When it comes to Estate Planning being proactive is essential in order to keep families intact and to avoid misunderstandings that can end up in the courtroom with a judge sorting out what you intended.

TEAM

There must be a trusted advisor team for every Estate Plan:

Attorney
CPA
Financial Advisor
Family Steward (Adult Child)
Physician
Hospice

Decide early who is on the Estate Planning Team

FAMILY MEETINGS

Your family is comprised not only of loving supportive people but also the people who will provide care and advocacy for you when you are no longer able to do so.

A great place to give and receive clarity on a loved ones intentions is a Family Meeting.
For many years I have been mediating and providing the space for loving Family Meetings.
Sometimes the Elder family member requests to die in the home and not ever be put in the hospital.
It is possible they only want caregiving to be provided by Hospice and their Children.
These are serious requests and interviewing the Elder family member for what their wishes are is very important. Also of great importance is knowing who will the spiritual in house caregiver be, parents often want last rites or a service weekly. This is of tremendous importance to the entire family.

You may feel a family meeting is not always needed but in the years of Estate Planning Practice I have come to believe it is a must! Feelings of being treated fairly and kept in the loop are critical or strong emotions of grief become misdirected in blame and acting out.
Set ground rules in your family meeting not all of the professional team need be there so keep the meeting small and let the group find out who is Power of Attorney, Attorney, CPA, Medical Wishes, Caregiving Wishes and of course most important Spiritual Wishes.

When relations are strained between siblings I am called in as a neutral party to facilitate the meeting. We all know an adult child who is an addict, or always seeking additional monies from the parent or the child who is overly protective of the parent….we know these adult children and there are others as well such as the adult child who is overwhelmed with the emotions or responsibilities and has decided to limit themselves…not because of a lack of love but too much love…overwhelming the situation.

Entire families have come to understand the parent did not wish to go to a senior center and was choosing to remain in the home with family as caregivers.

Please do not meet on the holiday when all are gathered.
Pick a day following the holiday to meet preferably after a meal…low blood sugar does a number to already frayed emotions.

Write it down!
If you have more questions be sure to write them down for the next meeting.
Write down who is doing what before the next meeting?
Write down what remains to be decided and…
Write down a time and date for the next meeting…

Be sure to bring a load of patience with you to the meeting.
At the core of all of the meetings I have facilitated was a deep abiding LOVE.

Every blessing to you there,

Stanette Marie Rose
CEO/Founder
MapleValleyMoney.com
206-718-5224

Another investment club I was associated with as Financial Advisor was the MIC club aka: Martini Investment Club. Boeing Retirees from all over Puget Sound who wanted to learn how to buy low and sell high as well as how to play the sectors and trends to their advantage this all male group with the exception of one brave woman went on to be an extremely profitable investment club that slowly but surely had to divide the profits and principal back out to the heirs via estate planning.

Investment clubs can have between 6 people to 20 folks involved…I personally love about 12 in a group. Each person in the group will have different interests and this is a very good thing. One individual will enjoy aerospace, another bioengineering, another shopping and consumer cyclicals…each person has a very important role to play in stock selection and research of sectors.

The Beardstown Ladies is a perfect example of an investment club that decided to be observant of trends. Where were they shopping? Where did their dollars go? Where were the folks in the next generation shopping and putting their dollars and stock selections began with these ideas and then the fundamental investing was added to further investigate whether an idea was worth pursuing.

The IRS has a place on it’s website to get the Tax ID number. You go to the IRS for your number, decide where to open your account try to go somewhere the commissions do not eat up the profits or if you want to pay more in commissions be sure you have a financial advisor with you ready and able to advise with wisdom on stocks and call me to consult on the opening of the club and I will teach you how to research stocks and read graphs etc.

Decide as a group on an educational agenda. Write out topics of interest to the group from an open brainstorming session. I always give an economic update as well as cover an up and coming sector also explain what is happening internationally just to give background and direction to the group. Individual investors love to be heard and Investment Clubs is a great platform for observations on markets to be heard as well as economic fears. The group then learns how to flip negatives into positives….something traders and investors have learned how to do for many, many years.

Officers are named and you are off and running. Motley Fool suggests having fun with titles like: Big Kahuna, Not Quite as Big Kahuna, High Priestess of Learning, Foofah of Finances, Head Honcho of the Minutes and Agenda, Superintendant of snacks. The idea is to have fun, fun, fun while learning together with folks you enjoy. I love to see investment clubs get started and am very willing to sit with your group as you plan yours….but remember…to serve coffee and cheesecake!!!

All the very best to you and your family,

Stanette Marie Rose

CEO/Founder

Maple Valley Money

206-718-5224

The origins of socially responsible investing (SRI) may date back to the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers). In 1758, the Quaker Philadelphia Yearly Meeting prohibited members from participating in the slave trade–buying or selling humans.

Religious institutions have been at the forefront of social investing. One of the most articulate early adopters of SRI was John Wesley (1703-1791), one of the founders of Methodism. Wesley’s sermon “The Use of Money” outlined his basic tenets of social investing – i.e. not to harm your neighbor through your business practices and to avoid industries like tanning and chemical production, which can harm the health of workers. Some of the most well known applications of socially responsible investing were religiously motivated. Investors would avoid “sinful” companies, such as those associated with products such as guns, liquor, and tobacco.

The modern socially responsible investing movement evolved with the political climate of the 1960s. Economic development projects started or managed by Dr. Martin Luther King, like the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the Operation Breadbasket Project in Chicago, established the model for future socially responsible investing efforts. King combined ongoing dialog with boycotts and direct action targeting specific corporations. Concerns about the Vietnam War were incorporated by some social investors.[1][2]. Many people living during the era remember a picture in June 1972 of a naked nine year-old girl, Phan Thị Kim Phúc, running towards a photographer screaming, her back burning from the napalm dropped on her village. That photograph channeled outrage against Dow Chemical[3], the manufacturer of napalm, and prompted protests across the country against Dow Chemical and other companies profiting from the Vietnam War (historical data from Wikipedia).

Today we have the opportunity to invest via a variety of mutual funds that provide screens. Child labor, human rights, polution, oil, tabacco, alcohol…whatever your spirit speaks to you or moral compass dictates is an unwise use of your hard earned dollars in investments you can create a screen with mutual funds to be sure that you are not investing in objectional companies and pracitices.
Funds such as Calvert, Pax, Domini and even American Funds has a socially responsible fund are available for reasonable minimum investments and you can dollar cost average into them using a voided check and a dollar amount of your choice.

Take a look at each mutual funds top ten holdings…for instance in Calvert’s water fund it is fascinating to see the top ten water stocks that Calvert has selected…be sure to read the prospectus to understand why they were chosen or go to the library and get an S and P to read on each company it is absolutely fascinating to see what is being done to make sure you and I are and our children and grandchildren have pure waters to drink to not only survive but thrive!!!

Socially responsible investing and green investing have deep roots in our history as Americans. We are the empowered decision makers about our money and treasure. Be sure to consider green investing an socially responsible investing for your next long term investment decision. And….take a look at buying the actual stocks in the mutual funds…always, always dollar cost average into your investments that way up or down you are getting a good “average” price.

Every blessing to you and your family,
Stanette Marie Rose
CEO/Founder
Maple Valley Money

www.MapleValleyMoney.com
C: 206-718-5224

Hats off to Nathan McDonald of Investment Forum for producing an eye opening Real Estate Investment Forum. The room at the Pan Pacific hotel was packed Friday March 5th, 2010 as an expert panel assembled to discuss the pulse of buying and selling real estate investments in this market. A few were bruised and battered…some wiser and ready to invest with the knowledge that CASH is still KING in the real estate biz.

The attendees ranged from estate planners and liquidators to local investors as well as well heeled youth from China and Saudi Arabia. It became very clear if you or I, U.S. citizens currently do not have the capital to purchase land, vacation properties, plats and commercial properties the Chinese and Saudi Arabians do and they have sent their children over ahead on a deal hunt. One such young ambassador from the University of Washington stated, “My parents and family in China have sent me to buy your land…” Later over drinks, a glass of chardonnay she and others from other nations just held and never sipped…you could see the focus and the intent is to add to the family portfolio and this was met with serious acknowledgement…lunches were being set up for this week as quickly as possible.

Ada Healey, Vice President, Real Estate, Vulcan Inc. stated there are only 30 acres of undeveloped land they are working on now. Ada mentioned that she sees job growth in the global health life sciences and commercial property demand in that area as well. There is so much debt exposure at this time they cannot even do letters of credit, which came as a surprise to her. The debt market is still tight but there are also opportunities in multi family low rise rentals, medical buildings and affordable housing. High tech job growth and related commercial properties also an opportunity.

Martin Stever, Angel, Venture and Real Estate Investor explained that in Phoenix finished lots are doubling and right behind Phoenix is Montana and Idaho. Seattle is a trailing market in this recovery.
To him this market smells like 1992, 93, 94 and the S and L debacle…and is ripe with opportunity.
Hindsight being 20/20 2010 is going to bee seen as the BEST year to buy and by 2013 it will be game over with the general real estate market up 15%.

Emerging GORILLA?….and who might that be? Citi…seems Citi wants to own and operate home building and become the King Kong of home building.

Is there still room for you? You bet if you remember to get the cash out of the mattress and buy local!

Every blessing to you and your families,

Stanette Marie Rose
CEO/Founder
Maple Valley Money
www.maplevalleymoney.com
206-718-5224

The biggest mistake of all is to somehow glance over a mistake, hide it and even pretend it never existed. Like anything that we keep unconscious believe me financial mistakes regarding your credit, finances and investment dollars if left unconscious will rise up to live and ruin again your financial security. Along the way of acknowledging a mistake comes an AHA! moment and GREATER learning!

You, your family and business deserves to succeed beyond your wildest dreams but acknowledgement, close scrutiny and telling the truth about mistakes must come first. A mistake is a natural process in creativity…as one amazing painter, Pollock said, “My paintings are the absence of mistakes”. Looking closely at his work you understand the natural law of his art. Money believe it or not is like art….yes there is the counting and saving and the investing but there are also other factors too.
Among these are over leveraging, too much unsecured debt, too high of interest rates that drain away at the principal and business expenses such as over priced bricks and mortar.

Sometimes financial triumphs feed the ego a lie.
The financial wins tell us they will continue on forever and that while your winning big with money you deserve and are entitled to even more….”Go ahead a debt a little and a little more.” The lies the ego tells regarding money are endless…

Sometimes financial triumph breads lies of fear the ego eagerly supports.
The financial surplus is welcomed then quickly drowned in fear messages that it will all soon go away…
“Hide this money! Hoard it! It will be lost soon enough forever!” This causes deprivation and is the mirror image of the ego’s other message of overindulgance.

No matter what there are mistakes being made until we regain health and balance with our finances.
After a few cycles of mistakes we realize we are going to have to learn a new way of health and balance with our money if we are to create a true sense of security.

Accept your mistakes, see them for what they are and make note.
Literally write down your financial mistakes and tell the truth to first yourself and then a trusted advisor.
Financial advisor, pastor, therapist…spouse…be sure to tell the truth to someone. It may be emotional but in the long run it is so worth it to get it out there what it is you did you feel is a mistake around money over the past 2-5 years and then work on a plan to learn a new way. Learn to be inspired by your mistakes! Yes! It is possible to be inspired by your mistakes.

For some this will mean going on a strictly cash basis for all outflows.
*Credit cards must be put away especially all unsecured debt.
*Using a ledger to track every expense allows you to get clean and sober about what you spend money on and why. Spending plans are an incredible tool to creating and learning the truth about your finances.
*Dollar Cost Average back into your 401K, Retirement and Estate accounts…there truly is only one way to rebuild and that is by rebuilding!!!

“It takes courage to admit that you have been doing something wrong, to admit you have something to learn and there is a better way.” W. Edwards Deming

“When you come to fork in the road, take it.” Yogi Berra

Every blessing to you and your family,

Stanette Marie Rose
CEO/Founder
Maple Valley Money
www.maplevalleymoney.com

206-718-5224

Alice laughed. “There’s no use trying,” she said: “one can’t believe impossible things.”

“I daresay you haven’t much practice,” said the Queen. “When I was your age. I always did it for a half hour a day. Why sometimes I believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.”

Alice in Wonderland

Right now is one of the most powerful times in our human history.
Are we going to shine despite terrorism, stock market collapsing, pink slips and an over all sensation of some sort of despair or other.

Believe me when I tell you I too have been riding this ride out of turmoil and have some insights to share with you….Your questions in this time of transition and market conditions might be:

*Can I start a business?
*Can I get hired into my dream job?
*Can I semi retire right now?

The answers are yes if you are willing to work from the inside out.
By that I mean, creating a vision that comes from your soul’s purpose…literally answering in the quiet contemplation, “Who am I?” and “Why did I come into this life….what is my life’s purpose?”

Vision is defined as:

A clear sense of purporse usually expressed in a few words that guides and sustains actions and feelings particularly in a time of crisis…

It truly is important to remember that mountains are climbed one step at a time.
Recently my daughter and I climbed Mt Si and guess what? We did it one step at a time for a magnificent accomplishment!

“It is not how much we do, but how much love we put into the doing. It is not how much we give but how much love we put into the giving. To God there is nothing small.” Mother Theresa

Reestablish your goals:

This is clearly a time of spiritual, financial tuning up…
What is it you truly came here in this lifetime to do?
Now is that time to build your ideal business.
Start one step at a time rebuilding a retirement fund.
Or…
Begin the process of simplfication of lifestyle.
(AKA living within your means)

No matter what our VISION looks like here are the skills we will need to proceed…
1. Kaizen: The art of taking a small step to climb a mountain
2. Clear Priorities
3. View Life On a Large Scale
4. View Actions as a Service and Gift to Others
5. Optimism
6. Articulate
7. Acceptance of Mistakes
8. Passion
9. Curiousity
10. Set reasonable goals
11. Make outrageous Requests
12. Give of your time in the community
13. Give of your talent in the community
14. Give of your treasure in the community
(Without thought for personal or professional gain!)

Together we create a financial vision of life that will sustain us…
These are if you can believe it just the baby steps for creating a Purposeful Financial Vision of Life
Our classes at Maple Valley Money go into much greater detail and the next one is Thursday, February 25th at The DaVine…Join Us!

“Be patient towards all that is unsolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves.”
Rainier Maria Rilke

Every blessing to you and your family!
Stanette Marie Rose
CEO/Founder
Maple Valley Money
www.maplevalleymoney.com
206-718-5224

I have discovered in my Financial Advisory role that anxiety is most likely root cause of all addiction disorders.

To help yourself or others you must begin to examine the source of the anxiety and actions that are creating compulsive debting…

Here is a list reprinted with permission from Debtors Anonymous:

The 12 Signs of a Compulsive Debtor

1. Being unclear about your financial situation. Not knowing account balances, monthly expenses, loan interest rates, fees, fines, or contractual obligations.

