Shawn McEvoy

Former Mayor and current Councilmember Shawn McEvoy was selected by the Normandy Park City Council this week to serve as Mayor for the remainder of 2011.

The Normandy Park Mayor position became vacant when George Hadley resigned in March. Since Hadley’s resignation, Mayor Pro Tem Clarke Brant has assumed the duties of Mayor.

McEvoy was appointed to the Normandy Park City Council on September 10, 2002 and then elected to a four-year term in 2003 and again in 2007.

McEvoy previously served as Mayor from 2006 – 2010.

Clarke Brant will continue to serve as Mayor Pro Tempore.

On Friday (Oct. 1st), King County Council Candidate Diana Toledo announced that she has received endorsements from former county council candidates and former Normandy Park Mayor/councilmember Shawn McEvoy, as well as South Park resident and former candidate Tim Fahey.

Both are scheduled to make a joint appearance at a fundraiser for Toledo this Saturday (Oct. 2nd).

Here’s the release, which we received via email Friday afternoon:

Former King County Council Candidates Shawn McEvoy and Tim Fahey will make a joint public announcement of endorsement for Diana Toledo at Saturday’s Dinner & Fundraiser to Elect Diana Toledo to King County Council.

Tim Fahey, South Park resident and pre-primary King County Council candidate who caused a stir during the pre-primary campaign by drawing attention to DOT, Legislative, and Executive failings to prevent the South Park Bridge closure; says it’s time for those that care about King County to back Diana Toledo in the General Election.

Shawn McEvoy, a long-time political leader in District 8; former Normandy Park Mayor, and current Normandy Park Councilmember; say’s that if we are to make the changes necessary to get King County on its feet we must embrace the non-partisan platform that Diana is championing.

These endorsements will undoubtedly send shockwaves through the district; as most partisan voters expected union member Tim Fahey and Democrat favorite Shawn McEvoy to endorse life-long politician Joe McDermott.

“There is no doubt that Diana Toledo is the most qualified for the seat on King County Council.  She has something that we’ve yet to see on the Council; a perspective from the front line.  Her opponent is another legislator, another career politician, who is coming from Olympia and hoping to learn the process while on the job.  We have enough former Olympia legislators on the council already; we need someone with internal experience, a reformer, with the counties best interests at heart. Let us now come together in support of Diana Toledo, and do everything we can to help elect her to King County Council”

The formal announcement and celebration will be Saturday evening, October 2, 2010, with the festivities to begin at 5pm.  Open to the press; be part of this momentous political event, reporters welcome and encouraged.
Location as follows:

Eagles FOE #2643
4426 California Ave SW
West Seattle, WA 98116

October 2, 2010 – 5pm

*Sponsored by Friends of Diana Toledo

Read our previous coverage of the King County Council race between Toledo and Joe McDermott here.

We’d like to welcome our latest Advertiser, Shawn McEvoy, running for King County Council, District 8.

Here’s what Shawn would like us to share with our Readers:

Thank you for taking the time to learn about me.  I’d like to share a little about myself with you; perhaps you’ll gain some insight into why I’m running for King County Council and why I care so much about good government.

Shawn McEvoy

I grew up in Normandy Park and pretty much have lived here all of my life.  I’ve seen when things didn’t work in this city and community and how things deteriorated.  I’ve been involved in my community and city government because I care and because I feel I can make a real difference and I have.  Whether it’s been serving as the Mayor and Council member for the city of Normandy Park, or as President and board member for the Normandy Park Community Club (Cove), I have always made great strides in improving the quality of life for my community and city.  I’m proud of the many accomplishments and honors I’ve received for our successes.

The proof of my commitment to good leadership and government is easy to verify.  During my twelve years on the board of trustees for the Normandy Park Community Club as President and Board member, add to that, eight years as Mayor and Councilmember for the city of Normandy Park, my service was completely voluntary.  That’s right, even though elected, we are not paid a thing for our services.  In volunteering I believe it is perhaps the truest form of leadership and democracy.

