Applications for open council seat (listed alphabetically):
Our assessment of the Candidates:
General Summary:
First and foremost, the successful candidate should reflect, as closely as possible, given the choice of candidates, the political views and values held by Jeff Everett. This is, of course, a nearly-impossible achievement, given Mr. Everett's high ethical standards and his uncompromising desire to follow the law, and the process, to the letter. The next most-important consideration in choosing a replacement is someone who is more concerned about the long-term quality of life of the Sky Valley in general, and Sutlan in particular, rather than enhancing their own pocketbooks and/or wallets. The third consideration (which is almost tied with the requirement #2), is the experience and knowledge the candidate will bring to the council, especially in fields of increasing importance for Sultan at this stage of her history.
Assessments of Candidates:
The historical (and, sometimes, hysterical) actions of former Sultan mayor C. H. Rowe, current Planning Commissioner Bart Dalmasso, and terminally-hopeful land developer Margaret Skogland speak volumes as to their suitability as a replacement for Jeff Everett, eliminating them from serious consideration. C. H. Rowe brought Sultan to the brink of bankruptcy. Bart Dalmasso's "baggage" -- his personal and professional harassment and libel against Josie Fallgatter and Jeff Kirkman, as wel; as his current cause ju jour, that of dibanding the Planning Commission -- clearly place him out of the running. And Margaret Skogland, one of the pushers behind many of the higher-density, developer-friendly code revisions in recent years, in order to maximize the attractiveness and value of her land holdings, should also place her out of this council race. Indeed, the only times she is ever seen at council, PC and public meetings and hearings is when she wants something.
Kristina Blair: I have seen Ms. Blair speak at meetings several times, and despite her still-immature positions on some issues, she generally achieves her point through the use of well-considered logic. She's a charismatic figure. More importantly, her resume indicates that she has much of the experience and expertise -- administrative, organizational in the real estate market -- that could be helpful as a council person. Also, she is a female, a viewpoint that is sorely lacking on the current council. (One thing nags at me, however: She gives no street address, just a P. O. Box.)
Wayne Steele: Mr. Steele's career choice and some previous experience would serve him well on selected council decisions. However, I have no personal or first-hand knowledge of this individual, so it's difficult for me to assess his ethical attributes, his political leanings, or where he stands on the city's need to adhere to its legal processes in a cohesive, consistent manner.
George Schmidt: Again, I have no first-hand knowledge of Mr. Schmidt. All I know about him is his voluntary, non-paid and substantial time and effort in creating an initial website for the Highway 2 Safety Coalition. I am considerably impressed by his resume; the depth and breadth of experience in an area the council is sorely lacking in expertise -- financial. It would be a tremendous asset. The City needs someone who clearly understands the value that new industrial and commercial business can bring to Sultan, rather than the temporary financing received from residential development permitting that carries the burden of costly infrastructure expansion.
OUR TOP PICKS:
#1: George Schmidt
#2: Kristina Blair