Meet Howard Lee, Candidate For University Place City Council

Howard Frank Lee

Where do you work and what is your job title?

Retired

When and Where Were You Born?

1940, Michigan

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

University Place; 33 years

Spouse or domestic partner if any:

Barbara Lee married 46 years

Children:

Adult children Skip and Caroline

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

Bachelor of Business Science, accounting and economics, Western Michigan University 1964

Attended numerous professional schools while in the Navy.

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

Retired from US Navy with an Honorable Discharge after 23 years of service, 1988

Commanding Officer of four naval ships, the largest a guided missile frigate.

As a Master in the Merchant Marine I commanded numerous ships before retiring after 15 years.

Memberships and affiliations with clubs and other organizations: Tacoma Rifle and Revolver Club, Board of Directors, Chairman of the Finance Committee;

Friends of Homestead Park;

University Place Historical Society

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.ElectHowardLee.org

Email Address: Support@ElectHowardLee.org

Phone number: 253-229-5787

Campaign manager: Myself

Campaign manager contact information: Same as above

PREVIOUS ELECTED OFFICE(S):

Elected: Never held public office

Other campaigns for public office: None

THIS CAMPAIGN:

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

To effect a change in both the philosophy and direction in the management of University Place, as well as introduce accountability to all levels of our city government.

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

Debt reduction is my top priority. University Place is mired in long-term debt, which is directly the result of the unsuccessful Town Center project. This debt has dramatically reduced the city’s fiscal flexibility, especially during the protracted recession we are now enduring. This has resulted in a lost opportunity for maintaining normal levels of city services, parks and recreation, street maintenance and repair, neighborhood sidewalks, streetlights and sewers, during a period when construction costs are at historic lows.

My second priority is to create a business friendly environment in UP so businesses will want to locate here, thrive, and stay. Businesses are the life blood of our city as they generate revenue, create jobs, and provide services. Debt reduction requires the generation of revenue and city officials making fiscally sound management decisions. For UP to survive, our businesses have to thrive!

My third priority is representing our citizens by listening carefully, rather than assuming I know what is best.

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

Unencumbered by having been personally involved in past governmental decisions, I will be open minded when problem solving and provide a fresh outlook on unresolved issues. Even as our economic condition turned into a recession, city officials consistently failed to show the flexibility required to change direction and turn disaster into a success. I am accustomed to being personally being held both to a high level of accountability and using a common sense approach to problem solving. I will bring this management style to city hall.

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

I owe it those generous supporters who have contributed to my campaign to spend wisely, whatever it takes to win and advocate change.

Official endorsements:

Javier Figueroa, University Place Council Member

Master Builders Association of Pierce County 

Other endorsements can be found on my web site: www.ElectHowardLee.org