Each candidate running for the Burien City Council Aug. 1, 2023 Primary Election was asked ten questions by The B-Town Blog, 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 seventh question in our series are from candidates for Position 2, which is currently filled by Cydney Moore, who is running for reelection.
Ballots are due by Aug. 1, 2023.
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.
Do you have any plans to help Burien businesses that are struggling from recent issues, like COVID or increasing crime?
Brittany Williams
Did not respond.
Linda Akey
“Small, family-owned businesses, and their success are the lifeblood of Burien, their success is vital to Burien’s culture and vibrancy. I am committed to working with businesses in Burien to help them recover from the challenges they have faced in recent years. I will work to create an environment where businesses can thrive. I will also work to address the root causes of crime, such as drug addiction, mental illness, and poverty, which can make it difficult for businesses to operate.
“By working together, we can make Burien a safe, livable, and more prosperous place for residents and businesses.”
Rut Perez-Studer
“My proposed response to the homeless would assist with public safety and reduce crime; along with re-developing the police – community partnerships. From those first steps, the issue of the workforce is why businesses are also struggling. It is essential that we rethink how to engage our local workforce to attract them to work in our Burien businesses. One of these is economic development that would bring more of a tax base to the city so that the small businesses would not have to continue to “foot the bills.”
“There are various co-op models for economic development nationally and globally that could be applied to develop Burien into a robust local economy. Along with this model there is innovation and sustainability that are incorporated into this model that would help our local small business lead the way.”
Cydney Moore
“I have been a strong proponent of supporting our businesses, and will continue to advocate on their behalf. When the pandemic struck, I initiated the push for the first round of grants for small businesses from the city – before any state or federal money came through. I voted in favor of the new program that allows small businesses to apply for reimbursement from the city for criminal damage done to their buildings. I have also been a proponent for expansion of our food truck pilot program, including making it easier for local operators to get through the permitting process.
“In addition to providing direct support to businesses, I also recognize the importance of policies that promote a healthy economy and a strong workforce. When we increase our affordable housing stock, for example, it reduces the number of people who are cost-burdened from paying more than they can comfortably afford for rent. This means our residents have more money to spend on other goods and services in our local businesses – benefiting Burien’s economy. This also means people have more stability, which is vital for a healthy workforce. I have and will continue to advocate for improving access to things like childcare and healthcare, which working families need in order to support themselves.”
EDITOR’S NOTE: Look also for answers to this same question by candidates for Burien City Council, Position No. 4.
Next up in our 2023 election series – we ask Burien City Council candidates:
