By Shakira Ericksen

The Des Moines City Council will have some tough choices to make, regarding who will become their newest member.

Eight candidates interviewed for the vacant council seat at the April 25 council meeting.

At the beginning of the meeting Mayor Dave Kaplan had all the candidates draw a card from the deck, deciding the order on which they spoke. Each candidate had three minutes to deliver a statement then was asked one question from each council member.

The majority of council members were interested in whether or not the candidate was interested in a short term position or if they were planning on running for election in the fall, what were their priorities for Des Moines, and what they thought they could bring to the council.

The candidates themselves displayed the diversity of Des Moines, coming from all walks of life--small business owners, a student, a serial board member, a builder, a fitness trainer and a community organizer. Some were long-term residents, others born and raised and some of them just newly arrived.

Most of the candidates sited economic development and public safety as their top priorities.

Dave Markwell
The first candidate to speak was Dave Markwell, owner of Waterland CrossFit and a 44-year resident of Des Moines. Markwell has worked for the city as well as being a small business owner.
Markwell said for him working for the city is not a job, it’s a passion.
“I am and have been an active and engaged citizen. I have a comprehensive understanding of the issues currently facing our city. I have an, if not unmatched, certainly uncommon passion for this community as evidenced by my many years of service to its betterment,” said Markwell. “I am a resident, business owner, and parent. As such I understand the various perspectives of our constituency. I am truly a representative.”
Markwell said he believed economic development should be the city’s highest priority and he hopes to be able to contribute to the continued efforts to enhance development opportunities.

Jeremy Nutting
Nutting, owner of Down & Out Demolition, LLC said he would like to lend his knowledge and expertise in restoring and updating Des Moines to a place that is more lively, profitable and safe than it already is.
“I’d like to assist with zoning and development laws, regulations, codes and enforcement as well as assist with the new Online Permit Information System, from the point of view of a contractor, small business owner and multiple property owner,” said Nutting. “I would like to share my ideas and suggestions from the view of a small business owner and work with the planning, development and advisory committee to help fill the vacancies in the homes and businesses in our city and assist with the major projects that are already underway.”
Nutting said that if appointed to the position he would be interested in running for election.

Patricio Mendoza

Mendoza immigrated to the United States from Chile in 1990 and has since settled in Des Moines. For the past 23 years Mendoza has been the owner and operator of EC Computers.
“My native language is Spanish and because our city has a growing Latino population, I am able to communicate with those who have not quite mastered the English language,” said Mendoza. 
“My vision for Des Moines when I am appointed to the City Council is to help insure our city remains able to provide all the services that our citizens receive now, such as good roads, beautiful parks, public safety, senior services, and a vibrant business district that will enable our citizens to purchase most of their everyday needs and most of all provide a safe and wholesome environment in which to raise our children. In short, to make living in Des Moines, the fulfillment of the ‘American Dream.,’” Mendoza said in a statement submitted to council.
Mendoza has been a member of the Des Moines Kiwanis Club, the Des Moines Lions Club and is currently a member of the Des Moines Rotary Club and is serving on the Marina and Beach Park Improvement committee.
Mendoza said he just wants to help the city in any way he can if appointed but is not likely to run for election.

Kenneth Taylor
Taylor said that although he has lived in Des Moines for the shortest period of time compared to the rest of the applicants, he sees this as an advantage.
“I hope to bring a fresh perspective to many of the issues should I be appointed to council. I will be able to give insight on many of the plans of the council from an intergenerational, multicultural perspective,” said Taylor. “This is essential as we continue to make Des Moines a great city for all of its citizens.”
Taylor has worked as a community organizer for several years in cities like Charlottesville, VA and Dallas, TX. He also served as the governor of the Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature, which he said gave him invaluable experience in to the formation, application, and results of local and state policy. Working Washington, which is a coalition of labor and community organizations, brought Taylor to Des Moines.
“With Working Washington I was able to build lasting relationships with organizations and members of the faith, immigrant, Hispanic and working communities. These skills will be used tirelessly as a council member,” said Taylor. “Given the opportunity, I will serve as an ambassador for local government to the community. Not only to inform them about the issues concerning their community, but encourage engagement within the political process.”
Since moving to Des Moines, Taylor has frequently attended council meetings.
Taylor said he would definitely be interested in running for election if he were appointed to the position.