2. Frequently “borrowing” items such as books, pens, or small amounts of money from friends and others, and failing to return them.

3. Poor saving habits. Not planning for taxes, retirement or other not-recurring but predictable items, and then feeling surprised when they come due; a “live for today, don’t worry about tomorrow” attitude.”

4. Compulsive shopping: Being unable to pass up a “good deal”; making impulsive purchases; leaving price tags on clothes so they can be returned; not using items you’ve purchased.

5. Difficulty in meeting basic financial or personal obligations, and/or an inordinate sense of accomplishment when such obligations are met.

6. A different feeling when buying things on credit than when paying cash, a feeling of being in the club, of being accepted, of being grown up.

7. Living in chaos and drama around money: Using one credit card to pay another; bouncing checks; always having a financial crisis to contend with.

8. A tendency to live on the edge: Living paycheck to paycheck; taking risks with health and car insurance coverage; writing checks hoping money will appear to cover them.

9. Unwarranted inhibition and embarrassment in what should be a normal discussion of money.

10. Overworking or underearning: Working extra hours to earn money to pay creditors; using time inefficiently; taking jobs below your skill and education level.

11. An unwillingness to care for and value yourself: Living in self-imposed deprivation; denying your basic needs in order to pay your creditors.

12. A feeling or hope that someone will take care of you if necessary, so that you won’t really get into serious financial trouble, that there will always be someone you can turn to.

To recover from compulsive debting and it’s disastrous effects on self and loved ones it is vitally important to take the first step and admit to ourselves and others there is a problem we are feeling powerless over. Resources are available thru a wonderful 12 step program: Puget Sound Debtors Anonymous.

For more information about Puget Sound Debtors Anonymous contact: www.dawashstate.org
Meetings are located all over Puget Sound…Bellevue, Ballard etc…and it is possible to create a hometown meeting as well.

It is my intention to serve you with love, support and wisdom in our journey together out of unsecured debting and into a life filled with promise, security and joy!

Every blessing to you and your families,

Stanette Marie Rose
CEO/Founder
Maple Valley Money

Register for class today at: www.MapleValleyMoney.com

206-718-5224

Just because the folks who gave you the college loan never send you a bill does not mean you do not need to pay it! Many time clients tell me, “Well, I never did get a bill on that loan, so I have not started paying it” I am also hearing tales of folks waiting to get married or not being seen as solid marriage material due to the college debt they racked up to get the degrees. It is important to seek employment if possible during college to pay and keep paying in good faith on the college loans.

Good Faith: College loans are important to pay even small incremental amounts of money on or around the same date each month like a machine….as this creates a track record of Good Faith with the lender and if later you need to show proof of responsible actions you will have it.

Bad Faith: 270 days late is the magic number of days for the loan to go into Bad Faith and the phone calls will start. It is essential that you are responsible enough to call and explain what is happening… ie: illness, death in the family or unemployment and to document your conversation in writing.
The word responsibility means the ability to respond….stay in communication.

Dropping the Ball: If you find you drop the ball on a payment, picking it back up again as quickly as possible is essential.

Recorded Phone Lines: Be couscious on the phone with lenders as you are often being recorded.
Later in a court room situation these conversations can and possibly will be used against you…

Married Filing Joint: Use innocent spouse defense to fight lender attempts to attach Income Tax Refunds. Part of the Income Tax Refund belongs to the spouse who did not default on his or her College Loan debts and the lender has no rights to the money.

Stress Relief: Go to DA.org and sit in circles of support. You are NOT alone…these debts seems astronomical and may be cause for anxiety. Remember you are NOT your debt but are responsible to pay it back…Request help with a Spending Plan and Debt Pay Back Plan ASAP.

Windfalls: Should you receive a gift of cash remember to divide it into thirds….past, present and future.
Past: Repay the loan with a third of the windfall
Present: Enjoy 1/3 of the money in present time
Future: Set a third of the money away in savings for the future…

Remember you can greatly reduce College Debt levels by paying a bit more on every bill and doubling up payments in each month when possible!

For more information feel free to give me a call!
Stanette Marie Rose
206-718-5224

Money can be one of the most difficult topics between family members.
In my financial practice I have heard it all…”He is out of the will because another $5000 would give him enough drugs to kill him.” Father of addicted son.
“He just was laid off for the third time and now he is losing his home, wife and my grand baby will be on the street.” Mother of an adult son with a grand child she adores.

What you decide to do regarding giving a loan needs to include a healthy perspective.
Sometimes it is healthier to say no…or to say yes with limits boundaries and a signed contract that includes tidy time frames. The key thing is to be sure lending to family members does not do more harm than good. Sometimes loans only weaken the bond and the respect adding tensions and distance.

Look underneath the need to borrow.
Is there an unmet need for love, affection, closeness that borrowing is masking?
Is there a hidden need for punishment, shame and continued distance from loved ones?
Ask yourself what is the most empowering action for me to take both for myself and for this family member. Giving and lending money often is not the best solution.

If you do lend be sure to put everything in writing, get signatures and agree to a pay back program that includes interest. I recommend a 6% interest rate on any and all money borrowed.
What happens should the borrower not repay the loan and has a track record of borrowing many times and not repaying? Be sure to let your Executor of your Estate know as well as your attorney so there can be a carve out of the will. It is a relatively simple thing to make sure your estate distributes to the the child with the loan reduced from the balance. Believe me it causes a ripple if you let the loan be ignored as the other children are keeping track of the siblings debts even if you have long forgotten.

A reminder to us all is lessons about money start so young it is unbelievable. I was four or five when I wanted some money for a treat or toy and was taught to fill out an I.O.U. slip of paper. At allowance time the I.O.U. was paid back and then the residual allowance given. It is the way the lending in a family is taught and how the all important repayment is handled. Keep it grounded and practical and not driven by fear.

Stanette Marie Rose
CEO/Founder
Maple Valley Money.com
206-718-5224

Sign up for classes at maplevalleymoney.com
Private Appointments Available Upon Request!

Psychology of Debt Class February 18th, 7PM!

I look forward to working with you to end the nightmare of unsecured debt…

ACTION PLAN:

Start today by paying your smallest credit card balance and your largest interest credit card…Why? You get a HUGE sense of victory when the first small credit card is paid off and then you are at the same time paying down the highest interest rate card giving you traction and a way out of debt! This is the process known as laddering.

1. Pay off a card then rip it up!!!

2. Move toward a spending plan and pay from set aside amounts of cash…this is known as a cash basis spending plan.

Instead of paying your credit cards every month pay them two times a month and pay extra…by even $5.00 to $10.00…this is known as gaining traction and control over the cards.

DO NOT USE YOUR UNSECURED CREDIT CARDS EVER!…please use cash only for expenses….again see me for a spending plan and assistance if you are finding it hard to not use the cards for daily needs….Take advantage of the Psychology of Debt Class February 18th, 7PM DaVine Coffee and Wine Bar, Maple Valley.

Visit the site nfcc.org for help in the steps to Debt Free in 2010!!!

Do not let credit card companies bully you in the process…see below…

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) was passed to protect customers.

This act forbids strong arm tactics. Please note: The FDCPA is for outside collection agencies, the ones that most credit card companies hire after their own attempts have failed, and not to the collection department within the card company or other lender.

No calls between 8 A.M to 9 P.M.

