Randy Scott, Council Position 5

Do you favor the Point Brown Avenue redesign project moving forward, and if so, which of the alternatives do you favor and what suggestions do you have for funding?

I have an understanding that this project was primarily to be funded by grants, with of course the City needing to match the dollars with as minimal amount of matching dollars as possible. I do not favor any option that lessens the amount of parking available to the businesses located on Point Brown. My understanding may be in error, but my attitude of taking on major projects at this time committing the city to possible more debt or need to utilize inter-fund loans has not changed. No debt or inter-fund loans until the city gets the debts more under control.

The city faces a dilemma with funding set to expire for seven firefighters. Do you favor retaining these positions, why or why not, and if so, how would suggest they be paid for?

First I believe that the public safety issues supported by the additional firefighters is one of the most important services and functions of the City. That said, I have not heard a lot of discussion or listing of alternatives regarding the manner in which the city may continue to fund the seven firefighters or even some of them. Nor have I heard any of the argument of facts that would be for not funding all or some of them. The need for the personnel in this area is growing and we see that by the number of calls for both fire and EMS – add to that the number and time commitments for transport I am in favor of saving as many as possible. As for funding them – I would have to watch the City budget discussions for next year and see if I may contribute to the conversation to retain as many of the firefighters as possible.

What three items of public interest and benefit would you propose as a council member and what three items would you like to see changed in the city of Ocean Shores?

I have no real priorities. I do have a couple of goals – 1. Eliminate debt and create funds for the benefit of streets and city infrastructure; 2. Help create more and better opportunities for citizen education and input for the development and change of city policies; and 3. Work on Washington State Legislative issues that will benefit the City of Ocean Shores.

Would you continue the city’s contract with the Pinnacle Group to help manage and market the Ocean Shores Convention Center, and what suggestions do you have for the facility in the long term?

I have read the report that the Pinnacle Group is working on. I found the report to be interesting and seemed the recommendations leaned toward the City to continue to manage the OSCC. I liked a number of their recommendations – but the study also said that further study by the City needs to continue for the implementation some of the recommendations and further plan for the operation of the facility. I found the study to be a little short in the area of recommendations – for instance: the study talks about the maximum size of conventions that the facility can handle, due to size of the OSCC and room availability. I would think that the facility and hotels could handle the 200 to 600 participant meeting any time, but there should be a focus to get the 800 – 1000 participant meeting at least three times a year during the late spring and early fall when tourism is most likely to be lighter and weather would still be more accommodating. And their list of potential organizations left off a number of governmental groups like Association of Washington Cities, Washington State Association of Counties and others.

Additionally, there was no mention of encouraging the meeting/conventioneer’s to have or hold a golf outing at the Ocean Shores Golf Course during their meeting/convention. I am sure all hotels will welcome to encourage the development of a “Stay and Play” experience with the hotel and the Ocean Shores Golf Course.