click here for Jon's experience, background, and core values
click here for news articles on Jon
click here as Jon responds to current 'hot button' issues like the library and city art and some of your questions
The Library and Police Department Challenge
Jon answers questions (to the Herald) on...
Recent borrowing of $400,000 to build Griffintown Park
Ferndale's conflict with the county on decreasing Ferndale's Urban Growth Area
Other Council Races and Ferndale School Board Races
Jon, if you win, is this some kind of government, high salary job you are getting?
Jon, what are you going to do about the North Bellingham Elementary School?
To contact Jon, email: JonMutchler@gmail.com
To get back to Jon's regular home page, click here.
To make a contribution to Jon's campaign, send check to:
Jon Mutchler Campaign
PO Box 1834
JON IN THE NEWS:
Jon answers questions from the Herald "Online," posted October 6
Jon and Mr. Downey are interviewed by the Herald's Jared Paben posted October 7
Jon moves on to the general election, 58% of voters vote against incumbent Downey and for change of leadership. Primary results here:
Jon's July 31 interview with the Bellingham Herald
Jon answers questions from Bellingham Herald's Sam Taylor for their political BLOG.
Also read responses from Jon's primary opponents: David Wilson, Jeff Stover, Ken Downey
Jon is the only position 5 candidate who is in compliance with state filing requirements:
Recent Record Journal article about Jon and Ferndale Alliance Church
Recent Bellingham Herald article about Jon's music
Recent online interview about Jon's recent recordings.
Jon weighs in on the housing and loan crisis (Seattle Times Blog)
This summer Jon competed and completed Sea to Ski (downhill skiing with his church team), the Padden triathlon, Ferndale Street Run, Boys and Girls Club Tour De Whatcom 50 mile bike ride, Samish Triathlon. Jon also competed in the Lake Padden Relay (Sept 5), the Lake Stevens Triathlon (September 12), and Bellingham (1/2) Marathon (September 27).
Video of Jon in the 2009 Boys and Girls Club Tour De Whatcom (see YouTube clip at about 4:50)
NEWS: Jon finished 2nd in the "Clydesdale" division (men over 200 lb) and 1st Place in his age/gender group (men, between age 50-54) at the Lake Stevens Sprint Triathlon (swim, bike, run) on Sept 12. He was 37th overall (224 racers). Also, Jon came in 162nd out of 1,036 racers in the Bellingham 1/2 (13 mile) Marathon with a time of 1 hr, 47 minutes.
More About Jon:
Employment
Jon and Diane established the Ferndale Alliance Church in 1988 where he has served as its founding pastor for 21 years.
Jon is also a professional pianist, recording artist, and piano teacher. He has also performed on Saturday evenings at Semiahmoo Resort's Stars Restaurant since 1996. He has recorded 7 CDs. Jon was recently honored to be asked to accompany singer/actress Bernadette Peters for her recent Mt. Baker Theater concert.
Jon serves on the faculty of the Blaine Jazz Festival and has instructed hundreds of teens in the practice and theory of jazz
He has served as a volunteer support officer with the Whatcom County Fire Department (1988-1993), assisting families in crisis.
Jon has served two terms on the board of the Whatcom County Pregnancy Clinic, a ministry to women and teens.
Jon worked a short while for Brown and Cole grocery chain at the Ferndale Thriftway (now, Rite Aid store), and as a driver for the Chuckanut Cheesecake Company.
Jon worked for Westours/Holland American Cruise Lines as a driver and motor coach driving and safety instructor, training college students to drive buses throughout the state of Alaska
He also was the director of Camp McKean, working for the US Navy Special Services in Bremerton, WA. He became manager of this naval park after life-guarding for several years.
Education
Jon graduated third in his senior class from West Bremerton (WA) High School in 1977. He earned an Associate in Science degree (AS) from Olympic Community College two years later. In 1983 he graduated from Western Washington University with a Bachelors of Music degree (BMus) in jazz studies and classical piano. He earned his Master of Divinity (MDiv) from Regent College (Vancouver, B.C.) in 1987. (Diane earned a masters degree from WWU in education, and taught in the Ferndale schools for seven years).
