Issues
Elect Catie Malik for Healthy Neighborhoods
I'm running for City Council to ensure our neighborhoods remain healthy – both in terms of public health and financial health. With over two decades of experience in healthcare administration, finance, and operations, I bring a balanced, results-driven approach that puts families, seniors, and neighborhood character first while ensuring our city's growth is managed responsibly with proper infrastructure planning.
Neighborhoods First: Responsible Growth with Proper Planning
I believe in a balanced approach to growth that puts our neighborhoods, families, and seniors first. While we need housing options, we must ensure development comes with the necessary infrastructure and services – something the current approach has failed to deliver.
My approach:
- Require comprehensive infrastructure planning BEFORE approving high-density developments
- Ensure new development pays its fair share for roads, utilities, schools, and emergency services
- Preserve neighborhood character and single-family areas that families and seniors rely on
- Protect our tree canopy not just in policy, but in actual development decisions
- Support housing affordability through thoughtful approaches that don't sacrifice quality of life
- Advocate for seniors who want to age in place in their established neighborhoods
- Recognize that family-friendly neighborhoods need practical transportation options, including safe streets for cars
Financial Health: Responsible Stewardship of Limited Public Resources
With my experience managing a $45 million budget at the University of Washington, I understand the financial impacts of growth and how to ensure our city remains fiscally healthy without overburdening residents with taxes. We also need to recognize the current economic and fiscal position we find ourselves, not only nationally but also statewide and locally. That requires us to carefully study our approaches to solutions around housing and development to ensure they are delivering returns on our investments.
My approach:
- Ensure development pays for itself rather than passing costs to existing residents
- Prioritize infrastructure investment where it's needed most, especially in neighborhoods experiencing growth
- Implement careful financial planning that balances necessary services with taxpayer affordability
- Conduct detailed analysis of city spending to identify inefficiencies and cost savings
- Focus on practical fiscal solutions that meet neighborhood needs without requiring excessive new taxes
- Provide transparent accounting of how infrastructure dollars are being spent
- Make data-driven decisions based on measurable outcomes, not ideological agendas
Public Health & Safety: Protecting Our Neighborhoods
As someone with extensive healthcare administration experience, I understand the importance of public health and safety in creating thriving neighborhoods where families and seniors feel secure.
My approach:
- Support our police and fire departments with the resources needed to serve our neighborhoods properly
- Take a neighborhood-focused approach to permanent supportive housing that balances compassion with community safety
- Address the impacts of developments like La Quinta by ensuring proper services and neighborhood protection
- Enhance emergency preparedness with neighborhood-specific planning
- Improve safety in residential areas with appropriate infrastructure for all transportation modes
- Ensure public health considerations are part of all city planning decisions
- Advocate for adequate healthcare facilities and services to support our growing population
- Recognize that families need safe neighborhoods to raise children and seniors need security to age in place
Infrastructure & Transportation: Planning for Real Neighborhood Needs
The current infrastructure hasn't kept pace with growth, creating challenges for families, seniors, and neighborhoods. I recognize that most Kirkland residents rely on cars to manage family life, and practical infrastructure planning must account for this reality.
My approach:
- Address infrastructure shortages caused by infill density BEFORE approving more development
- Support practical transportation solutions that work for families who depend on vehicles for daily life
- Ensure schools, utilities, and emergency services can handle growth before it happens
- Fix neighborhood streets and improve traffic flow with practical, cost-effective solutions
- Balance transit, pedestrian, and bike options investments with our growth
- Address parking needs in residential and commercial areas
- Demand new development contributes proportionally to infrastructure needs
Parks & Green Spaces: Preserving What Makes Kirkland Special
Our parks and green spaces are vital to neighborhood health and must be protected for Kirkland families. I will ensure our parks remain safe, accessible community assets.
My approach:
- Preserve and maintain our parks specifically for resident recreation and quality of life
- Protect our precious tree canopy through genuine enforcement
- Ensure parks remain family-friendly spaces that serve neighborhood needs
- Advance thoughtful environmental protection that works for residents
- Support trails and green corridors that connect neighborhoods safely
- Preserve Kirkland's waterfront as a public resource for all residents to enjoy
- Focus on practical environmental solutions that improve neighborhood quality of life
Neighborhood Businesses & Community Character
Local businesses contribute to healthy neighborhoods and provide services families and seniors rely on. I'll support practical policies that help neighborhood businesses thrive.
My approach:
- Ensure neighborhood businesses have adequate parking for customers
- Streamline permitting processes to reduce costs and delays
- Support neighborhood commercial areas that serve local residents
- Work with business owners to address impacts of growth and development
- Protect the unique character of our different neighborhood business districts
Family-Friendly & Senior-Supportive Kirkland
I believe in a Kirkland where families can raise children, seniors can afford to reside in our beautiful city, and neighborhoods retain their distinct character and community connections.
My approach:
- Support policies that strengthen neighborhood schools and family services
- Ensure zoning and development decisions consider impacts on families and seniors
- Advocate for seniors who want to stay in their established neighborhoods
- Preserve single-family neighborhoods while allowing alternative density/housing options
- Focus on practical solutions that improve daily life for residents of all ages
- Ensure all neighborhoods have equal access to city services and investment
- Protect the qualities that make Kirkland neighborhoods special places to live
I can't get elected without your support.
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