Debate Among Four City Council Candidates
Four Port Angeles City Council candidates debated at yesterday’s meeting of the Port Angeles Business Association. Edna Petersen, Peter Ripley, Max Mania and Rick Burton discussed economic development and government transparency, among other topics.
Max Mania stressed the natural beauty of this area and the tourism this could generate: “We have so many blessings. We need to maximize those resources and turn it into the gold that I think just lies there.”
Rick Burton said the city could promote this area as a travel destination by coordinating better with other local governments: “I understand tourism isn't a year-round thing. It's one of the assets we have.”
He also dismissed most environmental issues: “When it comes to that ecology stuff, I think a lot of it is bunk, to be honest. I think it's another way for the federal and state governments to draw more money away from small cities like us.”
Edna Petersen spoke in favor of providing $10,000 in lodging tax revenue to Kenmore Air. Kenmore is required to use this funding for advertising to promote this area as a travel destination. She said: “That's what helps save a business. Business retention is easier than bringing a new business to town."
Peter Ripley established a link between government transparency and the likelihood of businesses keeping their shops in town. He said:
“I think the key phrase here is transparency. There are clouds of perception that decisions have been made behind closed doors and out of the public eye. I would recuse myself from any executive session that does not adhere to strict adherence to the RCW [the Revised Code of Washington] on executive session.”
The behind-closed-doors decisions he referred to include: selecting Kent Myers as city manager; creating the Port Angeles Harbor-Works Development Authority; and the agreement with Nippon Paper Industries USA on the environmental cleanup of Port Angeles Harbor.
And speaking of Harbor-Works: Edna Petersen said, “With the development of Harbor-Works, we are as close to moving forward than we have ever been, with everybody having a say in the process.”
Rick Burton said the city needs to work with the tribe to make sure no tribal artifacts are unearthed. He also said: “I don't see spending a whole bunch of money on Rayonier until Rayonier does their portion of what needs to be done.”
Max Mania seconded that the city needs to ensure Rayonier’s fiscal responsibility when it comes to the cleanup: “Less is more is probably going to be the realistic view.”
Peter Ripley said: “I think we have to do what is necessary in getting the property cleaned up.” He also said the city should encourage more cruise ships to dock in Port Angeles and that the waterfront should have a railroad again.
Max Mania stressed the natural beauty of this area and the tourism this could generate: “We have so many blessings. We need to maximize those resources and turn it into the gold that I think just lies there.”
Rick Burton said the city could promote this area as a travel destination by coordinating better with other local governments: “I understand tourism isn't a year-round thing. It's one of the assets we have.”
He also dismissed most environmental issues: “When it comes to that ecology stuff, I think a lot of it is bunk, to be honest. I think it's another way for the federal and state governments to draw more money away from small cities like us.”
Edna Petersen spoke in favor of providing $10,000 in lodging tax revenue to Kenmore Air. Kenmore is required to use this funding for advertising to promote this area as a travel destination. She said: “That's what helps save a business. Business retention is easier than bringing a new business to town."
Peter Ripley established a link between government transparency and the likelihood of businesses keeping their shops in town. He said:
“I think the key phrase here is transparency. There are clouds of perception that decisions have been made behind closed doors and out of the public eye. I would recuse myself from any executive session that does not adhere to strict adherence to the RCW [the Revised Code of Washington] on executive session.”
The behind-closed-doors decisions he referred to include: selecting Kent Myers as city manager; creating the Port Angeles Harbor-Works Development Authority; and the agreement with Nippon Paper Industries USA on the environmental cleanup of Port Angeles Harbor.
And speaking of Harbor-Works: Edna Petersen said, “With the development of Harbor-Works, we are as close to moving forward than we have ever been, with everybody having a say in the process.”
Rick Burton said the city needs to work with the tribe to make sure no tribal artifacts are unearthed. He also said: “I don't see spending a whole bunch of money on Rayonier until Rayonier does their portion of what needs to be done.”
Max Mania seconded that the city needs to ensure Rayonier’s fiscal responsibility when it comes to the cleanup: “Less is more is probably going to be the realistic view.”
Peter Ripley said: “I think we have to do what is necessary in getting the property cleaned up.” He also said the city should encourage more cruise ships to dock in Port Angeles and that the waterfront should have a railroad again.
Labels: Edna Petersen, Max Mania, Peter Ripley, Port Angeles City Council candidates Port Angeles Business Association, Port Angeles economic development, Port Angeles government transparency, Rick Burton
posted by Tom Harper at 12:37 PM
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