Politics & Government
In Their Own Words: Meet Lake Forest Park City Council Position No. 2 Incumbent Catherine Stanford
Incumbent Stanford running for second term
CANDIDATE PROFILE INFORMATION:
What is your full, legal name?
Catherine A. Stanford
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Where do you work and what is your job title?
CA Stanford Consulting, Principal
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When and Where Were You Born?
January 16, 1948, Long Beach, Calif.
Where do you live now and how long have you lived there?
19102 Forest Park Drive, Lake Forest Park
Since Jan. 1989
Spouse or domestic partner if any:
Tom Olsen
Children:
Two children, three grandchildren
Education (include graduation date(s), if any):
University of San Francisco, Social Psychology
Military Service (include year(s) of discharge, if any):
None.
Memberships and affiliations with clubs and other organizations:
Association of Washington Cities
Suburban Cities Association (SCA)
Puget Sound Regional Council, Economic Development Board
SCA Caucus Chair
Great City, Board Chair
Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce, Policy Council
Have you or a business you owned (or had principal interest in) ever filed bankruptcy?
No
As an adult, have you been convicted or charged with a crime other than a minor traffic violation?
No
CAMPAIGN INFORMATION:
Web site: ElectCatherineStanford (under construction as of this date)
Email address: catherine@castanford.com
Phone number: 206.363.6022
Campaign manager: George Piano
PREVIOUS ELECTED OFFICE(S):
Elected: Lake Forest Park City Council, Pos. 2
Other campaigns for public office: LFP Council, 2007
THIS CAMPAIGN:
What is the primary reason you are running for this office?
I have held the office of Lake Forest Park City Councilmember for almost four years. I came to office with a good deal of knowledge about the city and its community having served on the Planning Commission for 10 years (Chair for four); the Economic Development Committee; Friends of Third Place Commons, Farmer’s Market Chair. I also brought experience from my 33-year career including corporate real estate and asset management and fifteen years non-profit experience from the Pike Place Market. I used all of these skills as a Councilmember and in addition learned a tremendous about about how our local government works during this initial term in office.
I have a long and proven track record of successful service to the citizens of Lake Forest Park and I wish to continue, particularly in these challenging times.
What will be your top three priorities if you get elected and why?
Long-term financial viability. I believe in fiscal responsibility and supported cuts in spending to balance the budget over the past four years. In order to have a sustainable budget that reflects our community’s values strategic planning is critical. As Councilmember, I chaired the Financial Futures Citizens Task Force and initiated a financial and strategic planning course of action for the Council. I will continue these efforts and ensure that the Council focuses not only on the next biennium during the budget process, but also the long term health of the City.
Maintaining the character and beauty of Lake Forest Park is essential. I led the efforts to establish the Cedarbrook Task Force and I support efforts to protect our environment, parks, streams and open space. The environment is important to the community and I will continue to constantly look for ways to not only maintain but also enhance the character of our city.
Support for our citizens. I will continue to support programs that are critical to the health and well-being of our citizens in a cost effective way. We are fortunate to have active and engaged citizens. We do not have the capital expense or operating overhead that most cities have related to providing community services, such as a community center, senior center, arts, youth programs. Our contribution to these services represents less than 1% of our budget. We are able to leverage very little dollars for a great benefit to our community; these support systems are even more critical in these tough economic times.
What sets you apart from the other candidates and/or previous office holders?
The broad based set of skills and experiences that I bring to the office of Councilmember. I understand municipal budgeting; legislative analysis and action; and how to listen to and work with the community. I recognize and respect that there are diverse interests and I listen and successfully find ways to balance constituent and our city's needs. Most importantly I have demonstrated that I am unquestionably committed to Lake Forest Park by over 20 years of service.
How much money do you expect your campaign to spend on this election?
Over $6,000
What groups or individuals are your major endorsers?
Elected Officials
Rep. Ruth Kagi
King County Councilmember Bob Ferguson
Mayor Dave Hutchinson, Lake Forest Park
Mayor Keith McGlashan, Shoreline
Councilmember Don Fiene, LFP
Councilmember Sandy Koppenol, LFP
Councilmember Bob Lee, LFP
Organizations
Cascade Bike Club
National Women’s Political Caucus of Washington
King County Realtors
Community Leaders
Roger Olstad, former City Councilmember
Mamie Bolender
Jeff and Judy Altman
Carol Dahl
George and Betsy Piano
Lloyd Skinner
Teri Howatt
Dave Bilski
Doug Gochanour
Richard Saunders
Jeff Weissman
Phil and Karen Sluiter
Bev Smith
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