Earlier this month, the Weekly Volcano distributed ideantical questionnaires to all four candidates running for Pierce County Executive. Everyone but Shawn Bunney got back to us. (No shock there. If I were Bunney I wouldn't want to talk to me either.)
Below you'll find responses from Executive Excellence candidate Mike Lonergan and Democrats Pat McCarthy and Calvin Goings - who, much like Bobble Tiki, seems to have a thing for the third person.
MIKE LONERGAN - EXECUTIVE EXCELLENCE PARTY
WV: What are the most important issues facing Pierce County, and how will you address them as Executive?
LONERGAN: 1) Public Safety, 2) Jobs close to home, and 3) reducing Traffic Congestion are my “big three.” Leadership from the new Executive to get our courts moving will end the backlog that is clogging our jail and forcing deputies to “catch and release” criminals. Following VISION 2040, the 30-year planning blueprint that I helped to create, will result in more clean technology, international finance, and trade & logistics jobs so that thousands more Pierce County residents can get off the freeway to King County and make a good living here at home, thus addressing both issues 2 and 3.
WV: What makes you qualified to lead Pierce County as Executive? What has prepared you for this job, and how will you use that preparation to serve Pierce County residents? What skills, qualities and experiences do you posses that your opponents don’t? Why are you the voter’s best choice?
LONERGAN: I have far more Chief Executive experience than the other three candidates combined. I have a lifetime of success as executive director of not-for-profit organizations and general manager of small businesses. Having hired, trained and directed hundreds of employees, and overseen construction projects and service delivery, I will not require on-the-job training as County Executive.
WV: When did you decide to run for Pierce County Executive? What catalysts led to your decision?
LONERGAN: About two years ago, while working with John Ladenburg on several boards and commissions, I realized a capable person needs to step up to take his place. Those on the horizon were professional politicians without the lifetime of executive skills needed to lead the eighth largest organization in Pierce County. Many people encouraged me to move up from my City Council position.
WV: What is your vision for Pierce County, and how do you plan to get us there? What things need to happen to make that possible?
LONERGAN: So much of County government’s focus has been on land use issues—developers versus environmentalists. With both groups sitting at the table, I chaired the Growth Management Policy Board that forged VISION 2040, which addresses growth with a plan for mixed-use centers in our larger cities and preservation of the great Northwest’s beauty in rural and resource lands.
Beyond that, my vision is for using the office of Executive to LEAD all 800,000 citizens to a higher quality of life—reducing dropout and crime rates, strengthening the local economy around the twin engines of the port and Lewis-McChord military base, and mobilizing the great power of volunteerism by youth and seniors.
WV: How will you address the economic issues facing Pierce County? What needs to happen for Pierce County’s economy to prosper? How far off are we? What’s standing in the way, and what will you do to change it?
LONERGAN: A county-wide Transportation Benefit District will move ahead the three projects we must have to keep our economy moving: Highway 167 from the Port, Cross Base Highway to give relief to Spanaway-Graham-Bethel, and a 21st century Pierce Transit system. These are better uses of tax money than Sound Transit 2, and will pay big jobs dividends.
WV: How will you create Pierce County jobs?
LONERGAN: Implementing VISION 2040, with a nexus of where we live and where we work, plus connecting our population and employment centers, will bring more high-wage employers here. I will make certain we keep UW Tacoma on its growth plan toward 15,000 students, and support the Bethel Skills Center and the Small Business Incubator to have the technically trained workforce that employers need.
WV: How will you address transportation issues in Pierce County, and find ways to ease congestion?
LONERGAN: The answer is not Sound Transit 2, which will suck 18-billion transportation dollars from taxpayers without solving our road and bridge needs. I will lead a Transportation Benefit District to meet the specific needs of Highway 167 from the Port, Cross Base Highway to free 100,000 people trapped in Spanaway and Graham, and implement the modern mass transit plans I have helped develop as vice chair of Pierce Transit.
WV: How will you address the deficiencies in Pierce County’s criminal justice system? Please outline the deficiencies you see.
LONERGAN: Number one is fixing the backlog caused by sluggish Superior Courts—we have over 20 judges now, but the jail is crammed with defendants awaiting trial, and this creates a domino effect causing “catch and release” of offenders. Performance audits have been done, what’s lacking is Executive leadership to implement the needed improvements.
