Kirkland needs a shake up

It’s time we cleaned house. It’s been long overdue. Let’s start at the top. At least we don’t have to worry about Joan McBride who as Mayor failed to improve the quality of life of existing citizens opting instead to fund outside agencies ahead of the needs of Kirkland. Thankfully she’s gone. Deputy Mayor Doreen Marchione, Councilmembers Walen and Sweet need to go. They don’t grasp the importance of putting people first ahead of government. Citizens of Kirkland need better representation. The City Manager, Kurt Triplet salary needs to be reduced. He should be paid for keeping the City out of trouble instead of in it. City Attorney Robin Jenkinson, also bears some of the responsibility by failing to advise Council of poor decisions regarding Codes and administrative procedures. Long range planners need to go. Current planners that deal with development review need to stay. Everyone from the Planning and Community Development Department that had their hands on the Potala Village debacle should pack their bags. Director Eric Shields failed to inform Council of all the options of the Growth Management Act that could protect and enhance Kirkland citizen’s quality of life. Ignoring the citizens and failing to conduct what would normally require a public hearing, With Council approval, he took it upon himself to administratively rezone property without public input. Deputy Director Paul Stewart failed to represent Kirkland citizens in the development of the Shoreline Master Plan. He puts government agencies ahead of citizens. If Council doesn’t change the way they do business, upgrading our comprehensive plans will be a mockery. It will give the impression that the Council listens to citizens and neighborhoods. In reality based on past performance, decisions have already been made regarding land use. Public meetings will be a waste of time. Neighborhoods will be forced to accept small and crowded multifamily units throughout every neighborhood in Kirkland. Property will be rezoned to accommodate commercial activities. You can expect even more and longer traffic jams. They don’t improve our quality of life. Not all of the departments in Kirkland need a shake up. The Council, the City Manager, and Planning Department do. Robert L. Style