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They share a vision for a better Poulsbo, but other than that the candidates seeking the offices of city council and mayor this November are strictly individual in their thinking.

Some have common issues they feel need to resolved but by and large, the four incumbents and four challengers who will face off in General Election are seeking office for very different reasons. They come from different backgrounds, have varied qualifications and have separate views on how the city should be run.

Instead of taking sound bites from our candidates, the Herald gave them 100 words to say their piece as they answered the five questions that matter most in any city election.

1) What is the biggest problem facing the city? How would you solve it?

2) What sets you apart from your opponent?

3) What are your qualifications?

4) What facet of city services, departments or government do you feel should be changed during the next four years? How will you implement this change?

5) Why do you want to serve the city in this capacity?

MAYOR

POULSBO —

Donna Jean Bruce

1) Some may think we have problems, but I feel we are fortunate and only have concerns. The biggest concern, due to the world situation, is the economy. The city is being very fiscally conservative while preparing the 2002 budget. We will be careful not to spend dollars we do not have. We will keep working on traffic congestion. We have been successful at obtaining grants to improve our streets without placing a financial burden on residents and businesses.

2) I offer the voters proven effectiveness. My philosophy of leadership works — “Lead, don’t meddle; expect the best; find solutions together.” i will do my part to make sure the good teamwork between the mayor’s office, the city council and department heads continues as we take on the issues that are important to our residents and business owners.

3) For the last three years it has been my pleasure and honor to serve as mayor. I have served seven years on the Poulsbo Board of Adjustment, 11 years on the Poulsbon City Council and five years as deputy mayor, a position voted on by fellow council members. My administration has won over $10 million in state and federal grants to improve our streets, fund parks and protect our environment. I am a member and past treasurer of the Poulsbo Historical Society. I have worked for 15 years in the banking industry.

4) At this point, I do not see any need for changes in city government. However, if problems arise, I would make the necessary changes.

5) I have a deep commitment to preserving Poulsbo’s quality of life. I was born and raised in Poulsbo and understand the importance of retaining our small town character. We will continue our prudent planning practices, smart growth initiatives, necessary upgrades to infrastructure, parks and recreation programs, economic development leadership, restoration of Liberty Bay water quality and recovery of salmon habitat. The City of Poulsbo is a great place to live and it is important to me that the voters know my sole motivation in seeking re-election is to do what’s best for the city.

Mike Regis

1) Last August I stated that we need to supplement our utility rates from the general fund in order to make substantial progress to the infrastructure. I felt the economy was strong and we could not “put it off another year.” Then the nation suffered Sept. 11, and we face a diminishing revenue base. However, our infrastructure challenge remains and we cannot waver. We must have a healthy, working system for the future. Our vision of the future must be our focus. We must pass on to tomorrow what they will need.

2) I am prepared to be a working mayor. My municipal experience provides a fuller response to community issues and allows me the insight to direct staff to meet the public needs. I support community efforts by working for the community goals. I have been very active in the “social politics” of many organizations and committees. I am proud of my work with youth in the Eagle Scout program, assisting the current Miss Poulsbo and interacting with the business community. I have a very large arena of supporters of many different viewpoints and consider them my friends.

3) I am currently on the city council and have chaired the public works and community services committees on a rotating basis. I have worked with four cities to provide municipal services. I know the mayor serves the community by advancing the local agenda and serves the council in meeting that agenda.

4) City hall is faced with the unique fact that four of the department heads are eligible for retirement in the next 12 to 36 months. This represents two-thirds of the professional staff for the six divisions of the city. The mayor and city council must address the consolidation of the administrative costs under the current organizational structure, and the “hit” of loss of personnel at the same time, and start preparing wage and benefit packages to attract future talented professionals. The order of business would be to implement a single division head for the planning, engineering and building division.

5) I am one of the sons of this community and one of the fathers of the future. I have been preparing for this responsibility for the last 20 years and was fortunate to have met many people that showed and taught me the way.

