City of Shoreline, Council Position 4 Candidate statements

Doris McConnell, incumbent councilmember and deputy mayor is facing a challenge from David Chen for City of Shoreline, Council Position 4. Their statements follow.

David Chen

David Chen

As a graduate of Shorecrest High School, father of three young children in the Echo Lake neighborhood, and son of Chinese immigrants living in Lake Forest Park, I understand first-hand the needs of Shoreline’s students, seniors, and working families. I have spent my career working on issues of equity, access, and helping those in need. As an attorney, I began my career promoting civil rights and have served for the last decade on the board of directors with direct services providers that support our homeless neighbors with Vision House and the Dale Turner YMCA.

I will bring new pragmatic solutions, partnerships, and strategic thinking to City Hall through increasing the diversity of housing options in Shoreline’s rezone areas, making strategic investments in public art, parks, trails, and gathering spaces to improve our business districts and supporting new small business investment by streamlining the planning and permitting process and increasing access to short-term municipal parking and state disability spots. Through strategic decision making, we can increase the number of businesses in the city, reduce the tax burden on our renters and homeowners in Shoreline, and make our communities more walkable.

Shoreline’s greatest asset is its community. I will hold working groups with immigrant, minority, LGBTQ, and business leaders to talk about ways the city can be more supportive, agile, and responsive. I am proud to have taken a stand and staying true to my values by leaving my job when the organization made a change I couldn’t agree with, even as the sole provider for my family of five.

I am honored to be endorsed by our city, county, and state Democratic leadership, including King County Executive Dow Constantine, Representative Cindy Ryu, Representative Lauren Davis, Mayor Will Hall, and Councilmember Keith McGlashan. I respectfully ask for your vote. More at Electdavidchen.com

Doris McConnell

Doris McConnell

It’s been an honor to serve Shoreline as a councilwoman and Deputy Mayor. Previously, I served for decades on various Shoreline PTAs. This leadership earned me two Golden Acorn Awards. My work on the Council has led to important roles in the National League of Cities and Sound Cities Association. I have developed positive relationships with leaders across all levels of government that allow me to effectively advocate for Shoreline. I am also past President of the Asian Pacific American Municipal Officials.

In my time on the Council, I have endeavored to increase economic development and improve services for our residents while maintaining our sense of community. Our region has seen rapid growth and we need careful planning and smart development in order to capitalize on the benefits of this growth without losing Shoreline’s identity or overwhelming our infrastructure. I have the experience to make sure we get these decisions right as Shoreline grows.

 
I am the candidate of choice of the County Democratic Party and Fuse Washington recommends me because of my experience. I have worked hard to protect Shoreline’s parks and green spaces, and have been a fierce advocate for increased social services. My record of service to Shoreline and my experience as an entrepreneur and business owner prove that I can keep projects on time and on budget. You have put your trust in me in the past and I take that responsibility seriously. I make it a point to see every issue from all sides and make time for anyone with a question or concern. I humbly ask for your vote.

 
Endorsements: King County and 32nd Democrats, Sierra Club, National Women’s Political Caucus, Washington Bikes, King County Council Chair Dembowski, Shoreline Councilmembers Chang, Robertson, and Scully, Tom McCormick, Jeanne and Larry Monger, Ginny Scantlebury and more.