Art Skolnik - Seattle Pos. 1
Age: 59
Residence: Central waterfront
Occupation: Architect/urban planner
Education: B.A., architecture, University of Illinois; M.A., architecture/urban design, Pratt Institute, N.Y.
Community/political experience: Candidate, King County Council Pos. 4 (1979); candidate, Washington state Legislature, District 5 (1998); Mayor Rice's Transition Committee (1990); Queen Anne Community Council member/land-use review committee (1973-80); founder, United South Slope Residents of Queen Anne (1973); Mount Baker Community Club president (1987-88)
Endorsements: No organizations listed
Campaign Web site: artskolnik.net
Questions:
1. Are you in favor of the proposed 10-cent-a-cup "espresso tax" scheduled for the September ballot in Seattle?
No! This is not how to raise additional revenues. We love our coffee! It's not a sin! It is a home-grown industry that helps Seattle promote itself. If this tax is approved, I would expect the next proposed tax to be on joggers ... by the mile!
2. Is Seattle too accommodating or too hostile to business?
Hostile! Our marketing and promotion are weak. Our permitting/licensing processes are expensive and too long. Required mitigation is arbitrary and punitive. And business is too often pitted against communities unnecessarily. Strong leadership is needed. That's me!
3. Has Mayor Greg Nickels been successful in leading Seattle city government? Explain.
He's run the city well. But, his leadership skills/methods leave something to be desired. I don't like him campaigning for "his" council members. Nor, the tense atmosphere created by staffers not being able to contact council members without permission. This is not King County government!