Family Life
Jon has been married to Diane for 24 years. They have seven beautiful children: Thomas, Hanna, Emma, Madalin, Jack, Nicholas, and Analise. They range in age from 2 to 18. Jon just celebrated his 50th birthday on 9/11. Jon is the son of the late Dr. Ralph Mutchler, a college music professor, and Marilyn Mutchler (of Bremerton, WA), a former public school teacher. Jon and Diane have lived in Washington most of their lives--most of it in Whatcom County.
Recreation:
Jon enjoys biking, running, skiing, swimming, and camping. Jon competes in the local Ski to Sea, street runs, and triathlons. He also enjoys playing his piano and composing music. More than anything, he loves "hanging" with his wonderful family.
(Note: Jon can be found most weekday mornings, around 6:30 AM, at Ferndale's Thrive Community Fitness in the new Ferndale Station with one or more of his family members. Join him!). And, drop off a bag of groceries at Thrive to benefit our food bank!
Jon's Past Political and Public Service Experience:
I had the honor and joy of running for school board in 1997. I lost to terrific fellow, Norm Robertson, who served our schools for over 30 years, and was also a city council member for several terms. Oddly, when Mr. Robertson retired from the school board last year, a member of his family asked me to apply to replace him. I was touched by the request. However, since my run for school board we have decided to home school our children. That was not a firm decision we had made at the time of my 1997 campaign. In fact, we had been very involved with Ferndale schools. I was a regular volunteer (and even a contracted employee, vis a vis, the Band Boosters) in the music department. And my wife, Diane, as many Ferndale families will recall, taught in three Ferndale schools (North Bellingham, Central, and Mountain View) from 1987-1994. At the request of Ferndale school superintendent, Dr.. Jack Thompson, I served on the 1989 school levy committee. I also served on the advisory committee, appointed by the Ferndale Council, to make recommendations on the use of the 2nd Avenue Annex in the mid 90's (this building originally housed the police and government offices before they moved to their current location on Main and 4th, a former bank).
What would Jon bring to the Ferndale council?
A Different Perspective and Viewpoint:
One of the most honorable and essential roles of government is homeland protection. I count as good friends various members of US Homeland Security. However 4 of 7 Ferndale Council members are households whose livelihoods depend upon the federal government and Homeland Security (Messrs. Downey, Olson, Malpezzi, and Mrs. Faria--whose husband works for Homeland Security). I respect and thank them for their service, but I believe this can bring a lopsided and unbalanced perspective to the council. I would feel the same way if we had four doctors, four firemen, four gas station owners, or four pastors on the council.
We have a diverse community of farmers, small business owners, teachers, professionals, service employees, technical workers, accountants, lawyers, medical people, contractors and construction workers, artists, shop keepers, and public employees-local, state, and federal. We have union and nonunion. I don't believe we are taking advantage of the diverse and rich vocational mix of our community.
A Positive, but Responsible Vision:
Like most of you, the Mutchlers have no choice these days but to distinguish carefully and wisely between "needs" and "wants." It's time to be lean and thrifty-it will be so for some time. But we still live a blessed and rich life by choosing wisely.
We all want many things for our city: a new library, a pool, a skateboard park, a first class parks department, a new police station. We have a great town and we all want to leave it better for the next generation. But we are in the most serious economic crisis of a generation. Our friends and neighbors are having wages and hours cut back if they are still fortunate to have a job. Household and city revenues are declining. Unemployment could reach 1 in 10 of us.
Never before has it been more important to minimize debt and maximize value. We can't follow the "tax, borrow and spend" model of D.C. and pass a crushing debt to our kids. We must implement a vision that we can afford. It may not sound flashy or exciting, but I believe sewers, safe roads, and sufficient law enforcement are more important than skateboard parks and city art.
Leadership Experience:
Diane and I established and have led the Ferndale Alliance congregation for 21 years. I also serve on the leadership board of the Whatcom County Pregnancy Clinic-a nonprofit group that assists women in crisis pregnancies. I believe in a leadership style that respects and listens to every one in the room, emphasizes service and openness, and checks the ego at the door.
