Selby will be a winning mayor for Olympia

We enthusiastically support Cheryl Selby in Olympia’s mayoral race.

For several years I (Kris) urged the City Council to consider hiring a top urban design firm with significant expertise in downtown revitalization. These professionals are skilled creators of achievable downtown plans designed with the public’s participation. It is also their role to assist with the economic implementation of their plans. In 2014 Cheryl became convinced that it was time for the city to hire an urban design team with those credentials. As a member of the Finance Committee, she championed funding for this; last month the city selected Makers, one of the top Northwest urban design firms, to begin this critical work.

Last year Cheryl championed funding for Olympia’s first-ever director of economic development, a position filled this past July. Olympia – with its connections to Budd Inlet, Mount Rainier and the Capitol Campus; plus its impressive historic-building inventory – may at last be poised to become one of the most vibrant and admired state capitals in the U.S.

Cheryl believes not only in an economically thriving and livable downtown, but an economically thriving and livable city. Her energy is boundless, and obstacles don’t deter her. She is a creative, passionate leader who has effected significant positive change at City Hall after just 19 months of council service. We’re voting for Cheryl and hope you will too.

This story was originally published October 16, 2015 at 3:36 PM with the headline "Selby will be a winning mayor for Olympia."