Submitted by Jean Handley, city of Yelm resident:

My specific question [submitted to the debate, yet was not asked] is that while we know Mr. Foster is a nice guy and served in the military and had a career as a firefighter, why is he the best person for Yelm? He was on the council over 5+ years and voted in agreement with the council on questionable issues, a few examples:
– voted to go around voters in favor of building the Yelm Community Center, after voters rejected the bond for this building.. twice,
– never spoke-up about the deferred maintenance and upgrades at Yelm Public Works, putting the facility in badly needed servicing requiring an estimated $17-$24 million, most will soon to be paid by Yelm residents,
– voted to tack on $1,000,000 plus interest, to the the-proposed $1,000,000 library bond for a community center, all without public input,
– voted in a May 8, 2012 closed-to-the-public Executive Session on a city issue without afterwards giving public notification before council voted. Councilor Mike McGowan was the only one voting “No”, saying public notification and responses were required before council action was taken,
– With the WA Supreme Court having the Sara Foster [no relation] vs. City of Yelm water rights case in-hand for deliberation, which could then overturn Yelm’s water rights reducing the need for an additional well, Councilor Foster voted with the Yelm Council August 11, 2015 to spend $5 million for a new well project anyway. The city lost that case and the well is unused to this day,
– Foster NEVER once stood for public transparency, and only when Councilor Stillwell last month requested removal of public speaking restrictions to council, were these removed.

Mr. Foster’s votes as a councilor have proven he does NOT have the public interest first and foremost.
Why should I vote for him?
DePinto has questioned so many decisions proposed to council on behalf of constituents.
He’s the best candidate for Mayor of Yelm!

Jean Handley
Yelm