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 layoffs where possible. "We need to find more money," he said, adding that he would consider a public-safety levy and incentives to increase housing density to expand the tax base.

Sebastian Quesada said he would prioritize stability and transparency, proposing a public-facing dashboard of city finances and continued emphasis on police and environmental protections. "I fell in love with this community," he said, and described experiences building an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) that informed his view that streamlined permitting and clearer communication could accelerate housing production.

Nut graf: The three candidates were asked the same set of council-prepared questions; answers repeatedly returned to two looming deadlines for the city: addressing a projected $1.6 million shortfall for the 2027''28 biennium and meeting state-mandated middle-housing code changes under HB 1110. Each candidate emphasized preserving essential services while pursuing a mix of revenue, contractual renegotiations and incentives for additional housing.

On the budget, candidates cited earlier council steps including use of unallocated fund balance and utility-tax changes. Weber supported exploring additional targeted fee increases and contract renegotiation; Sam suggested new levies or increased density to expand revenue; Quesada favored continued auditing, priority-setting and pursuing grants before raising taxes.

On housing, candidates converged on accelerating ADUs and streamlining permitting as near-term tools. Weber specifically cited incentives in HB 1110 that allow cities to permit more units on a lot when some are income-restricted; Quesada and Sam urged preapproved plans or reduced permit friction to lower development costs. Candidates noted limits in Lake Forest Park because much land is privately held and the city does not own the town center.

Public safety and vehicle/dispatch costs came up across interviews. Weber pointed to rising detention and 911 dispatch contract costs and suggested renegotiation or cost-sharing; Sam proposed a public-safety levy if voters support it; Quesada said he would not cut essential police services and would prioritize capital spending reviews.

Following the candidate interviews, the council moved into an executive session to review candidates' qualifications under the state open-meetings law (RCW 42.30.110). The meeting then returned to public session for other agenda items.

Ending: The council did not make a public appointment at the June 4 special meeting; instead members recessed to executive session to evaluate candidates. The vacancy-selection process will continue under council procedures and applicable state law.