readers in their own words. Each candidate received a list of questions about their goals and vision.
Their answers will appear the next four Saturdays in The Mirror. A debate among the four mayoral candidates is scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. July 19 at Federal Way High School.
Questions? E-mail editor@federalwaymirror.com.
A debate for Legislature candidates is slated for 6 p.m. July 26 at Federal Way High School. Stay tuned for information about these candidates.
