Side-by-side with City Council Position #8 Candidates

Since the local City Council candidates don't get together for debates or forums very often I thought it would be nice to get them side-by-side. Even if it is online. The following is a Q&A with candidates for the at-large (that means anyone can vote for this one) council position #8.

	David Curry		Marilyn Strickland
What is the single biggest challenge facing Tacoma over the next four years?	Our biggest challenge is expanding and improving our public safety services.  We need to be the safest city in America, instead we rank much too high in car thefts, drug-related crimes and other quality of life issues.		We must maintain our momentum and wisely manage our growth.  Tacoma has made great strides but it's time for us to ask ourselves what's next.  I believe that a citywide focus on education is tied to Tacoma's future success.  We must work together to reduce the high school drop out rate and increase the number of college graduates who live in Tacoma.  An educated community attracts high wage jobs and has more resources for our neighborhoods, business districts and social services.  Reducing and preventing crime must include a conversation about education.  This is vitally important as we face increased costs and tighter budgets to provide essential services for our citizens.  Class A office space is also an important growth issue that needs our attention and analysis.  A thriving downtown core will benefit all of us.
How do you feel you distinguish yourself from your opponent?	My executive leadership experience is what distinguished my candidacy.  I know the responsibility of making decisions, meeting a payroll, and setting a vision for an organization.  These are key issues facing our city.		My life experience, professional background and community involvement distinguish me from my opponent.  I bring experience that doesn't already exist on city council.  I was born abroad, have lived downtown for ten years, and am a single working woman.  I have a graduate degree, have worked for a Fortune 500 company, a local small business and now the Tacoma Public Library.  I do a lot volunteer work in the community ranging from the Boys & Girls Clubs to KBTC Public TV and the Grand Cinema.  Representative government should reflect the entire community it serves, not a narrow demographic or zip code.  I have a broad base of support including leaders in business, government, social services, the arts and labor.  I'm willing to challenge the assumption that city government has no role in supporting education.  From addressing the supply of affordable housing to childhood literacy programs, fixing streets near schools first, evaluating our delivery of library services, making decisions to foster the growth of UW Tacoma, to putting community liaison officers back into our schools, I know there is plenty city government can do to support education in our community.
Why should people care about the Tacoma City Council and who's elected to it?	The council has the potential to create a positive climate for families and business in which to live.  There is not a lot city government can do to make you happy, but if you have the wrong council it can definitely make you miserable.		People should care because Tacoma City Council makes decisions that affect all of us.  A decision about a planned residential development in NE Tacoma can have a profound impact on families in McKinley Hill or Proctor.  A decision about transportation downtown can affect those who live in South Tacoma.  Our ability to attract employers can affect the number of citizens with access to health care.  It is our civic duty to stay informed about issues and participate in the political process.  These decisons determine our quality of life.
Do you have a hobby or activity that helps fill any personal downtime?	I love to read and hang out with my two boys.		Downtime?  I love to read.   I love to travel.  I haven't done much of either lately.
What was the last book you read?	The Nine by Jeffery Toobin		Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight by Alexandra Fuller.  It is a biography about growing up in South Africa.   It is alarming, funny, tragic and raw. I've read it three times and always enjoy it.
Campaign Websites	www.DavidCurry.org		www.Marilyn4Tacoma.org

Thanks to both David and Marilyn for participating and good luck to you both next Tuesday!

Link also to the News Tribune 2007 Election Guide and Pierce County Voters' Pamphlets

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