Put it in writing a cease and desist letter that you do not wish further contact from creditors and they are forced to stop all calls and attempts to meet you face to face.

As a result of the FDCPA, collectors cannot phone your home. They cannot call before 8 A.M. or after 9 P.M. Never without your permission are they allowed to call your family or place of work so be very aware of which phone you use to call your creditors. Data is gathered in our modern times to know which number you are using and which number to call back. If you call it is sometimes seen by the creditor as permission granted for dialogue.

Take control of the dialogue with creditors!

If you want reduced interest call up the food chain of management and calmly state your request over and over. If you want to have no further contact with a creditor, know why that is….(see me first!) Together we can go over your best debt abatement plan…

Illegal activities by a credit card company warrants a letter….so write three!

Write letters to the following three places:

Consumer Response Center, Room 130-A, Federal Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20580.

American Credit Association, P.O. Box 39106, Minneapolis, MN 55439. It’s members agree to conduct their business in a professional manner.

Washington State Attorney General’s Office….
Go online to write the complaint letter @:

http://www.atg.wa.gov/FileAComplaint.aspx

To Discuss Call Me:
Stanette Marie Rose
206-718-5224

I also have put back on my hiking boots and climbing local peaks with my daughter Crystal. Together we have scaled Cherico to Poo Poo Point as well as Little Mount Si….next on our list is training for Mount Rainier.
You too are invited to stretch your legs and see rocks as big as cars and houses…the glory of our Cascade range and wonders of the local trails in and around Maple Valley. Hiking and climbing as well as the weight training I am now doing reminds me I have strength and energy no matter what is going on around me…I can meet the challenges of life no matter how daunting they may be…

Together we have faced quite the economic bruising! We have since August of 2008 taken it on the chops time and time again and yet…we are standing up, breathing in again and out the miraculous breath of life…we questioned ourselves but guess what? Now we remember just how strong we truly are and how gifted!

Thirteen citizens have stepped up to put applications in to lead us by serving on Maple Valley City Council. I am encouraged to know this level of participation is happening. Our citizens have started to show up at meetings and pay greater attention to the details….like a $77,000 commission check as well as other details about your money and your City that you need to be made aware of.

Recovery can be challenging but once you do get your legs underneath you there is no telling how far they will carry you, your family and your community!

Every blessing to you there,

Stanette Marie Rose
Your Gal in the Wilderness!
206-718-5224

BUILD BABY BUILD, THE DONUT HOLE UPDATE!

Mayor Noel Gerken opened up the meeting on Monday evening with a call for public comment…

I went to the microphone and made three statements:

1. It is alarming that the Mayor in last weeks meeting would present the focus for The City for 2010.
Where is the rest of The Council and why are they not involved in the process?
Did Noel have a meeting of four Council members to establish the goals off record which is a violation?
2. Micromanaging Staff….It is important for Council to not abandon all controls over staff so as to lose
control. Oversight and governance is the responsibility of The Council. When it is ok to spend $35,000 without oversight and all department heads have the ability to act without oversight other than the City Manager it is cause for concern by citizenry.
3. I am hoping for a legacy of gratitude toward public servants who have come to serve us over all these
years. Even in heated disagreement we learn from one another. I for one am grateful to leaders who have served from inception our great City of Maple Valley.
(As of this writing Reagan Dunn states this morning over coffee he intends to honor our Public Servants
and will be reaching out to set an event up…)

Bill and Marti Chevron Owners:

The Chevron across from the Play Mor tavern wants a drive thru espresso stand with a tiny foot print.

Donut Hole Density….Is it R4 or is it R6 which actually equals R12?
(R4 = 4 homes to acre, R6 = 6 homes to acre, R12 = 12 homes to acre)

Why and how does that work?
Ty explains to council that approx 50% of the land is not available to be built upon but that being said he wants
a decision made immediately, no time to wait, chop…chop.

Councilman Layne Barnes pushes for less homes R4 = 4 homes per acre
Council woman Linda Johnson concurs…

Lengthy defining discussion ensues between Ty, Linda Johnson and Layne Barnes….
finally we hear from…..you guessed it….Council woman Jonas….”History shows us always at R6 with very little R4…We need “affordable housing” 1060 units to 1690 units. R4 is not realistic.” Jonas does not give her rational however.

Linda Johnson asks for reasonable ranges at least…if 50% of the property known as the donut hole is unbuildable we are at R12. Reminder R12 = 12 homes per acre.

Bill Allison states, “I trust the Planning Commission”.

Erin Weaver laughs and states we need “condos and apartments, townhome villages and affordable housing where folks who do not want to care for a yard do not have to”. No change on density at this time.

Mayor Noel Gerken agrees with Erin Weaver, Victoria Jonas and Bill Allison.

END OF DISCUSSION ON DENSITY BUT OH LOOK THERE IS MORE…
hmmm I think I see a trend emerging!

RETAIL BLIGHT

Erin Weaver mentions concerns for strip mall sprawl in the Donut Hole….so they want commercial
in the neighborhoods….so folks can just walk to the shopping.

Noel Gerken and Ty agree specific zoning on how retail will look is coming in the future.

STATE LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

City Manager David Johnston states there are lots of discussions on funding sources and cutbacks for cities…perhaps things will not be as tight as previously thought.
It is ongoing and up in the air….
Excise Tax, REETs may begin to be given different designated uses.
Storm Water Funding standards are causing some cities to struggle. I do not believe we have an issue with this in our budget at this time.
Street Maintenance remains a priority for Olympia….

CITY OF MAPLE VALLEY LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Consensus to keep City of Maple Valley Legislative agenda language same with no changes….
However….

Victoria Jonas DOES NOT SUPPORT A SIDEWALK ON WITTE ROAD…UNTIL AFTER 2013 must do a feasibility study or two…Hello Victoria it is a death walk!

In Conclusion…..

Maple Valley Arts Council and Historical Society will be putting in exhibits in the new City Hall building…

Dow Constantine sent a representative to meet with the county regarding the purchase and sale agreement for the Donut Hole. There is a promise on the table to honor the contract by the February date.

Victoria Jonas congratulated the city for increasing retail square footage from 3600 feet to 152,000 and now finally 300,000 square feet……paved paradise and put up a parking lot! Dont ya know!

And now for another touch of chaos….

GOOD OF THE ORDER

Cameras are being installed at Maple Valley Community Center and The Den
(Another rash of vandalism has hit the two buildings.)

Noel Gerken resigned as Maple Valley Community Center Board Member

Erin Weaver wants everyone to VOTE for the Levy….Cristy Todd tells her to stop stumping for the Yes Vote that it is inappropropriate…..so what happens next?
Erin Weaver tells everyone she has a cling for their window in her car if they would like to have it and be sure to do a Yes Vote for the Levy! For a worthy cause TaHoMa….states what am I doing something wrong when Cristy has to admonish her again. Finally Erin starts one mo time….but is stopped a third time for a rules violation…Three is a charm I guess.

Council decides to do a public hearing

But wait Mayor Noel Gerken likes to break rules too….
Tells the City Manager to get him in front of both Rotary and Chamber in the February meetings of both so he can do a State of Maple Valley message.
(Oh by the way usually just the City Manager does the meeting but hey? Can you say photo op?
Noel also tells Council members send me by email your accomplishments for 2009 and I will present them! OOOOPPPSSS here comes the attorney!
Cristy reminds Noel that 4 or more Council speaking to him off the record is a rolling meeting and a violation of the Public Meetings Act.

Looks like our City Attorney is going to have here hands full for a while!

