Ira Knight interviewed on KGY

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Ira Knight interviewed on KGY

Submitted by emmettoconnell on Tue, 11/01/2005 - 10:20am.

Since this is likely going to be one of the only public "appearances" by Knight, I decided to quickly write down some notes on the interview with Dick Pust on KGY this morning. They talked about gay marriage, traffic, sidewalks and Knight's personal history.

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His stance on the recognition

Submitted by The Fire Inside on Tue, 11/01/2005 - 12:01pm.

His stance on the recognition of same-sex marriage seems very reasonable. It's not exactly leading the way as many in Olympia would probably prefer but I don't see his stance as a negative, since he's simply respecting established law. To be honest, I don't think the City of Olympia does plan ahead when designing roads. I take that back: The City creates streets with bicycles in mind, wanting to reduce motorized vehicle congrestion. The problem with this thinking, however, is that the cars will be on the road no matter what you do. You're either going to have cars on the road with enough lanes to accomidate the traffic or you're going to have cars on the road backed up for blocks. Either way, the traffic will exist.

I thought it was interesting

Submitted by emmettoconnell on Tue, 11/01/2005 - 1:51pm.

I thought it was interesting that he mentioned sidewalks as "the most important thing" for him to address if he were to be elected. While the Nuclear Free Ordinance and the USS Olympia controversy got him into the race, he finally discovered sidewalks as being important. What's up with that?

I think he addressed that whe

Submitted by The Fire Inside on Tue, 11/01/2005 - 3:42pm.

I think he addressed that when he said he noticed it was a problem after doorbelling. If the sidewalks are the most important thing in Olympia, Knight probably wouldn't make a good candidate, either. The City has a whole lot more problems than the state of the sidewalks, such as being able to pay their bills.

Hey Fire, I wanted to than

Submitted by emmettoconnell on Tue, 11/01/2005 - 4:47pm.

Hey Fire, I wanted to thank you for your comments on this and other posts on Olyblog. It's easy for folks who already agree with each other to get together and talk, but too rare for people with opposing view points to do the same. Thanks buddy.

I actually enjoy discussion w

Submitted by The Fire Inside on Tue, 11/01/2005 - 6:29pm.

I actually enjoy discussion with people of different points of view more than those who will simply nod their head in agreement. It's an excellent (and, in my opinion, the best) way to sharpen your own point of view, see what holds merit, what is incorrect, etc.

Why Ira Knight is not good fo

Submitted by Rob Richards on Tue, 11/01/2005 - 6:47pm.

Why Ira Knight is not good for Olympia

1.) "Sticking to the law" is a cop out. It's an easy way for him to avoid addressing a contentious issue. His campaign literature attacks Kingsbury for attempting to destroy authentic marriage, yet when asked publicly, bails out on his beliefs. We need strong leaders who don't waffle.

2.) Emmet wrote, "Ira suggested the creation of a space where local residents could come by and hire for a day someone who was out of work." This man is out of touch with the needs of the community. We have four (4) day-labor places in downtown right now, and if you talk to the homeless folks that use them, they are not stepping stones. They are anchors. People need full-time jobs with good pay. That's the bottom line.

3.) All he had to say about traffic was that "the government should plan ahead" . This is one of the big issues in Olympia right now, and fits into the downtown debate. We do need to plan for the future, but he needs to show us that he's done some homework. I hope he planned for what he's going to do after he loses this election.

I don't have a horse in this

Submitted by The Fire Inside on Tue, 11/01/2005 - 7:18pm.

I don't have a horse in this race but, for the sake of balance, I'll see if I can't explain what I got from the Olympia Time link. In his interview I think he was stating that if established law were to change, though he wouldn't agree with it, he would honor it. I didn't hear the interview and cannot tell from the brief whether or not Mr. Knight gave a "yes" or "no" answer to the question regarding continuing to offer benefits to the partners of homosexual couples.____Jobs do not simply appear out of air. The City definately cannot create new jobs, since they're already strapped for cash. Unless more private sector jobs begin to open up the homeless problem is not going to solve itself because of one candidate.____And now to downtown. Since Ira Knight's website doesn't contain the information (and yes, it is frustrating at the lack of detail to his campaign) I can't comment on it so I'll move to Jeff Kingsbury's plan for downtown. This is going to have to either be funded through (a) raising taxes or (b) eliminating existing programs. What's even more scary is that Mr. Kingsbury is wanting to use waterfront property for public buildings. He would be eliminating a cash cow for property taxes! I think everyone in Olympia is going to be in for a rude awakening in the next few years at just how dire the economic situation is for the City. Some tough decisions are going to have to be made.___Don't take my word for it, though. The City budget is public information. Of course, it wasn't too hard to figure out when the City was debating how much they would have to cut from the School District's budget. When one portion of the City government is in trouble, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out they're all in trouble, especially when the School District is getting their budget trimmed.___School, police, and fire are the last three to be on the receiving end of budget cuts. Pay attention to these three and when portions of their budget begin to disappear.

Very insightful words. I hop

Submitted by Rob Richards on Tue, 11/01/2005 - 9:12pm.

Very insightful words. I hope you're wrong about the future, however, I think you just nicely described the way its looking right now. It's looking this way all over our country.

I hope I am wrong, too. Unfo

Submitted by The Fire Inside on Tue, 11/01/2005 - 11:02pm.

