Tell us about your background and how it qualifies you to serve on the city council.

I am a 20 plus year business owner in the city of Bremerton, a 2010 YWCA Women of excellence award recipient, more than 20 year resident of District 6…..and a former Community Development Block Grant Advisory committee member. I believe that my background experiences demonstrate leadership, commitment and dedication. I also believe that having a successful business gives me skill and insight as a member of the council to oversee the city’s budget and policies and represent District 6.

What is the single most pressing issue in your district? What have you done, and what will you do, to address that issue?

Anderson Cove is one of my main issues….the below standard housing must be addressed. While on council we passed an ordinance to address abandoned and foreclosed housing and a landlord registration requiring all landlords to register their rental properties and to make sure they meet the standards for rental housing. I intend to continue to look for ways to address the conditions in Anderson Cove. My presence on the council will insure that Anderson Cove will not be forgotten.

If elected, what will be your top three priorities as a member of the city council?

My top Three areas are financial sustainability(Budget), Policies( promoting economic growth and zoning with business incentives) and Public Safety(Fire & Police and Road maintenance) These areas I believe are critical and are our direct responsibility as council members. There are so many areas that are thrown at the council, we have to be diligent and focused to make sure we make the best decisions that we can for our city.

Why are you the better candidate in this election? Why should voters choose you?

I am the better candidate because I understand and am familiar with all the issues in District 6 and  did not move in district 6 less than a year ago. As we look at what is happening in congress, it is a prime example of what happens when leaders don’t practice or understand the value of collaboration and being a team player. I understand both of these areas and will use them to serve the residents of Bremerton.

If you could change one thing about the City of Bremerton with the flick of a switch, what would it be and why?

That every resident would have a job to provide for their families. Why? because that would mean that our business districts are healthy and prosperous. The economy has bounced back and we are able to employ the staff needed to provide services to all our areas of concern. (i.e Public Works, Fire, Police,Parks etc.) As well it would mean that we as a council and administration are making the right decisions to insure our future as a City.

What would your pitch be to a business owner considering a move to Bremerton?

I would talk about Bremerton being one of the fastest growing cities, the scenery and the potential for growing a successful business. Efforts to eliminate the B&O taxes implemented by the council and the flexibility being considered in zoning for business districts. Also our efforts to have more four-year degree programs for a skilled work force to hire in the near future; lastly our housing prices are less expensive than many surrounding cities.

What is your position on the proposed charter amendment that would allow the council to meet in Kitsap County, but outside of the Bremerton city limits?

My concern as it was when it was proposed was will this interfere with the ability of residents to attend the meetings and be a part of the process and be informed? I believe that to some degree it will interfere with those wanting to attend meetings. So I do not support the idea. I supported it to be placed on the ballot so that the citizens could weigh in and tell us what they would like to have done. I believe that transparency and participation are critical and necessary for our residents.

(Editor’s Note: Roy Runyon did not respond to repeated requests from the Patriot for answers to our election questions.)