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Wednesday, October 23, 2013 | 75 cents
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Bonney Lake candidates debate issues Editor’s Note: Candidates for the mayor and City Council Positions answered the questions this week posed by the editorial staff of the Courier-Herald. The candidates are: • Mayor, Neil Johnson and James Rackley • Position 3, Dan Swatman and James ‘’Kelly’’ McClimans, Sr. McClimans did not send answers; • Position 6, Donn Lewis a n d Shawnta Mulligan. Mulligan did not send answers. Question 1: Do impact fees promote or impede business and residential development? What do you see as the advantages and/or disadvantages of impact fees. Rackley: Impact fees have no correlation to construction volume of new homes in Bonney Lake. This is
evident by reviewing city construction records verses all county wide construction for years. While we have seen increased James Rackley construction after lowering these fees over the last year, so has Tehaleh, which has no fees. These costs were all calculated by professionals hired by the city of Bonney lake and are not created out of thin air. During times of very fast growth they can be seen very clearly, as happened over the last decade. Funds were available to expand the sewer system (approximately $10 million) and to build a 15 million gallon water storage tank (approximately $10 million). The same is true for parks, trails
and sidewalks. Johnson: As we review this question, we should keep in mind there has always been a form of Neil Johnson impact fees it is called SEPA. This process was arbitrary and didn’t always account for the appropriate amount of infrastructure that is needed for water, sewer and traffic. It is important that growth pays for itself, however if there is a certain sector that needs to be the focus of the city then you could look at some of the incentive ordinances that were put in place to attract building and retail activity during the recession. The Good Samaritan Medical Building and Franciscan Medical Building are
Bonney Lake and Sumner score victories Page 5
perfect examples of what can be accomplished. Another item to note for us in Bonney Lake, the cost of infrastructure improvements is much higher due to our topography when expanding the water and sewer lines. The other area we have lacked from the 90’s was funding for additional north/south routes on the Plateau. Impact fees do work both ways, you just need to be aware of what the needs and desires are of the citizens. Question 2: Parks are an ongoing discussion in the city. What do you see as the best course for the city to take in the coming years for parks and ball fields. Are there enough in the city, are more needed and if so how should
See COUNCIL, Page 2
Sumner School district builds Wall of Fame
Weather The forecast for today, Wednesday, calls for mostly sunny skies and highs near 60 with light winds. Overnight lows to 40. Thursday and Friday continues with clear skies and highs to 68 and lows to 42. Saturday and Sunday’s forecast calls for mostly clear with highs to 62 and lows to 45.
By Theresa De Lay Staff Writer
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Homecoming Carnival
Ari Cray, 4, tries to bust a balloon during the Sumner High homecoming carnival games Friday at the high school. Sumner won the homecoming game against Washington 55-8. Photo by Dennis Box
Count the number of turkeys for a chance to win 1 of 5 Smoked Turkeys from OLSON’S MEATS!
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PLAY ALL THREE WEEKS!
CONTEST
After 15 years of envisioning the possibility, the Sumner School District Athletic Department has found a way to recognize athletic achievements. Individuals and teams that reach the highest standards will be inducted into their respective high school’s Wall of Fame. Friday marked Sumner High School’s first Wall of Fame individual induction ceremony, which honored John Anderson. The announcement came as a surprise to Anderson, who was unanimously selected in secret by the Wall of Fame selection committee, which he is a member of himself. A plaque with his name and accomplishments was placed on the wall, and a replica was handed directly to him. Anderson is a former educator, football coach and athletic director for Sumner High School. His many accomplishments include five league championships,
See FAME, Page 3
How does it work? Grab a copy of the Courier-Herald’s print edition (or read our Green Edition) for Nov 6, Nov. 13 and Nov. 20. Count the turkeys you find in each edition. Register online at our website, facebook or any mobile tablet to play and enter the correct number of turkeys for each week’s paper. Just click on the Turkey Contest and play - That Simple! (Must be 13 or older to play. See official rules online. Winning entries will be drawn on Nov. 25, 9am for 1of 5 turkeys.)
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