City Hall

“There is no other entity that has pulled this off,” he said of KCCHA. He pointed out their unique skill set and demonstrated track record. “For us to ignore that, then we should be challenged.”

Several citizens offered their opinions after the council discussed the issue. Long-time resident Muriel Williams criticized their “ill-advised decision” and the length of time it took them to reach it.

“The reality is the city could have been moving into its new quarters this October,” she said. “I foresee the day when the city might well rue its lack of common sense.”

Former Poulsbo Mayor Mitch Mitchusson urged the council to reconsider the 10th Avenue site, where the police station could also be located.

“We see changes all the time in our community,” he said. “You have to grow to be healthy. You should go with 10th Avenue.”

But city council candidate Linda Berry-Maraist lauded the action.

“It’s really important to think how special and unique our downtown is,” she said. “I want to cheer you for the direction you’ve taken tonight.”

Even so, city council candidate Becky Erickson and resident David Wells both questioned Quade’s position, as she currently chairs the KCCHA board. Regis too expressed the need to know Quade wouldn’t be faced with competing interests. She assured him it would not be the case.

“Bottom line Mr. Regis, I represent the city and the citizens. Every other board comes second,” she said. “I don’t intend on doing anything behind closed doors that I can do in public.”

Quade also said she would abstain from voting were there a tie on the issue in the future.

Stern emphasized that all mayors in the county are assigned sit on various boards, including for the KCCHA. He said it is no more than a coincidence Quade is chairing that agency at the current time.

“It is to our citizen’s advantage,” he said.

City Attorney Jim Haney also stated he did not see a conflict of interest.

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