WV: How will you address sprawl in Pierce County? Do you see it as a problem?
LONERGAN: Damage has been done through lack of concurrency—that is, making certain that adequate roads, schools and sewers are in place when growth occurs, not playing catch-up ten years later. My VISION 2040 plan gives a clear blueprint with a hundred pages of ideas for better ways to accommodate 400,000 more residents in the next 30 years.
WV: How will you balance taxes with meeting the needs of your constituents? What’s your take on our current balance of taxes vs. services? Are there changes that need to be made? Where is there room for improvement? Are there specific spending cuts you plan on making? Are there specific taxes you plan on raising?
LONERGAN: As chair of Tacoma’s Government Performance & Finance Committee, I’ve built up reserves and reduced spending so that the City is weathering the current economic downturn WITHOUT drastic cuts. Unfortunately, the County has spent beyond its means during the height of sales and real estate tax revenues. Already a 3.4 percent cut has been required for 2009, and more efficiencies MUST be found because the public is not ready for tax increases for general services. The tax that the public will support is a reasonable one that is specifically earmarked to solve transportation problems on roads they use every day.
PAT MCCARTHY - DEMOCRAT
WV: What are the most important issues facing Pierce County, and how will you address them as Executive?
MCCARTHY: I am looking forward to working on and solving the issues facing residents of Pierce County, including:
Taking a comprehensive approach to public safety. In the short term, this means prompt fire and police response times to all areas of the County ensuring we have enough firefighters and officers to cover the need. In the long term it means taking a hard look at crime prevention and working collaboratively with all players, from ensuring a strong educational system and after school programs to rehabilitation and reentry programs to reduce recidivism.
Smart, comprehensive planning for livable communities. Our County is rapidly growing. We’re expecting 393,000 more people and 212,000 more jobs in this county by 2040. Now is the time to get ready for that influx. Moreover, we must think regionally when we act locally. On a micro level, livable communities is safe streets and neighborhoods, preserved parks and open spaces. We absolutely do not want urban sprawl. On a macro level, livable communities is clean air and water and strong infrastructure with a balanced eye on that expected growth.
Aspire for competent, problem solving government with high quality customer service. County government should not be a faceless monolith. It should strive to make County services like licensing and permitting, health care, and waste disposal a top priority.
WV: What makes you qualified to lead Pierce County as Executive? What has prepared you for this job, and how will you use that preparation to serve Pierce County residents? What skills, qualities and experiences do you posses that your opponents don’t? Why are you the voter’s best choice?
MCCARTHY: I believe our future is bright. I am running for Executive because I know the best solutions for the challenges facing Pierce County demand proven leadership that is strong, innovative and accountable. I offer my leadership, executive management experience and record of public service as proof that county government can improve when you elect qualified honest people dedicated to making our community better. I have spent over 30 years doing just that: as a mother raising four children, as a school board member, college advisor and as Pierce County Auditor, delivering elections, recording, licensing and animal services with integrity and quality customer service.
WV: When did you decide to run for Pierce County Executive? What catalysts led to your decision?
MCCARTHY: I seek election to the office of Pierce County Executive for three reasons:
Citizens have asked me to run for this seat.
I am a collaborative, problem solving servant leader who takes a methodical and step-by-step clinical approach to public office.
I have intimate knowledge of how County government works from an executive’s perspective. I can bring that experience to the next level and translate that into running an effective Executive’s office from day one.
WV: What is your vision for Pierce County, and how do you plan to get us there? What things need to happen to make that possible?
MCCARTHY: My vision of Pierce County is a government that will deliver quality services to the people it serves. Government is not about politics. Government is about service and accountability to the citizens. As a government leader, I know that it is my duty to respond to the will of the people and the needs of our community. I will provide strong leadership to ensure that our communities are safe, healthy, educated, and primed for economic prosperity. I have proven my commitment to public service by directing an office which provides excellent service in county elections, recording and licensing and I will continue my commitment.
WV: How will you address the economic issues facing Pierce County? What needs to happen for Pierce County’s economy to prosper? How far off are we? What’s standing in the way, and what will you do to change it?
