Council candidates: Where they stand on issues, including Prop. 1

This is the second of a two-part series. Position 1 candidates Chris Eck and Glenda Krull– as well as Position 1 incumbent Will Chen, running unopposed – were featured last week.

The Beacon contacted potential elected officials for City Council for their opinions on three important issues. Those elected, or reelected, will make legislative decisions for Edmonds over the next four years.

This week, we turn to first-time candidates Erika Barnett and Alex Newman. Incumbent Position 3 Council President Neil Tibbott is not running for reelection.

The general election is Nov. 4.

POSITION 3 (Erika Barnett, Alex Newman)

Edmonds Beacon: Do you support Proposition 1, the levy lid lift? Why or why not?

Erika Barnett: I do believe Edmonds has a structural deficit – that’s real. Where I’ve raised questions is around how the $14.5 million number was determined. It wasn’t developed through a zero-based or outcome-based budgeting process, and that’s something I’d like to bring to the table – a more transparent, data-driven approach that builds public confidence.

If the levy passes, we’ll finally have the resources to maintain essential services, but we’ll also owe it to residents to show exactly how those dollars are being used. That means tracking measurable outcomes – how many permits are processed, average wait times, park maintenance hours, or seasonal service levels – so taxpayers can see what their money delivers.

If the levy doesn’t pass, we’ll need that same detailed review to right-size future funding requests. Either way, my focus is strengthening fiscal transparency, modernizing how we measure success, and building long-term stability through diversified revenue streams – including business development and revitalization along Highway 99 – so Edmonds can reduce its overreliance on property taxes while keeping our community strong, safe, and sustainable.

Alex Newman: Public safety and emergency services must be prioritized, and so must public trust. The City must clearly explain any additional requests, especially a 14.5% levy lid lift. That’s a serious increase for many residents.

It’s crazy that it got to this point. I wish we were proposing a far smaller levy years ago instead of this sudden and this high of a cost. I will be voting yes on Prop 1, but had I been in council sooner, I would have brought this issue up years ago and mitigated this problem. Having examined the alternatives, I understand that the cuts to public services –especially in terms of public safety and our beloved parks – would not be in line with our priorities as a community. 

Beacon: If Proposition 1 fails, what would be your approach to stabilizing the city’s finances while maintaining core service levels?

Barnett: If Proposition 1 fails, we’ll need to stabilize City finances without compromising core services like police, fire, and public works. The city can do this by temporarily pausing or scaling back discretionary programs while we conduct a full financial assessment. A Blue Ribbon panel of experts and the State Auditor’s Office have already identified ways to improve efficiency and accountability ­­– we should build on that work.

My approach would be to implement zero-based and outcome-based budgeting practices, review every department’s cost drivers, and evaluate service delivery models for opportunities to streamline or share resources. We should also pursue grants, interlocal partnerships, and targeted economic development strategies that grow our revenue base rather than relying solely on taxpayers.

Residents deserve transparency, measurable goals, and a clear plan before another levy is proposed. I’ll work to ensure any future request is based on verified needs, not estimates.

Newman: If the levy fails, we will need a transparent and community-driven approach to stabilize our finances. I would begin with a full budget review to identify efficiencies, improve inter-department collaboration, and reduce duplication of effort. We also need to explore grants, partnerships, and private funding sources to preserve institutions like our parks and the Frances Anderson Center.

My experience in fundraising and partnership building as a nonprofit executive prepares me for these challenges. I also support initiatives that address multiple problems at once, like increasing red-light enforcement in school zones and charging tourists for parking downtown.

Above all, the public must have a seat at the table. Budget decisions should be informed by residents, not made behind closed doors. I have experience balancing limited budgets – while maintaining mission-critical services – on multimillion dollar disaster responses like Hurricane Helene, the L.A. fires, and our operating budget here at home. I would bring that same focus to the City Council.

Beacon: Edmonds has changed, for better or worse, over the past 20 years. Housing is unaffordable for many, expensive restaurants have moved in, parking is scarce, etc. What would you do to help Edmonds keep its small-town charm available to all, or has that ship sailed? 

Barnett: Edmonds’ small-town charm comes from its people and the independent businesses that reflect our creative, community-minded spirit. We don’t have many chains; we have owner-operated shops, cafes, and galleries that make Edmonds feel personal and authentic.

