Robyn Mulenga is running for Auburn City Council Position No. 5. After a successful primary election win for them both, her (only) opponent is now Ryan Burnett.

Auburn Examiner: Social media accounts for public officials can build a direct connection for the city’s residents that can create a dialogue for comments or questions with those responsible for their public services. Presently only Auburn’s Mayor has an official Facebook account. Do you believe city councilmembers should have official social media accounts to engage with their constituents? Please explain why or why not.

Robyn Mulenga: Yes, I think councilmembers should have social media accounts. I want to make sure to hear from residents on concerns in open public forums and having social media gives constituents another means of connecting with their city officials. I have a facebook page available now where the community can reach me at www.facebook.com/Robyn4CityofAuburn

Auburn Examiner: A common issue raised about downtown Auburn is a lack of parking, or that parking is limited to 3 hours. With the two new mixed-use buildings going in, how do you propose the city addresses these concerns?

Robyn Mulenga: Reducing the rate for parking permits would be one option, so it is more affordable for commuters. Another option would be to implement a crosswalk at 3rd Street Northeast intersection with Auburn Avenue so it’s easier for commuters to walk to the transit area from local areas.

Auburn Examiner: What thoughts do you have, if any, to improve the appearance of the city?

Robyn Mulenga: I enjoy the downtown area of Auburn and I am excited about the new facades that will be going up on local businesses soon. This will elevate the businesses’ appeal, thus attracting more consumers.

Auburn Examiner: If you received a $1 million grant to use for the city any way you wanted, what would you do with it and why?

Robyn Mulenga: I would like to use the funding for high priority road improvement projects for the city. If I’m elected, one of my goals is to fix potholes and maintain our roads. One large road improvement project the funding could go towards would be to add a northbound left-turn lane at the intersection of third street NE and Auburn Avenue to improve traffic flow from Auburn Ave. In addition, I would also like to see improvements to some of the worst sections of the west valley highway in Auburn.

Auburn Examiner: The city’s projected budget indicates that without changes, Auburn could be in the red in the coming years. It has been suggested that implementing new revenue sources would likely prevent this. What revenue source(s) would you propose to help balance the city’s budget?

Robyn Mulenga: To help balance the city’s budget, I would like to see more businesses coming to Auburn to fill up some of the empty commercial spaces around the city. The city council should review laws surrounding remodeling and expanding and reduce the cost of building here as an incentive to draw businesses in.

Auburn Examiner: What do you feel we can learn from Seattle’s growing problem when it comes to affordable housing?

Robyn Mulenga: In Seattle, we’ve seen the price of housing outpace the median income earned. As people move further south to find more affordable housing, the cost of living is rising rapidly in our community as well. We need to work to find affordable housing solutions for our teachers, firefighters, and others. From being in the real estate industry for the past 12 years, if I am elected to the council, finding solutions for affordable housing will be a priority for me.

Auburn Examiner: The city will see new development and redevelopment to accommodate the continual growth of Auburn. If you could change one thing in our zoning code, what would it be and why?

Robyn Mulenga: I wanted to see changes to Auburn’s 2011 Development Agreement to allow for alternative construction options. And I was glad to see the recently approved changes the council made to allow for horizontal mixed-use as well as vertical mixed-use in construction of commercial spaces. These changes have helped pave the way for the development of the old Valley 6 drive-in land.

Auburn Examiner: While not voters the youth of Auburn are still constituents. How will you involve them, and ensure they are considered in your decision-making process?

Robyn Mulenga: There is currently an Auburn Junior City Council where students can participate in decision- making for youth-related issues. I would like to see the junior city council grow with increased participation and greater engagement from our youth within the school district. As an Auburn School Board Director, I understand the value that youth bring in deciding on important issues.

Auburn Examiner: What programs do you feel the city is lacking? If elected, how will you work to see these programs implemented?

Robyn Mulenga: We need programs that act as pipelines for students to attain living-wage jobs after they graduate. Through my work with the Cities and Schools forum, we are working on developing these kinds of programs to prepare our students to take on positions that our Auburn employers need filled.

Auburn Examiner: Illegal dumping, excessive litter, graffiti, and unkempt sidewalks are among concerns raised by Auburn residents. What do you propose to address cleaning up Auburn’s more unsightly areas, and keeping them maintained?

Robyn Mulenga: To prevent illegal dumping, the city could offer bulk pick-up days a couple of times a year instead of just once annually. For excessive litter and unkempt sidewalks, the city currently sponsors “Clean Sweep” day where people can volunteer for community service projects. I would like to see the city offer this several times a year to focus on additional parts of Auburn. For graffiti, the city could install cameras at areas with repeated incidents and allow for a mural at a local park, for beautiful artistic expression.

Auburn Examiner: What businesses do you feel Auburn is lacking and would benefit from the most?

Robyn Mulenga: It would be great to see more retail businesses in Auburn that would provide jobs for our residents. And I would like to see more specialty restaurants to give the community additional dining options.

Auburn Examiner: If elected, how will you govern for the future of Auburn?

Robyn Mulenga: I am running for city council with the goal of creating a welcoming environment where residents want to live, work and see their businesses flourish. I think it’s important to have a diverse, inclusive community where all people feel accepted.

Auburn Examiner: What is your favorite word?