In Their Own Words: Meet Shoreline City Council Position No. 4 Incumbent Doris McConnell

CANDIDATE PROFILE INFORMATION:

What is your full, legal name?

Doris Yumi McConnell

Where do you work and what is your job title?

I am a self-employed, single mom who works as a real estate investor/manager of my portfolio.

When and Where Were You Born?

I was born in 1952 in Pearl City, Oahu, Hawaii.

Where do you live now and how long have you lived there?

I have lived in the Richmond Beach neighborhood of Shoreline for the past 24 years.

Spouse or domestic partner if any:

I am single, widowed.

Children:

My eldest, Angela is a University of Washington Communications graduate.  My son Scott will be a sophomore at Azusa Pacific University where he is majoring in Business.

Education:

Washington State University. B.S. Psychology

Military Service (include year(s) of discharge, if any): 

 N/A

Memberships and affiliations with clubs and other organizations:

Richmond Beach Community Association, Sustainable Shoreline, Washington State Women’s Political Caucus, and past member of Shoreline Breakfast Rotary.  I have been a financial supporter of many organizations such as Shoreline Public Schools Foundation, YMCA, Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Art Council, and the Shoreline Historical Museum.

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:  www.DorisMcConnell.com

Email address:  dorismccon@comcast.net

Phone number:  206-546-9380

Campaign manager:  Bern Wegeleben

Campaign manager contact information:  206-819-0458

PREVIOUS ELECTED OFFICE(S):

Elected:  Elected to Shoreline City Council in 2008 now seeking re-election

Other campaigns for public office:  32nd District State Representative, 2010

THIS CAMPAIGN:

What is the primary reason you are running for this office? 

I have served almost four years on this City Council, and find this position very fulfilling as I am able to create policies for Shoreline that improve the quality of life for its citizens.  In these tough budget times, it is not easy to make decisions that affect people’s jobs, services, and expectations. I have tried to keep key Shoreline services strong -- cutting out inefficiencies wherever possible.

In addition, I have had 20 years of service to this community and region. As an advocate for our schools, balanced land use, strong public safety and transportation, I have also been Shoreline’s representative to regional councils. I take great pride in having left organizations in better shape than when I arrived, and I believe I am doing the same on Shoreline’s City Council.

What will be your top three priorities if you get elected and why? 

Top priorities:

• To increase economic development and create jobs.  By passing several ordinances that have outlined specific Subarea Plans, development will be far more predictable in the future than it has been in the past, which is a huge incentive for developers – and a source of jobs for our own people.  These plans have high standards which promise sustainability, something very important to me;
• To be more efficient in our city budgeting and service delivery so that tax dollars are spent wisely;
•  To improve our community partnerships so collaboration can bring about community projects.  This will be important in the near future as projects like Point Wells develop.

What sets you apart from the other candidates and/or previous office holders?

The incumbent I replaced and my current opponent spent over $500,000 of the city’s money in their defense of an Open Meeting violation lawsuit.  They had the choice of paying a small penalty fee to have the lawsuit dropped but chose to take it through a costly lawsuit.  The city at the end settled out of court, spending over $500,000 in attorney fees and costs.

The City Council in 2007 was a hotbed of in-fighting, discontent and rudeness, which prompted me to run. During 2007-2009, the majority of Council members micro-managed many projects, resulting in most potential developments being tabled. Major development projects, such as SHAG housing near Safeway, Ridgecrest, Arabella II and the James Alan Salon rezone were lost.  The delays in decision-making, compounded with the fall of the lending industry were brutal to new developments.  Shoreline has not yet recovered from that City Council’s actions and the resulting low reputation with businesses thinking of locating here.  With the many Subarea Plans passed by the Council during 2009-2010, Shoreline’s reputation has improved regarding potential new development in Shoreline. We need the jobs and tax infusion to our city’s economy.

I work cooperatively with members of the City Council: it was my first goal to return civility to our city public processes. We get along as colleagues even when we disagree – and more work gets done.  The passage of several Subarea Plans, with several more in the development stage, is proof we are getting things done.  I also feel that Shoreline’s successful passage of Proposition 1 was a vote of confidence from the citizens to their City staff and City Council – and a reflection of the transparency of this City Council.

How much money do you expect your campaign to spend on this election?

I am planning to spend $20,000 although it is possible that I will have to raise $30,000 as I did in 2007.

What groups or individuals are your major endorsers? 

I have the endorsement of the Washington State Women’s Political Caucus, Seattle-King County Realtors, Shoreline Councilmember Shari Tracey, Renton City Councilmember Greg Taylor, Auburn City Councilmember Bill Peloza, Hon. Rich Gustafson, Hon. Paul Grace, Hon. Ron Hansen, former School Board member Judy Parsons, and Shoreline Water District Commissioner Charlotte Haines. 

I also am interviewing with the Washington Conservation Voters, Sierra Club, Cascade Bicycle Club, Firefighters Guild, local labor unions and others. As there are only two candidates in this race, we are not on the primary ballot, thus some endorsements are awaiting the primary before making their decisions.