Three candidates interviewed to fill Lake Forest Park council vacancy; budget and housing dominated answers

The City of Lake Forest Park on Wednesday interviewed three finalists to fill a city council vacancy, with candidates focusing their remarks on a projected general-fund shortfall, ways to comply with Washington's House Bill 1110 for middle housing, and public-safety funding.

The interviews opened with Andrew Weber Samboralo, who said he has lived in Lake Forest Park for 15 years and described his professional background in science, engineering and business. "I care deeply about the health, the growth, and sustainability of the community we live in," he said, and urged a mix of revenue and cost-control measures to address the city's finances, including negotiating contracts and exploring targeted fee or utility changes.

Sam (candidate) said the budget shortfall was the city's most critical issue and repeatedly emphasized seeking "more money," while urging the council to avoid staff…