MCCARTHY: Creative economic development is critical to the sustainability of our County’s economy, job growth and the sustainability of livable communities. Healthy economic development begins by supporting the employers and the workforce that are already thriving in our community like the Port of Tacoma, Fort Lewis and McChord Air Force Base, the hospitals, the banks, the construction trades, and all of our small businesses. With customer friendly tax and licensing programs, small business support programs and transparent and efficient development policies, we can ensure that our employers and workforce will continue to prosper here. Creative economic development also means innovation and investment in programs and infrastructure which will attract new employers to our region and create new jobs.
I support the following economic development initiatives:
Strengthening the County’s Business Retention and Expansion Program. Pierce County’s Economic Development Department provides technical assistance, case management and business support to the local business community. It also works with the Economic Development Board to recruit new employers to the region. Pierce County needs to increase this effort to retain and recruit good employers to our County. Making sure that our local tax and licensing programs do not unnecessarily burden our local employers is part of this effort. Ensuring that regional anchors, like Russell Investments, DaVita and Brown & Haley stay local is a priority.
Making Smart Investments in Infrastructure. Employers are more likely to remain in and relocate to Pierce County if we have the infrastructure to support economic growth. This includes efficient transportation systems, vibrant industrial sectors and a world class utility network.
Transportation. Maintain and improve County roads and infrastructure. Work with state government to complete the Cross Base Highway and SR 167. Work with Sound Transit to make commuter rail more available in Pierce County. Work with Pierce Transit to expand bus and shuttle capacity.
Industrial Development. Complete road and sewer improvements necessary to increase the viability of community employment zones and employment centers, including the Frederickson and Thun Field Employment Centers.
Utility Improvements. Stormwater and sewer system improvements are necessary to attract employers to Pierce County’s economic centers, as well as other locations throughout the County. Broadband internet expansion into economic centers is also essential.
Continued Development of the Chambers Creek Properties & Preparation for the US Open. The County has already shown great leadership and vision by making its sewage treatment plant a vehicle for protecting the Puget Sound from waste disposal while providing economic development to our region. Chambers Bay will host the 2010 Amateur golf events as well as the US Open in 2015. Thousands have already enjoyed the area’s wonderful trails and beautiful vistas. The continued development of the Chambers Creek Properties and diligent preparation for these world class golf events is an invaluable opportunity to provide an extraordinary economic boost for Pierce County, with tens of thousands of visitors spending time in our community. County government must assist in the planning to ensure that these events will not only be great successes, but to mitigate the impacts on the surrounding neighborhoods..
Building Partnerships
Public-Public. Build strong partnerships with the Port, the military bases, federal, and state government, as well as Pierce County cities and towns. Together, we must finds way to cooperatively fund and coordinate infrastructure improvement projects which benefit the region and attract employers.
Public-Private. Entering creative and innovative partnerships with the private sector can reap significant economic benefits for Pierce County’s work force. For example, investment in the LeMay Car Museum will help create 835 full-time equivalent construction jobs, an expected annual income exceeding $34,000,000, and 500,000 annual visitors. Projects like the LeMay Car Museum are essential to our local economy.
Streamlining Permitting and Improving County Services. Improving the efficiency of County permitting and other services, as well as utilizing master plans and planned action SEPAs will stimulate and expedite our economic prosperity. The next County Executive must continue to implement the recommendations of all three performance audits of Pierce County’s Planning and Land Services Department (PALS).
In addition, the recommendations of the PALS performance audits must be applied to other departments responsible for permitting, including public works and utilities. Regulatory reform must be recommended to achieve a consistent regulatory regime and timely and predictable permitting. Finally, staff must be continually trained to enhance the customer experience, increase efficiency and facilitate communication and coordination between departments.
WV: How will you address transportation issues in Pierce County, and find ways to ease congestion?
MCCARTHY: First and foremost, let’s start with fixing what we already have. Pierce County government needs to be accountable to the public, by fixing and improving our existing roads and transportation systems. Let’s manage and prioritize our resources so that all county residents have well maintained streets, sidewalks, curbs, and gutters, and so that everyone has access to alternative transportation resources, transit, bicycle, and pedestrian paths.
