Business Community Involvement

These are Stan's responses to questions asked of candidates running in this year’s municipal elections by the Bellingham Business Journal (BBJ)

Should business community have an equal seat at the table in discussing growth in B’ham? Why or why not.

Yes. My position to “Protect What’s Best in Bellingham” means having more involvement by all members of the community especially the business community as we discuss and plan for future growth. Feeling left out of the process is a symptom of poor government in action. As your representative on the council I will work hard to involve everyone as we plan for future growth in a fiscally responsible manner. We need to make sure growth occurs where it is needed and wanted, protecting critical habitat including our drinking water source.

If elected, what do you propose to do to interact on a regular basis with the Bellingham business community?

I subscribe to the BBJ and have read it for many years. It’s clear to me that the business community feels under-appreciated, with little support from the City. In my years of service in the fire protection profession, I think I have visited every business in Bellingham and have many strong friendships within the business community. As a friend and representative on the council I propose that we not just “say hello” in passing, but that we meet on a regular basis, say over coffee at your office or at City Hall. I intend to do more than exchange small talk; I will be listening.

Council currently has liaisons to many organizations including to the Chamber of Commerce, but more outreach is needed. As a candidate who wants to protect what’s best in Bellingham, I recognize the many resources, jobs, and livable salaries, as well as skills, knowledge, and expertise that the business community contributes to making Bellingham the best city in the county. As a proven leader and consensus builder on every board on which I’ve served over the last 20 years, I will work tirelessly to bridge communication gaps between City Hall and all citizen groups, including business. We need to listen and then to work together to build consensus solutions wherever and whenever possible. Only by working together will we be able to keep our drinking water source safe, ensure responsible growth, and make fiscally responsible choices to guarantee that we "Protect What’s Best in Bellingham".