POSITION 3

Donene Munroe

1) Antiquated infrastructure and extension of services to newly annexed city land. These problems lend to others, contamination of Liberty Bay and 214 acres of barren land with a promised college and no infrastructure. I don’t want to see Poulsbo caught in a vicious cycle of relying on revenues from new growth for infrastructure and compromising our quality of life long term. We need to repair the existing system, get rid of stormwater intrustion with the sewer system and free up needed capacity. Revisit the city’s stormwater plan, implement Department of Ecology standards, qualifying the city for needed monies.

2) I have the knowledge, experience and common sense. I am a critical thinker and represent a balanced voice on the council. Past experience. I’m not a member of the “team mentality,” which flies in the face of Democracy. Mr. Henry was appointed to council position 3 because he had proven himself to be part of the “select team.” Mr. Henry believes all issues are resolved by consensus. I believe in representative government. I believe I have integrity and I have never been afraid to ask the hard questions often avoided.

3) I believe I am the most qualified. I’m educated in all the documents and manuals needed to make current decisions. I’m offering the community a different perspective. I believe in representative government, where the citizens are the true stakeholders. I believe your elected representatives should be representing your desires and needs when it comes to taxes, quality of life and the environment. I am that person and I’m providing the citizens of Poulsbo the proper elective procedure to reinstate me back on council. Appointed 1997, three years council experience, participated in three budgets and on Endanger Species Act issues.

4) Combine planning and engineering and implement a Department of Community Development. This would do away with at least one department head’s job and save the city money. Cut the current mayor’s salary to part time. (The mayor) currently only works part time and is disingenious to collect a full-time position salary of $56,000 when she (allegedly) goes home everyday at 12 p.m. No private/public funding for infrastructure to provide services to Olhava. Public funding is you — the taxpayer.

5) One needs to stand up for what they truly believe in. To quote Abe Lincoln, “It is a sin to remain silent, when it is your duty to protest.” I have championed controlled growth, not “socialized growth.” I have clarity of purpose, represent the citizens’ quality of life, protect our environment, and concerns about the taxpayers paying infrastructure costs for Olhava. There needs to be a voice for the citizen, not a “political machine” that endorses itself. The team that will continue to work well together. From a city government perspective borne out of the Democratic process this is frightening.

Jim Henry

1) I do not think we have any major problems facing our city at this time. We have some growing pains and we are doing something about them. We are continuing to work on traffic congestion. I have been pleased that we have been able to obtain grants to improve our streets without placing a burden on our community. I have taken the lead to explore the possibility of communter ferry service to provide our residents with transportation options.

2) I am optimistic about our future. I know what kind of teamwork it takes to accomplish projects. At the same time I am an independent thinker and can sort through complex issues to find solutions that make sense. It is important to me to avoid the “quick fix” solutions that look good for the moment but that end up costing future generations. My decision making separates personalities from the merits of an issue. I feel very strongly about the need to balance the protection of the environment with the rights of private property owners.

3) I am chairman of the city’s public works committee. I have served as a council member for over one and a half years. I am a member of the Kitsap Transportation Policy Board. I served on the city planning commission for nine years. I am a retired naval officer, having served over 30 years on various naval ships and staffs. In addition, I was a civil servant for 13 years at the Naval Undersea Warfare Center Keyport Division, where major problem solving by groups was routine. My family and I have lived in Poulsbo for the past 20 years.

4) Poulsbo is fortunate to have in place a good team made up of the mayor’s office, the city council, the department heads and staff. While I don’t think we need a change, I do think we need to keep abreast of changes in laws or new initiatives coming down from the federal, state and county governments. I will continue to provide a “first line of defense” for my fellow citizens during discussions with other jurisdictions on such issues as shoreline regulations and the Endangered Species Act.

5) I have enjoyed serving the city in my various capacities. My priority will be to guide Poulsbo into the future while preserving the unique character of the city. I want to continue to work on the great things we have started, including upgrades to our utility systems, improving our traffic flow and cleaning up our precious Liberty Bay. I believe we will have a great future if we continue to work together.

POSITION 3

Dale Rudolph

1) Recent economic trends indicate the city will need strength, patience, and skill to manage our financial processes. Tax cut initiatives, reduced federal and state funding, and a slowed economy will compete with needs for public services, infrastructure investment and economic growth.