Secondly, we must make smart investments in transportation and infrastructure in order to resolve the traffic congestion and gridlock faced by Pierce County residents and businesses. Fixing Pierce County’s traffic mess requires building new roads, highways, expanding our transit system, and investing in a commuter rail system that make sense. It requires bringing all stakeholders together to make sure that transportation development can be done in a way which will preserve our neighborhoods and environment while providing real solutions for residents, commuters and local businesses.
We need to present Pierce County residents with transportation options that hold the county’s interests at the forefront. Financing these efforts requires making south sound transportation a priority for the state government and Sound Transit, aggressively lobbying for federal funds and instilling confidence in the voters.
Listed below, are a number of transportation projects which I support.
County Roads, Buses, Bike Lanes, and Pedestrian Paths
County Roads. Maintaining and expanding Pierce County roads to meet the needs of residents and businesses is an essential public service which County Government is obligated to uphold. I support Pierce County’s six year Transportation Improvement Program, including the much needed widening of Canyon Road, the Cross-Walk Marking program, and other road safety projects.
Increase County Bus Services. Pierce Transit provides public transportation, including buses, vanpools, and shuttle service throughout the county. Routes run to Seattle, Sea-Tac and Olympia in partnership with Sound Transit and Intercity Transit. Yet, as the County’s population multiplies (nearly 17,000 more people in 2007 then in 2006), traffic congestion worsens, and gas prices skyrocket.
Pierce County Government needs to ensure that bus service frequency and capacity increase to meet the growing needs of our community, while reducing pollution and advancing sustainable growth. By investing in road, parking, marketing, and infrastructure projects in cooperation with Pierce Transit, Pierce County can be a catalyst for bus service expansion.
Increase Bike Lanes and Pedestrian Paths. Making our County a more livable community includes supplying bicycle and pedestrian pathways so that residents can walk and bike their neighborhoods and also to work. I support the County’s bicycle facility pilot program, as well expanding bike lanes and constructing sidewalks and curbs on County rights of way where they are needed.
Commuter Rail Projects
Increase Commuter Sounder Trips - Tacoma to Seattle. Since 2000, Sound Transit has offered commuter rail service between Tacoma and Seattle on the commuter rail system Sounder. Currently, Sounder runs six daily round trips from Tacoma to Seattle. This year, on Election Day, the voters will decide whether to approve a Mass Transit Expansion Proposal from Sound Transit, which will include four more daily Sounder round trips from Tacoma to Seattle. This aspect of Sound Transit’s proposal is good for Pierce County, but we need more. A dramatic increase in commuter rail frequency and capacity is essential to making Sounder viable for more commuters and in making a significant impact on the traffic congestion and pollution caused by our commuters.
New Commuter Rail - Tacoma Dome to South Tacoma to Lakewood. Pierce County needs to be a higher priority for Sound Transit, and our leadership must demand more. While Sound Transit is expanding Sounder commuter rail service to Lakewood with new stations in South Tacoma and Lakewood. This is a great project. Sound Transit, however, does not anticipate this project to be completed until 2012. In fact, the project is already a decade behind schedule due to funding and construction delays. I am committed to ensuring Pierce County’s transportation needs stay at the top of the priority list as we move forward with Sound Transit and other transportation projects.
Light Rail - Tacoma to Sea-Tac. Sound Transit decided to delay the proposed construction of light rail from Tacoma to Sea-Tac for the foreseeable future. Yet, by 2010, Sound Transit will have completed construction of a light-rail system from the City of Seattle to Sea-Tac. As stated above, Pierce County needs to be a higher priority for Sound Transit and we need to elect leadership that can change the status quo.
Highway Projects
Cross-Base Highway. Constructing the Cross-Base highway will connect I-5 to SR 7 - Spanaway Loop Road. This project will reduce traffic volumes and congestion and improve transportation system linkage and capacity between Pierce County through military properties to destinations along the I-5 corridor. This highway will also provide vibrant economic development benefits by improving transportation to manufacturing facilities in Frederickson.
Environment Protected. As this project’s overseer The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is taking measures to ensure that this project will meet and exceed the latest environmental standards, including the development of a 358-acre habitat to protect and enhance our natural resources.
