Both incumbent Dean Maxwell and challenger Steve Sonnenberg recently answered a series of questions put to them by the Chamber of Commerce. This story is based on those answers.
Maxwell told the Chamber that his primary goal is to maintain “a city that is unique, that is safe and livable, a place where we protect our natural beauty and resources.” He added “I believe keeping the sense of community that we know and love is extremely important and a constant challenge during times of change.”
Sonnenberg, however, said the city needs to “stem the flow of families with school-age children away from the city.” He added that he’d like to “utilize the land and infrastructure in such a way as to bring the median income of the residents into line with the cost of housing.”
One question was about a vision for Anacortes. Sonnenberg said he’d like to preserve and sustain the special place that Anacortes is today by “encouraging the development of an attractive and productive Fidalgo Bay waterfront community of businesses and possibly individuals.” He said he’d like to see a ‘well thought-out economic development plan” for the city.
Maxwell seemed to echo Sonnenberg, at least in part. “We need to keep Anacortes that special place where people want to be for its unique and unmatched quality of life.” And, he suggested that could be accomplished by continuing important community discussions that help drive the city forward.
Here are links to the full responses:
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