Every Blessing to You There!

Your Gal In The Wilderness…

Noel Gerken is the new mayor of Maple Valley and Victoria Jonas is the Deputy Mayor…..

Noel’s Opening Statement:

-Wants televised Council meetings (pssst we can’t afford it!)
-Greater Community Involvement
-Planning forward and thoughtful planning
-Complete work on Donut Hole, Four Corners Sub Area Plan, Hayes Pit Site, Legacy Site and new City Hall location
-Work with greater efficiency
-Collaborate with City Manager and Staff as they are the experts!
-Regional, State and National engagement on issues
-Work smarter with partnering on local government and non profits.
-Work with three cities engaged in putting railway into Maple Valley at 4 Corners
-Create a private/public partnership for City Hall and Legacy Site

Victoria echoed Noel

Maple Valley Youth Symphony

There was support for the Maple Valley Youth Symphony to be a Community Group and it will come to council for a vote.

Draft Contract Policy (psst here comes trouble!!!)

(Here I saw a potential for dangerous financial leakage and contract conflict of interest due to over delegation to staff….but the issues were not probed deeply.)

-Intention is to improve administrative routing of contracts
-Clarify contract procedures
-Ensure compliance with state law
-Increase efficiencies
-Increase City Manager’s Contracting Authority to $35,000 from $25,000
(FYI: Mr. Johnston our current City Manager was in the past reprimanded for overspending on a contract with out proper authority on technology and computer equipment….)
-No maximum on budgeted items or supplies
-Authority to execute to extensions of exp date
-Authority to delegate duration of the contracting term
up to $10,000 for Department Directors

Errors or misuse of the above policy will be managed by the City Manager and will be grounds for dismissal.
A lengthy 45 minute conversation on scope ensued….

I began praying at this juncture as the clock was ticking and my life was flashing before my eyes….whew so much for efficient government….my goodness are we only on item number 3!!!…

Erin Weaver asked questions about municipal code and the distinctions between the following three accounts:

Reserve Accounts
Force Accounts
Contingency Accounts

Discussion on State Law Regarding The City Shopping Locally…
The City of Maple Valley is not allowed to shop locally exclusively because the City of Maple Valley under State of WA law must get the biggest bank bang for the buck.

Layne Barnes countered with the multiplier effect that the dollars came back to the City and Community 2-3X.

This was shot down the City Manager…Local companies, he stated, must be price competitive…end of story….State Law will not allow a straight 100% City of Maple Valley business preference.

New Council members being added to Council there is a spot for you so please do apply…

In the audience were at least 6-7 contenders.
Notice is going into the paper
Applications will be reviewed
It will be decided and announced by mid February…

Committees….were discussed but not finalized….

Executive Session

I went home to ponder the future of our home town Maple Valley and really look to you my neighbor to step up and lead us!

Every blessing to you and your families,
Your Gal In The Wilderness

Here is the most recent headline coming out of financial planners on Wall Street today regarding retirees and their money; “forced to change their retirement plans in one or more ways over the past 12 months as a result of the economic turmoil.” Indeed, average sustainable withdrawal rates have fallen from a high of 5.3 percent a few years ago, to nearly 4 percent today.” (Registered Representative)
What this means is that you used to be able to take 6% from your $100,000 and get $500 in passive income now you can only take 4% out and not ever touch your principal, this is very important information. Do take a look at your monthly distributions again PLEASE! Failure to tap cash reserves and passive incomes lightly could mean running out of income streams in retirement.

If you get a chance to see Robin Williams on public TVs Charlie Rose it is incredibly funny and accurate when it comes to his description of folks on Wall Street. Robin in his amazing way compares them to Coke Heads who just can’t get enough or get it right. “Please just give me another $80Billion and I promise not to lose it this time!” Although not everyone was corrupt a bunch of folks were. I myself am getting off commissions train and turning to teaching. Folks should be able to make money from your advice and not lose two times, once from the markets and another time to the broker for ongoing fees and commissions…

I am wishing you every blessing as you live life focused on the what is most important. loving your families and communities. Loving each other costs us nothing.

Every Blessing to you and your families!
Stanette Marie Rose
Your Gal In The Wilderness
206-718-5224

Sadly, my sweet uncle in North Dakota passed away so that meant my Father, Papa Stanley had to go to North Dakota with the family I seriously wanted to go too but it did not work out, my destiny was that I stayed here which meant and here is the HORROR….I had to cook for the first time in my life the turkey feast. Sunday thru Tuesday I gathered cooking tips from Sister Kimberly, Cousins and those on Face Book who really do know how to do a turkey feast. Three hours on Wednesday for side dishes and one hour of pies then a long nap…Turkey day up at the butt crack of dawn to get the turkey in the oven….4 hours later and three Advil it was ready, Edward said the beautiful blessing and the feasting began. The food was not too bad either if I might say so myself. Truly this is a midlife victory for me!

It is balance the budget season at City Council so that will require another three Advil for the writers cramp I get taking notes on the numbers and commentary. Come join us we still have our powerful voice as Citizen no matter what developers uh I mean folks try to tell us!

On a more global note how about that Dubai?

$60 Billion+ in debt that needs to be covered by the mother ship…

Will it happen? Who else is next? What about picking up the financial shoes that just dropped recently in our own nation and look them over for solvency one more time?

This market is looking for a reason to tank and believe me investors are looking for a place to add at lower levels.

All this turmoil in our markets and personal finance has lead me to look at my own finances, habits and behaviors that lead to a more financially solvent life:

First: Join me in never using unsecured debt EVER to shop with or pay monthly expenses.

Second: Create a spending plan and stick to it as best you can each month.
(Even Santa had a list! Ho Ho Ho!)

Third: Put aside money for special events like travel, move to cash basis and learn to spend from cash saved in advance.

Fourth: Continue saving and investing at least 10%.

I am grateful to you! My hometown heroes, family and friends and would love to hear from you…what is working in your world and what is not.

Every blessing to you!
Your Gal In The Wilderness
Stanette Marie Rose
206-718-5224

Oh did I mention? Maple Valley does not have a balanced budget yet! Things could be far far worse I could have hammer toes Balancing budgets should not have to be so painful. The decisions to lay off an employee or trim from various other places just a bit…No matter what, something has got to give…otherwise it is dare I say it tax increases for you and I the Citizens….Oh and PS: Papa Stanley did not kill Bambi this weekend in Republic! He did see some though and let them live! xxoo

We have a chance in our lifetime to create the best Maple Valley possible.

Last night for instance, I came out with some very specific feedback on the budget and how it is constructed as well as the mistakes therein and who is catching those mistakes and why…and guess what happened?
Nothing.
It was as if a cloak of invisibility was thrown in my direction on some of the most important subject matter we have dealt with this year….
Thoughts I would like to share again with readers:

*Zero out the budget please! Stop the madness of the cascading numbers
*Put the third party audit up front not the award on the cover sheet!
*Underpromise and overdeliver does not mean increased hiring in tough times. Do we really need 1 1/2 attorneys? hmmm… 
*Mistakes, mistakes, mistakes to the tune of $250,000 at a time have been caught to their credit by council members.
In 2008 and now this year I am witnessing council finding some rather large mistakes in the budget. A qualified third party audit would bring
financial confidence…OK to hire another police officer but what about the  additional staffing? Hold on to your horses we do not have the money.
*Housing starts are going to RISE RAPIDLY…are you kidding me?
OK back to underpromise and overdeliver…This assumption is at best weak.
*Our Finance Director mentioned retiring again in a couple of years.  Where is the top notch transition plan for that? He has given great service and his shoes will be hard to fill but adding a staff member as book keeper is hardly a transition plan…

Citizens are beginning to sit up and take notice and even write observations. Kudos to all of you who come to council with your own listening and voice.