Our success is because we act in a non-partison fashion.  I’m here to tell you non-partisanship works.  I believe one of the problems we have today is that politics is getting in the way of solving problems and making progress.  Career politicians at the County level are the problem not the solution.  That is why our citizens of King County voted to have a non-partisan Council.  Instead of career politicians, we want council members that work together on the problems of today and are focused on our future, not theirs.

I can make a difference at the County level.  I have the experience, skills and the abilities to help solve the problems of political bickering, as well as help solve King County’s other problems.  I can bring real change to the County Council.  I’m endorsed by the 11th District Democrats, many Independents and Republicans.  I’m rated Very Good by the Municipal League of King County.  Because you want a moderate with an excellent environmental record, great leadership skills, strong council experience, and impressive regional involvement, I’m asking for your vote and I’m looking forward to earning your trust.

More information on Shawn is available at his website: http://friendsofshawnmcevoy.com.

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UPDATE 5:45pm 7/21/10

by Ralph Nichols

All four candidates for King County Council District 8 agreed at a July 20 forum that county government must become more efficient, more effective, and related better to suburban cities.

Beyond that, Tim Fahey, Joe McDermott, Shawn McEvoy and Diana Toledo offered varying approaches – some pronounced, others marginal – on how to improve the way the county operates.

Sponsored by The B-Town Blog, the forum was moderated by KIRO radio talk show host Dave Ross. A panel of Journalists, including this Reporter, along with T.M. Sell, Phd, Professor of Journalism at Highline Community College, and George Erb, Editor of the Puget Sound Business Journal. Questions were also offered up by several of the 35 or so attendees.

The four will square off in the Aug. 17 primary election, with the top two vote-getters facing each other in November.

Current District 8 County Councilwoman Jan Drago, who was appointed to replace Dow Constantine after he was elected King County Executive last year, is not seeking election to that office.

Fahey, a carpenter who resides in South Park, was motivated to run because of the closure of the South Park Bridge after years of failure at all levels of government to replace it.

McDermott, from West Seattle, has served in the State Legislature since 2001 and was appointed State Senator in 2007. He ran unopposed for the seat in 2008.

McEvoy is a city councilman and a former mayor of Normandy Park.

Toledo is an enforcement coordinator for King County, where she has worked for 15 years.

“King County has been a little dictatorial with the way they treat the suburban cities,” Burien City Councilwoman Kathy Keene noted when the forum opened to questions from the audience. “How will you work with us so we can do our job better or be a better partner with you?”

[Note: Candidate responses will be presented in the order they answered specific questions.]

Fahey – “King County does not know better for Burien what’s good for Burien. You guys can make decisions for yourself.”

McDermott – “I want to continue to work with the cities, not come and tell you what to know.” Former State Rep. and former Mercer Island City Councilman Fred Jarrett, now Constantine’s deputy executive, is helping the county build relationships with the cities.

McEvoy – Cities need to be an “equal partner … a regional partner” with the county, which needs to maintain regular contact with the cities.

Toledo – “There is no doubt that over the past decade or more, King County has exhibited an arrogance that turned the cities off by shoving things down their throat. There is evidence that this is shifting” and the county “needs to continue to be part of that shift.”

White Center resident Liz Giba wanted to know their positions on future annexation of the remaining North Highline unincorporated area by either Burien or Seattle:

McDermott – “The key is there is going to be a public vote” and the county should remain neutral. “It’s up to the public in the area to decide.”

McEvoy – The determining factor should be “what is best for the citizens of the region. White Center would be far worse off going to Seattle … Burien is the best fit for White Center.”

Toledo – “Burien is the best choice for the North Highline area. As a council member we should have an opinion and should voice that opinion.”

Fahey – “I fully and actively am in support of annexation by Burien.” North Highline “needs would be better served” in Burien than in Seattle,” and the area would remain free of the “yoke of Seattle’s business tax.”

Will they vote for or against the 0.02 percent sales tax increase to help fund public safety that the current county council approved on July 19 for placement on the November ballot?

