Michael Darling, Council Position 1

This is my first campaign for elected office.

I’m 63 years old. Bought our home here in 2008. Moved here full time in 2013. I retired after 35 years of working at: Timberland Regional Library System, King County Library System and the Seattle Aquarium. Retired as the Manager of Planning and Development.

In my working life I administered large departmental budgets, awarded design and construction contracts in a public process, acted as a project manager, chaired committees, supervised employees as well as volunteers and coordinated fundraising efforts.

Joined the Ocean Shores Park Board in 2014. Was appointed President in 2015. Started the Ocean Shores Park Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit in 2015.

I have volunteered at the Chamber of Commerce, the Sand and Sawdust Festival, Fishing Derby, etc. Often tell people “I’m clearly flunking retirement”.

I have one daughter, Erin Olivia Darling, now 15 years old. I have one cat, “Luck,”age indeterminate.

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?

Yes, move forward in a thoughtful manner that respects public opinion. We’re currently only at about 20% design phase.

The City now has a grant writer on staff, and there are State and Federal transportation dollars out there. Historically, we’ve done very well with our bridge repair projects and airport improvements. That’s a testament to the success that can come about from pursuing outside funding for infrastructure projects.

However let me emphasize, without a specific proposal in front of me including actual costs, I’m not willing at this time to do a thumbs up/thumbs down assessment. Before any final agreement, there are always opportunities to renegotiate costs, alter the scope, eliminate and/or add elements. I think all 3 current options have both strengths and weaknesses. My preferred option would be #3 with modifications to parking.

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?

With a steadily aging population, it’s critical that we try to retain as many positions as possible. We should continue to seek outside funding and attempt to maintain current levels. I understand there’s a Council report coming soon. My bottom line would be to retain at least 4 positions – any way we can.

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?

It’s very important that we begin to emphasize planning efforts city wide. Planning documents don’t “tie your hands”, rather they provide a map to help set priorities in both the prosperous and lean years. The Ocean Shores Park Board is currently finishing up a new 5 year plan.

I’d like to see improvements in our parks. At the very least we need adequate signs and sufficient budgets for repairs. Our Parks are a shared assets and we all currently fund them, however in the lean years budgets were slashed. We’re still struggling to maintain minimum maintenance standards in some of our more frequently used locations.

Create a central location (maybe a database?) where people who wish to volunteer throughout the City could list their interests, skills and access they have to special tools and equipment. This could also serve as a place where older citizens and those with disabilities who need help could reach out and find others willing to help.

What would I change?

I would propose adding a neighborhood-policing component. We certainly know where crime is most concentrated. It’s important that all our people feel safe in their homes. It’s time to get out of the cars and take a walk or a bike ride when workloads permit. Crime Watch is a good tool, however police visibility is a simple and an invaluable deterrent. I’ve seen this succeed in both large and small cities – multiple times.

I would like to see code enforcement matters pursued much more aggressively.

Identify our most popular “photo ops” and make sure the words “Ocean Shores, WA” appear prominently at those locations. An example would be the seahorse sculpture at the Convention Center. The thousands of photos people shoot will appear on everything from Facebook to grandma’s ‘fridge. We’re missing an opportunity to widely distribute our name and brand at virtually no ongoing cost to the City.

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?

With our initial $20K investment, I would now advocate enacting their recommendations: improved marketing and website revision. I would then do a simple cost/benefit assessment after a year. At that point, the key question would be “did we see an increase in revenues that more than offset the cost of their consulting fee”?

Again, without a specific proposal and actual costs I’m unwilling to commit a hard yes or no just now. A Convention Center traditionally isn’t meant to be a large revenue generating facility. Rather it’s about putting “heads in beds”, having visitors shop here and later return with friends and family.