NEW — 3:37 p.m. Sept. 30, 2015
It takes courage and stamina for someone to throw his or her hat in the ring and run for public office. You have to be prepared for any question, any issue. You also have to become an expert on many topics.
That’s why we commend Linda Newing and Victoria Sandoval for coming forward to run for Newcastle City Council Position 1 in the Nov. 3 election.
Both women came to our offices for an interview last week so we could ask them questions about various issues, including the possible Energize Eastside route coming through Newcastle, how to involve residents in the city’s growth and what they would do to raise revenue for the city.
Both gave great answers, but we have to choose Newing as our preferred candidate for the position.
Newing is sharp and it appears she is well-versed on many issues facing the city, including traffic on Coal Creek Parkway. She had quick responses to our questions, despite not having any way of knowing what we were going to ask.
She also has great ideas, and her work with the city of Renton gives her an insider’s knowledge about how a city government is run.
She has long been involved in issues in the city of Newcastle, including helping with starting a Block Watch in her neighborhood and continuing with helping build community events as a member of the Community Activities Commission.
Newing said it would be a privilege and honor to serve, and that she wants to do what’s best for Newcastle residents. We agree she will and we think she is the best candidate for the job.
As for Sandoval, we liked her creative ideas, her positive energy and her passion for the city, including her idea of creating a community meeting space in the city, which Newcastle needs. We hope she will continue to learn more about the issues and that she will run again when there is an open spot.