Toledo – I will vote for public safety. I will vote for protecting our people. But I will not vote for it [the tax increase] … I’m particularly disturbed by the characterization of the sales tax [increase] as it’s for public safety.”

Fahey – “Certainly not a sales tax increase. We need to find where wasteful spending is going on.” A lot of King County deputies disagree with Sheriff Sue Rahr “that she can’t cut her budget” without cutting officers.”

McDermott – “I support it. It’s a small increase that will bring in $59 million in 2011 and $80 million in 2012. The choice is between that and cutting 60 deputies and 12 prosecutors.”

Artwork by Michael Owsley.

McEvoy – “I’m not a big fan of tax increases but I would say this is vital … it’s a temporary tax increase.”

What would they do with Metro Transit in light of a new study by the Washington Policy Center, which found that Metro got sales tax increases in 2000 and 2006, by 2009 had collected 20 percent more from those tax hikes than it needed, but had implemented only a third of the new bus service promised while diverting 60 percent of this revenue into bus driver salaries for average raises that are two times the rate of inflation.

Fahey – Metro bus service is “heavily subsidized” and commuters “should be willing to pay $5 per ride … as a union person, I always hate to see this come down to the union.” The popular ride-free-zone in downtown Seattle not only reduced Metro revenue but attracts “undesirable people” and creates “a law enforcement problem.”

McDermott – Initiative 695, which was approved in 1999 to limit car tab fees to $30, “is to blame” for a lot of revenue lost to Metro and other transit agencies. “We need to build relationships with other transit agencies” throughout the state … we need to hold people accountable. I want to be careful not to blame public employees but hold costs down.”

McEvoy – In addition to what the Washington Policy Center found, another Metro program to increase suburban bus service – the 40/40/20 plan – “has not been allocated as stated … it’s time for Seattle to pay its fair share” for bus service … we need to look at efficiencies and consolidation.”

Toledo – “This question highlights why I’m running for the county council … what does real reform, real accountability mean?” Although it’s hard to comment on the salary increases for drivers, the report shows a need “to cut some at the management level.”

What is the single most effective thing that can be done to help business in King County?

McDermott – “Provide all the things that people value,” including “transportation to work and from work” and getting supplies to businesses and products out.

McEvoy – “We need to foster an environment conducive to small business” and “initiate public/private partnerships to encourage small businesses.”

Toledo – “We need to cut red tape … and look at ways to create jobs that will bring in more taxes.”

Fahey – “Transportation and access to businesses obviously is paramount. Government cannot generate enough jobs.”

Citizens want all of the services government can provide for free. So what services should be cut?

McDermott – “The easy things to take out have been picked off a long time ago. We need to look at what government no longer needs to do.”

McEvoy – “We do need to examine central services. We need to make sure service levels match budget levels. There are probably some inefficiencies … no one thing is glaringly obvious … if junior programs get whacked, I’m sorry.”

Toledo – The county needs “to seek out more private partnerships … I have seen individuals collecting six-figure salaries, not because of what they know but who they know. We spend millions of dollars on audits and when the problems are not fixed a couple of years later, we ask for more audits … we need to eliminate waste, fraud and abuse.”

Fahey – “The cornerstone … is eliminating the [county] Department of Transportation … except to analyze roads and prioritize projects. Let the county fund projects … [and] replace all sercie work with union low-bid contracts.”

Is it the role of local government or the private sector to develop jobs?

Fahey – “The highest priority of elected officials is concern about jobs … everything said about unemployment is true – it’s dispiriting and sags your initiative … this government needs to get out of the way and make it easier for business to do business here … and hire people.” Examples of interference by government are cumbersome permitting and business licensing processes.

McDermott – “The public sector definitely has a strong role to play in job creation.” Ways to do this include Sound Transit development, building a new South Park Bridge, and apprenticeship programs.

McEvoy – It is “imperative for local government to be involved in economic development. It is in King County’s interest to build a strong economy” through infrastructure that helps “small and disadvantaged businesses” and encouraging “a quality of life that builds a strong workforce.”

