From 1986 to 1993, I served two terms on the Bellingham City Council as the representative for the 6th Ward. It was then probably the most diverse ward in the city. Today, it may even be more so. It extends from Clark’s Point and Arroyo Park to 44th and Consolidation, from Lake Padden to Harris Bay and the Taylor Street Dock in Fairhaven. It includes our highest and lowest income neighborhoods, a vibrant commercial district, the Port’s industrial South Terminal, the City’s wastewater treatment plant, and several schools.

I served during the implementation of the State’s Growth Management policies and their integration with our neighborhood plans. Michael Lilliquist has followed the representation styles of Bruce Ayers and Barbara Ryan to help build sound infill policies and advocate for smart growth. Whoever is elected to represent the 6th Ward in the upcoming election will be faced with working the state’s new housing bills into the new Bellingham Plan. The Bellingham Plan will further de-emphasize neighborhoods in an attempt to make rules and regulations more homogeneous. The goal is to strip away impediments to housing supply and affordability. Michael has the experience to see that it happens as gracefully as possible.

Both candidates for the 6th Ward prioritize housing, but Lilliquist’s opponent singles it out above all other issues. I have not always agreed with Lilliquist, but I have observed that he stays well informed, reads AND understands the meeting materials, is able to ask intelligent questions, make sensible motions, and - most of all - listen and engage in the kind of civil dialog that always produces better public outcomes. He is open and circumspect, honoring differing views. I have not seen him bully or intimidate, or engage in shady shenanigans to gain an edge.

I believe Michael will provide the best balance for the challenges that Bellingham faces ahead.