In our ongoing series about local elections ahead of the Nov. 7 general election, The Daily World spoke with the candidates for Aberdeen City Council Ward 4 Position 7 — incumbent Karen Rowe and challenger Janae Chhith — about some of the issues facing the city.
Do you think Aberdeen needs a city administrator?
Rowe: “I am pro city administrator. The research I have done and classes I have taken on the subject have allowed me to come to the conclusion that a city administrator is the right choice for Aberdeen. Our mayor, no matter who is elected at that time, is a part time job. Therefore, a city administrator is an efficient and effective way to organize our city and move us forward in a positive direction.”
Chhith: “I say yes, as a mayoral assistant and not as a city manager. With continued development of Aberdeen as well as the mayor’s outreach to bring investment to our town the mayor needs that assistance. We need that extra pair of hands, eyes and ears to assist Mayor Larson.”
What is Aberdeen’s most pressing issue, and how do we fix it?
Rowe: “I believe lack of jobs in our community is our number one most pressing issue. In order to work toward attracting more businesses I would like us to focus on increasing our population in Aberdeen. When businesses are either looking to open or relocate, they look for communities with growing populations. I would like to see Aberdeen create a marketing plan by working with organizations such as Greater Grays Harbor that allows us to attract people to live in our community and thereby increasing our population. This increase will allow Aberdeen to attract new businesses and grow our economy.”
Chhith: “Homelessness and downtown’s current building status. I greatly endorse the idea of bringing in the the Main Street Program. The city needs to work closer with organizations that are looking for solutions. These solutions are coming from volunteers that want nothing more than their town to blossom. I think the city needs to work closer with homeless outreach programs as well. We need to have more information regarding services readily available to those in need.”
The city is exploring the possibility of purchasing the Seafirst building, moving City Hall there and using the current location to expand and improve police and jail facilities. Your thoughts?
Rowe: “Yes, I am in support of moving city hall to the Bank of America building at this point. There is still some research to be done, but at this time I do believe it is the right choice.”
Chhith: “Before, when attending the meetings regarding the Gateway Center I was very excited. It could represent a turn for the better for Aberdeen with a great location for a City Hall and visitor’s center. It makes sense. I haven’t seen any results from the feasibility study for the Seafirst building. I would be interested to see that; it may impact whether I would be for or against it.”
What solutions would you have to address the homelessness situation?
Rowe: “There are a couple of immediate issues that we need to work on regarding our homeless population. Within Aberdeen, and other cities in Grays Harbor County, there are many programs that are able to offer assistance in multiple aspects to our homeless community. I believe that we need to continue to spread the word about all of these services while making sure that we pair the appropriate services based on the needs of each individual. The other issue we really need to focus on is providing mental health facilities in Grays Harbor County. Currently, we do not have the resources to deal with mental health issues and it is something that needs to be addressed.”
Chhith: “Short term, adding and changing current ordinances in regards to huts. Work with the city in making sure bathroom facilities in parks around town are better cared for. I was delighted to see the (portable toilet) downtown. I hope this will help the issue of bathroom needs. It needs to be regularly checked though. Getting a tent camp re-established; the almost instant influx of homeless is partially resulting from tent city closing.”
What is your history in Aberdeen?
Rowe: “My father, Richard Wold, who passed away in 2010, and my mother, Carol Wold, were long time small business owners in our community. They owned RC Trucking and were very successful entrepreneurs. I also have two sisters. Susan Vessey (Stan) and Cathy Talley (Lance Jr.) as well as many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. I myself am born and raised here in Aberdeen, graduating from Aberdeen High School in 1995. I met my husband Ryan while performing in a Driftwood play, “Charlies Aunt,” and we were married in 2003 at the 7th Street Theatre. My prior work experience includes, but is not limited to, The Bank of Pacific and Coast Title and Escrow. A little over four years ago, my husband and I realized our dream of small business ownership in our hometown and we opened, and currently run, GH Wine Sellars on Broadway in Aberdeen.”
Chhith: “I’ve been in banking for just over nine years, since just after high school. I’ve been volunteering just as long with various organizations: Relay for Life, Habitat for Humanity, Greater Grays Habor, Inc. as an ambassador and am currently an officer for Revival of Grays Harbor. My husband is very supportive of all my efforts and is working on his own aspirations to improve our downtown. Together we have three fur babies and his wonderful grandparents living with us.”
What sets you apart from your opponent?
Rowe: “The reason that I want people to vote Karen Rowe for Ward 4, Aberdeen City Council, is because I love our city. I have passion for our city. My husband and I cashed in our retirement to open our business in our hometown over four years ago because we believe in Aberdeen. I have established relationships with many community leaders and within the local business community that will allow me to work on our city goals going forward. I continue to work on many events that invite people to our area to show off what a wonderful city Aberdeen is. As representative for Ward 4, I will listen to the needs of my constituents and help where and when I can. I will fight for this community and I will make sure that we work towards moving our community forward in a positive direction and continue to turn Aberdeen into the amazing city that I KNOW IT TO BE!”
Chhith: “With working closely with the homeless and having that be such a big issue in Aberdeen I (could see things from the point of view of) a City Council member, from that of our homeless neighbors and concerned residents. I saw a problem and wanted to help find a solution to help our homeless friends. I joined an amazing group with the same goal. I want to have my hands in the dirt because I believe to really understand the problem you have to get yourself right in the middle of it. I want to find solutions to the tough problems by talking directly to those who are deemed the problem in this city, not with stern or authoritative intent, but with a genuine interest in understanding. I want to take action in a way that both sides win.”
