Editor:
On www.rogerforedmonds.com, Roger Pence says his primary focus is “communications” between “City Hall” and the citizens, and he will be available via email, phone, and in person. Roger will be true to his word. He has been doing exactly that for the over three years that he and I have communicated about issues facing Edmonds. My experience is not unique. Roger repeatedly demonstrates that he listens to and thoughtfully considers others’ opinions, and collaborates to achieve mutual goals.
No document is more important than our Comprehensive Plan, which must be updated by the end of 2024. Roger has pledged to work for “effective citizen engagement in creating that plan.” I’m confident that he will honor his pledge because he demonstrates the importance of citizen engagement in every word he writes and every action he takes. See: myedmondsnews.com/2023/07/reader-view-is-edmonds-ready-for-neighborhood-associations/
Through years of volunteering his time, Roger is extremely well informed about Edmonds, and will represent Edmonds in a non partisan manner by focusing on the needs and wishes of his constituents rather than on a partisan agenda. He is kind, open and engaging, with everyone.
Candidate Pence’s “Goals and Planning for Edmonds’ Future” starts with “I opposed the recent state takeover of city zoning” and ends with “there is much we can achieve by working together.” Everything in his list reflects what I wish for Edmonds’ future. Please join me in voting for Roger Pence, Edmonds City Council position 1.
Joan Bloom
Edmonds Councilmember 2012-2015
Edmonds Councilmember 2012-2015
Well-spoken, Joan. And I agree with your [and other MEN] commentary that the most important challenge for our city’s moving forward is the proper updating of our Comprehensive Plan.
I first met Roger when he was the representative from the Planning Commission to the Economic Development Commission. He was always ready to listen to the EDC commissioners and offer thoughtful ideas and suggestions. The Comp Plan Update is very important to Edmonds. His work on the Planning Commission will serve him well.
This race is interesting for the winner will talk office by the end of Nov and may still have significate input to the budget process.
Great point as usual Mr. Haug. So, remember folks, the choice is between someone who has lived here for about a decade and has used his precious time as Mr. Haug indicates actually serving Edmonds for free and someone who has lived here only about two years and recently lost a bid for sitting on the Lynnwood City Council, her recent place of residence. Two qualified people perhaps; but Roger is the more qualified, especially when you consider the fact of taking control of the seat right after the election and likely during the current budget process. Experience should be the thing that counts most here and actions always speak louder than words, so I’m a strong supporter of Roger for this position at this time.
Roger Pence has our vote. We need a person who has lived here and has much wisdom and experience with our different departments, wants and needs for Edmonds. I have received emails from Roger lately and way back. Not that this matters it’s just that every candidate I am supporting has made an effort.
There are two Democrats running for Position 1 on the City Council. Roger Pence has not sought either Party Endorsement or contributions. He only has one contributor from outside Edmonds. His opponent has sought and been endorsed by the Democrats, and also received an “In Kind” $500 contribution from them. She has many contributions from outside Edmonds. As the saying goes, “there is no free lunch”, and that endorsement and those contributions come with expectations in spite of her protestations that she’ll be non partisan. We don’t need a return to the “gang of four.”
During the “conversation” last evening she appeared to accept the zoning takeover by the State from the Cities, as a “fait au complet” whereas Roger, who was on the Edmonds Planning Board until Mayor Nelson decided he
wasn’t , has a much more nuanced understanding of the issue, and believes there are things we can do to lessen the impact on Edmonds.
Finally, she recently lost her election to the Lynnwood City Council, and failed to receive an appointment to the Snohomish County Council, and then moved to Edmonds two years to give it another try. Roger has been an Edmonds resident for 7 years, and to my knowledge has never before run for office.