Home Building and Construction Experience
The Mutchlers have built two family homes within the city limits for their family. This experience with Building and Codes, contractors, and with the processes of home construction would be an asset to public service since so many council issues pertain to home construction and affordable housing.
Families and Kids:
Jon has led the Ferndale Alliance Church in its mission to reach out and impact families for 21 years. Jon has instructed over 200 area youth in music. His wife, Diane, taught at 3 Ferndale elementary schools (Mountain View, Central, and North Bellingham). Their passion for young people is shown in their success in raising their own seven children. "I am committed to making good decisions for our community that our children would approve of and benefit from in 20-30 years."
Liberal and Conservative: Common Sense
Jon believes that people should have liberal and free use of their homes, property, and lives. So unless those choices clearly diminish the quality of life for others in their neighborhood, government should not enact policies that restrict the use of property. If it doesn't bother or reduce the value of a neighborhood or hurt the environment, the government should "live and let live."
Further, government shouldn't try to do too much or be too ambitious with our money. I'm conservative, especially during this current financial crisis. If we don't really need it, I won't support it. And if we do need it, we better get the best and lasting value for our public dollar. That's my liberal and conservative commitment. Let's just call it common sense.
What are Jon's views on current Ferndale issues?
B&O Taxes (Business and Occupation Taxes)
When I considered my run for council I explored the city's revenue sources. I learned that our main sources are sales taxes (you pay that when you buy something here), the transfer station (garbage) taxes (paid by most county citizens), and property taxes. I inquired and investigated the way other cities generate revenues and learned about the B&O tax.
In Whatcom County only Bellingham and Everson impose a B&O tax. Only two states have them: Washington and West Virginia (Ohio is adding them in 2010). A B&O tax is the terrible cousin of the income tax (which Washington and a few other states do not have). Whereas corporate income taxes tax a company's net profits , the B&O tax is imposed on the gross income from the top line of of revenue (with a few exemptions and deductions). As a small business owner I pay them to the state, I don't wish to pay them to the city of Ferndale.
I don't have any problem taxing profits for the basic needs of government. But to tax gross income (without full regard to the costs of doing business) is regressive and punishing. And at the end of the day puts an unreasonable burden on businesses that we need to create jobs. Most notably hurt are upstart companies who employ people, but might operate for years before making a profit. Some are put out of business by B&O taxes.
You may have noticed some Bellingham businesses relocating to Ferndale. No doubt, our business friendly, non-B&O tax culture is part of the reason. No on B&O tax.
Library and Police Department
My short answer is this: The library is new and the bonds just paid off. Things are a little crowded at times, but we can expand the parking in back. We can also expand the library itself when economic times improve.
But I wish to see us move forward on a new police department. I invite any voter to take at look at what the police department has now. We have some 20 officers and support staff of 4 meeting in a rental space smaller than many of our homes. Oddly, they are meeting in what was the last Ferndale library!
Finally, I wish to see us learn a lesson from our "outdated" library. Let's face it: we didn't think far enough ahead when we built the library, if we are being told it is outdated in just 17 years. Let's insure we are not saying the same thing in 17 years about any project we get behind today--police department, library, or dog pound.
In that light, I would commend the council to find a piece of property where a modest, but modern and expandable police department could be built. Further, this property should be large enough that it could be used to eventually replace the courthouse and council chambers (i.e, a law and justice center) that meets at the Second Avenue Annex.
One idea: use the property behind the library that is the current location of the public works department. Yes, we would need to relocate the PWD. But I think this would be an ideal location for the police department and possibly future civic buildings.
Let me say one more thing about the current council and their most recent decision to convert the current library into the police department (by doubling its size) and moving the library to Pioneer Park by remodeling the old Boys and Girls Club: As I have watched the debate and listened to their decisions I am convinced they have done so in good faith and with the community's interests at heart. But I am unconvinced it is the best decision we can make or one that will be commended in 20-30 years.
POSTSCRIPT: I am writing this following the well attended community meeting from last night (September 14): First of all, citizens:we have a very fine mayor. Gary Jensen did a masterful and gracious job of conducting a town hall style meeting, and allowing many view points. He presented a modified library/police department plan, based on recent developments. In short, his plan (yet to be passed by the council) is to still add to and convert the current library into the police department, then use a piece of city property (just west of City Hall) for a brand new library. He announced to the public that there is potentially a $1,000,000 matching gift available for that new library (but not available to simply remodel the old library).
