Olympia council working so far

Our views

The Olympian • Published May 08, 2008

• Comments (0)

• Made good progress on two, market-rate housing proposals — Colpitts and Larida Passage.

• Rejected the “sanctuary city” proposal.

Their meetings are run professionally and finish on time — a symbolic and practical indication of the new spirit and efficiency.

Those are just the highlights. Add in the 400 volunteers the city energized to plant 1,008 trees in one day, its certification of 35 green businesses, progress toward construction of West Bay Park and efforts to build sidewalks along 5th Avenue, Legion Way, Decatur Street, Division Street and San Francisco Avenue. It’s clear that the new Olympia City Council has heard the voters’ plea for action-oriented leadership.

If there’s a concern, it’s that the city staff has not caught up with the new council and embraced the energized atmosphere. It’s tough to change a culture within any organization, especially among staff members who have had a bunker mentality for years. They were constantly second- guessed by individual council members.

But the culture must change.

Two examples: Developers and builders say while management has changed, the unpredictability of the city’s permitting process and poor customer service have not. Council member Jeff Kingsbury promises a quick resolution.

It’s been more than five months since the port protests, yet police and prosecutors have not filed charges nor held a single protester accountable for breaking the law. City Manager Steve Hall takes the blame and promises action within the next two weeks. The council must exhibit strong leadership amid the recurring violence that is plaguing this community.

Taken as a whole, however, the new Olympia City Council is respectful, united in their vision and willing to make tough decisions and deliver for the residents of the capital city.

It’s time for the city staff to embrace the new era of action-oriented leadership.