October 3, 2011 Spokesman

Posted by Christopher Morgan 
on Oct 3, 2011
 
President Brandon Honcoop opened the October 3, 2011 Kirkland Rotary meeting at 6:27pm.  Dave DeBois led the pledge.  Brandon thanked John and Chris for desk duties, and Megan and G.G. for greeting, and Chris for scribing.

The inspirational moment was provided by Bill Woods and Jim Feek, remembering our recently departed friend and Rotarian, John Overleese.   Jim saw John recently, and was asked to tell the group how much John loved Rotary.  Jim asked all to keep Teddy and his boys in our prayers.  Bill also spent time with John recently.  When Bill held his hand and told John the Rotarians missed him, he squeezed Bill’s hand back.  Bill then read the poem “Your Smile”.  The memorial service will be held in the next two or three weeks and will be announced to the group once details are set.

There were a number of guests and visiting Rotarians, including members of the Kirkland Chamber. 

  • Announcements were given for the First Harvest work party on October 8th meet and Houghton Park & Ride at 8:00am to carpool to Kent warehouse.

  • Bunco at the Shinstroms on October 22nd; at 6:00PM.  Theme this year is NEON.  Go wild and dress colorful.

  • Lake Washington Institute of Technology breakfast on the 25th with honorary chairman Bill Woods.

President-elect Patti Smith introduced the candidates and instructed all regarding the format.  Each candidate would have the opportunity to introduce themselves, ask a question of their opponent, answer the questions from each table, and provide closing statements.  Candidates present were: Jason Gardiner, Toby Nixon, Bob Sternoff, Jessica Greenway, and Dave Asher.  Table captains were announced as Pat Dye, Joanne Primavera, Santos Contreras, Bill Vadino, Ron Parker, and Kathy Feek.

The questions asked by the tables were:

-Given the number of closed/vacant businesses, what are your specific plans for economic redevelopment?
-Given three bad years of revenue losses, how should we approach this new reality?
-What is the best option to partner with education (Specifically the LW Institute of Technology) for job growth?
-What is the one thing you would do in the next four years?
-What specific actions would you take to streamline the permitting process for businesses in the Park Place and Totem Lake areas?

All candidates offered poignant responses with a focus on the current and future budgets, economic development committee, and the needed fiscal discipline in the future.  A spirited and polite discussion occurred among all candidates.

President Brandon Honcoop adjourned the meeting at 7:51pm.

Submitted humbly by tonight’s scribe- Chris Morgan