On the one hand, I do see the merits of this plan. It is creative, and makes good use of building and properties. It would also solve the critical needs of the police department. However, in my view, I still think a better plan, in these economic times, is to build a new, modest, but easily-expandable police department on city property, keep the library as is, but expand it when the economy rebounds.
City Funded Art
The city council approved the expenditure of $75,000 for art, produced by a New York artist, for the Riverwalk Park. I have been asked, "What do you think, Jon, of the new art?" I do have an opinion on the actual art itself that was put in the fountain area of that park (the 7-8 cement columns with various "items" stuck in the cement). But in my view that opinion should not matter. No one should care whether I like it or not. Art is much like religion: these are deeply personal preferences and no one should impose those opinions on others through taxation. That is why I have never supported public dollars (whether through taxes, mitigation fees, etc.) going to art. I do. however, think that parks and civic places can be venues and places for art and music, but the art itself should be funded through private donors and charities. I just don't think you should empower me as a councilman to be able to force you, my neighbor to pay for art you may or may not like. For me, that is not the role of government. Others do. I would also have perhaps preferred something coming from the Ferndale High School art department, rather than from an artist from New York.
Public Swimming Pool
I love to swim! My "swimming hole" this summer has been Lake Padden, and I swim across it and back about once/week. In the winter I'm a lap swimmer at Bellingham's Arne Hanna Aquatic Center. If I had a Jeannie bottle I would wish a pool for Ferndale, right next to a world class library. Better yet: I wish I had a Bill Gates sized bank account that could not only write the check for the pool, but pay for its operation and maintenance for the next 100 years.
And therein is the challenge: Once a pool is built you have to run it year after year. So even if you have a pool that is bought and paid for, your annual expenses are not small. Let's use the Bellingham public pool as an example: I checked, and they run nearly a half million dollar deficit each year running the pool and this year they are cutting way back on hours. At the same time, usage fees and membership costs are up. Officials have told me that discussion come up now and again to close the pool because of the expense.
And the Bellingham pool isn't by any means extravagant. I suspect a Ferndale pool would need to be of similar size.
So let me state my concerns and values this way: I would love a pool and a nearby place to swim, but should I expect the citizens and taxpayers of Ferndale to pay for my recreation? Even with user fees, the citizens would subsidize my swimming.
Having said that, there may be another approach to this--one that is working well in Lynden. They have a city owned pool. But they don't run it. It is run by the YMCA. The cost to the city is very small (mostly maintenance). So, I would certainly look at some kind of public/private partnership like this. Another group to consider would be Ferndale schools. How might they be involved?
Many of you have said to me, "We want a pool." So do I. But, a way to (1) build it and (2) operate it without raising your taxes eludes me.
So, I'll see you at Lake Padden or Arne Hanna this weekend. (Your ideas??)
Politics and Religion
I thought perhaps this issue would come up and it has, in conversation and in the blog world: Does Rev. Mutchler have a religious agenda he wishes to impose on Ferndale?
I am pleased to have had the privilege of serving at the Ferndale Alliance Church for 21 years as the congregation's pastor, and to continue the legacy of community and family work that has reached out from that historic building for over 100 years.
My years of ministry have taught me a number of important things. First and foremost--I, myself, am an imperfect and flawed human being. Whether in my ministry, my marriage, my parenting or my personal life, I have fallen short of the ideals and values I profess. I'm 50 years old, and my list of shortcomings is longer than I care to recall. In compiling a list of "sinners," place me near the top.
And that's the kind of people I work with every day--flawed and broken individuals. All of us wish we could remove or change certain chapters in our lives. We've had rough spots in our journey, and we would like to get rid of the baggage. Most of us don't want to stay in our mess. My faith teaches me that we can improve and do better. We've got to do better and, by grace, we can. I think too, as a city, we can do better.
My faith teaches me to be kind and loving, and tolerant toward people with whom I may disagree. And although it teaches me to respect others, it also motivates me to "speak up" and be an agent of positive change.
