There are three contenders for a Bothell City Council seat position. Washington, now being a state that holds primary elections, will hold an upcoming election on Aug. 6 for those seeking Pos. 6 on the council.
The candidates were given the same three questions. Responses were edited for space.
Davina Duerr
Background
I am a mom and an architect and the current deputy mayor. Before joining the City Council, I served on the Bothell Landmark Preservation board and Northshore Schools Foundation board. Currently, I serve on Puget Sound Regional Council’s transportation policy board and Sound Transit’s 405 bus rapid transit elected leadership group. This year I was elected to the board of directors of the Sound Cities Association, which represents 38 cities in King County.
Why run?
Since joining council I have voted to protect our natural environment with the purchase Wayne Golf Course and North Creek Forest. I implemented a regular council update newsletter and hold well-attended quarterly Council Conversations. With the voters’ help council has been able to strengthen our city’s quality of life by improving transportation infrastructure, safe walk routes to schools and public safety.
Bothell accomplished every one of its five legislative priorities this year. We received funding for transportation, a pedestrian bridge, clean up of contaminated sites and police officer training. Council members showing up in Olympia made the difference.
If elected, what are some things you hope to accomplish/address?
Bothell needs to get its fair share of transit and transportation investment. There are still many details to work out regarding 522 and 405 bus rapid transit that will impact service to our residents. I have a seat at the table.
One of City Council’s 10 priorities is sustainability. There is still much that the city can do to help preserve the environment. Master planning the former Wayne Golf Course and making sure that we restore salmon habitat is one of those things.
Finally I would like to see us move forward on our affordable housing initiatives. We need to bring more affordable housing to Bothell so that people can live as well as work here.
Sean Palermo
Background
I am a 24-year-old lifelong Bothell citizen and Gonzaga University graduate. I come from a family of four and was raised by my parents Megan and Robert. I currently work full-time at PitchBook Data, which has led me to work with many local businesses, entrepreneurs, and investors. My time outside of this is spent as an activist for Inslee for America and Friends of Bernie Sanders promoting a progressive agenda towards equality, financial independence, and environmental justice.
Why run?
To make sure the city is addressing all major issues whether it be housing costs, environmental protection, or infrastructure through a multi-generational lens. What works for one generation is not always going to work for the next generation, that’s why it’s important to have younger citizens actively involved in government bringing new perspective.
If elected, what are some things you hope to accomplish/address?
If elected, I would like to implement a form of rent control or financial support for lower income citizens in Bothell to be able to afford rent costs. It’s important to allow our citizens not only be able to live in respectable conditions, but also to allow them to be able to have the option to save money or put it back into our economy. I would also like to implement strict environmental protections. Every city in Washington State has an obligation to protect their water, parks, and air. I would also like to see more of an effort by Council to focus on philanthropic work. Lastly, I would cut wasteful spending and put it towards a progressive agenda that helps Bothell citizens.
Tiger Budbill
Background
I started as a singer and actor then became a professional mascot: Fred Bear, T. Wheedle, Coach Hawk, Cool Bird and Sammy sounder.
Shannon and I moved up to Bothell in 2007 because we wanted to be closer to my daughter who lived in Snohomish at the time. I hadn’t even met my neighbor yet and I came home one day and he was mowing my lawn. I immediately fell in love with this neighborhood and have called Bothell home ever since.
My journey has not been easy to this point but it has been amazing! When I was in first grade my dad kidnapped my brother and I. As you can imagine we had to move around a lot. As a kid I went to nine schools in 12 years. If I didn’t make friends quickly, I didn’t have any. I became very outgoing and a little broken, which lead me to the life of a performer.
In 2008 we lost everything…except our house or our pups, but we fought hard, scratched and battled for nine years to the point of almost giving up to keep our home. But we finally got an offer we couldn’t refuse. So we plan on staying here for a long time!
Why run?
I do not have any political experience per se, but in this day and age I feel like that is probably a good thing. I want to get involved with Bothell City Council because I want to know how things work, how decisions are made and I want to be part of the team that helps to make Bothell as great as it can be.
If elected, what are some things you hope to accomplish/address?
I have some great ideas but I need to get in there to see what is already in the works. My M.O. for restaurants, bars, sports leagues, committees, auctions or pretty much anything, is to come into a situation, see how it works and work with my teammates to make it better. At the end of the day, we all want the same thing. We want to be able to live our best life and feel safe in our homes. How can I help fellow Bothellions? Vote Tiger B for City Council.
