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University Place council position 1« Go back
Linda Bird
Residence: University Place
E-mail: Linda@Re-electlindabird.com
Website: www.Re-electlindabird.com
Occupation: University Place City Council-1995-2009 Teach

Experience: Mayor, City of University Place 1997-98, 2008-09 Council Member, City of University Place 1995-2009, Mayor 1997-98, 2008-2009 PSRC Executive Board & Operations Committee 2003-2009 Tacoma/Pierce County Solid Waste Advisory Board 2009 PSRC-Transportation Policy Board 1996-2001 Pierce County Regional Council 1995-2009 U.S. Selective Service Commission 1995-2004 Friends of Homestead Park Committee 1998-2009 Playground by the Sound Committee 2007-2009 Parents for University Place Schools Here 2003-2009 University Place Historical Society 1996-2009 Citizens for Incorporation -University Place 1992-1994

Education: B.S. in History and Geography, Brigham Young University 1969 Graduate Studies in Library Science and Education 1969-71 Association of Washington Cities-Advanced Municipal Leadership Program 1995-2008.

The Town Center project is on its fourth potential developer, and it has progressed in spurts. Should the city move forward with the project and if so, should it continue down the path it has taken?
Infrastructure improvements for a vibrant retail center, including a public plaza, streets, utilities, and a 500 stall parking garage are almost complete. The library will be finished in 2010. We have a "pad ready" project for retail and restaurant investors interested in expansion as soon as the economy improves. We should proceed with our "non-exclusive" marketing policy. It gives us the flexibility to attract tenants ready to take advantage of the recovering retail market.

With two national golf tournaments coming to Chambers Bay Golf Course - including the 2015 U.S. Open - how can the city capitalize on the visitors to University Place? How should the city prepare for the influx of people from a traffic and public works st
We must work closely with tournament sponsors, and Pierce Transit, to ensure the success of both events. To reduce the impact on neighborhoods, all ticket holders will arrive by bus. Encouraging construction of accommodations at the Golf Course and the City center, plus vibrant retail shops and restaurants can result in $1,000,000 in tax revenue to the City during the weeklong tournament. An attractive, safe, friendly City can make University Place a regular tournament venue.

The City Council recently allowed volunteers to save the Curran Apple Orchard house. Do you agree with that decision, and what should the city do with its other historic properties that are endangered?
I support the decision to give the Historical Society additional time to pursue grants and private donations that will enable them to repair and remodel the Curran House as their "Headquarters". We have a similar arrangement with Audubon Society at the Adrianna Hess Wetland Park that works very well. A strong, viable Historical Society can help facilitate the preservation of other historic properties In the City.

Personal Statement:
My commitment to you: • Provide transparent, accessible city government • Maintain a balanced budget & lean city staffing • Develop sensible growth strategies • Continue building sidewalks & develop parks • Keep City property tax rate low • Build our sales tax base • Treat all citizens with respect and ensure that all viewpoints are heard I am passionate about our community and would be honored to serve four more years as your councilmember.

Javier Figueroa
Residence: Unviersity Place
Contact: 253-226-3927
E-mail: javfig@comcast.net
Website: www.electjavierfigueroa.com
Occupation: Real Estate Consultant

Experience: I have volunteered in a variety of community programs, from being a University Place Parks Commissioner to a Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for the Pierce County Juvenile Court System, and from being a board member of The Grand Cinema (2007-2008) to currently serving 15 years as a certified arbitrator for the Better Business Bureau of Washington.

Education: I have 26 years of experience in the real estate industry. I'm considered a expert in the field of forensic real estate contract management and property development. I have the following professional certifications: Real Estate Certification; Master Senior Appraiser; Certified Arbitrator; Certified Mediator; and Certified Facilitator. My education includes formal courses from various universities, conferences, and workshops encompassing the specialized fields of contract management, sales, project management, property rights, environmental issues, and public right-of-ways.

The Town Center project is on its fourth potential developer, and it has progressed in spurts. Should the city move forward with the project and if so, should it continue down the path it has taken?
The Town Center has not progressed in spurts and the fourth developer has left. We do not have any economic development occurring. We need to move forward with the Town Center, but not in the path it has taken. We can implement better processes for disposals of the parcels, built around the current City Hall (not vacant the building and demolish it). Focus solely on bringing in "real" economic development that we promised our community.

With two national golf tournaments coming to Chambers Bay Golf Course - including the 2015 U.S. Open - how can the city capitalize on the visitors to University Place? How should the city prepare for the influx of people from a traffic and public works st
University Place can finish the Town Center by bringing in private development. We must get back the home town feeling with our library, restaurants, and retail that will cater to our local community. Out of town folks enjoy the "home" town feeling when away from home. We need to work with Pierce County and the State of Washington to fund any necessary public works for future golf course opportunities.

The City Council recently allowed volunteers to save the Curran Apple Orchard house. Do you agree with that decision, and what should the city do with its other historic properties that are endangered?
I agree with the decision to save the Curran Apple Orchard house. University Place can and should apply for grants available for historic properties. We can also make a financial request to various non-profit foundations, Trusts, and individuals that contribute to such causes.

Personal Statement:
I have always been accessible and helpful in times of need. With me, what you see is what you get--an advocate who is looking out for the all tax-paying citizens of University Place. I offer proven leadership and experience our extraordinary community like UP demands. I have a can-do attitude, communication and interpersonal skills that will enable me to excel in dealing with fellow council members, city staff and constituents.