Twisp town council incumbent Aaron Studen and challenger Dara Perez answered questions in an online forum organized by the Twisp Valley Grange last Thursday (Oct. 14). Questions were prepared by the grange and submitted by community members in advance.
Okanogan County Cemetery District 2 incumbent commissioner Carol Gaston and challenger Larry Smith also participated.
Twisp town council
Background
Aaron Studen has lived in the Methow Valley for 27 years. He realized his dream of starting a small brewery when he launched Methow Valley Brewing and the Twisp River Pub. He currently has several jobs – he decommissions underground storage tanks, drives a Zamboni at the Winthrop Rink, and sells applewood for cooking and heating.
During his six years on the town council, Studen has served on the parks and recreation and finance committees. His experience running the pub has contributed to his effectiveness on the town council in dealing with budgets and contracts, he said.
Dara Perez has lived in the Methow for 20 years. She is married and has two grown daughters and manages two businesses in the valley. She described herself as passionate about helping others and solving problems.
Perez called herself efficient and forthright with a forward-looking eye on details. She wants to see sustainable, responsible development in Twisp.
Support for businesses
To support businesses, Studen would improve the aesthetics and ease of circulation on town streets and sidewalks. He pointed to the town’s ongoing revitalization project, which has already brought solar-powered lights to Glover Street. Subsequent phases include new signage and a gateway to the business district.
Perez wants to keep a close eye on business needs, which she said aren’t always obvious. Parking for employees and customers and access for deliveries are among important business needs, she said.
Climate action
The town council has endorsed the Methow Valley Climate Action Plan. Asked how each candidate would use their position to implement the plan, Perez said she hadn’t read the plan carefully but would use a collaborative approach. Studen wants to implement Firewise protections for the town, reduce the use of fossil fuels, and promote cleaner-burning wood stoves.
Pool
Both candidates agreed that the pool is an important resource, but differ about how to fund it. Studen said it’s not viable for the town to keep pouring money into the aging pool. He backs a valleywide recreation district to find a solution and funding.
Perez acknowledged that the aging pool infrastructure is a problem, but wants to see a public-private partnership and grants to support the pool and any necessary upgrades. She does not support a recreation district.
Biggest challenge
The biggest challenge facing Twisp is the need for open communication between the public and elected officials, Perez said.
Studen believes lines of communication are already open, with time for the public to meet with elected officials outside of meetings. He favors preserving council meetings as a time to create policy rather than as the primary forum for dialogue with the public.
Dream grant?
If the town got a dream grant to spend on anything, Studen would use it to enhance streets and walkability, address water issues, and provide affordable housing. Perez would put it toward quality-of-life projects that come from the bottom up, rather than the top-down mega-projects that she says the town has recently implemented.
The candidates agreed on the importance of the arts for contributing vitality and enrichment to the community.
Studen and Perez also agreed that illegal drug traffic has decreased in the town in recent years. Studen believes the police need more tools to address the problem. Perez credited the police with making contact with individuals who cause problems.
Studen and Perez were generally in agreement about capital improvements for the town in the next five years. Both support continued progress on the sports complex and want the town to provide public restrooms.
Okanogan County Cemetery District No. 2
Incumbent Carol Gaston outlined the responsibilities of a cemetery commissioner. The volunteer position is responsible for grounds maintenance, assisting funeral homes and families with burial, and providing compassion to families, she said.
Gaston, who has lived in Twisp for 32 years, is semi-retired and works part time as a receptionist. She has served on the cemetery board since being appointed in 2010. She has had a lifelong passion for keeping the cemetery grounds well tended and attractive, she said.
Larry Smith has lived in the Methow for 68 years. He has served on the board of Okanogan County Fire District 6 and was fire chief, and has been involved with Winthrop Kiwanis. Smith has a passion for problem-solving and serving the community. Part of the reason he’s running for the cemetery board is that, “One day, I’ll rest there,” Smith said.
Watch the forum
The archived forum can be watched on YouTube. The link is on the grange website at http://twispgrange.com.