Toledo – With a $60 million [county] budget shortfall, we need to look at ways to help get us out. Unless the sales tax and property tax [revenues] go up, the gap will increase.” Red tape and overregulation are “detrimental … we definitely need to provide for public safety … but when it goes too far it impedes economic activity.”

Instead of increasing taxes to cover his state’s budget shortfall, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is taking on public employee unions to get them to renegotiate contracts and reduce pay raises and benefit packages. Should King County adopt this approach?

Toledo – We can find money by cutting wasteful spending. Our priorities are out of what in King County? Why cut sheriff’s deputies when there are other priorities?”

Fahey – “I admire Gov. Christie. I definitely would like to see contracts re-examined. I don’t think it’s unreasonable for people in government service for taxpayers to hold them to a different standard” including heavy cuts in middle management that would save King County “tons of money.”

McDermott – “The perception that public employees have not paid a price is in error … over 10,000 state employees were laid off” in the last two-year budget cycle. “It’s not the council’s role to unilaterally reopen union contracts” already approved.

McEvoy – “People want more government for their money, not more money for government. But it’s not the council’s place to reopen contracts. I agree that we need to cut mid-management.”

Here’s a Photo Slideshow of the forum as shot by Michael Brunk:

Click to Play Michael Brunk’s Photo Slideshow

AUDIO: Here’s an MP3 of the raw audio from last night’s forum. Please note that it is incomplete, only because of some minor technical glitches that stopped the recorder; however, it contains one-hour and 36-minutes of audio of the event:

[display_podcast]

Current Normandy Park City Councilmember and former Mayor Shawn McEvoy, running for the 8th District seat on the King County Council, will be holding a campaign kick off party on Tuesday, June 22nd from 7pm – 8:30pm.

The event will be held at the Normandy Park Community Club, with hor d’ouvres provided by Mick Kelly’s.

Here’s a statement from McEvoy’s campaign staff:

Campaign Kick Off Party!

Current City Councilmember and former Mayor of Normandy Park Shawn McEvoy invites you to come mingle with friends and neighbors as we officially kick off his campaign for the 8th District seat on the King County Council.

Although this is the ‘official’ kick off for his campaign, Shawn has been working hard already at getting elected to the non-partisan position, meeting with groups and individuals throughout the 8th District. Come meet and see what Shawn has to offer our communities.

Please join us and show your support for Shawn McEvoy!

WHEN: Tuesday, June 22nd, 7pm – 8:30pm

WHERE: Normandy Park Community Club, located at 1500 SW Shorebrook Drive
 Normandy Park, WA 98166

Hor d’ouvres provided by Mick Kelly’s,

Friends of Shawn McEvoy
P.O. Box 48154
Burien, WA 98148

by Ralph Nichols

Normandy Park City Councilman Shawn McEvoy says it’s time the Highline area is represented by someone who lives here, and not in West Seattle.

So McEvoy, now serving his second term as an elected member of the city council (he was appointed to fill a vacancy in 2002), recently announced that he is a candidate for the county council from District 8.

The district includes Normandy Park, Burien, the western reaches of SeaTac and Tukwila, North Highline, West Seattle, Vashon and Maury Islands.

McEvoy makes an obvious point.

Former District 8 King County Councilman Dow Constantine, who was elected county executive last fall, lives in West Seattle. So does his replacement to the District 8 seat, former Seattle City Councilwoman Jan Drago.

District 34 State Sen. Joe McDermott, who is not seeking re-election so he can run for Drago’s seat, also lives in West Seattle – as does District 34 State Rep. Eileen Cody.

“I think the voters [in these districts] outside of West Seattle feel under represented, even ignored,” McEvoy said. “The political process is heavily skewed to West Seattle. We want representation …

“I have the qualifications, I have the experience, and I can do a better job than the other guy,” he continued. “I understand the issues of King County, the problems and challenges facing King County, and the issues in District 8.”

