Kenmore's Hopefuls -- 14 Compete For Seven Council Positions In The City's First Election

KENMORE

Long hours, growth worries and traffic problems are only a few of the things that will face Kenmore's first City Council after its election April 28.

But the candidates, vying to serve 18-month interim terms that expire in 1999, are eager to help make Kenmore a city.

They recently got some advice from Don Brocha, Woodinville mayor, who was elected to that city's first council five years ago. "The council must understand they are part of a team, and because one may be adamant about a specific issue, he or she cannot take things personally if it doesn't interest other members," he said.

Running for the chance to establish successful city government are:

Position 1

-- Patrick O'Brien is in the residential-real-estate business and was an incorporation activist. Issues: ensuring no new taxes, easing traffic congestion, overseeing the Lakepointe residential-commercial development, and improving access to Lake Washington and the Burke-Gilman Trail.

-- Dick Taylor, a retired educator who has lived in Kenmore since 1973, is a member of the Lakepointe and Highway 522 task forces and was an incorporation activist. Issues: fostering partnerships among businesses, schools, religious organizations and other interest groups as a key to establishing a strong city government.

Position 2

-- Steve Colwell is a medical-clinic owner and 25-year resident of the Arrowhead neighborhood. Issues: making sure local government is accessible, controlling crime and increasing neighborhood police patrols, solving congestion at Bothell Way Northeast and 68th Avenue Northeast, beautifying the city with sign ordinances, and improving parks and streets.

-- Steven Gimurtu is an educator. The former fire commissioner is a 25-year Kenmore resident and served as president of the Kenmore Community Council. Issues: solving congestion on Bothell Way Northeast and Juanita Drive, improving land-use planning, working on surface-water management, regulating development's effects on traffic and solving drainage problems along the Sammamish Slough and in Swamp Creek watershed.

Position 3

-- Deborah Chase is a telecommunications manager and lifelong Kenmore resident who was active in the incorporation effort. Issues: providing quality police and fire services, improving traffic flow on Bothell Way Northeast, assembling experienced city staff members and seeking citizen involvement.

-- Allen "Al" Goumas, a semiretired business consultant, owned a gas station on Juanita Drive for 20 years. Issues: turning the last undeveloped part of the Lake Washington shoreline into a "jewel" with a park, promenade and boat dock.

Position 4

-- Chip Davidson is the operator of Davidson's Marina, along with his family, and a certified public accountant. A 41-year resident of Kenmore, he has served 25 years as a commissioner of the Northshore Utility District, 20 years as a volunteer firefighter and two years on the incorporation committee. Issues: creating a strong government, responsive to residents' needs and a cooperative City Council.

-- Mark Knutson is a Kenmore resident and University of Washington student. Issues: ensuring no new taxes, using revenues that now are going to King County, improving traffic, managing growth, making the city a comfortable place for everyone from low-income seniors to families, working on neighborhood safety, improving parks and increasing access to the Burke-Gilman Trail with connector trails and sidewalks.

Position 5

-- Tika Esler is an associate dean at Bellevue Community College and has lived in Kenmore for 15 years. With her husband, Mike, she chaired the incorporation technology committee. Issues: relieving traffic congestion, ensuring fiscal responsibility and hiring capable city staff members.

-- John Phelps, a retired businessman, is past president of the Washington State Tire Dealers, past director of the National Tire Dealers, and a board member of the Moorland PTA and Inglemoor Soccer Club. Issues: No new taxes, increasing law enforcement, making sure roads are well-maintained, and improving access to the lakefront.

Position 6

-- Elodie Morse is a homemaker and 18-year Kenmore resident. Issues: approving a budget that will not increase taxes, studying options for traffic-flow improvements, creating a strong identity for Kenmore and making it a livable community for all residents.

-- Lyle Sellards is a retired minister. Issues: managing growth and adding parks, recreational facilities and services for all, including senior citizens and low-income families; improving Bothell Way Northeast traffic improvements and pedestrian safety; and encouraging new businesses.

Position 7

-- Richard Clements is a 16-year reserve police officer and court security officer. Issues: managing growth, enforcing land-use codes and design regulations, working on traffic congestion and public safety.

-- Jack Crawford, a retired Navy commander and retired clinical therapist, has lived in Kenmore for 29 years. Issues: giving priority to wetlands and parks in city planning, easing traffic congestion and keeping a lid on taxes. He says he would serve on the interim council only.