Mark Mullet
Candidate for Issaquah Mayor
What motivates you to run for Issaquah Mayor, and what unique perspectives or priorities would you bring to the role?
I was inspired to get into local public service when my Dad became the mayor of my hometown (Tukwila) back in 1999. All six of our kids have attended Issaquah High School, my wife teachers for the Issaquah School District, and I have multiple restaurants that I own and operate in Issaquah. Nothing would make me happier than having my final public service job be in my hometown where our family has roots and plans to stay.
I look forward to listening to the concerns of each Issaquah neighborhood so I can find solutions to help those neighborhoods thrive. I learned during my time in the Senate that one size does not fit all, and that the City needs to stay tuned to the specific needs of each neighborhood to make residents feel happy regardless of the neighborhood where they live.
As our region continues to grow, how would you balance development with the long-term conservation of natural areas and trail corridors?
First off, I think our region will grow because of our access to the beautiful outdoors. If we don't manage the natural beauty of our region it will have a negative impact on economic growth. Second, as the chair of our State construction budget during my twelve years in the Senate I learned that protecting our environment and growth are not mutually exclusive. I always appreciated the perspectives of the Cascade Land Conservancy (now Forterra) about how you can find this balance. I will be sure to have this same perspective as Mayor.
What steps would you take to ensure equitable access to trails, parks, and open spaces for all members of the community?
You need to be strategic in making sure that investments happen in all areas of Issaquah. I am convinced that Tibbets will play an important role as growth happens on the Issaquah valley floor. We need to make sure that people that move to this area for access to future light rail also have trails that connect them to the Issaquah Alps, and that the parks within walking distance of this growth receive the investment they deserve.
How do you see outdoor recreation and public lands shaping the identity, livability, and quality of life in our region over the next decade?
It is at the core of why people love Issaquah and choose to live here. During my time in the Senate I was able to secure funding so we could finally fix the road at the High Point Trailhead at Exit 20 (Tiger Mountain trailhead). Investments like this are critical to make sure that our residents have access to the amazing hiking trails on Squak, Cougar, and Tiger Mountain.
How would you approach partnerships with volunteer organizations like the Issaquah Alps Trails Club to support stewardship and land conservation?
I was a board member of the Issaquah Food and Clothing Bank from 2008 to 2013. During this time I was also on the Issaquah City Council, and I grew to appreciate the importance of supporting our local non-profits. They can deliver services that benefit our community in a thoughtful way, and a fraction of the cost of trying to do it with city employees. I was constantly amazed during my time in the Senate at the volunteer hours logged by the Washington Trails Association. Local government needs to support and collaborate with local groups looking to protect and enhance access to the natural beauty of our region.
What do you view as the role of volunteer-driven projects on public lands, such as trail building, invasive species removal, signage, or habitat restoration? How do you think the city or state should support such efforts?
Similar to the above - the City should be a partner in making all of these projects a success. We can use city resources to promote volunteer events, and provide staff to help if that is what the local groups feel is important.
How do you view the role of the Urban Forest Management Plan, and what are your priorities for its implementation and funding?
It is important that we have tree canopy throughout the entire city. Given the hotter summers in Issaquah as a result of climate change, this is more important than ever.
Given the increasing risk of wildfires in Western WA, what actions do you think the City of Issaquah should take to improve forest management to mitigate the risk of catastrophic wildfires?
As you highlight, we are at the junction of urban living and green forested open space. I'm proud to have the endorsement of the Eastside Firefighters because I have always made sure to prioritize investments and training to make sure our first responders are ready if a disaster does strike. When it comes to forest management, we need to have an open dialogue with our friends at DNR to make sure that the forests around Issaquah are being managed in a thoughtful way that minimizes the underbrush that leads to rapid spreading of fires.
The Issaquah Alps Trails Club is a non-partisan organization and does not endorse candidates for political office at any level.