By Lindsay Peyton

It was standing room only at the city council candidate forum held at the Burien Library on Tuesday evening, Oct. 10.

The event, attended by about 90 spectators, which was sponsored by the League of Women Voters, the Burien Library, the Seattle Southside Chamber and the Highline Times.

Rose Clark, former deputy mayor for the city, read questions submitted by members of the audience. Ken Robinson, managing editor for this newspaper, was in charge of the timer. 

Joel Manning and Pedro Olguin are competing for Position 1. Incumbent Lauren Berkowitz is not running for reelection. 

Manning, a 16-year resident of Burien, said fighting crime is critical to the community’s future. 

“The safety of our residents should be our council’s top priority,” he said. “Crime in our community has skyrocketed.” 

He will not support low barrier shelters or safe injection sites. He does want to foster economic growth in the city. 

Olguin spoke about supporting diversity in Burien. “I believe in inclusive community; I believe in a community where we’re able to build towards the future,” he said. 

He also wants to increase public safety – and ensure that affordable living options are still available in the city. 

Jimmy Matta is challenging incumbent Debi Wagner for Position 3.

He has lived in the city for 20 years. “I decided to run for the future of our children,” he said. 

Matta is concerned about gang violence in the city. “We’ve got to find out how to stop the recruiters, number one,” he said. 

His other priorities include building a vibrant economy and ensuring public safety.

Wagner said that her experience gained while on the council sets her apart. She listed a range of ways that she has been involved in the community, even before joining the City.

“It isn’t learning as you go on the fly,” she said. “You need to bring a lot of knowledge of the community and the city.”

Darla Green is challenging incumbent Nancy Tosta for Position 5. She said her top priority is creating a more open and transparent city government. 

“It’s time to reprioritize the issues for Burien,” she said. “I support smaller government, no new taxes and keeping Burien, Burien. No more failed or experimental Seattle policies, like sanctioned or unsanctioned tent cities, the possibility of an illegal heroin injection site and ridiculous taxes in our business district.”

Tosta said her opponent, as well as others running for office, were fear-mongering. 

“I’m horrified at what I see going on in our community,” she said. “My opponent and I do care about the city, but we have very different ways of showing it.”

Krystal Marx and Patty Janssen are vying for position 7. Incumbent Steve Armstrong is not running for re-election. 

Janssen has lived in Burien for 26 years and actively served as a volunteer with the Burien Police Department for almost 20 years. She also owned a small business in the area.

“Crime and safety should be the paramount focus of community leaders,” she said. “We need strong economic business development to support the tax base needed for city services.”

Marx is relatively new to Burien, moving to the area about three years ago. 

She believes having an outsider’s view is an asset. She said she understands why so many are moving to the city and why it’s attractive to newcomers. Her husband was raised in Burien. 

“Education and facts are more important than fear-mongering and finger-pointing,” she said. “That’s something I intend to bring to the table as a council member.”

Marx wants to increase access to local government for everyone in the community. “I bring the experience necessary to do this job,” she said. 

All of the candidates were asked what they considered to be the greatest problem facing Burien. 

Manning’s response was addiction, while Olguin said homelessness. Matta referenced violence and gang-related activities, while Wagner believes structural deficiencies should take center stage. Green said that economic success is key and stopping radical programs in the city. 

Tosta wants to work to develop a 20-year vision for Burien, while Janssen thinks crime and safety are top concerns. Marx said taking an accurate look at what residents want is her top priority. 

Candidates also answered questions concerning how they would reach at-risk youth, what their weaknesses are, how they follow the news and what their plans were to bring together a divided council.  

Ballots will be mailed for the general election on Wednesday, Oct. 18. 

In Burien, Mayor Lucy Krakowiak, position 4, Bob Edgar, position 2, and Austin Bell, position 6, retain their positions until Dec. 31, 2019. 

The forum was organized by Rose Clark, Becky Cox, Andrea Reay, Ken Robinson and Thomas Swaner.

For more information about the election, visit www.kingcounty.gov.