With the upcoming primary elections coming for candidates in Westport, The Daily World sent questionnaires to each candidate, in order to better inform the public about the people running for public office. Jim Lang and Trina Summers Packard are also registered to run, but did not respond to repeated requests for communication.
Answers have been edited for spelling, grammar and style.
Darcia Davis
How long have you lived in Westport?
Nearly 2 decades.
What motivated you to run for city council?
Westport is growing in population and we’re at a critical tipping point with development, commercial and residential. I would like to be a part of this process ensuring the growth is sustainable for our community.
What do you reckon the biggest issue facing Westport is?
Westport has a shortage of affordable housing making it difficult for full time residents to find homes, whether looking to buy or rent. Proposed Westport Golf Links and amenities. We lack parks and accessible facilities for free public recreation. Lack of available health care.
What are some changes you’d like to see for the city?
Increased focus on and approved budget for expanding our public parks, the construction of sidewalks, extending the dune trail to connect to the bay side of town, and enhancing public safety. I would also like to see an approved ordinance through ensuring available and affordable housing for Westport residents.
Can you provide background into your experience that would lend itself to the office?
I have extensive experience working in leadership roles, I’ve worked and volunteered at Ocosta schools, am a healthcare provider in our rural community and also a business owner. Currently, I serve as chair of the South Beach Parks and Recreation Committee. In 2019, I spearheaded the Westport Community Skatepark and Pump Track and our committee has dedicated endless volunteer hours to drive this project forward to completion. I have worked closely with the city of Westport and Grays Harbor Community Foundation during this process. We have been awarded several grants totaling $565,000 and have raised over $150,000 to make this a reality for our community. If all goes as planned, the construction of this facility will begin early in the summer of 2024.
Kathryn Franzen
How long have you lived in Westport?
After spending many years enjoying Westport as visitors, my husband and I moved here 15 years ago and quickly became involved in community affairs.
What motivated you to run for city council?
My participation as a member of the city council and planning commission and my continued attendance to those meetings, makes me very familiar with the issues facing the city. My involvement was long before deciding to run to be on the council again. With the issues facing us, we need experience.
What do you reckon the biggest issue facing Westport is?
Proper planning for growth is the biggest issue I see facing Westport. Like many beach towns, Westport has experienced a lot of growth over the past several years. More growth is expected with the possible opening of a Scottish links golf course and other new developments in the planning stages. In conjunction with growth, medical facilities, worker housing and better roads are needed and should be a council priority.
What are some changes you’d like to see for the city?
I would like to see the community become more involved. Communication between city employees and city council to the citizens needs to be improved. Too much takes place behind closed doors. Example: the city council recently approved a lease, with an option to purchase, for a large professional building to be used for a future city hall. This would be a $4 million purchase plus the costs of improvements. There has been no public discussion about this. A second example: at the city council meeting on July 10, the council members voted to bring forward an ordinance for a six-month moratorium on new, short-term vacation rentals. This was not on the agenda and there was no public discussion. Whether for or against this, it should be public and should not be handled as an off agenda item.
Can you provide background into your experience that would lend itself to the office?
Since moving here, I have been involved in a number of ways to help to make our community a better place. I have been a planning commission member, city council member, Chamber of Commerce elected board member, continuing as a member, and appointed by the mayor to be the Destination Westport committee chair. My education and prior experience as a CPA, focusing on government audits, should be beneficial in budget planning. I enjoy working with others, listening to various points of view, and researching pertinent facts and history before making decisions. I think my experience and community participation can greatly benefit Westport.
Brylie K. Jarnes
How long have you lived in Westport?
I have lived in the city of Westport for four years.
What motivated you to run for city council?
I chose to run for the Westport City Council this year because I believe change is needed on the city council. Whether through passing higher taxes and utility rates, refusing to address homelessness, or legalizing drugs such as marijuana the current folks on city council are failing the people of Westport. It’s time for somebody who will actually stand up for small business owners and homeowners to serve on the city council.
What do you reckon the biggest issue facing Westport is?
I believe that the biggest issue facing Westport right now is a city government that is out of touch with the residents it is supposed to serve. First and foremost, the city government has been passing higher taxes and utility rates which negatively impact homeowners and small businesses. The city also refuses to address public safety and homelessness, and recently legalized the possession of marijuana in addition to decreasing the penalties for the possession of other harmful drugs. Allowing homelessness and drugs to thrive on our streets will not only be detrimental to public safety, but will also undermine tourism.
What are some changes you’d like to see for the city?
I would like to see a city that has a friendly environment for business, tourism, fishing, property owners and families. This means cutting unnecessary costs laid by the city on its residents and businesses, as well as tackling drugs and homelessness. If elected, I will support efforts to cut taxes and wasteful spending and advocate to keep drugs and homelessness off of our streets.
Can you provide background into your experience that would lend itself to the office?
I have lived in Westport for several years and received a college education at Grays Harbor College (with my studies concentrated in criminal justice). I understand the issues that are being faced by many residents and small businesses, and have not been corrupted by years of sitting on the city council. I can bring fresh ideas to city government that will improve life for everyone in Westport.
Contact Senior Reporter Michael S. Lockett at 757-621-1197 or mlockett@thedailyworld.com.
