(Editor’s Note: The Times/News will publish answers to our questionnaires from Burien and SeaTac council candidates in the Oct. 29 print edition and online at www.highlinetimes.com. In addition, photos of each Des Moines candidate will be added on Oct. 20)

There will be some new faces on the Des Moines City Council next year as two incumbents are not running for re-election.

Two veteran lawmakers, Dan Sherman and Scott Thomasson, opted not to run again. Long-time mayor Bob Sheckler is the only incumbent on the council ballot.

Ballots must be sent to King County Elections by Nov. 8.

We asked the Des Moines council candidates the following two questions:

1.What are your qualifications for the office you are seeking and why should voters select you over your opponent?

2.Do you favor Proposition 1, the park, historic district and city street pavement repairs funding measure? (Editor’s Note: See accompanying articles on the proposition here and here.)

Des Moines City Council Position 2

Jeanette Burrage

1. Qualifications. My qualifications include previous work as a state legislator and City Council member in Des Moines. I have also been a Superior Court Judge and have experience as an accountant and budget analyst.

I care about my community and have served the public through leadership positions in the Boy Scouts, Citizens to Save Puget Sound, and the North Hill Community Club.

I not only direct action, but take action myself. I have helped Hurricane Katrina victims rebuild their houses, went on several Boy Scout outings including staffing sled races in the snow, and packaged meals for the food bank. On the council, I will look to the long-term effects of city action and work to make city departments easier for the public to use.

I believe we should add police officers to increase public safety. I have reviewed the number of officers we had before the 2006 levy lid lift we voters passed. Even though that levy passed and we increased officers, when the city was short on funds they cut money from the police department's regular budget. We are now back down to less officers than we had in 2006. I have discussed this with the City Manager, the Police Chief, a patrol officer on a ride along, and with many citizens.

2. Proposition 1. The proposed 50 percent tax increase on our utilities, Proposition 1, is not a wise action to take at this time. We are in a recession and many families are barely making it. The raise from 6 percent to 9 percent for the utility tax will hurt both families and businesses, and discourage new businesses from coming here.
We need the empty buildings in town filled with taxpaying businesses rather than letting them sit empty. I am voting No and I encourage fellow voters to do the same.

Carri Litowitz
Qualifications- 20+ years in Real Estate/Building Industry
Limited Practice officer since 1993
Member of Washington State Bar Association (for LPO license)
Board of Director positions held:
Local Director-Master Builder Association
State Director-Building Industry Association of Washington
National Director-National Association of Home Builders
Volunteer for:
World Vision, American Foundation of Suicide Prevention, Northwest Disaster Relief and Baptist Global Response

Voters should vote for me because I have the experience of running a successful business and I will put that experience to work for the citizens of Des Moines. I believe that a leadership role is through serving others; I have the enthusiasm to lead by example and service. I will help to create an environment for growth with instruction through my experience to promote the welfare and unity of the city. I have the knowledge, understanding and discipline to serve this city as a council member. The Des Moines Police and King County Affordable Housing Council have endorsed me because they like what I stand for.

We need to raise our tax base not our taxes so we can keep the services that we rely on and maintain our quality of life. We need to get more police officers back on the street, we need a safe city; we can’t bring businesses into our city if it is not safe. We need to look for our senior services and for the health and education of our children. We will not be able to do any of this without economic growth.

2. Proposition 1. Now is not the time to raise taxes, I do understand and respect why the Beach Park is important to so many people, I’m glad that the voters get to make the decision on this issue.

Des Moines City Council Position 4

Dave Markwell
1. Qualifications. My understanding of the community, passion and vision define me as a strong, viable candidate. First, I have a deep and comprehensive understanding of Des Moines. Des Moines is my hometown and in my 42 years here, I have seen it change and not change and I understand the potential, which lies in its tremendous natural resources and unmatched location.

As a parent, business owner, and service club member, I am engaged every single day of my life with the issues that face Des Moines residents.

Next, and probably the most significant element that defines me as a great candidate is my passion for this community. Intellect and experience will build the house. Passion turns on the lights. Des Moines needs its lights turned on. We need energy and enthusiasm to shape a new culture. My creative and mindful passion for Des Moines is my greatest asset and the feature most necessary in helping this community evolve in ways that will genuinely improve the quality of life for its residents.

