In Their Own Words: Meet Edmonds City Council Candidate Bob Wilcox

What is your full, legal name?

Robert Eugene Wilcox

Where do you work and what is your job title?

Former owner and president of Wilcox Construction, Inc in Edmonds for 25 years, retired in April of 2010

When and where were you born?

Born in Seattle in 1951.

Where do you live now and  how long have you lived there?

Live in Edmonds and have for most of my life.

Spouse or domestic partner if any:

Married to Debbie for 34 years.

Children:

Four children, two girls and two boys, ranging in age from 30 to 23.

Education (include graduation date(s), if any):

Graduate of Edmonds High School in 1970, 2 years at Central Washington College, finished 4-year carpentry apprenticeship in two years.

Military Service (include year(s) of discharge, if any):

Served in the Army and am a Vietnam veteran.

Memberships and affiliations with clubs and other organizations:

Past president of Holy Rosary School Board, was on the Principal's Advisory Board at EWHS, served on the Edmonds CC Foundation, Coached and Sponsored Pacific Little League, and have been a local zone and regional chair for Ducks Unlimited.

Have you or a business you owned (or had principal interest in) ever filed bankruptcy?

No

As an adult, have you been convicted or charged with a crime other than a minor traffic violation?

No

CAMPAIGN INFORMATION:

Website: votebobwilcox.com

Email address:  vote4wilcox@gmail.com

Phone: 206-817-1264

Campaign manager: Matt Wilcox

Campaign manager contact info: vote4wilcox@gmail.com

PREVIOUS ELECTED OFFICE(S):

None

Other campaigns for public office:

None

THIS CAMPAIGN:

What is the primary reason you are running for this office?

As outlined on my website, when I sold my business and retired, I was approached on several occasions with encouragement from community leaders, matched by a sense of personal duty, to run for office, specifically the Edmonds City Council.  The main concern brought to my attention was the lack of cohesion within the council and the inability to reach consensus on critical issues.  I ran a very successful business for twenty-five years and dealt with a myriad of challenges ranging from finance to personnel to cash flow along with bad debts and back log.  We had to deal with economic slowdowns and ramp ups during the boon times.  In my business career I have seen all sides of the spectrum and feel I can bring that experience to the council.

What will be your top three priorities if you get elected and why?

My top priorities will be to have a balanced budget that reflects expenditures not exceeding revenues.  We need to invigorate our community with a properly vetted strategic plan that enhances our city architecturally, fiscally and demographically.  This will include affordable housing, shopping and businesses that will be inviting and bring vitality, while not restricting views by allowing tall buildings.  I firmly believe that affordable housing will attract younger families to our city.  It is important that we encourage neighborhoods that young families are proud to live in and can afford to raise their families in. Shopping needs to be integrated into the neighborhoods and accent the lifestyle with boutiques and restaurants that are inviting and provide entertainment.  Clean business is also a large part of the puzzle.  Maverick Label in the Harbor Square Center is a classic example of this type of business.  Businesses such as this are low profile and provide good jobs that are on the cutting edge of keeping our city healthy and vibrant. 

What sets you apart from the other candidates and/or previous office holders?

I have lived in the Edmonds area my entire life, raised my family here and located my business here.  I have shown my commitment to Edmonds through my actions my entire life.  I consider myself truly blessed to have been able to live and work in our wonderful place.  Now that I am retired, I have the time and energy to put the lessons I have learned in business and life to use for the betterment of our city.  My goal is simply to help Edmonds with its current and long-range challenges.

How much money do you expect your campaign to spend on this election?

I have received tremendous support from the community for this run for city council.  I entered the campaign with the intent of winning and would not have considered running otherwise.  We have budgeted $20,000.00 for the campaign and through the generous contributions of our supporters we will reach that goal.

Official endorsements:

Gary Nelson – Former Snohomish County Councilmen

Gary Haakenson – Former Mayor of Edmonds

Carla Nichols – Mayor of Woodway

D.J. Wilson – Edmonds City Councilman

Strom Peterson – Edmonds City Council President

Barb Fahey – Former Mayor of Edmonds

Rick Bender – Former President Washington State Labor Council

Fred Gouge – Port of Edmonds Commissioner

Ed Hansen – Former Mayor of Everett

Gary Schmitt – CEO of The Bank of Washington

Sue Venable – Former Edmonds School District Administrator

Geoff Bennett – Assistant Principal Edmonds-Woodway High School

Greg Olson – Chuck Olson Chevrolet

Jack Tawney – Owner of Harbor Square Athletic Club

Timothy Roddy, M.D. – Senior Medical Director - Swedish Hospital, Edmonds Campus

John Gradwohl – Teacher and Coach at Edmonds-Woodway High School

Jim Murphy – James G. Murphy Auctioneers

Sam Ewing, Jr. –Ewing Electric

North Puget Sound Carpenters Local Union #70

Associated General Contractors

Laborers Union Local #292

Bob Campbell

Ron Wambolt

Bob Cox, M.D.

Ruby Smith

Steve “Skip” Beck

The Team at Wilcox Construction

Mike Echelbarger