Letter to the Public:
Dear
Friends,
The progress we’re making towards making Lakewood a “world-class” city since incorporating twelve years ago is highly visible and nothing short of remarkable. But, it hasn’t been easy. For instance, in our zeal to spur economic development for our city, my council colleagues and I had to overcome tremendous challenges. We made a few mistakes before finally settling on a strategy and formula that attracted the right combination of developers, businesses and partners needed to serve our community while creating jobs for many of our citizens.
I am proud to report that we have a city that is operating in the black and is debt free! My promise to “work diligently with you and my council colleagues to help build a city that all of us can be proud of” is truly being realized. A new city hall complex anchors the hustle and flow of a revitalized, bustling and flourishing Town Center with twenty-first century character and charm. Lakewood citizens can now access a myriad of government services at a single location while also conveniently attending to a variety of personal and household shopping needs. This convenience and assortment of retailers is making Lakewood a shopping, dining and entertainment destination for many of Puget Sound neighbors as well.
Development and redevelopment projects are ongoing and will remain an integral part of our economic growth and stability well into the future. On March 26, 2007, we broke ground on the Lakewood Sound Transit Commuter Rail Station on Pacific Highway, which will house Pierce and Sound Transit bus operations.
In
addition to providing commuting alternatives from Lakewood to Everett,
The
Lakewood Station is expected to be a magnet and catalyst for
revitalizing South Tacoma Way, Pacific Highway and Ponders. A new fire
and rescue center has been built and is currently providing services to
the community. A La Quinta Inn and a new Ford dealership are nearing
completion and will soon be operational.
This success is due, in part, to the spirit of cooperation that has characterized the council and this city from the beginning. It can also be attributed to the willingness of council members to research and study both sides of the issues before reaching an unbiased judgment and consensus.
Another election season is upon us, and if our success and effectiveness is to continue, then we must elect or re-elect council members whose backgrounds highlight sound leadership, management and the requisite legislative skills. These candidates need to not only have a grasp of the “big picture” but also an ability and willingness to subordinate self and special interests for the good of the entire community.
In recent years, however, a divisive spirit infiltrated parts of our city and threatened this unity and the spirit of cooperation that is at the heart of our success both as a council and an emerging city. We must not allow it to root or continue to fester. Instead, we must remain vigilant and guard against misdirection or would be leaders who would destroy our momentum towards the fulfillment and the self-actualization of our vision as a diverse and unified community.
Recently, I announced my candidacy for Lakewood City Council re-election. My goal this term is to help finish the job you entrusted the council to do after we incorporated. Although, we have clearly accomplished a lot, more needs to be done. Our partnership with the Clover Park School District to affect student achievement, and training for neighborhood leaders to strengthen their skills and give them a more effective voice in local government is priorities we should pursue.
We are almost there. Our city is “World-Class” and a model for others. With your continued help and support we’ll make it the rest of the way.
Sincerely
Dr. Claudia B. Thomas