Janel Stoneback

Stoneback, owner of Emerald City Smoothie in Burien, described herself as a ‘serial board member.’ I have built strong ties and relationships in the community. I have taken the time to get to know my neighbors and my neighborhood. I shop local to support the small business community. I attend community forums, planning events, and random council meeting,” said Stoneback. “My experience on multiple boards in our community has given me a good understanding of how decisions for large organizations are made and thought out. I understand the diversity and needs of our community.”
Stone back has served on Destination Des Moines, Discover Burien, Clove to Clover volunteer, Planning Committee Brat Trot, Poverty Bay Wine Festival planning committee and Poverty Bay Blues and Brews planning committee. Stone back is currently The Des Moines Rotary program chair and the president of the Highline Schools Foundation.
“I love where I live and I want to see the community thrive,” Stoneback said.

Amber Scott

Scott, 19, was the youngest applicant to apply for the position. She is not related to Councilmember Carmen Scott. 
Scott is currently a student at Central Washington University studying Elementary Education and Early-childhood Education.

“My goals are to become an educator and to be involved in my community to better it and keep it a wonderful place,” said Scott.
Scott has previously worked as a recreation leader, a sales associate and most recently as a nanny.

“If appointed I would hope to bring a youthful perspective to the council and hopefully contribute different ideas,” Scott said. “I have been on various committees within the city, I volunteer regularly at the Des Moines Farmer’s Market and I love our city, I think it has endless potential.”
Scott said this would be a short-term plan for her, as she’s a student and probably would not have time to campaign during election season.

David Litowitz
Litowitz has been a business owner for 32 years and has been doing business in Des Moines for the last 30 years. He has been involved in various boards and associations both profit and non-profit. Litowitz was the president of Pierce County MBA in 1998.
If appointed Litowitz hopes to continue the direction of the city to attract more business as well as more people to live and visit the city, he intends on using past experience as a business owner and working with the city to bring more efficiencies to the city and less ‘red tape.’
Litowitz says his vision for Des Moines is that of a vibrant fun community that people and businesses want to come ‘to spend the day or life times.’ He wants to see the city thrive and not become run down.

Jim Melia

Melia retired from the travel industry in 2010 and is now devoting his free time to his family, his church, his high school and Des Moines.
“I’m very new to local government but I am highly qualified as a sales and marketing professional to play an integral role in the growth of business and retention in the city of Des Moines. It is the time of me to take another stop forward on the path of ‘giving back.’ The possibility of being a viable member of the City Council is an exciting opportunity for me and I relish having the chance to expand my role as an involved citizen of Des Moines,” Melia said in a statement submitted to council.
Melia says his experience with tourism and travel could benefit Des Moines.
“I want to play a part in the process that creates a warm, friendly, and welcoming feel for all who live in, work in and visit Des Moines,” Melia said. “Our city can certainly become more proactive in addressing the need for tourism and I believe I can assist in that process.”
Melia said he would be a strong advocate for adding a Chamber of Commerce to Des Moines.
“I don’t know what it takes to put a Chamber of Commerce back in business, but I think that opens up an awful lot of doors.” said Melia.
Melia said he would most definitely be interested in running for election if appointed.
“I’m a long-term guy now. I have a whole career in front of me,” said Melia. “I’d be more than happy to take a pro-active role in making better things happen.”

The City Council will create short lists based on the interviews and applications they have seen and might come to a decision before the next council meeting, in which case, the winning candidate will be announced. If not, they might call back finalists for further interviews.

The next council meeting is May 2.

Full interviews as well as past council meetings can be watched on the city’s website http://www.desmoineswa.gov/