Challenging Priya Cloutier’s website

I am glad that Priya Cloutier has a website, just like I am glad to have a blog. Discussion is good, but ideas must be challenged in order to get to the truth. So let’s do some challenging…

Assertion: Priya describes herself as “a highly involved community activist.”

Challenge: Priya has lived three years in Edmonds and has missed many local elections in that time. She is the only candidate for any position who did not cast a vote for our EMS levy. She also missed two school levy elections. Michael Plunkett has perfect voting record over the same period, and has lived in Edmonds 30 years. If Priya won’t vote, then Priya has no business calling herself a community activist.

Assertion: Priya states; “Through his (Plunkett’s) actions, it is clear to me that my opponent is too comfortable in his 12 years…”

Challenge: Priya criticizes Plunkett’s actions, but then she doesn’t tell us what those actions are.
So Priya, what did Plunkett do that you disagree with? Are you upset with him because he formed a historic commission and fought for historic structures? Are you disappointed with his vote to fund Yost pool, the senior center, and public health? What about his votes to create the Edmonds Center for the Arts, streamline architectural design review, or save paramedic service after Mountlake Terrace pulled out of Medic 7? Are you upset that he wanted a larger park in South Edmonds and that he voted to save Marina Beach from development?

Or do you just hate the fact that Plunkett said “no” to taller buildings?

Assertion: In 12 years all my opponent has to show for is passing frivolous laws such as “paper or plastic” or cat leash ordinances!

Challenge (1): Plunkett voted against the cat leash ordinance, check the record, and look it up next time.

Challenge (2): This statement does not indicate how Priya would vote on these issues. Priya seems to fault Plunkett for making a decision. We know what his decisions are. Priya, what would your decision have been?

Assertion: “I am not interested in turning Edmonds into a casino-haven such as Tacoma or Lynnwood .”

Challenge (1): Lynnwood bans casinos, but I am glad to know that Priya wants us to be better than Tacoma.

Challenge (2) Her statement does not take a stand on casinos in Edmonds. In fact, her statement suggests that she would be willing to allow casinos under certain conditions. So what is it Priya? Where do you stand on casinos in Edmonds? Please clarify, clearly please.

Assertion: “I, too, oppose increasing building heights in the downtown Edmonds corridor.”

Challenge: This deceptive statement is designed to trick you. I have heard it again and again from other candidates trying to dodge the issue of building heights in downtown. Priya is trying to give you the impression she opposes taller buildings in all of the downtown and the waterfront, when in fact the phrase ‘Edmonds corridor’ refers only to a portion of downtown.

Priya, the public would like you stop your lawyerly dance and take a stand. What is your stand? Quit dancing around taller buildings and tell us.

Well this concludes my blog for now. Priya, I hope my challenges will improve your website.