Rep. Ruth Kagi Honored for Service in LFP, New City Administrator Pete Rose Introduced

New city administrator Pete Rose, who started June 11, was introduced at his first Council meeting by Mayor Mary Jane Goss, who had the final say on his hiring.

LFP voters voted for change in the last election, removing two incumbents, and supporting Mary Jane Goss to replace longtime mayor Dave Hutchinson. City administrator David Cline also resigned to take the city manager's job in Tukwila.

Rose urged people to, "be patient," saying, "I don't have all the answers, but we can find them...As a team we can make it simpler and easier."

Rep. Ruth Kagi, a 40-year resident of Lake Forest Park, and 7-term legislator, has moved into the newly drawn 32nd Legislative District while LFP joins the 46th Legislative District. She was honored with a proclamation for service to LFP.

"My heart is here," she said. "My heart has always been with LFP."

Kagi detailed the billions in budget cuts the Legislature has made in recent years due to massive revenue shortfalls, which she attributed to the major recession a few years ago, the downturn in the housing market and its after effects and the fact that people are buying goods on-line and often not paying sales tax.

Kagi said that taxpayers are now paying the lowest state tax rate per capita since 1962, the first year that record was kept. Spending in the general fund, meanwhile, is at the same level as it was in 1986 despite a growth in population that has resulted in one more seat in Congress based on the 2010 Census.

Education at all levels has been cut and social services have been pared back as well, although basic health and some disability programs have been spared, Kagi said.

Kagi said she was proud to work on behalf of children and families, especially in the area of early learning, finding funding to promote their interests.