EDITOR’S NOTE: Frank Boosman is a resident of Kent who was curious where candidates for Mayor and City Council stood on biking and safe streets issues (Boosman is also a member of the city’s Bicycle Advisory Board, but he stressed that this effort was in his capacity as a Kent resident, not as a Board member). After searching for their stances and coming up short, Frank took it upon himself to reach out to all the candidates and ask them a few questions. He compiled their responses and asked Seattle Bike Blog if we would like to publish them. Of course I said yes! Thanks for doing this, Frank. I hope it is helpful to any Kent readers out there looking for city leaders who will make streets safer.

Kent Mayor

Suzette Cooke is not seeking a fourth term as Mayor of Kent, so the position is open for the first time in nearly a decade.

While most candidates responded in writing, mayoral candidate Jim Berrios preferred to speak with Boosman on the phone. The following paragraph is a summary of the whole conversation and was later approved by the candidate, Boosman said.

Jim Berrios: I believe that we should be more bicycle-friendly, but it has to be practical. If we build infrastructure that isn’t practical, it sends the wrong message to taxpayers. I’m totally open to having continued discussions on cycling. I know that we’ve made every effort to address North-South routes. As far as an East-West connector, I think that we need to come together and come up with a real, practical solution. Whatever we do has to make sense to taxpayers. I’d love to sit down with cycling advocates, look at routes, drive them, and figure out what makes sense.

Boosman: What is your opinion of complete streets, the idea that streets “be planned, designed, operated, and maintained to enable safe, convenient and comfortable travel and access for users of all ages and abilities regardless of their mode of transportation”? Do you agree with this approach to street design and think it should be adopted universally within Kent?

Dana Ralph: I have consistently supported the implementation of a complete streets plan in Kent. We are currently applying this standard to all new construction in Kent. Making Kent bikeable and walkable has to be a priority.

Boosman: Cycling infrastructure—especially protected bike lanes and separated paths—has been shown to improve community health, reduce pollution, and create other benefits that far outweigh the initial investment. What is your approach to expanding bike lanes and paths throughout the city of Kent? (more…)