EDITOR’S NOTE — Last week the Tribune published a story about the candidates running to fill the remainder of Drew Nielsen’s term on City Council. Jon Ott didn’t respond because he said he mistook the Tribune’s e-mail as spam. Ott’s responses to our questions are below. The original story, published July 18, is online at www.snoho.com.

By MICHAEL WHITNEY
Published July 25, 2012

Council candidate Jon Ott responds to paper’s questions
EVERETT - City Council candidate Jon Ott wants to improve Everett.
Ott is one of five candidates running for late Councilman Drew Nielsen’s seat. The other four candidates are Scott Bader, Pete Kinch, Bill Paulen and June Robinson.
A primary to narrow the field to two is set for Tuesday, Aug. 7.
Ott, 49, is a criminal justice instructor at Shoreline Community College. Before that, he spent 13 years as an officer with the Everett Police Department. He left the force in 2004.
He has a master’s degree in public administration from City University of Seattle, which he said will help with decision making if elected to council.
His four key issues are parks, public safety, family-wage jobs and bikini barista stands.
He would legislate bikini barista stands the same way strip clubs are handled, he said.
“It’s equal to adult entertainment and prostitution,” he said.
No other candidate has considered this issue, Ott said.
Ott ascribes to the “broken windows” rule used in police circles: broken-down areas attract more crime and problems.
He believes creative solutions and volunteerism can keep Everett safe. He acknowledges the city does not have a lot of money to spend.
Ott, a political newcomer, has lived in Everett and Mill Creek since 1990. He now lives in the View Ridge-Madison Neighborhood.
He is a former longtime grievance committee member of the Everett Police Officers Association, the union that represents the rank-and-file. He has endorsements from both the EPOA and the Everett Police Management Association, which he calls a rarity.
He said the city is running well, and he would not change much.
“I don’t mind rocking the boat or shy from rocking the boat, but things are going well,” Ott said. “I am running because I care about this city and I feel I have the background to help this city,” Ott said.
Nielsen died in a rafting accident in May.