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 8 p.m. on Tuesday, 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.
How would you balance the needs and interests of different neighborhoods and communities in Burien?
Brittany Williams
Did not respond.
Linda Akey
“Prioritize and Collaborate: The best way to balance the needs and interests of different neighborhoods in our community is through cooperation and teamwork. I have a proven track record of working with people from different backgrounds and am willing to compromise.
- “Focused on long-term solutions: I am committed to solving the challenges facing Burien’s neighborhoods and communities. I have a vision for an inclusive, equitable, and sustainable city.
- “Mindful of the potential for conflict: I acknowledge that there may be times when the needs and interests of different neighborhoods and communities conflict. I am committed to addressing these conflicts fairly and transparently.
- “Prepared to make tough decisions: I acknowledge that there may be times when I have to make tough decisions that may not please everyone. I am committed to making decisions that are in the best interests of Burien as a whole.”
Rut Perez-Studer
“The only way to go about balancing the needs and interests is to listen, first. There must be community meetings in the languages that are spoken in those communities and neighborhoods to know what the needs and interests are. Once they are laid out, master plans can be created to understand the short and long-term goals and the council along with the city would work on how to achieve those goals.”
Cydney Moore
“I believe we need to recognize the unique needs of every neighborhood across the city, and identify areas where there are gaps in service. Every pocket of Burien (and the population that lives there) is equally important, but not every area receives equitable investments for development and support. We have to have a well-rounded approach to allocating city resources, and make sure no neighborhood is left behind as we seek to make improvements, and work to accommodate growth.
“It is especially important for us to acknowledge areas that have historically been under-funded, and work to bring those areas up to the same standard we uphold for other parts of the city that have been a focal point for our elected leaders. This means ensuring all parts of our community have sidewalks for pedestrian safety, for example, and addressing outdated infrastructure. It means encouraging development in areas that lack essential goods and services, such as the parts of Burien that are considered a food desert because there are no grocery stores nearby where people can buy healthy food for their families. And it means working to address issues that impact the health and quality of life of people in certain neighborhoods that face area-specific challenges, like improving noise mitigation programs for people living under the flight path of the airport.
“We have to listen to the feedback of our community members, and be proactive about working to solve the problems that cause disruption in their daily lives. I am committed to serving all of our city, and giving each neighborhood the recognition it deserves as a vital part of our city.”
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:
