EDITOR’S NOTE: Since our creation in 2007, The B-Town Blog has allowed residents running for local office one free post for when they announce their candidacy:
Burien resident Debi Wagner wants to be back on the Burien City Council, and is running for Position #6.
Wagner, a former Councilmember, will be vying for Position #6 against Sofia Aragon and Robert Richmond III in the 2019 Primary race.
There are three council seats up for grabs this year:
- Pos. #2 (incumbent: Bob Edgar, who is not running)
- Pos. #4 (incumbent: Lucy Krakowiak)
- Pos. #6 (incumbent: Austin Bell, also not running)
The Primary Election will be Aug. 6, with the top two vote-getters moving on to the General Election on Nov. 6.
Here’s Wagner’s announcement:
Dear Burien Residents Neighbors and Friends:
My name is Debi Wagner and I am excited to be running for Burien City Council Position #6. With the right leadership, Burien has great potential to be a safe, dynamic and welcoming city for residents, newcomers, businesses and visitors. I am the experienced and qualified candidate that can provide that leadership.
My family are long-term residents invested in our community. I have lived, worked and volunteered in Burien in arts, youth sports, schools and for the community for decades while raising children who graduated from Highline Schools. I believe it’s important to preserve and protect our quality of life, environment and our neighborhoods so that residents and families feel secure.
Our future depends on reducing crime and gang activity. I am a champion for improved Public Safety. As a graduate of the Community Police Academy, I believe this can be accomplished through a smart and strategic use of our Police Resources. My family and I have been members of Block Watch for years. This is one of many cost-effective programs to reduce crime. I was instrumental to restart the Police Youth Explorer program in Burien.
One of my priorities for Burien is economic development. Addressing crime and gang issues will help businesses feel safe and confident to locate and stay in Burien. Rather than further tax increases, the city needs robust economic development to sustain itself through a budget shortfall beginning in 2020. I will support strong neighborhoods and small business stability which are the life blood of Burien.
I will focus on urgently needed, responsible programs for homelessness and youth. I will not approve programs like Heroin Injection Sites, that signal we condone illegal drug dealing or usage. I will not support tent camping in the city. As a long-term volunteer for Transform Burien, I have a personal understanding of the homeless situation and have seen practical solutions that work to help people transition out of homelessness.
I will continue to advocate for environmental justice for all Burien residents. Having served on the boards of Quiet Skies Coalition and Burien Airport Committee, I have experience understanding that our community needs resilience and protection from a fast-growing environmental burden of noise and emissions coming from airport operations.
I stand for a non-partisan city council (not financed or controlled by outside of the city interest groups), open government, sound fiscal management, robust economic development and a city where all residents can safely live, work and play. I want you to know that I represent the needs of Burien only. My pledge is to restore YOUR voice in OUR City decisions.
I would greatly appreciate your vote. Deadline for voting in the Primary Election is August 6th.
Thank you!
Please visit my website at: Friendstoelectdebiwagner.org
Write to me at:
Friends to Elect Debi Wagner
P O Box 238
Seahurst, WA 98062