Our hometown Maple Valley is precious indeed! Your voice matters…

Every blessing,
Stanette Marie Rose
“Your Gal in the Wilderness!”
206-718-5224

I will be writing you notes of fact and fun from my perspective of a gal who returned to her home town of Maple Valley after 22 years in San Francisco and Wall Street New York City!  There are loads of topics I will be covering from my early pets “slugs and toads” to why I think the way I do about life, love, money, economics, politics and my inability to cook!  You may smile, chuckle get really angry and you may have to get out your calculator and do some math….Tell the truth is your check book really balanced? How many credit cards are you still carrying? See you might get uncomfortable but it will be worth the read! Every blessing to you and your family from me Stanette Marie Rose…Your Gal In The Wilderness… Call me anytime at 206-718-5224

Jonas voted no on:

The Legacy Site

The Community Center

Teen Center

 On the record and more than once she has voted against the community and turned her back on the needs of Maple Valley.

With an amazing future ahead of us now is the time to create strong public/private partnerships that will move us forward on the creation of much needed community spaces.

Time and time again we have seen our youth in need of a building that truly would be large enough to be of service.

Seniors absolutely are deserving of an adequate facility… The Community Center has outlived its purpose and we are running out of time. The life expectancy of the building is nearing an end. During our summer heat wave our Maple Valley Community Center could not be used as a shelter because it is not air conditioned….also the building needs an ample emergency power generator for winter months.

Jonas on the record…when she is not standing for re-election she votes against the community. When she is standing for re-election she supports the community. Jonas voted against the Teen Center and two years later when running for re-election she supports the Den. (Youth and young adults are letting me know loud and clear they need an even bigger Teen Center…)

Our Seniors and Youth absolutely deserve better! The Legacy Site is an incredible opportunity that if developed properly in a public/private partnership would be a source of financial savings for everyone.

I am a proven consensus builder and fiscal conservative who will work to get the job done!

Every blessing to you and your family,

Stanette Marie Rose

206-718-5224

Vote to Elect Stanette Marie Rose!!!

When you read my policy and platform statements and agree that it is truly time for a change please call or email me to volunteer in my Campaign….GET INVOLVED: Send your ideas, questions, and suggestions to stanetterose@hotmail.com Volunteer to help with yard signs, door-belling, etc.! Feel free to call me anytime at 206-718-5224…YOU the Citizens are my priority and I want to hear from you today and long long after the election! Every blessing to you and your family…

Stanette Marie Rose

9-15-09

Recently in a comment posted here someone said it was too bad I was fighting the union. There is no fight in having an opinion and attempting to gather data. It is important to me to keep asking citizens and firemen as well as commissioners what they want and why they want it.

Here are the four options I have gathered so far some are realistic and some not but above all else citizens of Maple Valley have a right to know what is happening to Maple Valley Fire and Life Safety.

1. Regional Fire Authority might be forming as we speak….this is what the union IAFF wants to see happen nationwide in their grassroots movement. Visit the website and read what the suggestions are for neighborhood political actions. Why do this? The idea is that setting up a Regional Fire Authority would save administration costs and dollars would flow thru to the payrolls and other expenses. I am not convinced this model would be financially more efficient and will look forward to the hard evidence.

2. The City of Maple Valley creates it’s own Fire and Life Safety. Renton did so at a population level of 25,000. Again we do not have the hard financial data to support this and who would then care for and support with Fire and Life Protection the 10,000 citizens currently living outside of the city limits of Maple Valley?

3. As Is…we leave the current Maple Valley Fire and Life Safety alone…Can we afford to do this? The levies are failing 3 and counting….there are according to the firemen themselves unmet needs….we need hard numbers to understand how to proceed. We need to get the emotion out of the equation but after the last hardball hurled at the community by the fire dept it is a tough task to seperate the truth from the drama.

4. All Volunteer Fire and Life…Unrealistic given the current and expected future population growth.

9-4-09

A Citizen Responds….to $22,000 to hire an executive search firm to replace The Fire Chief…

9-3-09 $22,000 is the amount approved this evening for an executive search firm contract to find a replacement for Fire Chief. Tonight at the microphone I mentioned we did not get transparency! We did not get our Chief back! Could we at least get the Fire Department to add a sense of the community back to the heart of their service? What Maple Valley and surrounding areas does not need is The A Team. We will not allow ourselves to be held hostage  when we know we deserve optimum service, response times etc. We need men and women of service who love and embrace the town and surrounding are they serve…ultimately the reunion between the Fire Deparment and Community will actually suppport a levy…but until then…I fear the worst! Time for citizens to make your voice known…

8-20-09 I requested tonight at the Fire Commissioners meeting Fire Chief Tim Lemon be reinstated…turns out The Union has taken over The Management who in turn has to manage The Union Fire Fighters…I made it very clear that we the Citizens of Maple Valley request transparency and need answers….who was no where to be found tonight you ask? My opponent Victoria Jonas…endorsed by the Fire Dept she did not deem it important to go to the mic on behalf of you The Citizens!

Now we the citizens of Maple Valley want to understand how this occured….Levies are failing and the union I am sure has an opinion about it. When I served on The Citizen’s Advisory Committee in past years the discussions were very heated…this time the blow back looks to be the Fire Chief’s release from service. Maple Valley needs  a fiscal conservative to look through the equipment, staff and housing requests of our Fire Dept to ensure our response times and safety are not compromised and/or needs overstated. It is also imperative we are not taxed beyond what is manageable for each household. Sadly I am certain our Fire Chief could have been retained while we work out successfully the next steps of financial support for the Fire Department.  Going forward I believe it is prudent to request a 5 person board rather than the current 3 person leadership.

Living, Loving and Serving in Home Town Maple Valley

Stanette Marie Rose206-718-5224

10-6-09 Police Chief Michelle Bennett requests a new officer with a price tag of $179,000.

Here is her rationale…

9-15-09 In the recent budget talks for 2010 our police contract was presented with yet another 5% increase. All cities involved in the contract including Maple Valley have written a letter requesting an abatement. This request to not increase police costs for the year of 2010 so far have been met with a deaf ear.

Costs for police and health care insurance for our public safety workers continue to sky rocket! It is important for the community to have more transparency on the true cost of law enforcement . Our police and the community must continue to partner with law enforcement and this will take greater proactive educational police programs as our community received in 2008. I pledge to make sure there is adequate police force as well as tracking of incidents in Maple Valley and accountability regarding response times. It is imperitive to monitor the true costs of policing Maple Valley especially in light of the addition of the donut hole population as well as a big reality check on adequate policing.
I am asking for your support in my campaign for Maple Valley City Council Position 6.

Living, Loving and Serving in home town Maple Valley.
Stanette Marie Rose
206-718-5224

Many Maple Valley families have really suffered in this economy the loss of jobs, homes even adequate food and basic necessities…My 30 year background of entrepreneurial experience and 20 year career in Financial Advising gives me a powerful vantage point to turn negatives to positive with regard economic development. It is of the utmost importance that we listen to our citizenry and that there be transparency of local Maple Valley Government…It is going to take a lot of hard work to bootstrap our way back to fundamental financial health. Our city as of this writing July 23rd, 2009 is running a $400,000+ decificit…this deficit happened under my opponents watch…Over and over she has eagerly said yes to spending to buy a new study or project we cannot now afford to complete. The result is that The City of Maple Valley now needs to recover what has happened under her watch. I am a fiscal conservative and pledge to act with discernment and care over Maple Valley taxpayer’s assets. Seniors especially wish to gracefully “age in place” and not be priced out of their homes. It is especially important to me that seniors have choices when it comes to TRULY affordable housing and that the youth of our community can afford to get a toe hold in a place to live in their home town.
I am asking for your support in my campaign for Maple Valley City Council Position 6.