SR 167 Interchange. The completion of SR-167 will allow freight to move more quickly off of the Port of Tacoma docks to distribution centers in the Kent Valley and to eastern destinations. The speed and efficiency of product transportation from Eastern Washington to the Port of Tacoma will also dramatically improve. Further, commuters will have a more direct route between eastern King and Pierce Counties and congestion on I-5 will be reduced
Environment Protected. WSDOT has made it a priority to include a riparian restoration program that enhances existing wetlands and promotes natural stream processes in Hylebos Creek and Surprise Lake Tributary areas of north Pierce County.
What is Pierce County’s Role in these Highway Projects? Although these projects are managed by the State department of transportation, Pierce County government needs to take the lead in solving the traffic mess faced by residents and businesses in southern Pierce County while facilitating the completion of the much needed transportation projects. Pierce County can take the lead in ensuring that these projects are funded and timely completed by aggressively lobbying federal and state funds and supporting a more balanced RTID measure, a Single County RTID or a County Transportation Benefit District. There are many funding solutions available if we put together a smart package and choose the right County leadership. I am up to the task.
WV: How will you address the deficiencies in Pierce County’s criminal justice system? Please outline the deficiencies you see.
MCCARTHY: We need to reduce the backlog in our court system. That backlog has a cascading negative effect on the Pierce County Jail and subsequently on our streets. We need to proactively work to relieve the justice system backlog.
Pierce County Jail. Over 80 percent of Pierce County Jail inmates are felons awaiting trial. Because the jail is so full, sometimes arrestees are immediately released through the Special Identification Process (SIP). This is a process in which arrestees are simply fingerprinted and photographed then released back on to the street. We need to be able to fully utilize our Jail to house the arrestees that the County’s police departments bring in, including fully staffing and opening the jail’s additional pods.
Court backlog. The court system is bogged down with trials. We need to take a hard look at how our courts work to help relieve the growing docket. Steps are already being taken to address the backlog, including preventing trial delays. We need to continue to look for innovative ways to continue to reduce that backlog.
Fair share. Our current county prosecutor, in coordination with our Pierce County state legislators, has taken significant steps to stop the flow of felons into our county. More must be done. I will ensure that Pierce County is not burdened with more than our fair share of offenders.
WV: How will you address sprawl in Pierce County? Do you see it as a problem?
MCCARTHY: Preservation of Pierce County’s open spaces is important to me. This issue is about more than just preserving Pierce County’s open spaces. It’s about seizing an opportunity to capitalize on our rich farmland and the potential for future food or crop development. As I mentioned in the above question, we expect 393,000 new residents and 212,000 more jobs in this county by 2040. This means we need to now plan for that influx with smart and comprehensive planning.
The county can do its part by setting smart policies that promote mixed use developments, encourage density where it makes sense and develop practical community plans. This can be done through both regulations and incentives. I prefer to work through incentives. Incentives are a strong tool to be used intelligently. Incentivizing developers is one way of encouraging good, smart development. The multi-family tax exemption in the City of Tacoma is one of many ways of accomplishing that.
WV: How will you balance taxes with meeting the needs of your constituents? What’s your take on our current balance of taxes vs. services? Are there changes that need to be made? Where is there room for improvement? Are there specific spending cuts you plan on making? Are there specific taxes you plan on raising?
MCCARTHY: I balance a county department’s budget everyday as Auditor. You need to think ahead of the curve in order to weather a financial downturn. I did this through measures like cross training my employees and consolidating positions, in addition to steps like freezing positions and even going so far as to layoff an employee. An effective executive needs to have the management skills to make the budget work. I do that everyday.
CALVIN GOINGS – DEMOCRAT
WV: What are the most important issues facing Pierce County, and how will you address them as Executive?
GOINGS: Calvin Goings believes this election presents Pierce County with a clear choice between its future and its past. Now more than ever it is time to make bold changes. The old ways of doing business in Pierce County simply don't work anymore.
