The B-Town Blog asked candidates running for Burien City Council Position No. 2 ten questions covering topics like their reasons for wanting to serve on the council, what they think about current issues in the city, and what kind of solutions they have.
The following responses to the first question in our series are from the candidates for Position 2, which is currently filled by incumbent Cydney Moore, who is running for reelection.
NOTE: Candidates are listed in order as per the King County Elections online Voters Guide website. Photos and links are to/from each candidate’s profile on the same website.
Why are you running for Burien City Council? Please explain what inspired you to run and why you are qualified.
Brittany Williams
Did not respond.
Linda Akey
“I’m running for Burien City Council because our community deserves better. I’m committed to making Burien a safer, more livable place for everyone, and I will bring professionalism and healthy communication to the council. Tent encampments, armed robberies, grocery store shoplifting, and auto thefts have left residents feeling unsafe and questioning the livability of their community.
“I’m different from the other candidates because I care about the unhoused and am committed to finding a path forward that does not involve enabling and neglect but rather, housed and healing. I’m committed to finding sustainable solutions to help the unhoused get back on their feet, not creating more tent encampments.
“I support the creation of substance abuse, mental health treatment centers, and transitional housing options. Also, policies to enhance public infrastructure, protect our environment, and mitigate climate change.
“As a nonprofit consultant, I have helped organizations start and operate successfully. I’m skilled in developing and implementing strategic plans, managing budgets, and building relationships. I’m also an effective communicator and collaborator. I am committed to promoting economic development and supporting small businesses.
“I am unafraid to work with people from all walks of life. I’d like your vote so that I can work with you to build a safe & livable Burien for everyone.
“We can build a better Burien together.”
Cydney Moore
“I am running for re-election to Burien City Council because we have accomplished so much, but I believe there is much more work to be done to improve the quality of life for all those who live, work, and do business in our city. We have a housing and homelessness crisis, a disproportionately high rate of people living in poverty, families struggling to put food on the table, and infrastructure in sore need of investment.
“These are all issues I have sought to address while in office, by bringing new affordable housing development, increasing our Human Services budget, providing grant funding to help small businesses, prioritizing essential projects like adding sidewalks in school zones, and more. While we have taken many steps in the right direction, we still have a long way left to go, and I want to be a part of building a brighter future for Burien.
“I first ran for office because the people in our community inspired me to do so. Individuals encouraged me to step up, recognizing that we needed leaders in our city willing to tackle tough problems – someone mindful, but not afraid to take action. I am honored that the people of Burien chose me to serve as their elected representative, and I am committed to fighting for the best interests of Burien each and every day.
“I have a long history of service to our community. I have spent over a decade in nonprofit leadership, and am currently on the board of four local nonprofits – the Burien Library Guild, the Burien Arts Association, the Tukwila Pantry food bank (serving Burien, Seatac, and Tukwila), and the Multi Service Center (serving all of South King County). I also hold positions on several regional boards and committees, including the South County Area Transportation Board, the King County Cities Climate Collaboration, and the Domestic Violence Initiative Regional Task Force. I spend my free time volunteering for various other organizations and causes, including the Burien Severe Weather Shelter, Burien Clean Sweep, and more. In addition to my background in nonprofits, I also have years of experience as a small business owner, and as a parent raising children in our community.
“I believe my continued dedication to serving our city, paired with my knowledge, skills, and experience, provides me valuable insight and perspective that benefits Burien.”
Rut Perez-Studer
“I have a BA in Political Science, a BA in Commercial Architectural Design and LEED building certified, and an international MBA in strategy and sustainability. With all these degrees I have worked in each of these fields respectively.
“I worked in the non-profit sector advocating for human rights both internationally and domestically with various organizations as a translator and paralegal. Therefore, I understand complex social issues and what types of partnerships and negotiations are needed to enact positive change.
“I worked as a commercial architectural designer; where I designed hospitals, schools, mental health facilities along with conducting feasibility studies for co-op models of urban planning and sustainable (LEED certified) buildings.
“After obtaining my MBA I worked at a for-profit international transportation company where I managed operations with a represented workforce. In that organization I also had the opportunity to use my skills in business development as an account manager for the region, managing multi-million-dollar partnerships and accounts.
“I currently work for a local government agency in the maritime sector which has given me the knowledge of how cities and government departments work to serve the public.
“All of these experiences have positioned me to understand the complexities of needs within a city and how to work in partnerships to accomplish goals and objectives. I am also multi-lingual and am therefore better prepared to represent various sectors of our community.“
EDITOR’S NOTE: Look also for answers to this question by candidates for Burien City Council, Position No. 4.
Next up in our 2023 election series – we ask Burien City Council candidates:
