By Matt Wendland

Results won’t be certified by King County Elections until November 26th, but if current trends hold, Burien voters have elected four new members to the Burien City Council, rejecting three longtime Burien lawmaker’s bids for another term.

As of the weekend following the election, projected winner leads were holding strong. Lauren Berkowitz overcame Council Member Jack Block, Jr.’s reelection efforts with support from over 52% of the more than 8,000 voters who returned their ballots. Rose Clark, who had served in City Council Position #5 since 1999, was defeated by Planning Commissioner Nancy Tosta who finished with over 57% of the votes. Three time former Mayor Joan McGilton has seated in City Council Position #3 for 12 years. In January McGilton will be replaced by Debi Wagner who was elected with 53% of the votes.

The fourth seat up for grabs was that of current Burien Mayor Brian Bennett who after serving one four year term, decided not to run for reelection. With Bennett’s absence in the race, Burien Planning Commissioner Joey Martinez and Steve Armstrong both campaigned for the position with Armstrong finishing in the lead with 61%.

In a survey sent to the candidates before the election, each was asked what their top concern for the future of Burien and how they would address it.

Lauren Berkowitz stated that a "responsive, representative government under a unified vision” was her top priority. "I am committed to creating an externally-funded network of walkability infrastructure and transit options in Burien. Not only will a network of sidewalks, bike paths, and transit improve Burien’s safety, it will also improve our happiness and health and reduce car runoff, leading to a cleaner Puget Sound. Furthermore, improved livability entices local business development, creating a spiral of community development. While increasing the livability of our City, I will also ensure zoning laws effectively discourage predatory corporations from opening in Burien, and oppose any projects that include them.”

Nancy Tosta stated "My top concern is that we continue bickering and focusing on issues that distract our energy and attention and we miss the opportunity to become the community we want and believe we can be. We need to consciously work on creating a stronger sense of community that engages residents and fosters more leadership.” How would Tosta address this concern? "We need to deliberately work to create a stronger community. This happens through: Leadership and resident engagement – we need diverse, creative, dedicated, and energetic leaders, including a City Council that commits to working as a team within itself and recognizes that it works for the community. We need to engage the private sector, civic organizations, schools, faith-based organizations, and youth in town meetings, focus groups, coffee shops, projects, boards, etc. Vision and strategy planning – we need to again hold interactive meetings to share our thoughts on what we want Burien to be and then get creative about the pathways to get there. We need a shared vision of Burien’s future Economic development Ensuring quality of life assets – education, health, access to food, safety, arts, amenities, recreation opportunities. These are critical components of a healthy, great city."

Steve Armstrong stated "My main focus for the future of Burien will be to help ensure the health and welfare of the people of Burien with the focus on enhancing our quality of life and the financial strength of our city by listening and acting upon the voice of the people, engaging with our children and young adults to become a more valued investment in our community (mentorship and internship programs), promote and support existing business and attracting new business, and ensuring our Police and Fire personnel have the tools they need to do their jobs effectively.”

Debi Wagner chose not to participate in the survey.

With four new faces representing the citizens in Burien, the senior member of the Council is now Deputy Mayor Lucy Krakowiak. Deputy Mayor Krakowiak was first elected to the City Council in 2003. A Hawaiian native, Krawkowiak has lived in the Highline area since 1988 and has owned a massage therapy business here since 1994.

Council Member Jerry Robison is now the second senior member of the City Council. First appointed in early 2011 to replace a retiring Council Member, Robison was reelected and started his first elected term in 2012. Born in Portland, Oregon, Robison has lived in the Highline area since 1977. With a background including time as a real estate agent and broker and six years in the U.S. Navy as a Machinists Mate, Robison has practiced law in Highline since 1993.

The third and final member of the remaining Burien City Council is Bob Edgar. With a background in corporate education with Boeing, Edgar has lived in multiple neighborhoods in the Burien area for over 20 years, most recently in the Lake Burien neighborhood. Edgar is currently in the middle of his first four year term after being elected in 2011.

Outgoing Burien City Council members Joan McGilton, Rose Clark, Brian Bennett and Jack Block, Jr. will remain in their current positions through 2013. A new Mayor and Deputy Mayor will be appointed by the new Council at the first meeting of 2014.