BLOGS

Wenatchee’s outgoing mayor, Dennis Johnson, and Leavenworth’s former mayor, Rob Eaton, taught us that it is important to elect mayors who honestly care for all the people their decisions impact. Mayors officially represent the city voters, but their decisions have a much broader geographical impact. These two mayors have given much to their communities but some of their priorities and/or actions can be questioned. As our cities approach the next election, I hope voters will elect candidates who will work to preserve family living opportunities within the cities and valley as well as to maintain a positive business climate?

As it relates to Leavenworth, which candidate for mayor will honestly work with the area to ensure affordable housing rather than just offering lip service to this critical need? Affordable housing impacts the future of the Cascade School District as well as the profitability of many businesses. Affordable housing is perhaps the most critical need relating to an honestly healthy valley. During the last several years it has appeared that the mayor and a few in the city council have given good speeches concerning affordable housing, but the honest desire to move a project forward has been lacking.

With 25% of the homes in Leavenworth listed as second homes, living space for those who actually keep the city functioning is not available or affordable. Some teachers and those employed in our excellent medical facility can’t afford to live in the community. Hospitality service employees must commute from outside the area.

Voters in Leavenworth need to get involved with the plans being considered by the city to take on the additional expense and debt involved with the lease/purchase of the fruit warehouse. Adding this additional cost to the city may eliminate the financial ability of the city to consider future projects needed by the residential community.

Which Leavenworth candidate for mayor will work to enforce the noise ordinance? Which candidate will work with the County Commissioners and law enforcement to provide the protection of property rights and sanitation concerns violated by those tubing the Icicle River? Leavenworth needs a mayor who will use the office to assist in solving problems experienced in the valley as well as the city. The impact of the city, both positively and negatively, is also experienced by those living outside the city.

If you don’t think that city mayors have an impact on the valley, look to Wenatchee and their challenges with the Event Center. Outside of Leavenworth we have a train platform but no meaningful action concerning affordable housing. Were the priorities of Mayor Eaton misplaced? What Leavenworth and Wenatchee promote in their respective cities impacts the entire area. We hope mayors will be elected who possess real vision and show concern for the entire valley, and recognize that actions by the city affect more than those living just within the city limits.

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