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Federal Way council position 2« Go back
Linda Kochmar
Residence: Federal Way
Contact: 253-839-7419
E-mail: LKochmar1@aol.com
Occupation: Risk Manager & City Council Member

Experience: -Federal Way City Council: 1997-Present -Deputy Mayor: 2000-2001 & 2004-2005 -Chair, Suburban Cities Public Issues Committee: 2009 -Chair, Land Use and Transportation Committee: 2008-2009 -Chair, Finance/Ecomic Dev./Regional Affairs Committee: 2006-2007 -Chair, Parks/Recreation/Human Services Committee: 2005-2006 -Member, Regional Municipal Solid Waste Management Advisory Committee: 2005 -Member, Regional Policy Committee:2001 -National League of Cities Public Safety Committee: 2006-2007 -South King County Human Services Forum: 2006 -Federal Way First Incorporation Committee: 1989 -Federal Way Community Council: 1979

Education: -Bachelor's degree, Sociology, Psychology, Marylhurst University: 1966 -Associate in Risk Management (ARM), National Certification: 1994 -Association of Washington Cities, Certified Municipal Leader: 2004 -National League of Cities Certificate of Achievement in Leadership: 2008

What do you see as the three top issues facing Federal Way?
1.) Budget: Need to balance the budget while revenue is declining due to weak economy. 2.) Public Safety: Need to maintain level of service with less revenue. 3.) Economic Development: We must retain existing businesses while attracting new business. In order to attract and keep business, the city does not have a Business & Occupation Tax, nor a head tax, or entertainment tax as neighboring cities do.

What measures would you support to keep your city living within its means?
With declining revenue and no foreseable change in the near future, the city has to cut expenses. We've made the difficult decision to lay off six individuals and leave seven vacant budgeted positions unfilled. We also need to apply for all possible grants from the federal and state government, especially with regard to the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act. We are also attempting to develop the downtown core to increase retail sales and provide jobs.

Why are you the best candidate for this office?
I have served the City of Federal Way for 12 years as a council member. During that time we built a City Hall, which is now completely paid for, a beautiful community center, and many road improvements. I have been active as a leader in city, regional, and national affairs and was recently elected by 39 other council members in King County as Chair of the Suburban Cities Public Issues Committee.

Personal Statement:
I am running for re-election on a platform of saving tax dollars, improving transportation and public safety, and to improve the general quality of life. I am especially interested in continuing to help the city's businesses to thrive and to attract new business in order to provide jobs. I am also very concerned about those in need. I am looking for the consent of the voters so that I can continue to fight for them.

Sonia Sciscente
Residence: Federal Way

What do you see as the three top issues facing Federal Way?
Our City is growing and I'm aware and concerned about some of the issues facing Federal Way. 1.- Safe parks and Communities 2.- Traffic and economic growth 3.- Support the Arts and development

What measures would you support to keep your city living within its means?
I want to be visually and focus on your needs as a resident. I know that is important to become involved in solving our local problems and I will. I will promote economic growth by supporting the Arts and the local business owners. I will support our law enforcement and any programs that improve the quality of life for our residents, this are only some of the issues I will promote.

Why are you the best candidate for this office?
Because I have a lot to give to our City of Federal Way and is time for a change. I believe that if we don't focus on the little things they may then become a mayor problem in the future and I see that City Council is the best way for me do it and together we can make a City with a brilliant future. Si se puede!