I have been closely following the Snoqualmie mayoral race and have been happy to see campaigning has been issue-oriented and ethical. Having served as a Snoqualmie City Council member for the past two years, I have spent many hours working alongside mayor pro tem Matt Larson. Over that period of time, I have seen many positive changes to our city, and many accomplishments that have come to fruition due, in large part, to Matt’s leadership.
I have viewed Matt’s campaign Web site, read his campaign brochure and recently heard him speak at the candidate debate. While his campaign platform is forward-thinking and outlines many excellent proposals for Snoqualmie’s future, I think Matt’s modesty has caused him to de-emphasize his successes and accomplishments as a council member. Many believe prior performance is a strong indicator of future success. In Matt’s case, his prior performance as mayor pro tem and council member make it clear that he will be an outstanding mayor for Snoqualmie.
In the last four years, Matt supported and played a key role in:
Public safety
* Completion of the Army Corps 205 flood reduction project
* Contracting with the Snoqualmie Tribe to provide Snoqualmie police and fire services to the Tribe
* New fire station
Economic development
* Grocery store groundbreaking
* Formation of the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) for dedicating funds for increased tourism to our city
* Commission of the branding and tourism study and implementation plan by Roger Brooks and Destination Development
* Support for the 202 corridor study recommendations
* Support for the downtown revitalization plan
* Support for the new railroad museum’s conservation restoration center (CRC)
* New retail projects at the Salish Lodge and Kimball Creek Village
Fiscal leadership and responsibility
* Implementation of long-term budget forecasting and fiscal modeling
* Hiring of a new financial officer on the city staff
* Far-reaching improvements in city budgeting and fiscal efficiency
* Increased staff and council fiscal workshops with outside consultants
Community development
* Azalea Park ball fields
* New library committed by King County in 2007
* More mitigation money toward a new community center from Snoqualmie Ridge Phase II, Salish expansion and Kimball Creek Village developments
Responsible growth and environmental stewardship
* Snoqualmie Preservation Initiative (SPI) that preserves the Snoqualmie Falls view shed
* Snoqualmie Ridge Phase II’s unparalleled environmental sensitivity and mitigation
* The continued preservation of Meadowbrook Farm
Matt Larson has worked tirelessly and selflessly for the future of Snoqualmie. He has the leadership qualities, experience and a proven track record of success. Please join me in voting for Matt Larson for mayor of Snoqualmie on Nov. 8.
Jeff MacNichols
Snoqualmie
