As the Nov. 2 general election inches closer and with folks receiving their ballots Oct. 15, incumbent David Musgrove will be looking to retain his seat on the Poulsbo City Council against write-in candidate Pam Keeley.
Position 6 is a four-year term. Musgrove has been serving on the council for over 10 years. Both answered questions from the North Kitsap Herald.
David Musgrove
What is your education, work and political experience that qualifies you for the position?
I am a lifelong entrepreneur, which has afforded me a unique perspective in creative problem-solving and positivism. I ventured into college certifications from import-export to Elevated Victim Rescue, used in my work with first-responders and military projects. Communication, teamwork and respecting other’s knowledge and opinions was critical.
Work experience from FEMA disaster relief, flight and safety instruction and with the U.S. Navy at PSNS beyond running businesses and executive boards. With past background checks and Department of Defense secret security clearance, I maintain my integrity. Budgets don’t scare me, and sewerage planning or continued cleaning of Liberty Bay are as important as topic-of-the-day. Exciting or tedious, I get stuff done for the people.
Most important is a commitment of learned ability to work with anyone. I have shown I will listen and find opportunities to work together with anyone, of any viewpoint. No party lines, no labels – just people. I strengthen my positions by questioning and challenging them. I prefer to be a statesman than politician, and with over 10 years on the council I am your neighbor of 20 years, with deeper connections from culture to history.
What are your top 3-5 concerns?
Never enough space to get into the meat, but at the surface, some priorities are: 1) Maintaining level-of-service for core city services. Shortcuts bring severe consequences to the people. 2) Affordable housing issues impact most of our citizens, from young families to retirees and fixed-income earners. Recession recovery will work but is too slow as values and rents climb along with tax bills. The GMA isn’t helping properly. With experience from the regional Affordable Housing Task Force and chairing the new H3 (housing) Committee, I have gained perspective and vision for solutions that can work, and see others that can’t. 3) Ethical standards. We cannot make true progress without holding ethical ground. Ethics ensure actions are justified, legal, fair and inclusive. At many levels, ethics save money and grief for Poulsbo citizens. 4) Street maintenance. Doing more now means much-lower costs later. 5) Quality of life. This is a large topic with many supporting legs, that ensure Poulsbo remains a place of culture and beauty where you love to live, work or visit. I have worked on strong pushes for strengthening many core supports from historical and cultural awareness to a fully staffed police department, to substantial proactive economic development that pulls everyone up. I have pushed from my seats and chairmanships, as the 10-year liaison to the Port of Poulsbo, and other developed points of influence.
Why vote for you rather than your opponent?
I bring experience, fairness, equity and effectiveness to the table, bolstering kindness, caring and compassion. If you’ll work with me, I’ll work with you. I will focus on Poulsbo and its people, as those I represent. I listen. I love our little city, raised my children here, and want to do my part to give back to this wonderful spot of green and blue. Please check the box next to David Musgrove, even with no listed opponent, to support me in supporting you.
Pam Keeley (write-in candidate)
What is your education, work and political experience that qualifies you for the position?
Registered Nurse, St. John’s Hospital School of Nursing (Springfield, IL). BFA, Cornish College of the Arts. Master of Fine Arts, University of New Mexico.
Nurse for almost 50 years (organ transplant, nephrology), most recently Swedish Medical Center, Seattle. Disaster responder: mass refugee camp on Thai-Cambodian border; hurricanes, wildfires, Oso mudslide; volunteering at health clinics for immigrant communities, Seattle’s annual mass clinic. Union delegate and executive board, SEIU 1199; taught art at UW and local colleges; 37th Legislative District executive board and PCO coordinator; delegate, 2008 and 2016 Democratic National Convention. Worked on many political campaigns. Have long worked beside tribes in struggles for social and environmental justice. Co-founded Kitsap Environmental Coalition to fight toxic aerial spraying and deforestation.
What are your top 3-5 concerns?
The COVID-19 pandemic still rages, with more infections and deaths in Kitsap County now than last winter. Poulsbo councilmembers can be health ambassadors in the community to help dispel misinformation and rally people to follow proven health practices such as masking and vaccinations. I can help as a seasoned health professional having organized and worked in the trenches.
Kitsap County has also declared racism a public health emergency; Poulsbo’s elected officials must lead the way in confronting this disease as well. Let’s establish (not continue to talk about) a citizens advisory council to help dismantle racist structures and habits. Let’s program viewings of the Port Madison Dialogues—four wonderful Zoom programs co-directed by Kitsap County and the Suquamish Tribe. Poulsbo is facing a federal lawsuit because it has failed to resolve deep divisions with our Suquamish neighbors. Having worked for years on the frontlines with Native people, I deeply value the insights and trust I’ve earned. How can Poulsbo retain its Nordic charm and make its increasingly diverse residents welcome? We might start by actively seeking out and encouraging more cultural diversity in parks and rec offerings, ensuring culturally sensitive policing training, and creating new channels for city government to communicate with everyone.
Poulsbo’s rampant growth alarms many residents: all the new housing affects traffic, environment and infrastructure. And this is not affordable housing, toward which the city makes minor efforts—12 units for low-income women and children in one case, and slating a parcel near Fish Park for low-income housing—but that land was supposed to remain precious green space. We must ensure that development occurs with a commitment to true affordability, racial equity and environmental protection. As a longtime environmental activist with a proven record of achievement, I will ensure that earth has a strong voice on the City Council.
Why vote for you rather than your opponent?
As a happily retired Poulsbo resident, I hadn’t planned to run. But in these extraordinary times, city government’s hesitancy to be proactive in guaranteeing the health of its environment and all its citizens led me to action.
