GH Citizens vote NO confidence

   Even in an "off year" for voting, Gig Harbor citizens have made a statement of NO Confidence!
   

       There are 5,463 registered voters in the City of Gig Harbor.

       3,275 voters did not return any ballots.  Why?

      At least 1/3 of the returned ballots of Gig Harbor voters did NOT vote for this mayor- elect or any of the council members running for re-election. 
    As of Nov 8/ 4:30pm
       2,188 returned ballots voting for Mayor-elect, Jill Guernsey
       1,040 returned ballots not voting for Mayor-elect, Jill Guernsey

       2,090 returned ballots voting for Council member Tim Payne
       1,135 returned ballots NOT voting for Council member Tim Payne

       1,423 returned ballots voting for Council member Steve Ekberg
       1,109 returned ballots voting for Jim Hagman
          642 returned ballots NOT voting for Council member Steve Ekberg

       2,107 returned ballots voting for Council member Paul Kadzik
       1,121 returned ballots NOT voting for Council member Paul Kadzik

 It is  evident that if the council members had made their downtown intentions known before the May filing date, they would have not run unopposed and most likely would not have been reelected.

These voters have said loud and clear they have no confidence in the Council's handling of the Downtown Height amendment.
   
 These voters are the same people the Council stepped all over when Council discounted citizens signatures on their petitions, emails, and public comments.  Were these citizens a good trade off for the only 10 folks who did email and speak in favor of the building heights amendment?  These 10 folks stand to financially benefit from the passing of this amendment.

     Why is there no confidence? 

 Every person knows that if downtown is not going to be revitalized by 2 story, flat-roof buildings on the uphill side of Harborview Dr., then 3 or 4 buildings on the waterside of Harborview Drive is not going to make a difference to economic vitality at all.  Council's  story of why 3 or 4, 2 story, flat-roof buildings on the waterside of Harborview Dr is so vital does not make sense.  It is not a believable story.  Perhaps the answer lies in those 70 pages withheld due to attorney client privilege.

        Council's statement ..."if you want a view ,go buy  it" is just plain arrogant and Council's  being out of touch is evidenced  from the city's own vision boards where citizens put their dots on what they want Gig Harbor to be known for... views, quaint, walkable..  There were no 2 story, flat-roof buildings ever shown or mentioned.

     The voters of Gig Harbor spoke on Nov 5. 

 The Gig Harbor City Council has heard loud and clear why there is no confidence. 

 

 Voters will be watching and listening and anticipating a different election in 2 years.