I may and do have disagreements with some decisions made by my opponent and other council members. But I won't label them as reckless or some kind of sign of the Apocalypse, the end of days, Armageddon, new world order, or the sending of Ferndale to "hell in a hand basket." Many times, in political life, it is choosing better decisions over okay ones. I don't see how it is helpful to accuse people of secret agendas or ill motives when they disagree. In my sincere opinion, all candidates have the highest interest of Ferndale at heart. I just believe there are better ways of conducting the citizens' business.
I am running for city council. Not city chaplain or pastor. Will my faith and religious values influence my conduct on the council? Sure, I hope so. But, will I use my council influence to further a sectarian or church agenda? Nope, and double nope.
Finally, I have had the honor of interacting with and serving hundreds of Ferndale families during my 21 years here. I get to see families at their highest "highs" (weddings, new babies, and celebrations) and at their darkest "lows" (death, suicide, bankruptcy, jail, fatal illness, etc.). More than anything on my resumé or list of values are those experiences (mostly good, sometimes not) which make me compassionate and caring, and desiring the best for all the citizens of Ferndale.
Other Council Races
I am pleased to support Brent Goodrich in his race against the incumbent for position 7. Mr. Goodrich will bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the council. I believe Ferndale will benefit greatly from this gentleman. You can contact Mr. Goodrich at bgoodrich@bdncg.com
I don't have much on the two Ferndale school board races. As of this writing I am undecided. However, I include here all the links I can find with the Bellingham Herald on the four candidates. Although the Record Journal has done some work on these races, they are currently not online.
Troy Clark challenging incumbent Andrew McLaurin, POSITION 5 (Downtown Ferndale area)
Larry Hoffman challenging incumbent Lee Anne Riddle, POSITION 4 (North Bellingham, and East of I-5)
Jon, is this a paid position?
The Ferndale City Council's Position 5 seat is a four-year position that pays a base amount of $218 a month plus $54 for each committee meeting attended, with a total cap of $542 per month. In other words, if a council member attends every possible meeting, the most he receives from the city is $542. No benefits. The council provides oversight over city business, but we do not "run the government" or city services. We provide vision, direction, and accountability. This is intended as a part time position. I will continue my full time services at Ferndale Alliance Church.
Jon, what can you do about the North Bellingham Elementary School?
When I was meeting people in the North Bellingham area, there was more than one who expressed concerns about the lack of a grade school for the North Bellingham kids. It is my understanding that those kids are being bused to the new Cascadia School.
Sorry, there isn't much directly I can do if elected to city council. For two reasons: first, the Smith/Northwest campus is outside the Ferndale city limits. That is, it is not part of the city of Ferndale. It is part of the larger Ferndale School District, but not the city. Second, this would be a school board matter and I would encourage interested voters to speak with the two candidates who are running for the school board seat that represents North Bellingham, Lee Anne Riddle and Larry Hoffman.
There are, however, some lessons we can all learn from the problems with the North Bellingham Schools: First, we need to take care of our public buildings! I am not fixing blame, but it is sad that a school is closed because of maintenance problems. I hope the city won't let the same thing happen with its public buildings.
Thank you for taking your time to visit this web site. I would be grateful for your vote and support.
SKI TO SEA 2009 ---- THE BLIZZARD OF DECEMBER 2008
JON AND A RARE BECHSTEIN PIANO ---- PERFORMING IN BLAINE ---- WITH SON TOMMY AFTER ORCAS ISLAND/MT CONSTITUTION BIKE RIDE, September
MARINER GAME, JULY 2009 ---- WATCHING THE SKI TO SEA PARADE, BELLINGHAM, 2009
SKI DAY WITH KIDS --- LAKE PADDEN TRIATHLON
FAMILY TRIP TO MT. SAINT HELENS IN JUNE --- PIONEER DAYS PARADE 2009
To contact Jon, email: JonMutchler@gmail.com
To get back to Jon's regular home page, click here.
To make a contribution to Jon's campaign, send check to:
Jon Mutchler Campaign
PO Box 1834
Ferndale, WA 98248
Phone: (360) 384-9092