by Richard Uhlhorn
The Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce hosted a Candidate’s Forum on Wednesday evening October 4. A low turnout of an estimated 40 residents turned out to listen to the Candidates explain why they are running.
Mayor Candidates:
The most interesting race this November will be between current Mayor Bob Goedde and Councilwoman Erin McCardle.
In the primary, McCardle came out on top of the mayoral candidates with Goedde trailing her by a mere 35 votes which will make the Mayoral race a close contest. With only 981 votes cast in the primary, the other two candidates; John Olson (210 votes) and Stan Morse (170 votes) gives both candidates 380 votes to campaign for. In addition, the November election should bring out more residents registered to vote in the City.
The question of which candidate Olson’s and Morse’s votes will go to remains a mystery. So, the race for the Mayor of Chelan is on.
Mayor Goedde told the attendees at the Performing Arts Center on Wednesday evening that he wants one more term to accomplish what COVID took away from him. “My last hurrah will be to tackle traffic, housing and transportation issues,” said Goedde. If elected it would be Goedde’s fourth term as Mayor of Chelan,
Councilwoman Erin McCardle opened her plea to the attendees with the fact that she has served on Chelan’s City Council for the last 14 years and wants a chance at leadership role the Mayor takes on. “A leader must represent everyone,” McCardle stated. She said she is running for the position to establish core values and to develop an economic vision for the future of Chelan. McCardle graciously remarked that Mayor Goedde has been a great mentor over the years.
In the question period, Goedde remarked that he would like to see Chelan over the next three to five years retain its small town vibe. “We have doubled our sales taxes over the past several years,” said Goedde. As to where he see’s Chelan in 20 years, Goedde said, “Who knows, but housing and transportation are important issues the City needs to concentrate on.”
In tbe next three to five years, McCardle said she would like to see a cohesive community with a core values foundation. “What are our Core Values,” she asked? She stated she would work towards a year-round economy. Affordable Housing is another issue she wants to tackle. “We need to think out of the box,” she said.
She said that the community’s core values are a lot different now than they were in 2005. “COVID was an issue and there was lots of funding available.”
Goedde said the Tourist industry shouldn’t drive the City. He said he’s working with the Housing Authority and stated that the negotiations with Chelan Fruit for an utility easement through their property will the Housing Trust and City with the Anderson Street affordable housing project.
Both Goedde and McCardle talked about the downtown trees and how important they are. “We need to focus on how we add more trees,” said McCardle.
McCardle also mentioned downtown clutter and said she would look for ways to partner with the HDCA to alleviate the problem. “We need a better solution. The clutter in the alley’s is terrible.”
Goedde remarked that the City needs to do a better job with trash bins being full. “Downtown businesses need to take ownership. It is difficult to get in and empty trash bins. If you see something on the ground, pick it up. There’s no magic here.”
The TIF financing model to help with bring reliable water to east Chelan. “If a water line breaks we will have no water until it is fixed. The million gallon reservoir and new water lines change that.” Goedde also stated that he does not think 720 apartment units will be build out by Walmart. “I see 280 units being built.”
McCardle agreed with Goedde on the TIF financing. “It is critical infrastructure we need in our community,” said McCardle.
With regards to the Woodin Avenue bridge, McCardle remarked that the City has conducted a traffic analysis and converting the bridge back to a two-way would be an expensive project. “There would be no money from the state or government,” said McCardle. “There are other infrastructure projects of a higher priority.”
Goedde, on the other hand stated that 4,800 cars crossed the bridge into town, but 10,000 cars cross the Dan Gordon Bridge to leave town. Goedde feels that if the bridge was turned back to two-way and or reversed, it would alleviate a lot of traffic leaving town from the Dan Gordon Bridge and potentially eliminate a lot of traffic backup on Johnson Avenue.
Both Goedde and McCardle agree that the labor force will be augmented by new developments like the Weidner apartment project. Goedde included the airport expansion, and upcoming improvements to the downtown. “Link is an asset for us.” McCardle added that the City Council has a budget for streets and sidewalks. “It’s time for Chelan to be a part of the conversation. We need to do a better job.”
They both are proud and happy with the City Staff. “They have a clear vision,” said McCardle. Goedde added that over the years, there have been a lot of improvements.”
Both agree that tourism in one of Chelan’s main economies. Goedde remarked that tourism revenues have doubled to $1.5 million a year and feels that some of that money should be spent on infrastructure. “Part of the reason we are doing so well are the wineries,” said Goedde. “The tax base is also doing well, but real estate taxes are down (primarily because of increased mortgage rates).
McCardle said that there are pros and cons to tourism. “We have a lot of revenue that other cities don’t have,” she said. McCardle feels the City needs to partner with the Chamber to develop a year round economy.
The City’s Comprehensive Plan will be updated over the next two years and McCardle stated that it drives all the decisions the City makes. “What I bring to the table is a strategic direction.”
Goedde stated that the City spends 20 percent of its gross product on consultants. “I am here as a representative with our partners in the region.
In closing, McCardle said she is a leader, and that is what the City needs now. “We need to find common ground. I do want to see a Chelan that remains a small quaint town.”
Goedde said, “I am more experienced. I guess I will do what I believe is best for Chelan. He said he would continue to listen to the citizens and work with groups that represent the people.
Hospital Board:
Len England said he has been attending Hospital Board meetings which have been interesting. “I’m trying to figure out what my place will be on the board,” said England. He feels the Hospital is extremely well operated and would hope to keep a historic perspective to the board.
Fire Commission:
Past Fire Chief Mark Donnell and resident Ben Laughlin are facing off for the commission seat that Phil Moller is vacating.
Ben Laughlin is running for the position because he feels there is no oversight on budgetary issues. He has been a resident in Chelan for 27 years, however he stated he has not attended in person fire commission meetings. “I have listened in on Zoom,” he said. He also said that his job
Laughlin feels that the proposed 720 unit complex planned by Weidner is a pipe dream and stated he’s not concerned about growth.
He said he is pleased that Chelan and Manson were developing a relationship and would like to see the two fire districts combined. “Manson .was my focus the last time I ran.” He feels that the people are not being represented well. He brought up the last levy that Chelan passed and said the fire district withheld information to the district voters about the amount of funding they would receive. “They kept an extra $600,000.00 . Laughlin served on the 2021 citizen’s committee developing the proposed levy lid lift.
“The taxpayers need a place at the commissioners table.”
Mark Donnell has had a 35 year career in fire services, first on the west side of the mountains. When he moved to Chelan, he volunteered at the district and then became the Assistant Chief and finally served as the Chief of Fire District 7 until he retired, but continues to volunteer.
“I know what it takes,” said Donnell of the commissioner position. “The needs of our community is diverse. We are already seeing the impact of growth.” He stated that his experience has prepared him to be a commissioner.
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