His time on the city council – including serving four years as Normandy Park mayor – also gives him the “demonstrated experience to develop a responsible budget, the demonstrated experience to respond to public concerns, and demonstrated leadership skills.”

King County Council District 8 includes Normandy Park, Burien, the western reaches of SeaTac and Tukwila, North Highline, West Seattle, and Vashon and Maury Islands.

McEvoy also points with pride to his “strong environmental record,” including salmon habitat recovery efforts in Miller Creek and the Cove that received national recognition from Trout Unlimited.

He is on the steering committee for Water Resource Inventory Area 9, which is responsible for Chinook salmon protection in the Duwamish/Green River watershed.

A five-point “immediate action plan” is the framework for McEvoy’s campaign:

• Better communication by King County government with the public.
• Enhanced county partnerships with the cities.
• Ensure that “service levels and funding match. “If we haven’t got the money, don’t spend it.”
• Stabilize funding of county services.
• “Work with county employees to solve problems” from budget-cutting job furloughs to streamlining the way services are provided “to make the county better to work for all of us.”

These address what McEvoy called King County’s “image and relationship problems with mayors, city councils – and citizens,” who see county government as “bloated, dictatorial, inefficient and Seattle-centric.”

In the interview, which took place before this week’s county council vote on a proposed sales tax increase and then a proposed property tax “reallocation” to help fund the sheriff’s and prosecutor’s offices and the courts, McEvoy said, “I’m a strong believer in public safety.

“When [Sheriff] Sue Rahr and [Prosecutor] Dan Satterberg tell me it’s important to have these funds [generated by a 2-cent increase in the sales tax], I believe them.”

Asked about contracts negotiated by public employee unions, which include pay raises and benefit increases at a time the county is facing another multi-million-dollar revenue shortfall, McEvoy added he would “certainly support a study to see if public contracts are in line with the private sector … or not.

“Whether we look to the unions as a first place to cut, [the cost of county government] is still an open question. But public safety and public health are, to me, number one.”

Noting a recent Puget Sound Regional Council projection that the area will experience a lot of growth by 2040, McEvoy said more roads probably will be needed.

He added his interest in “quicker buses” that provide service every 10 minutes to provide “a good, cost-effective people mover.”

Although he was “initially skeptical of light rail,” McEvoy said “it has started to make sense to me … we need to look at all [transportation] options and go with what makes sense.”

But county residents “don’t see much in return” for the taxes they pay the county,” he continued. A “classic example” is the way Metro bus service was reallocated. Although more routes were supposed to go to the county rather than Seattle, “it hasn’t worked out that way.”

[PHOTO CREDIT: City of Normandy Park]

On Thursday (May 20), former Normandy Park Mayor and current city councilmember Shawn McEvoy announced that he’s running for the King County Council seat in District 8, against State Sen Joe McDermott.

This is the seat currently held by Jan Drago, who was appointed last year but is apparently not planning to run again this fall.

District 8 serves the communities of Burien, North Highline Burien, White Center, West Seattle, Vashon/Maury Islands, Normandy Park, SoDo, International District/Chinatown, Pioneer Square, West Beacon Hill, and portions of SeaTac, Tukwila and West Hill.

Keep in mind around election day that this McEvoy should not be confused with Geoffrey “Mac” McElroy, who’s running for State Representative Position #2, currently held by Sharon Nelson.

Here’s a press release we received from McEvoy’s friend Ian Gunsul:

May 20, 2010

Shawn McEvoy, former Mayor and current City Council member of Normandy Park, citing a strong sentiment from voters for a non-partisan King County Council, announced he is running for the King County Council seat in District 8.

McEvoy’s experience since 2002 as a non-partisan mayor and councilmember in an otherwise politically divided city is proof that non-partisanship works.

By focusing on finding common ground; working together through challenges; communicating, coordinating and cooperating; allows communities to get through the tough issues and focus on the future.

Shawn McEvoy wants voters to know that he is a candidate that is not locked into one party’s ideals and agendas.

