The November 2015 Bothell City Council Candidates have filed with the state and are getting ready for the coming elections.

In order to start the conversation concerning the upcoming elections, The Bothell Reporter has requested the same questions from each candidate. This is only the first of the coverage The Bothell Reporter will be giving during the City Council elections.

Today, we have a question and answer session with Davina Duerr, who is running for position 6 in the 2015 Bothell City Council Elections.

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[Deanna Isaacs] What is your background experience?

[Davina Duerr] In 1993, I received a Bachelor of Architecture from Syracuse University. My husband and I moved to Bothell in 2001 to start a family. My community service began with becoming a member of the Bothell Landmark Preservation Board 9 years ago and continued on the Northshore Schools Foundation in 2010. One of my proudest achievements is the co-founding of the Milk Money campaign, a grassroots fundraising effort, which collects change in milk bottles placed in local businesses during the month of May with proceeds benefitting homeless and disadvantaged children in the Northshore School District.

[DI] What skills or experiences do you believe will help you on the council?

[DD] My education and work experience in architecture gives me a unique perspective concerning urban planning and development. That background combined with the knowledge that I have gained as a member of the Bothell Landmark Preservation Board gives me a breadth of knowledge about architectural and historical issues specific to Bothell. Being on the Northshore Schools Foundation Board has helped me to better understand the needs in my community. On both of these boards, I have assumed leadership positions which have prepared me for service on City Council.

[DI] What motivated you to run for city council?

[DD] My deep commitment to the community of Bothell and the concern for Bothell’s future has led me to seek office. We are fortunate to live in such an amazing community with tight knit neighborhoods, thriving local businesses, a growing college campus, first class schools, and a rich natural environment. Bothell is a special place, and we need to protect its unique character.

[DI] Why run now, rather than in previous years?

[DD] What made you decide to run this year versus other years? My decision to run was motivated by timing as well as the current situation on city council. My children are at a self-sufficient age which helped me decide that I could make the time commitment required to serve. Concern regarding recent financial and development decisions have made me realize that I would like to be part of the decision making process on City Council.

[DI] What issues are you concerned with the most?

[DD] The tone on City Council should be one of mutual respectful and transparency both amongst members of the council but also with the public. Citizen input needs to be viewed as a resource rather than an obstacle. We need City Council Members who will put Bothell first and conduct themselves with the highest ethical standards.

[DI] What issues do you believe are of importance to Bothell?

[DD] People are concerned about the rapid pace of development occurring without the infrastructure and amenities required to maintain our quality of life. Bothell is experiencing unprecedented growth which brings both opportunity, as well as the responsibility to adequately plan for it. I am excited about our downtown redevelopment however housing seems to be exploding without the proper infrastructure, transportation, and parking required to accommodate the increase in density. I would like to see the City take a more balanced approach with thoughtful development that protects Bothell’s unique character and provides for amenities such as parks and open spaces.

[DI] Why did you pick this position over other positions, open or otherwise?

[DD] Position 6 was open when I chose to file.

[DI] Do you believe the people of Bothell will support you and why?

[DD] Yes, I do believe that the people of Bothell will support me, because my track record of community involvement and service shows my honest intentions. My motivation for running is to support and strengthen my community by making decision that are best for all of Bothell.

[DI] What do you believe is the biggest challenge facing the Bothell City Council?

[DD] The biggest challenge facing Bothell City Council is restoring public trust after the recent conflict of interest investigation. People are doubting that our City Council is being honest and transparent with them. It will take time and a change of tone to convince people that our elected officials have Bothell’s best interest in mind.

[DI] What are you looking forward to most about the upcoming election?

[DD] The most exciting part of this campaign will be knocking on doors and getting to know my Bothell neighbors. It will be an education to get out there learn about their ideas and concerns.