Goings will utilize his private sector management experience to focus county government on the issues that matter to working families. His detailed Plan for Progress calls for Pierce County to lead the state on the key issues that affect working families. The full plan can be found at www.CalvinGoings.org/progress. Calvin Goings will focus like a laser on the following:
Economic Opportunity
Educational Excellence
Environmental Sustainability
Efficient Government
Emergency Preparedness
Engaged Citizenry
WV: What makes you qualified to lead Pierce County as Executive? What has prepared you for this job, and how will you use that preparation to serve Pierce County residents? What skills, qualities and experiences do you posses that your opponents don’t? Why are you the voter’s best choice?
GOINGS: It is our hope that the Weekly Volcano will rank Calvin Goings as their first choice for Pierce County Executive. Calvin Goings has both the public and private sector experience to lead Pierce County, combined with the needed energy and a detailed vision to bring about true change in Pierce County.
As a lifelong resident of our community, Goings cares deeply about the issues facing our region. Calvin and his wife Amy and their young son William live on a small farm in the Summit-Waller neighborhood of Puyallup. Goings has served Pierce County for the past 18 years as an elected Fire Commissioner, State Senator, and Pierce County Councilmember.
Goings also has valuable private sector administrative experience from his past work as a Personnel Supervisor for Key Bank of Washington and as the past Executive Director of the Washington Credit Union League Foundation. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Puyallup/Sumner Chamber of Commerce.
Goings is the only candidate running for Pierce County Executive who has the endorsements from a broad-based coalition of business and labor leaders, civic activists, environmentalists, and public safety professionals. Goings is not beholden to a single special interest group. Calvin Goings will stand up and change the way Pierce County operates for the better.
For more information please visit our website at www.CalvinGoings.org.
WV: When did you decide to run for Pierce County Executive? What catalysts led to your decision?
GOINGS: Goings launched his campaign in 2007 with a pledge to fundamentally change the way Pierce County does business. After eight years serving on the Pierce County Council, Goings has the experience to know where changes need to be made in Pierce County government combined with a progressive vision for a more prosperous Pierce County. Goings was actively encouraged to run by labor, environmentalist, civic and business leaders.
The most significant catalyst for Goings decision to run was his personal drive to ensure that Pierce County remains a great place to live, work and raise a family. As a father of a young son, Goings is committed to making sure that the economic opportunities that were afforded to him, and the same quality of life he enjoyed growing up as a third generation Pierce County resident, are available to his son William and future generations.
WV: What is your vision for Pierce County, and how do you plan to get us there? What things need to happen to make that possible? How will you address the economic issues facing Pierce County? What needs to happen for Pierce County’s economy to prosper? How far off are we? What’s standing in the way, and what will you do to change it? How will you create Pierce County jobs?
GOINGS: Voters are demanding that the next County Executive have both a short and long term plan to revitalize our local economy. Drawing upon his private sector management experience, Calvin Goings is prepared to implement his Economic Action Plan on his first day as Pierce County Executive.
Our county needs leadership - not studies - during this difficult economic time, which is why Goings will make short term investments in critical infrastructure needs while looking long term to ensure that we are supporting small businesses and attracting family wage jobs to our region for the long term.
Today, approximately 30% of our neighbors commute to a job outside of Pierce County. This unnecessary time stuck in traffic is bad for the environment and it means less time at home with friends and loved ones. Now is the time for Pierce County to actively recruit the next generation of technology and manufacturing companies that support family wage jobs and the environment. We must keep our talent pool here at home in Pierce County.
Calvin Goings believes that we can attract new business while supporting existing companies by streamlining Pierce County government, specifically the Planning and Land Services Department and the Sewer Utility. Under Goings' administration, Pierce County government will do everything possible to spur not hinder positive economic growth in our County.
That is why Goings has crafted an Economic Action Plan to create family wage jobs. You can visit www.CalvinGoings.org/jobs for the full plan. Due to his commitment to growing the economy, Goings is the only candidate to have the support of the Pierce County Labor Council and the Tacoma/Pierce County Association of Realtors. The highlights of the plan include:
Proposal #1: Making targeted transportation investments.
Proposal #2: Recruiting green collar jobs.
Proposal #3: Strengthening support for small businesses.
Proposal #4: Involving youth in the future of our economy.
