Ryan Burnett is running for Auburn City Council Position No. 5. After a top-two runoff in the August primary, his opponent is Robyn Mulenga.
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.
Ryan Burnett: I support any type of increased communication between those that care about their community and those that make decisions about how the community should grow. I am always interested in hearing feedback, ideas and possible solutions.
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?
Ryan Burnett: There are two possible solutions: 1. The city can build and maintain a parking lot. 2. The city can attract a developer to build one. The two ideas need to be looked at closely as to which will be more efficient for the city, and work towards that.
Auburn Examiner: What thoughts do you have, if any, to improve the appearance of the city?
Ryan Burnett: We need to clean it up! I’ve talked to thousands of people throughout the city as I have been ringing doorbells and asking what the major concerns are. Not surprisingly, one of the top concerns is that the city is dirty and needs to be cleaned up. This is just as much as enforcement issue as it is a public works issue.
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?
Ryan Burnett: I can think of two items that could use that kind of attention, our schools need money to keep programs alive and start new, relevant programs that apply to the times. Our infrastructure will need a good injection of funds to keep up with increasing the housing supply. That’s where I would look first.
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?
Ryan Burnett: The city needs to attract new business and new types of business. This is the fastest way to increase revenue in our city, providing both property tax revenue as well as sales tax revenue.
Auburn Examiner: What do you feel we can we learn from Seattle’s growing problem when it comes to affordable housing?
Ryan Burnett: I think it’s clear that we need to keep in mind all types of housing in order to drive prices down. Another issue is our processes, streamlining our permit and zoning processing can help increase our housing inventory on all levels. It’s the basics of supply and demand, low supply of housing at all income levels increases the demand, which in turn drives up the prices. We need to increase our housing inventory quickly.
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?
Ryan Burnett: [Edited to remove name of reporter] You make it difficult when you make me narrow it down to one. First, I want to say that I am much more a proponent of revitalization over redevelopment, at least in our historic areas. With that said, I believe there are several changes that need to be made to our zoning codes and I will be working with the Realtors Party to help make as many positive changes as possible, regardless of if I am elected. One example is we can make a large impact on our housing supply, namely the low end market, if we allow for 1+ duplex, triplex, or courtyard apartment per parcel in zoning districts where single-family is allowed, unless the city documents a specific infrastructure or physical constraint for the specific parcel.
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?
Ryan Burnett: I think it would be enlightening if the city council were to receive some form of communication with our children. We need to hear what they have to say and learn what concerns they have.
Auburn Examiner: What programs do you feel the city is lacking? If elected, how will you work to see these programs implemented?
Ryan Burnett: It seems like the city is lacking a solid program to help people get off the streets and into permanent housing. One of my goals if elected is to foster programs that can combine multiple services designed to help people that want help.
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?
Ryan Burnett: Part of the answer is a general fund budget issue; we need to budget cleaning this mess up! Another part of the answer is an enforcement issue; we need some accountability from our property owners and business owners, we’ve got to get their support in cleaning up the sidewalks and streets out in front of the businesses and keeping them clean every day.
Auburn Examiner: What businesses do you feel Auburn is lacking and would benefit from the most?
Ryan Burnett: Speaking from a revenue standpoint, the city could attract the tech industry. They leave a small footprint and garner both property and sales tax that the city’s general fund desperately needs.
Auburn Examiner: If elected, how will you govern for the future of Auburn?
Ryan Burnett: My goals for Auburn, long term, are to provide easier and more affordable access to all types of housing. I will also be a steward for new types of business such as the tech industry, as well as providing a great environment for small and large businesses to start or move. An increase in our national rankings of safest cities is also essential to our sustained, healthy growth.
Auburn Examiner: What is your favorite word?
Ryan Burnett: Odd question for a political discussion, but I do have several. I enjoy the connotation and the sound of the word “crisp” when I say it out loud.
Auburn Examiner: What is your least favorite word?
Ryan Burnett: Can’t think of a word I dislike.
Auburn Examiner: What turns you on?
Ryan Burnett: Human compassion, determination, self awareness coupled with a desire to grow…among other things.
Auburn Examiner: What turns you off?
Ryan Burnett: Hypocrisy, excuses and lack of accountability for one’s own actions.
Auburn Examiner: What sound do you love?
Ryan Burnett: The sound of my loved ones voices.
Auburn Examiner: What sound do you hate?
Ryan Burnett: Construction/building starting too early.
Auburn Examiner: What is your favorite curse word?
Ryan Burnett: ”One origin story for fuck is that it comes from when sex was outlawed unless it was permitted explicitly by the king, so people who were legally banging had Fornication Under Consent of the King on their doors, or: F.U.C.K. … Instances of fuck before the 15th century are rare.” Feb 18, 2014 – Huffington Post
Just something I read once that made me ponder the origin of all “curse” words.
Auburn Examiner: What profession other than yours would you like to attempt?
Ryan Burnett: Fine woodworking.
Auburn Examiner: What profession would you not like to do?
Ryan Burnett: Septic cleaner or builder.
Auburn Examiner: If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates?
Ryan Burnett: “You overcame many obstacles that I placed in your path Ryan, and continued to learn and grow. The gifts I granted you were put to good use. Great job, my Son, enter into the Kingdom of Heaven for all Eternity.”
Check out other candidate responses to these questions here. Other election questionnaires can be found in our Vote 2019 section.
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