My experience working on the council, including finance and public works committees, help make me a council member who can and will lead the effort to maintain strong fiscal management, hold down government size and cost, and minimize taxes and service costs. By strong fiscal management we will provide quality public works, police, parks, and other services.

2) Eight years city council experience: I’ve worked on committees and been liaison to every city department. I’ve spent hundreds of hours studying laws, regulations, code and policies that guide our actions. I’ve attended numerous training sessions, on growth, environment, budget, etc. related to municipal management. I’ve spent eight years working together with, listening to and serving the citizens and neighbors of Poulsbo, and I understand the concerns. I’ve worked together with the county, other cities and other jurisdictions, developing strong working relationships that benefit our whole community. All these experiences separate me from my opponent.

3) Over eight years I’ve been a member of the finance (five), public works (two) and community service (two) committees. I’ve also been liaison to the municipal court, police, engineering, planning, and parks and recreation departments. I serve on Sound Works Job Center Board of Directors, and am a member of Poulsbo Noon Lions. In addition to these experiences, I have over 30 years professional experience in Department of Defense facilities engineering, planning, supervision and management. I am a graduate of the NAVFAC Leadership Development Program and am the Business Line Manager for the EFA Northwest Long Range Planning Program.

4) I feel the entire city organization is due for a thorough organizational review, especially the current finance department and the combination of the planning, engineering and public works departments. The initial step in this review will require department to define their responsibilities, services and service levels. The next step will be to prioritize these tasks and services, then review how they might be best functionally organized. I will recommend each council committee undertake a review and forward recommendations, and finally, the full Council and Departments Heads can present their findings for public review and council/mayor decision.

5) Poulsbo is known for a wonderful small town atmosphere evidenced by the amazing participation of citizens and neighbors who donate their time and resources, serving local government and providing numerous community services. Poulsbo is also known for strong, progressive government, as a leader in growth management plans, quality development standards, and strong, fair environmental regulations. I love using my professional and management experience to serve our community. I want to continue the legacy of outstanding community leadership we have received from past mayors, city councils and involved citizens in the 40-plus years Poulsbo has been my home.

Larry Craig

1) The single biggest problem facing the city today is the utilities

infrastructure. We repair things as they break, but we still do not have

an adequate plan that can lead us into the future. I recommend that we

develop a “complete” comprehensive plan for long-term stability andgrowth. Our current “Comprehensive Storm Water Manual” is inadequate. Un-answered questions need resolving. Before we can address other major problems such as finding solutions for the high level of traffic that passes through Poulsbo, the City needs to know how we can best accommodate future growth.

2)While my opponent has worked for the government for the past 30 years, I have worked as a private businessman. My job as an architect is truly complex, where accountability is everything. A job of leading individuals, and teams of engineers of all types, through projects where the codes are complex and ever changing. People who have my opponent’s skills work for me on projects all the time. My clients count on me to spend their money wisely to meet their needs, their budgets, and their time schedules. I have always completely and satisfactorily fulfilled this obligation.

3)My qualifications are that as an architect I have been a team leader with the responsibilities of seeing that all projects gets done in compliance of codes, on time, and within budget. I have always had to be accountable to all parties concerned. The process of architecture is far more complex than that of a councilperson. Also as a past president of the Pioneer Square Association, I helped get the historic zoning ordinance passed. I have volunteered time with the NW Wooden Boatbuilding School in Port Townsend, and with community groups in Seattle, giving assistance in planning their neighborhoods.

4)I have heard negatives comments from Contractors that have worked in Poulsbo about getting cooperation from some of our city departments. If this is true, this can be bad for future development. I feel this can be worked out by meeting with department heads to review the quality of services we provide builders and developers. I am not talking about cutting corners or relaxing standards, but rather meeting the legitimate needs of contractors in a timely manner. Even if those contractors are not members of this community, they should be receiving the same level of service as everyone else.

