Only two Highline-area city council races are on the Aug. 21 primary election ballot-Position 4 in Burien and Position 2 in Tukwila.

The Times/News recently questioned each candidate in these races. Their answers are printed below.

Due to space limitations, candidates for Positions 2 and 5 on the Seattle Port Commission and Position 1 on the South King Fire and Rescue Commission were not interviewed.

For information about these primary races, go to www.metrokc.gov and click on Elections and go the Aug. 21 Primary.

Burien City Council candidates were asked:

1. What is your position on the potential annexation by Burien of the North Highline unincorporated area?

2. What do you propose to encourage economic development throughout the city, rather than just in the downtown business district?

3. Beyond these issues, what is your top priority for Burien?

Gordon Shaw

Annexation is a complex issue, but contrary to the "We love Burien" campaign literature (including weekly free campaign letters in the Highline Times) I do not know whether I am for annexation or against. There are significant impacts from doing nothing-$1.5-2.5 million worth of impacts depending on whether you look just at City funding requirements or roll in the fire costs as well. But I will not allow Burien citizens to have to subsidize annexation. Everyone should consider what it will be like if we are faced with Seattle coming south to our current city limit.

2. The city's best opportunity is to keep pushing for development in the Northeast Redevelopment Area. It has been difficult but progress is being made and we are getting close.

3. There are things we can do to protect and even rehabilitate our environment that do not come at the expense of development and lifestyle considerations.

Stephen Lamphear

1. I'm in favor of continuing to study the financial and community impacts of annexation-whether by Seattle or Burien. This is a complex issue and a responsible council will base a decision on facts, not opinion. More detail is needed. There is no rush; we must do this right.

2. I'd like to see the return of small neighborhood businesses like we had in the past-the local dry cleaner, cafe, pharmacy and other small shops-so residents can walk to get many basic services. We need to walk more, meet our neighbors and drive less.

3. After years of being passed over by Puget Sound's prosperity, Burien is finally getting noticed. I want to be sure Burien preserves the quality of life that is attracting people to live and open businesses here. We need to guide the changes so they work for everyone.

J. Fulop

1. Annexation of North Highline by Burien is not supportable in terms of administration or economics. All budget projections are against annexation. We should compromise with Seattle and support a bill pending in the state Senate which provides $1.2 million annually for 10 years if we do not annex.

2. I support current Town Center progress and encourage further development to 153rd and 154th streets. I support a search to identify sites to attract clean industry such as technology, and offer economic incentives to attract suitable businesses. I strongly encourage dialogue with current businesses to address their needs and concerns.

3. Burien City Hall must be responsive to citizen's needs, and be a friendly and supportive partner in maintaining a small town atmosphere. We need to protect our community and our environment from over-development. Burien is heading in the right direction and I want to keep up the momentum.

Tukwila City Council candidates were asked:

1. How would you address concerns of residents about public safety and the city's image?

2. What do you propose to encourage/revitalize economic development throughout the city (beyond Southcenter)?

3. Beyond these issues, what is your top priority for Tukwila?

Kathy Hougardy

1. I will listen to their concerns, and then, as is appropriate, consult with others for background information, input and advice regarding possible solutions. I will then work towards implementing these solutions.

2. (1) Increase emphasis on crime prevention so that businesses feel safe locating or relocating in Tukwila.

(2) Ensure that local business taxes are fair and equitable.

(3) Encourage a balance between economic development, residential development, and retention of "green spaces;" open areas of vegetation and/or parks.

3. Historically Tukwila has been not only a place that people settled, but also where generations of families have chosen to stay. My priority is for the city to help keep this legacy by doing its part to retain and enhance the quality of life for Tukwila residents.

De Sean Quinn

1. We need to invest in a robust and community-oriented police force to protect the residents and businesses that keep Tukwila's economy strong. I will prioritize increasing the number of police officers on patrol, and provide first responders with the state-of-the-art equipment to perform their day-to-day duties effectively.

2. My focus: increasing transportation infrastructure, protecting citizens and property, and balancing residents' interests with budget realities. Tukwila has changed in the last 15 years, but outside perceptions and some of our own visions for our community have not kept pace. Change is inevitable. We must make smart choices now to create the future we want for Tukwila.

3. I will encourage fiscal responsibility that is essential to creating a better, stronger, more prosperous city for those who now and will continue to live here, and having a healthy economy with prosperity shared by all.

Brian P. Kennedy

1. I understand Tukwila's safety and image issues; I have lived two blocks below Pac Highway for 30 years. Whether crime is down or not, there is a negative image when you think about Tukwila International Boulevard. I feel quality development and a new police/neighborhood resource center would be beneficial.

2. A Senior Citizen said she would consider living in a quality and secure retirement condo. Another citizen suggested an Arts Center. A YWCA or YMCA would benefit people that live near the Tukwila Village. Quality restaurants would draw many travelers. Quality jobs and benefits enable owner occupied housing.

3. Attracting university branches and successful companies with good jobs will strengthen Tukwila's budget without raising taxes. Protecting what we have-e.g., parks, the river, "The Hill." Our students and residents deserve the feeling of safety and pride of their Town. We will be successful and I promise to work hard.

Compiled by Ralph Nichols