Living, Loving and Serving in home town Maple Valley.
Stanette Marie Rose
206-718-5224

Over my 30 year entrepreneurial career and work inside of various Chambers of Commerce I have mentored literally thousands of individuals and business owners how to flip negative circumstances into positive prosperity…The same dynamics are present in The City of Maple Valley. We must listen to citizens and let you have a hand in crafting the village that is now considered a large city. Maple Valley is our home town together we can create a place to live place and renew ourselves as well as prosper…It is essential to create technology that allows folks to work from home in the way I and others have been blessed to do…It is important local home town jobs pay enough to support families! We have a long way to go but together with your input and my ability to speak on your behalf we can create a prosperous Maple Valley once more!
I am asking for your support in my campaign for Maple Valley City Council Position 6.

Living, Loving and Serving in home town Maple Valley.

Stanette Marie Rose

206-718-5224

The Donut Hole consists of three entities engaged in negotiations….The City of Maple Valley, Yarrow Bay and King County…There are many many important questions still to be answered among them are the questions involving dollars YOUR dollars…You need me as your advocate to make sure your interests as citizen and tax payer are represented…Right now it is very hard to know who is paying for what and HOW MUCH IT IS GOING TO COST…I highlight this because as I have been studying issues it has been very difficult to nail down prices and I am dedicated to making sure you the citizens of Maple Valley do know the costs to you of this development.
I am asking for your support in my campaign for Maple Valley City Council Position 6.

Living, Loving and Serving in home town Maple Valley.
Stanette Marie Rose
206-718-5224

9-17-2009

Complaints are now coming in from citizens that the Farmer’s Market Committee leadership which includes Victoria Jonas are not allowing Citizens to wear a campaign button for a candidate of their choice. This is an illegal act and a violation of the United States Constitution. Victoria Jonas and her gang are involved in yet another breach of the public trust

The last week of July Rick Pasko via email and on 8-1-09 Cheryl Castagna in a face to face confrontation with Patty Davis at her side during the Farmer’s Market walked me to a dark corner and proceeded to threaten me by demanding I remove this post or “they are coming after me.” I am not sure what it means to come after someone but all threats of this nature are being forwarded to Maple Valley Police Chief Michelle Bennett. In addition Patty Davis offered to open up the line items of the budget that demonstrate exactly where Mr Pasko gave the money to fund the advertising in the Voice of Valley that has Victorias pictures and name in black, white and even color. Patty wanted me to know they had done specifically with the money what Rick Pasko asked…ie: advertising for the incumbant…Victoria Jonas under the guise of the Farmer’s Market.

My opponent has been at her post for 10 years now, truly time for a change. Most recently she has not recused herself properly from budget discussions concerning grant funding for organizations on whose boards she holds leadership positions, i.e., Director. My opponent sits on these Boards and she is giving taxpayer dollars to them through the city. This constitutes the appearance of a conflict of interest.

In the most recent audit of our city performed by the State Auditors it was noted my opponent had not reported to the Public Disclosure Commission her affiliation with and her positions on, these Boards. This is clearly a requirement of the PDC and with 10 years experience on the Maple Valley City Council one can only marvel at her lack of knowledge of this requirement. This oversight by my opponent was documented by the State Auditors in a Management Letter, Conflict of Interest. Since incorporation the city of Maple Valley has never received a Management Letter from the State Auditors. The actions of my opponent give the appearance of unfairness and have given our city a black mark with the State Auditors.

My opponent serves as Director for two non profit organizations, the Maple Valley Food Bank and Maple Valley Farmer’s Market. The Maple Valley Farmer’s Market has accepted two contributions from developers who have publically supported my opponent. The developers that have contributed to my opponent’s pet project are Meridian Realty (Rick Pasko) and Roger White (as documented in the Farmer’s Market meeting minutes of April 23rd ). Because the contributions were made to the Farmer’s Market it gives the appearance of possibly sheltering campaign contributions through the Farmers Market. This does not pass the sniff test… This gives the appearance of campaign contributions being funneled inappropriately instead of being directed to the candidate. In January of this year I identified in a letter to the Voice of the Valley that the same Rick Pasko offered me money to fund my campaign IF I NOT run against incumbent Victoria Jonas. I refused Mr. Paskos offer and countered in the press that his proposal was unethical at best.

These kinds of subtle actions show a lack of judgment, ethics, and a policy shift away from what is best for citizens and a move to a more self-serving position…doing anything to get re-elected.

Our Democracy is fragile…manipulations are not to be tolerated. Transparency cannot just be given lip service but must be followed up in good faith with actions that are true of heart to the best of our abilities.
This is why I am asking for your support in my campaign for Maple Valley City Council Position 6.

Living, Loving and Serving in home town Maple Valley.
Stanette Marie Rose
206-718-5224

9-14-09 Maple Valley City Council votes 7-1 to build on the Legacy Site a new City Hall by 2020 or earlier….I will be there working for you to build a project that is fiscally responsible and with partners that are ethical. Vote For Me!

Community members worked long and hard as volunteers designing with my opponent a plan for the site.

Consultants were adament the WORST thing you could do with the land was NOTHING…for a whole host of reasons….

Where is the opponent on follow through with this site and all it has to offer?
NOWHERE….she has dropped the ball big time on this project she verbally so adamently supported over many, many years….I pledge to pick up the torch and work to fulfill the intention of a vibrant, welcoming place that forms an exceptional civic landmark which includes:

• CITY HALL
• OPEN SPACE
• ACCESS REGIONAL TRAILS
• COMMUNITY MEETING ROOM
• PERFORMANCE CENTER
• DESTINATION RESTAURANT

Time to finish the job and I am ready and willing to complete this important task!
This is why I am asking for your support in my campaign for Maple Valley City Council Position 6.

Living, Loving and Serving in home town Maple Valley.
Stanette Marie Rose
206-718-5224

Working from a home office or deciding to open a business inside Maple Valley creates better than average living wage jobs and depends on many factors one of which is adequate technology. I myself work every day on my chosen profession from a table in my home overlooking a patio garden…Benefits of working this way are that I am able to be close to my family and community, not spend money on fuels or a commute, less stress and more money in my pocket…and guess what I SHOP LOCALLY because I work where I live and serve…

I propose a private/public partnership to create a Maple Valley Technology Incubator and other folks in town are also giving some serious thought to the technology needs of Maple Valley….

The private/public partnership would accommodate the four key aspects to Internet provisioning:

Funding
♦
Sustainable business model
♦
government subsidization (grants)
♦
or a combination of the aforementioned
Applications
♦
Community Media Center, Telecommunity, eCommunity, etc.
♦
Vertical applications, e.g. safety, education, health, etc.
♦
Horizontal applications, e.g. voice, video, data and/or mobility
Infrastructure:
♦
Open Public Access Network
♦
Network facilitated by various carriers such as twisted pair, cable, wireless, fiber etc.
♦
Back Office (local empowerment)
♦
Resources, e.g. personnel
Methodology:
♦
Vision
♦
Stakeholder and shareholder participation
♦
Non-profit versus profit
***Cooperative***

OUTCOMES:♦
Private sector job creation
♦
Lower government communication costs
♦
Bridge the digital divide
♦
Break down of regional disparity
♦
Facilitate of education and youth objectives
♦
Create a competitive advantage for local industry
♦
Municipal, Regional, and State investment and ownership

Economic Development can happen with more folks working from the home office and in small office environments. Lets give our citizens the tools to accomplish their dreams!