5)My family has settled in this community for a reason. It’s a great place to live. My family and I are dedicating ourselves to preserving the unique character of Poulsbo while being involved in its future development. You don’t have to live here your entire life to see what needs to happen. I hope to bring a more business like approach to the city council, and to give the citizens of Poulsbo a choice in the upcoming election. I offer common sense, understanding of commitment, responsible decision-making, and accountability to the citizens of Poulsbo.

POSITION 7

Connie Lord

1) The single biggest problem is how to control the growth of city services to: accommodate existing and future upgrades and expansion; fulfill requirements mandated by state law for all systems, especially water quality standards; provide equitable rate structure to fund upgrades and expansion so current ratepayers don’t have to shoulder the entire burden of upgrades needed for future growth. Solution: careful analysis of requirements described by state statutes to determine level of service needed to be in compliance and what costs will be; set short- and long-range timetable to bring city into compliance with mandated levels of service.

2) Set apart from my opponent by virtue of current experience for past four years on council; eight years employment in municipal goverment administration; 11 years business owner, six years own retail store; experience working with leadership teams — board of directors for Cultural Arts Foundation Northwest, Poulsbo Arts League and WIC, a Puget Sound boating organization; part-time instructor at Northwest College of Art; participation in various community organizations — chamber of commerce, Historic Downtown Business Association, Poulsbo Yacht Club, First Lutheran Church, North Kitsap Arts and Crafts Show.

3) Current city council experience for past four years results in up-to-date perspective of issues. Past municipal government employment yields thorough understanding of city functions. Business owner gives the ability to evaluate ramifications of issues to business community. Serve on Association of Washington Cities policy committee. Served on and chaired council committees; public works, legal, public safety, community services. Reporting and researching skills. Public speaking skills; by invitation spoke at dedications for Poulsbo Place and Jewel Box Theatre. Continual attendance at governmental educational workshops.

4) Under state law, the city needs to develop a separate stormwater division within public works department to ensure fulfillment of state-mandated requirements and standards. This will necessitate a probable restructuring of public works to keep administrative costs under control. How? Analyze the ramifications of these states statutes in terms of needed personnel for a separate stormwater division and the required level of service. Work with the public works supervisor in determining the best way to fulfill this and a timetable to implement. Provide funding during the budget process.

5) I want to continue to provide my experience, knowledge and skills to assist in solving the problems facing Poulsbo and to represent the concerns of the individual citizens and the business community. Additionally, I want to continue my efforts to implement a Youth Community Council with the North Kitsap School District, civic organizations and the city.

Kathryn Quade

1) The biggest problem facing Poulsbo is growth. New developers should have their feet held to the fire in providing the necessary infrastructure, and the City Council should be consistent in applying these standards to all developments. Staff must treat all applicants equally, whether they are a single family home builder or a large scale developer.

2) When a person is elected to office they take an oath to uphold the laws of the United States and the laws of the State of Washington. My opponent feels that she should make decisions based on the “spirit” of the law, rather than the letter of the law. To apply the law consistently and fairly to each issue, we must make decisions based on the letter of the law. I believe this is the fundamental difference between my opponent and myself.

3) Before being elected to the Poulsbo City Council in 1991, I was on the Board of Adjustment and Appeal, and currently am on the Design Review Board and serve on two youth diversion boards for Kitsap County. While serving on the Council, I attended workshops and conferences on budget, growth management, planning, waste management, transportation and local improvement districts, etc. It was during this time that Poulsbo formulated its comprehensive plan based on the Growth Management Act mandates.

4) As we face increased costs for services, we need to make sure that there is equity in our utility rates. The City of Poulsbo has never done a professional rate study, and therefore one of the first things I will do when elected is call for just such a study. Besides equity in our utility rates, we need to have a comprehensive discussion about transportation and look for creative solutions to the traffic congestion, noise pollution, and parking problems that plague Poulsbo.

5) The problems I dealt with in 1992 are the same issues facing Poulsbo today. We need to move forward. I want to ensure consistency in decision-making, contribute strong leadership, and guarantee that there is an independent voice on the Council to reflect citizen concerns on important issues. I want to work for our community to maintain Poulsbo’s unique character and to see that it continues to be the kind of town we all want to live in.