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Editorial: Peterson has experience to lead Liberty Lake
Four years ago, the people of Liberty Lake narrowly chose a different direction in electing Wendy Van Orman over Steve Peterson in the mayoral race. Peterson, 61, had led the upscale suburban enclave from 2001 to 2007, and the city thrived. We didn’t see any compelling reason to turn him out of office.
Peterson announced his intention in February to return as mayor, and Van Orman decided this summer not to seek re-election. Meanwhile, Josh Beckett, a promising young city councilman, also decided to seek the top spot. We’re impressed with Beckett, but we believe the city would be better served with Peterson because he has the experience and leadership edge.
The rap on Peterson as mayor was an autocratic style and flashes of temper, but the flip side of that was his willingness to make timely decisions in a position that calls for strength. While “collaborative” is a popular term, it can lead to slow decision-making and mushy outcomes if leaders try to make everyone happy.
The past four years have been marked by sluggish direction from the top and dysfunction on the City Council. The absence of a steady hand has given rise to a citizens’ initiative – Proposition 1 – to replace the strong-mayor form of government with a council-manager version. Liberty Lake is only 10 years old, so it’s too soon to change the way it’s governed. Besides, Peterson has already shown that it’s the people running government, not its form, that matters. Plus, his knowledge and experience on regional issues would be an asset for the entire region.
Beckett acknowledges the dysfunction of recent years and presents himself as the solution. He clearly enjoys public service and the back and forth of political debate. However, he has been involved in clashes with current council members, so it’s unclear whether they’d want to follow his lead.
Though only 33, Beckett has immersed himself in the issues and genuinely cares about the city’s future. He has two small children and offers a different perspective in a city with many young families. For instance, he is worried about the lack of parks and green spaces. Beckett has a progressive outlook, as evidenced by his past participation in the Human Rights Task Force in North Idaho, and his role on diversity issues in the private sector.
Both candidates want to lure more businesses, add a second freeway ramp and preserve the city’s clean and green image. Both candidates want to maintain the current form of government and keep taxes as low as possible. Beckett says the city has changed since Peterson ran it, but the challenge of managing rapid growth has always been a feature of Liberty Lake.
The choice for voters is whether they want a proven leader or one who shows promise. Beckett might become the mayor of Liberty Lake one day, but we think Peterson is the best choice today.