In the Aug. 18 primary, the voters of Poulsbo will be asked to trim the candidate field for Poulsbo City Council Position 7 from three to two. The Herald sent out questionnaires to each candidate and asked they keep their answers to each question at 200 words. These have not been edited for grammar or spelling.

Kimberlee Crowder

What is your previous experience in public service?

I have proudly served as Poulsbo’s City Councilmember since 2006. Prior to being elected to council, I was appointed to the Parks and Recreation Commission. I currently serve on the Community Service Committee, the Public Safety and Legal Committee and the Economic Development Committee and I have chaired each of them. I also represent the city in different liason assignments for these committees.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

My 10 years experience as a small business owner in Poulsbo gives me a unique insight into the challenges facing our local business community. That’s why I believe, unlike some, that the Economic Development Committee can assist small businesses in ways the Chamber of Commerce cannot. That’s why I believe, unlike some, that “big box” retailers are not the answer for Poulsbo.

I hear from my community through so many venues, as a business owner, as a city councilmember, as a waitress two nights a week, that I feel I am closely connected to the people of Poulsbo. Therefore, it is very important to me that the people of Poulsbo be heard by our City Council. That is why I fought to give our citizens a vote on where they wanted City Hall built.

What sets me apart is that Poulsbo, to me, is more than just a place to build another big box retailer or to thrust up another housing complex. Poulsbo is the place I intend to call home for many years to come.

What is your plan for retaining/attracting businesses in Poulsbo?

Taking care of the needs of our existing businesses should be our top priority.

I was successful in creating an Economic Development Committee so that the city can assist our local businesses in ways the Chamber of Commerce cannot, such as creating tax incentives, changing zoning or creating L.I.D.’s such as the one that enabled the King Olaf Parking lot.

I am still working on a simple loop transit plan that would link Poulsbo’s business hubs. This would help to alleviate the parking problems downtown and relieve traffic congestion as well as provide a means for tourists to enjoy our city’s amenities. Finding solutions to the parking problem at Anderson Parkway is critical to our success downtown.

The coalition I helped form this year between all of our hotel/motel tax recipients is a great example of how the city worked with local businesses to help them get more for their money by combining advertising. These types of partnerships are what we’ll need to get us throught these tough economic times.

Please re-elect me so that I can continue to bring fresh ideas of how the city council can help our local business community to suceed.

Tom Foley

What is your previous experience in public service?

I’ve recently come to a point in my life where I can provide more public service, especially the kind I’m seeking.

Years ago, while on active military service, I was a reserve police officer in Bremerton and again in Middletown, Rode Island.

This past year I’ve been an active participant at all of the Poulsbo city council meetings and I attended many individual committee meetings. By doing so, I have gained a strong understanding of the issues facing the city as well as the operation of the city government.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

Foremost, I haven’t spent the last four to eight years on the council. I would be a fresh member with over thirty five years of experienced leadership and management skills. I can make sound decisions the first time.

I will spend much of my free time at public work sites, riding along with emergency service personnel, working alongside the budget and administration personnel, just to gain a better understanding of how things are done at the actual core service level in the city.

What is your plan for retaining/attracting businesses in Poulsbo?

First we need to actively seek out small business personnel. We need an active recruitment campaign targeting the local business schools, small business trade publications and trade shows. We need to broadcast our progressive community, potential revenue for the businesses, and cost savings for doing business here in Poulsbo rather then anywhere else in the county.

We need to explore greater incentives in providing advertising for all businesses, possible reduced business license fees for new businesses. I would like to see city supported sale days with entertainment. I’m ready to explore more and get moving on it.

Jim Henry

What is your previous experience in public service?

Two terms on the Poulsbo City Council (from 2000 through 2007).

Poulsbo City Planning Commission from 1991 to 2000, and again beginning in 2009.

Served on the Executive Council of the Puget Sound Regional Council, as alternate for County Commissioner Chris Endresen.

Served on the Transportation Policy Board for Puget Sound Regional Council.

Served on the Kitsap Regional Coordinating Committee.

Served as City of Poulsbo liaison with Poulsbo Port Commission during my time on City Council.

I was the first City Councilman to serve as liaison to the Suquamish Tribal Council, and I continue my relationship with the Suquamish as an Honorary Elder.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

I served my country in uniform for 31 years in the US Navy. Following that service, I spent another 14 years as a civilian employee of the Navy Department. In the latter capacity, I traveled worldwide on special assignments, including confidential assignments made directly by the President of the United States. I am proud to carry on the tradition of service begun by my great-grandfather, who fought in the Civil War.

My experience and leadership in local government, totaling almost 18 years, far exceeds the experience base of either of my opponents.

I actively and successfully participated with earlier City Councils in economic development projects, including College Market Place, home of Wal Mart and Olympic College.

What is your plan for retaining/attracting businesses in Poulsbo?

The recent decision by a major beer distributor to relocate to Poulsbo from a nearby city, in my opinion directly relates to the fact that our previous City Councils have fought against imposition of a Business and Occupation Tax. I strongly opposed the B&O tax while on the City Council. Should I be elected again, I will continue to fight for a favorable taxing climate for new and expanding businesses. I have taken a leadership role in transportation infrastructure and will continue to do so if elected. Improved infrastructure is essential to business growth in our community.