by Richard Uhlhorn
On Wednesday, Ryan Peterson and his wife Erin, held a well attended political forum for the race between our current mayor, Bob Goedde and his challenger, Erin McCardle at the Apple Cup on Wednesday, October 18.
Bob Goedde is running for his fourth term as mayor and Erin McCardle is challenging him after serving 14 years on City Council.
“This is the first and last Fireside forum I’ll ever have,” said Peterson. “We have two candidates for mayor who care for our community,” he added. Peterson had a number of pre-written questions from residents who will end up deciding this race.
The questions ranged from each candidate’s thoughts on Future Growth in Chelan, the proposed Chelan Butte development, Woodin Avenue Bridge, downtown Revitalization, COVID and its affect on Chelan, maintaining a quality of life, Affordable Housing and local organization the candidate’s support.
from the two mayor candidates.
Future growth:
“Our budget is very dependent on tourism and property taxes,” said McCardle. She also mentioned the need for an economic development plan. “We need to balance out our tourism,” she added. “We have wonderful parks that benefit tourism.”
Goedde agreed with her. “If we didn’t have tourism, we’d be in trouble. The golf course alone brings in $16 million,” stated Goedde. He has always maintained that Chelan should keep its small town flavor and not let growth over ride that.
Chelan Butte:
Chelan Butte is considered an icon by many in the Lake Chelan Valley. Both candidates agreed that developing the Butte was not something they want to see, however, both recognized that 900 acres is held privately and is in the process of development. The City has set aside $500,000 towards the potential purchase of the private property.
“It would be a tragedy if the Butte was developed in higher density instead of the proposed country lots,” said Goedde. He also sees any development on the Butte as money drain on the City’s Public Works Department budget with required maintenance. “If you find out how to maintain it, I’ll support it,” added Goedde
McCardle stated that Butte is a very special place. “I don’t want to see it developed, but it is private property. I will continue to work with the developer.” She added that the Butte property was annexed into the City and designated Tourist Accommodation (TA).
Woodin AvenueBridge:
The bridge is another hot topic amongst residents. Many would like to see it returned toa two-way bridge, however, McCardle stated it would cost millions to make it back to two-way traffic. “It is not what we are allowed to do as elected officials.
Goedde would like to see the bridge reverted back to two-way traffic. He said that 4,800 people cross the bridge on a daily basis and that 10,000 vehicles cross the Dan Gordon Bridge each day. “Take 5,000 cars off the Dan Gordon Bridge and how much time would be saved,” said Goedde. “With over 400 calls into KOZI, 396 requested that it be turned back to two-way.” He added that there has never been an accident on the bridge. “What people need is for it to be a two-way bridge.”
Downtown Revitalization:
Goedde is against widening downtown sidewalks and said ripping them up would cost millions. He added that the last time downtown was revitalized if was funded through a Local Improvement District.
McCardle mentioned Roger Brooks presentation about how important it is for the downtown corridor to visually pleasing. “There is nothing more important,” said McCardle. She added that public parking and restrooms were needed. “Most people are addement about widening sidewalks.” She supports the downtown revitalization project, but stated that the HDCA and City haven’t gotten to how to fund it. “LID and grants are on the table,” she said.
COVID effects”
“It came out of the blue,” said McCardle. “We needed to find solutions.” She stated that there were a lot of unknowns for business owners faced with State Mandates. “Michael Steele (Chamber director) found ways to help employees and business owners with micro loan programs. There was an incredible amount of money available.
Goedde also mentioned funding from the Chamber and Department of Commerce. “We wanted City Hall to stay open and I talked to the Governor on several occasions and he shut us down.” The affects of COVID is one of the main reasons Goedde is re-running for the Mayoral position. He says COVID shut his goals for the City down.
Quality of Life:
“There is not much we can do,” Goedde said. He mentioned the city working on a Community Park in south Chelan, water access, the Lakeside Trail and snow removal. One of his ideas is to place a floating dock along the Lakeside Trail adjacent to 97A.
McCardle stated it was a challenging question. “I’ve spent 14 years on Council. I’m very interested in our economy.” She added that she is predominately focused on youth activities.
Affordable housing:
“I’ve been pretty critical of the Chelan Valley Housing Trust,” said McCardle who added that it would be great to see more apartment homes. “The community must be more involved with broader housing solutions.”
Goedde said that there are a tremendous number of people who do not want to own a home, but need an affordable apartment. He said the Weidner Apartment project will provide apartments, but is not sure how affordable they will be. “They are getting $1,200 for a studio apartment in Leavenworth,” Goedde said.
Local organizations:
Goedde stated that he has been a member of the Lions Club for 20 years. “I’ve also worked with the glass program looking for ways to hire people to run it,” said Goedde. Currently the program is being run by the Rotary Club.
McCardle said she supports organizations in need. Chelan Valley Hope and Thrive are high on her list. “Food and shelter are the two biggest issues.” She also mentioned the RV Park’s policy of long term renting at affordable rates during the winter.
Candidate wrap-ups:
Goedde stated that he has lived in Chelan since 1946 (minus his Vietnam deployment). “Over the years I’ve learned a lot of lessons and how to deal with people.” He stated that his credentials include serving eight years on the City Council and three as Mayor. “I’m in the office for two hours every morning,” said Goedde. He also attends as many meetings and conferences that he can and stated that he just finished up a Mayoral conference in Leavenworth where 300 mayors were present. He also stated that he has served on the board of directors of the Associated Cities organization.
McCardle said she has served on the City Council for 14 years and stated that she has been lucky to have Goedde as a mentor along the way. “He has helped me a lot.” McCardle also stated that over her years on Council she has invested time on City issues. “I’ve put in the hours and I am open minded. I have enjoyed being on the council. It has been very fulfilling.”
Questions:
Moderator Ryan Peterson said, “Both of these candidates are good. They have respect for each other and are attentive to the communty.” He then opened the forum for audience questions.
One resident asked about Spader Bay and what the plans were to open it up.
Goedde stated that access to the property is the biggest problem. “We need to somehow get access to that property.”
McCardle stated that at this point in time its best to leave the property undeveloped as a green space.
Sidewalks and outdoor dining:
McCardle said the City rents space to those wanting to provide outdoor seating.
Goedde explained that COVID forced outdoor seating when so much of the restaurant interiors were shutdown for business. Goedde also said that the City doesn’t need to widen sidewalks.
Public trail from Manson to Chelan”
Goedde stated that there is a large amount of funding available and that since Chelan has done the studies over the years, that its possible that $40 million of federal funding could be spent here.
How do we get kids to come back:
McCardle said, “I hope our kids will come back. There is no entry level solution. We have to start looking at all entry level solutions.”
Goedde added that jobs include warehouse and hospital careers.
Goedde finished by saying its the City’s responsibility to facilitate the housing trust. McCardle remarked that it’s the role of the City to take care of its citizens.
Both Geodde and McCardle are excellent candidates to lead the city over the next four years. It would be Goedde’s last stand as Mayor and McCardle’s first time in that leadership role.
VOTE!!!
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