I hope I am wrong, too. Unfortunately, if the continued attitude that the City can fund everything is allowed to preveil, it may become reality.___This is why I think, at the very least, Mr. Knight would seem to be an interesting candidate. He would appear to be for smaller government and, more importantly, fiscal responsibility. It's an attitude which needs to be introduced to the City Council.___I think it's a shame he's being slammed simply for association with the Christian Coalition. It is a valid concern, though, when a candidate has not made himself available to public forum and would be curious to know why (though I can only imagine the ruckus which would take place if he were to voice opposition to same-sex unions/marriage).___People should be aware that being a conservative in Olympia, whether of the neo or traditional mold, most likely places you in the minority as far as political ideology.___Edit: In today's Olympian there's concrete evidence of what I was mentioning previously. Here's the link: http://www.theolympian.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051102/NEWS01/511020329/1006

I saw that article in the pap

Submitted by Rob Richards on Wed, 11/02/2005 - 2:06pm.

I saw that article in the paper this morning and immediatly thought of what you wrote. It's further evidence to me that partnerships need to be formed in our community. Its seems unfair, and kind of like passing the buck, to ask the city to solve all of our problems. Great things happen when people come together.

I am one of the horses in the

Submitted by jeffkingsbury on Wed, 11/02/2005 - 2:07pm.

I am one of the horses in the race. I want to be clear. This election is NOT a referendum on same sex marriage. The City Council has plenty on its plate without taking up that particular mantle. Since you are speaking about my "plan" for downtown, I want to clarify some issues. As far as a parking structure is concerned, for example. There is an identified parking special fund that has reaped the benefits of parking fines for a number of years...this money combined with a significant amount ALREADY identified in the Capital Facilities Projects budget, will fund a structure WITHOUT impacting existing programs. Nor would it necessitate an increase in taxation. The Business Improvement District is partly designed to offset the Operations and Maintenance of such a structure, and the Olympia Downtown Association, armed with significant amounts of research, is prepared to manage ALL of the functions of such a facility, at no cost to the City, should they be requested to do so. There also may be an opportunity with this structure, to provide a centrally located public restroom facility. Downtown housing and parking would ideally promote additional retail activity in our downtown, and encourage small businesses to open up shop. This would generate additional B and O dollars. I stand firm behind my conviction that the waterfront is an ideal location for public amenities. This absolutely in no way would preclude the opportunity for mixed use development which includes retail and housing. We have to make sure, as a considerable majority of our community has made clear, that our waterfront is available for as MUCH public use as is reasonably possible. Property tax revenues fund County programs, and while the City does get SOME portion of our property taxes, it is perhaps not as significant as you may think. I'm not trying to minimize the value of additional property tax revenues, merely pointing out that our best bet for additional revenues will come through increased B and O taxes...unless something in the "Eyman" initiative caps changes in the near future!

First and foremost I would li

Submitted by The Fire Inside on Wed, 11/02/2005 - 3:51pm.

First and foremost I would like to thank you for coming and chatting. It's a pleasure being able to interact with members of government and those seeking seats in government. It's nice to know that someone is listening.___It's also good to know the Business Improvement District (BID) is willing (and hopefully the "ing" will eventually be dropped) to manage all aspects of such a parking facility, taking the pressure off of the City.___I do not disagree that waterfront property would be an excellent location for public buildings and, after reading what you just said, feel a bit more comfortable that you would take a realistic look when weighing the various options for any available property.___Again, thanks for the interaction.

Thanks. I have REALLY enjoye

Submitted by jeffkingsbury on Wed, 11/02/2005 - 4:35pm.

Thanks. I have REALLY enjoyed following this thread. I'm actually thrilled that people care enough to share their views. And however the election comes out, I have also really enjoyed the opportunity to talk with a variety of area groups. (I'm hoping to win!) I don't know who you are, but if you are comfortable with my knowing I would certainly welcome any comments you might have and will ALWAYS have an open ear. If you would like my phone number, please email me at jeffkingsbury@hotmail.com and I will be most happy to give it to you.

Welcome Jeff! It's good to se

Submitted by emmettoconnell on Thu, 11/03/2005 - 11:54am.

Welcome Jeff! It's good to see (soon to be) elected officials engaging in the conversation. I hope you continue to discuss with us here, and encourage others to do so as well.

Thank you for joining us here

Submitted by Rob Richards on Wed, 11/02/2005 - 5:43pm.

Thank you for joining us here, as far as I know, you are the only person in Olympia's political world to do so.

My concern with the PBIA is that the opponents are not at the table. While watching the city's business meeting I noticed that no one showed in opposition. This was a reading of the contract, a perfect time to air their specific concerns. I can't believe that the reason no one showed was because they don't care enough. I think maybe the best explanation would be that they didn't feel comfortable in that setting.
There have been, last I heard, around 90 signatures, could be more by now, in opposition to the PBIA. The number isn't what's important to me (there are over 400 in support). What strikes me is who is signing against it. These are the restaurants, the storefronts, these businesses make up the face of downtown. Lisa Owens, owner of The Mark and leader of the anti-PBIA movement, has as much passion and interest in a healthy, beautiful downtown that is full of people doing business as the ODA does. I believe that. I also believe that that means if an effort is made, compromise can be reached.

Rob...I understand your conce

Submitted by jeffkingsbury on Thu, 11/03/2005 - 11:26am.

Rob...I understand your concern. One of the things about "government" is that it seems (read: IS) intimidating. I concur that Lisa wants a vibrant happening downtown. In fact, it would help her business, as well as ALL downtown businesses. I want to also point out that among the businesses signing FOR the PBIA, there are a significant number of restaurants, storefronts, all of the arts groups (non-profits, all) and many social service entities. I am hopeful (this is not just lip service) that any business that opposes the PBIA will want to participate on the board. This will help shape a BALANCED vision for how the aggregate dollars should and will be spent. Frankly, I am a big fan of The Mark, as it really reminds me of the types of intimate and chic clubs one can visit in Manhattan! As I don't want to live in Manhattan, I am glad we have such a place here! I would be happy to facilitate a dialogue, if any thinks it would be helpful. I would love to see a compromise here.

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