My vision is driven by both my understanding and passion for Des Moines. Vital to my vision is economic development. This will not only create a consistent and sustainable budget, but more shopping, dining and entertainment options will also establish Des Moines a more vibrant and vital place to live or visit.

2.Proposition 1. I, personally, support Proposition 1. Both items have value to me and I am comfortable paying to improve buildings, which have the potential to re-shape Des Moines as a destination, not only for tourists, but also for residents. That said, I am glad that this issue is going before the voters. I do not presume to think that my perspective is shared by everyone and in issues that involve increasing taxes, I think it is important that residents decide how their money is spent.

Dan Caldwell
1. Qualifications. My opponent is friendly and an honest family man. However I have a more extensive education, training, age and experience to deal with the present poor economic condition. My experience includes several wars plus boom and bust economic cycles.

To the city's advantage I am well known and respected by other residents and elected officials in King County and the state.

The council must provide a positive climate to restore or create new tax paying PERMANENT JOBS to restore our economy.

I oppose new taxes but will support joint ventures with our neighboring cities particularly when helping seniors, handicapped or creating new JOBS.

The city has serious water supply problems. The sidewalks are messed up. The police have essential needs. A safe boat launch and adequate sprinkler system is needed at the marinas. A marina hotel is not needed. We need snowplows in winter and adequate daytime parking. High-rise construction is appropriate to Highway 99.

I am a retired senior citizen and NOT accepting contributions to assure you that I will represent all 29,000 residents. My family is grown which gives me the time to CONTINUE to work on AIRPORT NOISE and other problems outside of regular council duties.

My education includes both MASTERS and BACHELORS Degrees in Business Administration and Management in addition to serving as a Practicum Instructor for the UW and Seattle University.

I am a veteran with wartime military intelligence experience in Washington DC.

I had a successful Buyer Management career with Boeing during the commercial build up for the jet age transportation revolution.
Elected Commissioner. Rebuilt and merged four Districts into Highline Water to serve 7 cities. Achieved Financial AAA rating.

2. Proposition 1. I oppose Proposition 1. The proposition wastes precious tax dollars on temporary jobs. The city needs better preventive maintenance procedures to do the work in house.

Des Moines City Council Position 6

Rebecca King
1. Qualifications. I have been connected to Des Moines for over 45 years and like you, believe in our Waterland Community. My ability to listen, learn, and lead has propelled me into multiple leadership opportunities, including serving as Des Moines Elementary PTA president, Highline Council PTSA president, Des Moines Park and Recreation coach, volunteer leader for organizations such as March of Dimes, Relay for Life, and Boy Scouts of America, as well as the establishment of a nonprofit baseball team. My current occupation involves writing policy for the airline industry, which involves ample research, investigation, analysis, and collaboration.

For the last 16 years my opponent has been in office there has been a continued budget issue, lack of focus on the downtown corridor resulting in multiple businesses closing, and dramatic reduction in police force levels. Des Moines residents want to voice their concerns, I can serve as a true voice of reason; change is necessary to produce the results we need in Des Moines.

City government should work for all us, not just the well connected. If elected, I will be the advocate for issues that really matter to the residents of our community. Vote King for Council!

2.Proposition 1. I do not favor Proposition 1 due to the monetary burden it would place on individuals during this economic time. Raising the existing 6percent Utility Occupation Tax to 9 percent, which is a 50 percent increase, will have a direct impact on each household when there are already multiple stressors from financial obligations. I believe that there are other possibilities to consider, including, reevaluating the existing budget (eradicating unnecessary expenditures but retaining core services) as well as exploring public-private partnerships for the Beach Park.

Bob Sheckler
1.Qualifications. After four terms on the Des Moines City Council and eight years as mayor, I feel I have the necessary experience to help Des Moines through this national recession. With a strong emphasis on development on Pacific Highway, the 89-acre business park, and the downtown Marina District, I believe that Des Moines will create a sustainable budget that no longer will rely on one-time funds to operate. This can all be done without compromising the “Waterland” charm that our citizens enjoy.

2. Proposition 1. As the only incumbent on the Des Moines City Council ballot this season, I feel it would be inappropriate for me to comment on this issue as it may appear that I am attempting to influence voters. I voted only to allow Proposition 1 to go before the voters. They will ultimately decide.