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 our ninth 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 engage with Burien’s youth and seniors?

Brittany Williams

Did not respond.

Linda Akey

  • “I intend to meet with youth and seniors: I believe it is essential to meet with them regularly to hear their concerns and ideas. I will listen to their feedback and take their suggestions into account.
  • “Hold town hall meetings: Town hall meetings specifically for youth and seniors will give me a chance to hear from a large group of people and get their input on various issues.
  • “I support youth and senior advisory boards: These boards can be made up of people who would provide advice and recommendations to the city council.
  • “I support funding youth and senior programs: This would provide opportunities for these groups to get involved in their community and connect.
  • “I support promoting youth and senior events: I will encourage youth and senior events to create activities for youth and seniors.”

Rut Perez-Studer

“Part of the economic development plan that is necessary for Burien would [include] multi-generations.”

Cydney Moore

“I work to maintain ongoing engagement with diverse people from a wide variety of demographics, including those from different age groups. We have to address the barriers that discourage or interrupt the ability of different groups to participate in city activities and policy discussions. This means improving accessibility for seniors that face mobility and transportation limitations, and ensuring our public outreach efforts account for people in assisted living facilities. It also means inspiring our youth to play an active role in community projects and participating in local government.

“I have worked to provide solutions to the need in our community for seniors to be able to age in place, maintaining stable and secure housing. I have also worked to sustain ongoing programming for our youth and seniors, such as classes at the community center for seniors and summer programs for teens, and keep these programs affordable and accessible. During the pandemic, I proposed and worked to implement a free online arts class for children, which included providing all supplies free to ensure low income families could participate, to help them stay engaged, and support their mental and emotional health. I have also volunteered with the PTA at my children’s schools and at local events to help provide enrichment through educational programs. In addition to this, I am proud to serve on the board of a nonprofit that provides scholarship funding for teens pursuing higher education.

“I believe Burien has made great strides in these areas but I feel that we have a long way left to go, and I am eager to be a part of that process towards our improvement.”

EDITOR’S NOTE: Look also for answers to this same question by candidates for Burien City Council, Position No. 4.

Next up in the conclusion of our 10-question 2023 election series – we ask Burien City Council candidates:

How would you enhance Burien’s environmental sustainability and resilience?

Mellow DeTray is a Seattle native who has spent the last 16 years raising her family in Burien. She has volunteered at many local establishments over the years, including the Burien Library, Burien Actors...