Four Burien-area politicians have thrown their hats into the ring to replace King County Councilmember Dow Constantine’s vacant seat, including: Burien’s first Mayor Arun Jhaveri; current City Councilmember Lucy Krakowiak; Kathleen Quong-Vermeire, Commissioner, Highline Water District and former Mayor of Normandy Park, and Shawn McEvoy, current Mayor of Normandy Park.

Constantine was sworn in as King County Executive on Tuesday, Nov. 24th, which means there is now a vacancy in Council District 8. The King County Council received a total of 11 applications from individuals who are seeking to replace his vacant seat on the County Council.

The replacement appointee will serve in office until certification of the next general election in Nov. 2010.

Arun Jhaveri

Of the four local candidates, two (Jhaveri and Quong-Vermeire) have stated that they would not seek re-election, while the remaining two (Krakowiak and McEvoy) have stated that they would.

The finalists will be determined by a 12-person panel that includes Burien Mayor Joan McGilton and Normandy Park Councilmember Doug Osterman, who were appointed on Nov. 16th.

So with any luck and perhaps a touch of local favoritism, we just might see one of our neighbors on the King County Council, at least for about a year.

Lucy Krakowiak

The selection process for making the appointment will begin Monday, Dec. 3rd, when the 12-member advisory committee created by the Council will conduct interviews with the 11 who submitted their applications by the Nov. 23rd deadline, listed below in alphabetical order:

• Jan Drago—A member of the Seattle City Council who is leaving the Council this year
• Helen Howell—Former Director of the state Department of Financial Institutions, served as Deputy Chief of Staff under Governor Locke
• Zack Hudgins—State Representative from the 11th District and Tukwila resident
• Jake Jacobovitch—Engineer in the Road Services Division of the King County Department of Transportation
• Arun Jhaveri—Former Regional Technology Manager with the Federal Energy Management Program and former Mayor of Burien
• Lucy Krakowiak—Burien City Council Member and a member of the King County Library Board of Trustees
• Joe McDermott—State Senator from the 34th District
• Shawn McEvoy—Mayor of Normandy Park
• Sharon Nelson—State Representative from the 34th District,
• Vlad Oustimovitch—A partner at VoKa Incorporated, and a former Development Program Manager for the Seattle Housing Authority
• Kathleen Quong-Vermeire–Commissioner, Highline Water District, former Mayor of Normandy Park

Shawn McEvoy

The advisory committee will interview all of the applicants and send to the County Council for its consideration three to six candidates who meet the qualifications.

The committee will then use the following criteria to evaluate candidates, including:

• Knowledge of the functions of King County government;
• Knowledge of the issues and challenges facing King County government;
• Knowledge of the issues affecting the constituents of Council District 8;
• A demonstrated ability to develop a responsible budget;
• A demonstrated ability to respond to public concerns; and
• Demonstrated leadership skills.

Council Chair Bob Ferguson and Councilmember Reagan Dunn, chair of the Committee of the Whole, said the Council is ready to act quickly on filling the vacancy

Kathleen Quong-Vermeire

“The Council is acting quickly to ensure representation for the nearly 200,000 residents of District 8,” said Ferguson. “Timely appointment will also allow the new councilmember to transition into the position, hire staff and hit the ground running in the new year.

“The process is in place to quickly review the applications we’ve received,” said Dunn. “With input from the advisory committee, I expect the Council to make the appointment before the end of the year.”

The panel’s recommendations will include at least one candidate who intends to run for election as Councilmember in 2010, and one who does not. Drago, Howell, Jhaveri, Nelson and Quong-Vermeire have stated they will not run for election. Jacobovitch, Krakowiak, McDermott, McEvoy and Oustimovitch said they would run for the position. Hudgins has not made a final decision.

The King County Council has final authority for making the appointment. The interview of the finalists will be done in the Council’s Committee of the Whole. Dunn said the Committee will interview the finalists on Monday, Dec. 7th.

The Council is expected to take action by Monday, Dec. 14th, the last Council meeting of 2009.