The entire issue was being discussed because Master Builders Association,
which represents most of the builders in the region, felt they did not
have adequate input into the new design standards that was about to become law
in Renton.

Marcie Palmer made a suggestion that we postpone our final vote in order
To convene a meeting to address these concerns. Dan Clawson then launched
Into a tirade against Marcie and MBA, which became an argument between Dan,
Terri Briere and myself, when I voiced my concerns about Dan’s abrupt attack on
Marcie and MBA. Before the council could complete its discussion on Marcie’s
request, Dan cut off further debate by forcing a vote on the ordinance, which was then not approved.

This situation reminds me once again of the Highlands meeting, where the
public were shut down from the discussion when they wanted to participate.
What is so wrong about making sure we listen to the people involved before
making law? Isn’t that our job?

While in actuality, the majority of the council approves of the ordinance,
we wanted the concerns raised by MBA to be resolved. Open government
requires open discussion and welcoming input, dissent, and questions from
the council members, the public, and the parties involved in the issue.
Dan forced the council to vote on the ordinance before we could complete
discussion on Marcie Palmer’s request for a little more time before taking
the final vote. Had he not interfered with the simple process of
deliberating over a request, there would have been no forced vote, a
meeting would have been convened and the issue resolved, and a vote taken the
following week or so. What was the rush?

Acting as his own attorney, Clawson is able to file frivolous suits
Without a real financial impact. Renton citizens are already paying an outside
law firm to defend us against his outrageous complaints, which could mount
into hundreds of thousands like the recent case in Shoreline.

I implore Dan Clawson to reconsider his actions and face the facts on his
motivation behind this charade. Renton deserves open government, open
discussion, and council members who respect and appreciate input from
others. Filing suit from political motivations or an angry reaction to a
vote at the cost to our taxpayers is deplorable.

Randy Corman
Renton City Council Position #1