Incumbent Wayne Roth is being challenged for the Central Ward seat on the Bainbridge Island City Council by Rasham Nassar.
Name: Wayne Roth
Campaign website: www.rothforbainbridge.org
Education: MA Communications; BA English
Professional experience: Public radio executive
Public service: City Council member; Kitsap Regional Coordinating Council Board Chair; Board member and volunteer for several Island non-profit organizations.
Q&A with Wayne Roth
Council District 5, Central Ward
1. Should building height restrictions be loosened in downtown Winslow to provide for greater density and affordable housing units?
No. I support the adoption of innovative zoning regulations which allow greater density and increase the variety of housing in a way that is compatible with the character of existing Winslow neighborhoods without changing current height restrictions. Updating the Winslow Master Plan offers the greatest potential for achieving many of the City’s development priorities while helping to reduce the development pressures in the Island’s conservation areas.
2. Do you support the construction of a parking garage for downtown visitors, shoppers and workers? How should it be financed?
I support the Town Square Project under consideration by the Infrastructure Ballot Measure Task Force. If the task force recommends that a parking structure be included as a short-term priority, it and the other recommended Town Square improvements should be funded from multiple sources, including a Local Improvement District, private investments/gifts, bonds and matching grants.
3. The scope and cost of the new police station have increased since it last went to a public vote. Should the newest proposal again go before voters for approval?
No. The City has the capacity to finance the new facility with General Fund support, councilmanic bonds, matching grants, and property sales. The estimated cost of a new police station will not be determined until the site selection and final design work are completed. During this process, the Council is carefully reviewing the project scope and costs.
4. Many islanders have been shocked and saddened by the loss of trees, animal habitat and vegetation in the Highway 305 scenic corridor as construction has started on the first leg of the Sound to Olympics Trail. A growing number of islanders are concerned about future phases. Should the extension of the trail along the highway to Agate Passage go to a public vote?
No. I share the concern about future phases of the STO as well as the expansion and improvement of other non-motorized transportation systems throughout the Island. Of special concern is shoulder widening on forty miles of arterial roads (“Core 40”), a goal established by the City more than a decade ago. Such construction will require thoughtful design to maximize the preservation of trees and vegetation in the rights-of-way, a commitment I embrace.
5. Many council committee meetings are not open to the public. Should they be? Explain.
All Council committee meetings are open to the public. Some ad hoc committee meetings are not posted on the City’s website. However, Council committee documents and related email are public records. Ad hoc committee reports are brought to the full Council for consideration.
6. Complete this sentence: I will consider myself an effective council member if I …
…listen to the community in a way that represents the community’s interests and goals; use my best efforts to collaborate in every endeavor, seeking consensus as far as possible; demonstrate the ability to lead and reason together; exhibit respect for the professionalism and ethical conduct of the City Manager and staff; achieve sustainable outcomes in City policies and administration, with sustainable bottom lines for the community, environment, City finances, and the local economy.
