In Their Own Words: Meet Shoreline City Council Position No. 6 Candidate Robin McClelland

CANDIDATE PROFILE INFORMATION:

What is your full, legal name?

Robin Sink McClelland

Where do you work and what is your job title?

I own a solo consulting practice that offers planning and related services such as meeting facilitation and visioning. On occasion, I provide interim planning services in our area.  I am responsible for the business management of my husband’s civil law practice and work with clients on an as-needed basis.   

When and Where Were You Born?

July 22, 1943. Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Where do you live now and how long have you lived there?

My husband and I have lived in the Richmond Highlands neighborhood for 13 years.

Spouse or domestic partner if any:

Husband, Keith T. McClelland

Children:

Two grown sons; two grandsons

Education (include graduation date(s), if any):

Certificate in Integrated Marketing Communications, UW Certificate Program, 1997

Masters of Regional Planning: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1980

BA Political Science: University of North Carolina at Greensboro, 1978

Military Service (include year(s) of discharge, if any):

None.

Memberships and affiliations with clubs and other organizations:

• Appointed to two terms on the Shoreline Planning Commission, serving eight years between 2000- 2008.

• Volunteer as a student tutor at our libraries and work with young people on learning skills, homework, and reading. 

• Volunteer and contribute efforts to Banchero Friends, a non-profit organization that serves developmentally disabled adults. 

• Volunteer with the Shoreline/Lake Forest Park Arts Council on the annual fundraising GALA and weekend festival. 

• Volunteer with the North City Jazz Walk, and wrote a successful 4-Culture grant application for the upcoming 5^th annual event.  

• Member of the Aurora Business Corridor, a citizens’ sounding board on “discipline” reports presented by staff and consultants or consideration in the environmental review of the second two miles of the Aurora project.

• Member of my professional association (American Planning Association) and am a Fellow in the American Institute of Certified Planners (FAICP).

• Listed on the Fulbright Scholarship Program Specialist Roster.

Have you or a business you owned (or had principal interest in) ever filed bankruptcy? 

No

As an adult, have you been convicted or charged with a crime other than a minor traffic violation? 

No

CAMPAIGN INFORMATION:

Web site: www.ElectRobinForShoreline.org

Email address: robin@ElectRobinForShoreline.org

Phone number: 206-546-1717

Campaign manager: Kyrie Cataldo

Campaign manager contact information: 206-335-9305 cell

PREVIOUS ELECTED OFFICE(S):

Elected: None

Other campaigns for public office: Not in this state. I made an unsuccessful bid in the early 1970s for city council in Conway, South Carolina.   

THIS CAMPAIGN:

What is the primary reason you are running for this office?

My primary reason for running for Shoreline City Council is to bring a reasonable, supportive voice to the table while we work to fulfill Shoreline’s vision.  I share the view held by many other residents that it is important to finish worthy projects that will enhance our livable neighborhoods and improve our healthy business climate. I believe my community involvement, my work as an urban planner, and my ability to grapple with complex issues will be assets as we approach the coming years.   I have the time to give to the work and am available to serve on regional committees of use to our residents and businesses.

What will be your top three priorities if you get elected and why?

Update and Implement the Comprehensive Plan: I support the goals Shoreline residents have established to preserve the best qualities of our neighborhoods and to attain a prosperous, sustainable future.   To do so, I will make the update and implementation of our Comprehensive Plan a priority. I will work to keep Shoreline the best place to live, make our transit-oriented Town Center a lively place to live and work, revitalize our neighborhood commercial districts, and strengthen our reputation as a leader in sustainable practices. This effort will engage citizens in continuing to shape our city’s future and give voice to the things we most value.

Complete the Aurora Project: As the centerpiece of our central Shoreline revitalization, transforming Aurora Avenue into a signature boulevard must remain a priority.  The benefits have far-reaching implications for our economic prosperity and for our ability to place new housing where it makes sense. I will do all I can to secure funding to bring this major infrastructure project to the city’s North boundary. 

Protect our Neighborhoods: More than once, Shoreline’s wonderful variety of neighborhoods have distinguished us as the best place to live.  Care of our residential neighborhoods must remain a priority.  I will do all that I can to put controls in place that protect the integrity, value, and vitality of all of our great neighborhoods. 

I want to further the work to sustain, protect, and revitalize our wonderful city.

What sets you apart from the other candidates and/or previous office holders?

During the 13 years my husband and I have lived in Shoreline, we have developed strong ties to the community.  My family has come to know Shoreline’s parks and recreation facilities and we are active in the civic, business, and cultural life of the city.  My years on the Planning Commission taught me that Shoreline residents represent all economic levels, have many business interests, bring diverse values to the discussion, and speak for people in all stages of life from childhood to old age.

The breadth of my experiences, and my attention to individuals and their stories, ensures that I will balance the interests of all residents to develop and implement sensible solutions.

In my professional life of 30 years I have worked with citizens, staff, and officials tackling the same types of issues that challenge us as a city.  As a result, I can rely on helpful experiences from many different places.  For instance, I know it will take a strong commitment to complete our sidewalk system and a lot of hard work to attract businesses to our commercial districts.

How much money do you expect your campaign to spend on this election?

I have an estimated a budget of $25,000.  Thus far almost all of my contributions have come from Shoreline residents and business people.  I am grateful for this support and am confident about raising sufficient funds to sustain my campaign.

What groups or individuals are your major endorsers?

I have received organizational endorsements from the Seattle-King County Association of Realtors and the National Women’s Political Caucus – WA. I am waiting to hear back from several other organizations.

I was awarded an “Outstanding” rating by the Municipal League of King County.

I have received over 100 individual endorsements, including several from current and former officials:  State Representative Ruth Kagi; Shoreline Mayor Keith McGlashan, Shoreline Councilmembers Shari Winstead and Doris McConnell; former Councilmembers Rich Gufstafson, Ron Hansen, Kevin Grossman, Bob Ransom, and  Supreme Court Justice Faith Ireland (retired). 

I am endorsed by Shoreline businesses, including Aurora Rents, James Alan Salon, Ironwood Properties, and North City Bistro and Wine Shop.