Proposal #5: Bringing fresh leadership to the Planning Department and the Sewer Utility.
Proposal #6: Reorganizing the Planning, Sewer, and Economic Development Departments.
Proposal #7: Implementing a "Permitting Bill of Rights."
Proposal #8: Calling for an 18-month time out on increasing fee and permit costs.
WV: How will you address transportation issues in Pierce County, and find ways to ease congestion?
GOINGS: As Executive, Calvin Goings will focus on creating family wage jobs here in Pierce County through a holistic economic success strategy. Upon being sworn in as Executive, Goings will approve the implementation of key road construction projects that will jump start our economy by investing in local needs, while also creating family wage jobs.
Within the first 100 days of being sworn in as Pierce County Executive, Goings will convene a county-wide Transportation Summit to bring together labor, environmentalists, and business and community leaders to draft a comprehensive plan for how Pierce County will address its short and long term transportation challenges. Goings' first goal will be to present a regional package to the voters of Pierce, King, and Snohomish counties.
However, as Executive, Goings will not let our economic future be dictated by Seattle and Everett. If a regional package cannot be crafted in a fair manner, Goings is committed to presenting a Pierce County only package in the fall of 2009.
WV: How will you address the deficiencies in Pierce County’s criminal justice system? Please outline the deficiencies you see.
GOINGS: Calvin Goings believes that when educational and economic opportunity is realized for all Pierce County residents - criminal activity in our neighborhoods will actually decrease.
That is why he has laid out a detailed education plan to ensure that every student in Pierce County has the ability to become a positive part of our community. To read more, visit www.CalvinGoings.org/education.
However, in addition to doing a better job at preventing crime, we also need to ensure swift and sure punishment for those who break the law. That's why Goings has proposed a balanced approach to public safety in Pierce County. With input from public safety professionals, Calvin has developed a bold five point Safe Pierce Plan that will keep our families safe and secure.
Due to his past service as a Fire Commissioner, and his work on public safety issues, Goings is the only candidate to have the support of police officers, sheriff's deputies, troopers, deputy prosecutors, correctional officers, and fire fighters. Readers can find the detailed plan at www.CalvinGoings.org/safe. Key elements of the plan include:
Point #1: Fully staffing the Sheriff's Department and Corrections Bureau.
Point #2: Adopting a groundbreaking regional approach to fighting drug dealers, prostitution, and gangs.
Point #3: Expanding prevention, alternatives, and victim advocacy programs.
Point #4: Improving the 911 system and communications for first responders.
Point #5: Elevating public safety and regional cooperation within the Executive's Office.
WV: How will you address sprawl in Pierce County? Do you see it as a problem?
GOINGS: Yes, sprawl is a fundamental problem in Pierce County and directly tied to special interest groups having a stranglehold on Pierce County government for decades. For eight years on the County Council, Goings has stood up for the residents of Pierce County to ensure that future growth planning is determined by the citizens, not lobbyists.
Goings championed progressive community growth plans in Gig Harbor, South Hill, and in the Parkland/Spanaway communities. As the chair of the Community Development Committee, Goings also led the effort to implement progressive open space protections and farmland preservation.
Due to his commitment to sustainability, Goings is the only candidate for Executive to be endorsed by the Sierra Club and Washington Conservation Voters.
WV: How will you balance taxes with meeting the needs of your constituents? What’s your take on our current balance of taxes vs. services? Are there changes that need to be made? Where is there room for improvement? Are there specific spending cuts you plan on making? Are there specific taxes you plan on raising?
GOINGS: Calvin Goings has said repeatedly throughout this campaign, that as Executive, he will not advocate for any tax or fee increases until Pierce County government is streamlined and efficiencies are reinvested in our core services such as public safety. Goings will also review and implement a balanced fee structure that spurs economic growth. There is great room for improvement especially in the Planning and Land Services Department and Goings will make substantive changes in those areas.
While other candidates have voted themselves double-digit pay increases and still other candidates for Executive have accepted those double-digit pay increases, Goings remains only candidate for Executive who has refused to accept the 21% pay increased passed by the Republican-led Pierce County Council. In an economy, when residents are struggling to make ends meet Goings will refuse to allow the politics as usual to stand under his administration.
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