To preserve that, we need to support the small businesses that create local jobs, sponsor youth teams, and keep our downtown vibrant. But we also need to expand that vitality beyond downtown.

Highway 99, for example, has enormous untapped potential. Today, vacant storefronts attract crime and drain city resources. With proactive business development, zoning updates, and infrastructure improvements, we can revitalize that corridor into a thriving, mixed-use district that generates new tax revenue and safe, walkable neighborhoods while keeping Edmonds’ unique character intact.

By spreading opportunity across all parts of Edmonds, we can maintain affordability, enhance public safety, and ensure everyone – not just those in the Bowl – can enjoy the small-town charm we all love.

Newman: Edmonds can grow without losing what makes it special. Preserving our small-town charm means investing in people, not just property. I want to keep Edmonds accessible for families, seniors, and working residents by supporting diverse, well-designed housing near transit and existing infrastructure, especially in the areas of great opportunity like near Highway 99.

We can strengthen our downtown character by prioritizing local businesses in new business areas like Five Corners and Perrinville, creating walkable streets, and growing public parks that foster connection. Protecting our natural assets like the marsh and waterfront will keep Edmonds unique for generations to come. How we plan for smart growth determines whether Edmonds stays welcoming to all or becomes out of reach for most.

Beacon: As one of seven members of the City Council, each with equal power, what approach would you use to make decisions?

Barnett: Good governance starts with collaboration and respect. As one of seven councilmembers, I’ll focus on finding common ground and making data-driven decisions that reflect community priorities. My professional background is in operations and strategic planning so I naturally look for clear metrics, measurable outcomes, and systems that help us evaluate what’s working and what’s not.

When we make decisions, I want us to ask: What problem are we solving? What will success look like? How will we know if it’s working? By establishing clear key performance indicators (KPIs), we can course-correct early rather than waiting for mid-year budget reviews or crisis moments.

My approach will always be collaborative, practical, and people-focused – seeking win-win outcomes that balance fiscal responsibility, public safety, and quality of life for all Edmonds residents.

Newman: Collaboration starts with respect. As one of seven equal members, I will listen first, engage honestly, and seek common ground rooted in facts and shared values. I will prioritize transparency with the public and open communication with colleagues. My goal is not to “win” debates, but to deliver outcomes that serve residents and reflect the city’s long-term interests.

I have dedicated my career to public service at the American Red Cross, a famously neutral organization. My only objective is to find the best solutions to help those in need – the same focus every councilmember should have. I know how to build consensus among people with different perspectives to work toward common goals. Edmonds deserves thoughtful governance grounded in trust and teamwork.

BONUS (Online Only): Why should voters vote for you?

Barnett: I’m running because I love this community and I know how to help it thrive. My experience as a small business owner, community volunteer, and former global operations leader gives me a unique perspective on both the challenges and opportunities facing Edmonds.

I understand how to balance a budget, motivate teams, and deliver results. At the same time, I understand the heart of Edmonds — the people who volunteer, shop local, and show up for each other.

My approach is not political; it’s practical. I believe in data, transparency, and accountability, and I believe government should serve the people efficiently and respectfully.

We face real challenges: public safety concerns, infrastructure needs, and fiscal uncertainty. But we also have incredible assets -- a talented community, strong civic spirit, and a reputation for collaboration.

What sets me apart is experience, temperament, and commitment. I bring a calm, solutions-oriented style that puts people before politics. I listen. I problem-solve. And I lead by building consensus — not division.

I’m not running to make Edmonds something different; I’m running to help preserve what makes it special, while preparing for a sustainable and vibrant future.

Newman: I have spent this campaign meeting voters where they are – knocking on doors, hosting events in our parks, and fielding hundreds (possibly thousands) of questions from the community. My commitment has been to listen to the concerns of our neighbors so that I can properly represent all members of our community – from Firdale to Meadowdale, from the 99 to the Bowl. Every vote is a hard-earned honor.

My commitment is to addressing the concerns that I keep hearing from all of you: fixing our budget, maintaining public safety, championing our environment, making Edmonds more affordable, and increasing transparency by listening and responding to you.

It’s going to take someone with experience managing teams in crisis, leading through disasters, and prioritizing public services through tough budgets to get us through this crisis. It’s time for a new perspective in City Hall, and it would be my privilege to bring my skills and experience to the job.