“Armondo knows the community”

Dear editor,

I am writing this letter in support of Armondo Pavone as our next Mayor of Renton. I have known Armondo since we both attended Renton High School over 40 years ago and have watched him grow into a leader of our community. Since he sold his first slice of pizza downtown to his recent councilmember role, he has been an advocate for our city and should be our next leader.

As a business partner he demonstrated that he truly is a visionary. My husband Tim and I, our friends Charlie and Beverly Keeslar as well as Armondo purchased several buildings in downtown Renton in the late 90s, which included the Melrose Tavern. Our tenant had not renewed their lease and it was Armondo who foresaw not only the need for a high-end steakhouse in downtown Renton, but also how this 100-year-old building could be transformed to a destination restaurant while maintaining our local spirit.

It was Armondo’s vision and creativity with both the menu and ambiance that brought us the Melrose Grill. While we are no longer partners in the restaurant, we are so proud of this vibrant establishment.

Armondo knows our community and while working to revitalize our downtown, he also embraces the growth and opportunities provided by the development of the south end of Lake Washington. He understands that as Renton grows the potential for crime does as well and he supports hiring more officers, to maintain our safe environment.

Please join me in voting for Armondo Pavone as our next Mayor of Renton.

Sincerely,

Kimberly Searing

Renton

Reader has lots of questions, few answers

Dear editor,

I want to look at some of the school board issues.Honestly, I am a lost soul in the modern world.

I am fascinated that someone thinks there is overcrowding in Renton School District. Around Lindbergh High there’s lots of room. I want to support updating schools. I do support new construction. We need to fix a long over-dependence on portables at Lindbergh High School. In the late 1980s and 1990s the school did teach some night courses. Lindbergh was one of the first schools to get Apple computers and regular personal computers. Maybe, they will finally build the long over due annex to remove the portables so that a summer program or community center can be added.

What is the future of half vacant Cascade Shopping Center? Also, I know the ongoing problem on Renton Hill. In the early 1980s someone blocked building brick and concrete homes up around Lindbergh and Nelson. Larger three and four-story town homes would have been built. The beauty of this type of building is modularity and flexibility. Home Ownership would have been higher. Instead, there are 15 large apartment complexes.

Additionally, I hope Renton is following Tukwila’s lead and adding a few mid-rise structures. I believe this maintains single family housing and provides smaller apartments for airport and seasonal travel employees. The polite warning in Kent. The single family homes were designed to last 30 to 40 years. They will be ending their service life.

Detroit had its boom town height in the early 1960s. I think the greater Seattle (area) hit its peak about 2006. Renton is in the exact center of the Seattle Metropolitan Area. With the $3 billion loss at Boeing with the 737, I feel the importance is there.

I often heard people wonder why the commuter airport did not exist at Boeing field or Renton Municipal Airport. I feel with the war coming to an end, there might be a partial jump in corporate business jets. The flip side is absolutely removing the Renton Airport because Boeing’s secret plan of losing another plant becomes a reality.

I used to be in the Navy, I know very well that the capacity of the runway is underutilized. I was under the impression that Boeing was going to widen the airfield. The other reality is the removal of warehouse around Auburn Municipal Airport.

Additionally, is Boeing adding a cargo drone delivery service proposed by Amazon.com? Will Renton need to add length to the runway or decide to move the warehouses up from South King County and close Renton Airport?

As federal regional planner, I want to shape and plan Renton’s future, not let the whim of major corporations shape ours. I want to remove the ghost town of the once great industrial plant town.

Sincerely,

James Simpson

Renton

“Armondo’s style builds partnerships”

Dear editor,

I am supporting Armondo for Renton mayor to continue the leadership style that consists of authenticity, collaboration and building partnerships for the benefit for all citizens in Renton.

Growth requires policy makers that have visions for the future that benefits all people and listens to all points of view. Armondo has the leadership style that builds bridges, partnerships and openness. Partisan politics do not belong in city hall.

Please support Armondo for mayor, he is the best choice.

Sincerely,

Bernadene “Bernie” Dochnahl

Renton

City council member supports McIrvin for school board

Dear editor,

I am writing to express my strong support for Dr. Stefanie McIrvin for Renton School Board, Director Pos. 3.

I have known Stefanie for many years and I have seen her dedication and commitment to education first-hand. She is not only knowledgeable of the education system overall, but she has the budgetary and public policy experience to back it up.

As a Career and Technical Education (CTE) teacher at Renton High School, I have had many conversations with Stefanie about her ideas to increase CTE support across the district. She understands the issues facing classroom teachers and isn’t afraid to put in the work to ensure teachers have the resources they need to educate students. Moreover, Stefanie has worked very closely with the School District to expand CTE pathways into postsecondary options.

In addition to her real-world experience, Stefanie has an amazing attention to detail and isn’t afraid to ask the hard questions. As the former board president of the Renton Historical Society, Stefanie frequently pushed for innovation and led candid conversations about proactive fiscal planning.

I believe that Stefanie will similarly advocate for students, families and teachers as a Renton School Board Director. Like myself, Stefanie is a mother of two young children. The future of the school district is undoubtedly important to her not only as a citizen, but as a parent in the district. I trust Stefanie to take the district in a positive direction.

Vote Dr. Stefanie McIrvin by Aug. 6!

Sincerely,

Carol Ann Witschi

Kennydale