This is why I am asking for your support in my campaign for Maple Valley City Council Position 6.

Living, Loving and Serving in home town Maple Valley.
Stanette Marie Rose
206-718-5224

2009 Graduates Say:

“As for youth programs, the key to fighting (heroin) needles is stopping them before it happens not fighting it after the fact. We need things kids are interested in music, sports, theatre. That could mean new parks for soccer and baseball, the hiring of someone to teach kids instruments at the community center for free, maybe we could even start a summer theatre program at the middle school.”

“All we want to see is no more heroin in the school district, a drug and alcohol free environment in the School District…the drug problem, especially heroin is totally out of control. Drugs like heroin are too easy to get, provided by young dealers and too inexpensive and it seems like no one wants to stop the sale of drugs not really anyway.”

Jeanny:
“Well, personally, I’ve always thought that Maple Valley wasn’t diverse, especially within the Tahoma School District. I think teenagers within MV are much too secluded, and the king county metro system rarely passes by the area, so setting up a station would be extremely helpful and beneficial for students to explore areas in the vicinity around Maple Valley, or even further like Seattle. Although I will no longer be living around MV, my experiences in Maple Valley is one that really supports a change.”

Rose:
” There are a lot of sports programs, but not all the kids in MV are into sports, and sports are super expensive also so not all people can afford them. We have the Den now, but this past year there was not a bus from the high school to The Den and alot of the kids that need something to do don’t have their own cars. So it would be cool to have a bus from THS to The Den. Also, I remember them saying it was supposed to be only a temporary structure with something more permanent on the way, but now that it’s here, I haven’t heard any plans for anything more. Anyway, we need something else to do, so I think it would be neat to have something that everyone likes, like a movie theater. When it’s rainy out or super hot, there really is nothing else to do right now except go to the library. A movie theater would not just be for teens, everone who lives around here could enjoy something like that. ”
Love, Rose

“We should have a roller skating rink. I would so be there like every day!”

To The Editor:

I believe it is time for our citizens to hear about the dirty politics going on in Maple Valley as they relate to my campaign for City Council Position 6. In January you may recall a letter I wrote about a community member who said to me that he would pay for my campaign if I did NOT run against Victoria Jonas. this individual is Rick Pasko of Meridian Realty. Since I have filed against Ms. Jonas Mr. Pasko has sent me at least two threatening emails I have turned over to our Police Chief, Michelle Bennett. I have been cursed at by a previous unsuccessful candidate for City Council.

This last Saturday at the Public Market I was accosted by two community leaders and threatened by one of them while I was there to help a vendor. These actions have also been turned over to our Police Chief.

The incident Saturday at the Farmer’s Market involved members of the Market’s leadership team, one being a local real estate agent/developer and the other the head of a Maple Valley non-profit organization. Both are strong supporters of my opponent. I believe these occurrences are a demonstration of how polarizing my opponent is to our community. She is not a consensus builder and in fact, is dividing our community. I believe this angst is occurring because of a posting I placed on my website stanetterose.ning.com concerning the audit just completed for Maple Valley. This audit documents a conflict of interest concerning my opponent and the Maple Valley Food Bank where my opponent is President. The concern was over the $13,500.00 that the City Council granted to the Food Bank while my opponent did not recuse herself from voting on the grant. The Audit Report also stated “In addition, two of these Council Members did not disclose their interest in the community services agency on their Public Disclosure Commission form (PDC F-1, Supplemental).” The two Council Members were Victoria Jonas and Noel Gerken.

This audit documented irregularities for the audit year 2008. That leaves more findings for the audit year 2009 in which my opponent secured additional monies for the Food Bank in a similar inappropriate manner, as well as the $10,000 she secured for the Farmer’s Market. This funding for the Farmers Market was provided by the City Council before anyone knew my opponent had a leadership role in the Market. Now we have the unfortunate appearance that the City Council is using taxpayer funds to support my opponents re-election campaign. Taken with the documented $1,000.00 contribution made by Rick Pasko to the Farmer’s Market this appears to be a campaign money laundering opportunity just waiting to happen. And it did happen, once with a contribution of $1,000.00 and again with a contribution of $500.00 made by another supporter of my opponent.

As I have stated on my website “Our Democracy is fragile…manipulations are not to be tolerated. Transparency cannot be given lip service but must be followed up in good faith with actions that are true of heart to the best of our abilities.”
It is time for a change.

Every blessing to you and your families,

Stanette Marie Rose
206-718-5224

Time for Citizens young and old to be given a priority voice over developers….Here is what Citizens are telling me online and at the door. Here is what they are asking of The City of Maple Valley:

9-15-09

“Maple Valley needs a volunteer hotline or community web site with all volunteer opportunities posted.”

“Green River Community College needs to put a satellite school here in our town!”

“Are there going to be 4-5 story housing at the donut hole? Who is paying for adequate sewer, water, fire and police?”

“What is the emergency preparedness plan in case of an earthquake? Why is it so hard for citizens to get the plan so we can be ready?”

“How about some hiking trails, a park with tennis courts, a public swimming pool, picnic areas, skateboard park, dog park?”

“I feel the more programs we have for youth helps keep them grounded and more well rounded.”

“More martial arts classes for the youth of Maple Valley to address the issues facing our youth such as peer presure and anger.”

“How about movie theatre, bowling alley, YMCA, crafts type businesses, bounce houses etc etc? There is virtually nothing for kids to do out here and it’s so tiring to drive everywhere else for birthday parties or activities. And how about some diversity in restaurants? Please…no more chinese, pizza and mexican restaurants!!!!”

“Maple Valley needs a technology incubator in a mixed use business park.”

It wasn’t long ago I received a call from my Mom, Frances Kowis telling me to come home for a family meeting. I was deeply involved in the Bay Area with career and just finished raising 4 children. Mom told us slowly and calmly she was dying of inoperable lung cancer. She continued to read her wishes to us and looked up at us when she stated she wished to be cared for by her adult children in her home until she passed….I swallowed hard when I realized nothing I was doing with my life could be more important than to give back to the mother who loved and raised me. This family meeting truly was to be a powerful turning point in my life…

I moved back home to Maple Valley and along with my Sister and Brother did just exactly as my mother desired…I was enriched and transformed greatly as a person by giving back. During this time Dad and Mom taught me many things about life and about death. After a long hard fight Mom did pass away and then I realized the lesson was bigger than me, it was about family and about giving back to my home town Maple Valley. This community of hometown heros we call Maple Valley and TaHoMa school district has given me so very much. Life is short and our gifts are precious and need to be given out! Dad and Mom had always taught us to give back… It is a blessing to listen and serve in this great Democracy of home town Maple Valley and to work for a transparent process that The Citizens of Maple Valley…Individuals, Families and Businesses can be enriched by! Thank you for your VOTE! I am honored to be of service! Living, Loving and Serving in home town Maple Valley.

Stanette Marie Rose
Maple Valley City Council Candidate
Position Number 6
206-718-5224