RSSLikable Cawley deserves another term on council
Yakima Herald-Republic editorial board
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This editorial appears in the Oct. 13, 2009, Yakima Herald-Republic.
The race between incumbent Micah Cawley and Mary Place for a seat on the Yakima City Council is unusual for this fact: Neither has ever lost.
On Nov. 3, that will change.
Place first ran for office in 1997 and even held the ceremonial post of mayor. But in 2005, she decided against seeking re-election and devoted her time to caring for her son, Chris, who was battling a rare form of skin cancer. Chris died in February 2008, leaving behind a wife and two children.
Though still grieving for the loss of her son, Place said recently in an interview with this newspaper that it was time for her to move on with her life. That's why she decided to run again.
The two-term councilwoman knows many of the issues still facing the city -- from gang violence to the need for creating new jobs. She also knows the pitfalls of seeking new economic developments for the city after her experiences with the massive legal costs associated with locating a Walmart superstore in Yakima's West Valley.
The 66-year-old Place is also conversant on infrastructure needs for Yakima and the surrounding community, including the proposed transportation projects set for Interstate 82 and Terrace Heights. She even expressed a desire to bring the likes of Microsoft to the Yakima Valley. That's a wish few wouldn't want to come true.
But in terms of building a compelling argument for her return to public office, Place brings few fresh ideas to the table. While Cawley still has to iron out a few wrinkles in his council-performance portfolio, we see no reason to send the one-term councilman packing.
There is something about Cawley that we like. He expresses himself well even when he is confronted with apparent contradictions in his votes -- he recently advocated for tougher city code enforcement of dilapidated homes but argued against getting tough on homeowners who park multiple vehicles in their front lawns. He defended the parking-in-the-front-lawn vote by saying many residents are afraid to leave their cars in the streets for fear of vandalism. Not the most persuasive argument, but one that merits consideration.
And his stance on considering tougher code enforcement does speak to Cawley's track record of questioning city staff members about how they perform their jobs.
The 25-year-old Cawley has also shown an independent streak when it comes to a much-maligned regional aquatic center (he favors it) and for being the deciding vote in appointing the council's first Hispanic member earlier this year.
We also find his support of law enforcement steady and supple -- Cawley says he helped to add seven new police officers to the force when funds were freed up after the regional library broke away from the city. Even in the face of heated criticism leveled at police Chief Sam Granato, Cawley has been unflagging in his support for the chief. Cawley said the decline in the rate of major crimes in the city speaks well of Granato and his handling of the department.
Cawley does bring a refreshing and sometimes provocative voice to the council. We support his bid for re-election and urge voters in Yakima to do likewise.
* Members of the Yakima Herald-Republic editorial board are Michael Shepard, Barbara Serrano, Spencer Hatton and Karen Troianello.
When this kid will pay property tax will be the day when I may think about voting for him.
Report ViolationSnoop - who's to say he doesn't pay property tax now? I owned a house here when I was 24 years old, so what's your point?
Report ViolationMr. Cawley does in fact own a home.
Report ViolationSnoop, I'm appalled that you have such an attitude. It sounds like you are saying that if you don't own property you are a second class citizen without the right to vote or make decisions. I'm sorry to inform you that there are some very bright, serious minded and contientious people out there who do not own property and pay taxes on the property the inhabit via their rent.
Now if you are saying that you will not cast a vote for this yound man merely because of his age, I'm not sure you are the person we would want opinionating about his qualifications.
I have dealt with Council Member Cawley recently and found him to be, open minded, willingness to research and not to jump to conclusions.
While he is they youngest council member we have, he is often looked to for his position on issues and often is the one voice of reason.
He is willing to lead and not shy away from responsibility as you can see in many news releases.
Snoop,
Mr. Cawley does own a home and pays property taxes and has for several years...futhermore...he is married and his mommy and daddy didn't purchase a home for him..pretty impressive for a young man.
I'm tired of rehashing the past with Mary Place, Paul George and the rest of the former council members who dream of the good 'ole" days. We have to move forward, look to the future and embrace the future..or Yakima will continue to falter..sorry...that is a fact and I for one as a concerned citizen get my one vote to debunk the good 'ole boys club and I shall use it wisely.
We need strong leadership...vision...and a willingness to embrace new ideas...Micah Cawley brings that ... and gets my vote November 4th.
Why would Yakima voters make the same mistake twice by electing Mary Place to the City Council?
Yakima cannot afford to have Mary Place on the City Council for a second time. She was part of the unethical backroom dealings that led to a second Wal*Mart in West Yakima.
Mary Place could have chosen to be transparent and tell the Citizens of Yakima the truth about the Congdon Re-Zone, however she chose not to! She never has done so. That's her decision.
Those of us Citizens who chose to attend the many public meetings, write letters, voice our feelings, participate in the process, in the end, had no voice at the table of the City Council, because of the unscrupulous, unethical, dealings of the ilk of Mary Place, Bernie Sims and others that sat on the City Council back early in this decade.
The Yakima Herald Republic also failed miserably in their role as the Fourth Estate. They failed to investigate what was going on at City Hall, and turned a blind eye, instead of holding the feet to the fire of our elected and nother public servants by doing some investigative journalism regarding the Congdon Re-zone.
If Mary had integrity, scruples, and ethics, she would come forward, confess her sins as Mayor/City Council member as they pertain to the Re-zone of the Congdon Orchards.
The end result is this week the Wailing Wal * of * Mart will open in West Valley, a building and project that was unwanted and unneeded. Another prime example of politicians refusing to listen to their constituents who chose to participate in the system. A sad day for Yakima, and the local businesses that eventually that will be driven out of business...and all for 30 silver coins of sales tax revenue. Shame on our City Council, past and present.
Don't vote for Mary Place. She CANNOT be trusted to represent "we the people!"
Maybe they did listen to their constituents, just not the constituents that you wanted them to.
Report ViolationHis support of law enforcement wins him my vote. This young man got where he is today by being a "good kid". Works for me!
Report ViolationI think Snoop needs to snoop in to things a little more before they pass judgment! I happen to know Micah very well and he is a taxpayer and a respected citizen. Are you judging him just because of his age?? It appears as though he may be more mature than you are!! Therefore age is not relevant! Do some self evaluating Snoop!! You can't teach an old dog new tricks!
Report ViolationI Like him. I really do not know why I like him. Maybe because he is to young to be part of the good old boys network. But He does need to get out and get aware of the what is going on in the real world. What effects the common person in this valley. He needs to be his own man. But I would give him another term.
Report ViolationWhat I would really like to know is, what does the city council think about the closing of Ahtanum View Corrections Center. What does the council think about the loss of revenue from taxes and utilities that the workers at this facility bring into the community?
What do the rest of you think. Will the city council act. Can they act. Sure they can. But will they?
How often the elders underestimate the youth! I too have had the pleasure of meeting with Micah Cawley and he has my vote. Go teach those old dogs some new tricks!
;)
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