Press release:

Hello my name is Steve Armstrong and I am running for Burien City Council / Position 7. I’ve lived in Burien for over 40 years. Attended Shorewood Elementary, Cascade Middle School, Evergreen High and the University of Washington. My children, Alex and Elena, attended local schools – St. Francis, Highline and JFK. I am currently employed by The Boeing Company (32 years) specializing in Contracts. My hobbies include: hiking, mountain climbing, fly fishing, tennis, volleyball and spending time with my family and friends.

I’m running for city council because I believe it’s time for a change and that I can help initiate this change. It appears that some Council members and the City Manager have lost touch with the citizens of Burien. Recent evaluations from the City Council are mixed as to whether the City Manager is performing to expectations. Council members do not (or will not) work together. This condition must change.

There has been a complete disregard for the voice of the people. An example is the attempt to annex Area Y. My aversion to annexation is based solely on economics and the best interests for all. Seattle, with a huge revenue / tax base, found it impractical to annex at the time. Why would our City Manager and some Council members believe that annexation was in the best interest and would enrich the lives of those living in Area Y as well as Burien?

Regarding the recent issue of instituting “Wards” (aka Gerrymandering). This practice attempts to establish a political advantage for a particular party, group or individual by manipulating district boundaries to create partisan advantaged districts. Again, whose interests are being addressed here? I believe if you’re running for office or in office, you should be under the microscope of and represent the entire voting population, not just those in your backyard.

Together we can create a better form of government. A government that is (i) a friend of the people; (ii) works for the people; and (iii) accessible, responsible, accountable and transparent with emphasis on Burien First!

My first goal is to ensure the livelihood, health and welfare of the people of Burien. Listen to their opinions, needs and desires – acting on their behalf for the common good.

Support our schools! Providing for our children is vital to the growth and well being of our community. I will work with schools to find ways to engage our young adults in becoming a valued investment in the community. The Burien Parks and Recreation team has done an excellent job in providing opportunities for our children. I would encourage them to expand those programs and promote career paths for interested teens – initiating mentoring and internships in city government as well as business. Partnering is the key between the City, business and volunteers to make this a reality.

Support and retain existing business as well as attracting new business opportunities. Partnering with “Discover Burien”, let’s create a forum responsible for developing creative ideas and enhancing Burien’s appeal for business. We need to find a better way to support and retain existing business and attract new business. There are many people in our community with great ideas - let’s get them engaged!

Involved with Police and Fire personnel – listen and hear their voice. I will frequently meet with these partners ensuring that the necessary tools are available to help them achieve the challenges they face on a daily basis.

Taxes… Let’s question the need for raising taxes and continue to challenge that option. Government needs to be run like a business - period. Attempts to raise taxes must be transparent (not buried in some other referendum) and only after all other efforts to alleviate have been exhausted.

Engage with the under recognized areas of Burien. More attention needs to be placed on the neighborhoods that are not in the “hub” area. In addition, a better plan needs to be developed to complete Town Square - one that creates a vibrant core attracting more business, visitors and a landmark of which to be proud.

Burien is a fantastic place to live! I am excited to see it transcend from its current paralysis and emerge into the next stage of health, sustainability, vitality and intelligent growth. Together we can create a better form of government.

I respectfully ask for your support and vote in this upcoming election. Thank you.