Ristine wants to improve government transparency

COULEE CITY — Rosie Ristine is running for election as Coulee City mayor because she wants to help make the town grow.

She stated her work experience prepared her for the position.

Ristine worked with the General Telephone Company of the Northwest, worked with government agencies on grants and cost saving, and served the Snohomish County Public Works budget department concerning a construction program and transportation plans.

“In the past I was involved with the Safe Stop Program for our youth through the police department,” Ristine stated. “I feel that if elected as your mayor, I will do the best job to secure funds so we can see a relief for taxpayers.”

She has several goals for the position.

“We need to stop assessing our town’s people for all the mismanagement of the water and sewer systems,” she explained. “The tax base for the assessment of property tax needs to be fair and equal for everyone alike.”

Ristine wants to make the city park profitable so a park host can be hired.

She urges transparency and accountability among city employees and during city council meetings.

She wants to see a stronger police presence during the night, rather than during the day, wants to have a police officer live in the city limits and keep patrol vehicles in the city limits.

Ristine wants phone numbers for city officials to be published for public access, improve snowplow policies and make the city safer for youth to play.

She foresees getting other city councilmembers to agree with her about her goals will be her biggest challenge.

She explained why citizens should vote for her.

“I will make the needed changes with the support of the people,” Ristine stated. “I have been in Coulee City for 14 years and I have seen my water bill double, my taxes double and I would like to see something different than more increases.”

Her top priority for the city is to create a good environment for citizens to live.

The next project she wants to see involves building a place for youth to enjoy.

“These young folks are our future,” she stated.

Ristine stated the city can improve services to the community by listening to public concerns.

She explained her view on the city budget.

“This needs some attention to projects that have only cost the city money,” she stated. “I need to review and make recommendations.”

She explained the city can improve communication with the public by using print publications and accepting citizen concern openly.