With 11 of 22 spots open in the upcoming elections for Queen Anne Community Council, current members are hoping to reign in more diversity and broader representation.
So far, 12 persons, including nine incumbents are in the running for the 11 available positions. Positions are held for two years.
"It's important that we look at the complete picture of Queen Anne because we speak for all of Queen Anne, not just those who own houses on the top of the hill," said Mike Warren, QACC member of 14 years who is up for re-election.
Pockets of the community that Warren hopes to see represented include seniors who live in low-income housing, residents who don't own homes and younger community members.
"I would like to see as much diversity as we can see because I believe diversity shows strength in a community," Warren said. "That includes the young and old and the rich and not so rich."
George Counts, chair of the Nominations and Elections Committee, echoed the desire for a "broader outreach than we've had to date." Though there's not an organized outreach committee, Counts said he's been talking to everyone in sight and urging them to consider running for election, particularly younger community members. Deb Finken, a one-year QACC member who's helping with the upcoming elections said the council benefits by representing the "cross-section" of ages and residents in Queen Anne.
But no matter the niche a neighbor represents, the central idea of becoming a QACC member comes down to getting a say in one's community.
"There are a lot of issues that have an impact on our community and by being on the board of trustees you can help shape the positions being taken on these issues," Finken said. "It helps shape the community to be more of what you want it to be."
And since an element of shaping community involves time, Warren said it's important to bring younger members into the discussions that will alter the community in the long run.
"I know what's important to me, but by the time some of these things are done I may or may not be still around. I'd like to see some young people as part of the council because the decisions that are made by the council are decisions you all will be living with, some people longer than others," Warren said.
Apart from taking stances on issues, both in the community and citywide, the council consists of committees that have specific focuses, including parks, transportation and land use. Each member must participate in one of the active committees during their term.
Though no specific issues are on the table for candidates, current members said particular issues for the council are ongoing.
"For this election, some of the same hot issues have continued, which [include] concern for responsible development on Queen Anne ... and neighborhood planning. Queen Anne is prepared to absorb increasing growth as an urban village but we have to make sure this growth is properly managed and consistent with the principles and beliefs of persons on Queen Anne," Counts said.
Positions are open to Queen Anne residents and business owners, who must submit a statement to Counts prior to Sept. 16, when community members will speak to the public at McClure Middle School, starting at 7 p.m. Following candidate statements community members can vote during a two-hour time slot, after which the successful nominees will be announced.
For information about becoming a candidate, Counts can be reached at drgeoc@msn.com or 206-200-2016.[[In-content Ad]]
