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Welcome to Bill Knobloch’s Web Site

Skills and experience: In my work and community involvement, a key concern has been the safety and welfare of people, especially in times of high stress. Working with others and in leadership positions, I have a responsible history as a successful, collaborative decision maker.

Piloting career: Learned how to interface with both Federal and state regulations governing safety and responsibility of public transportation. These included enforcement agencies around the world as well as local police and regulatory bodies, (i.e. port authority, medical authority and civil liability). Flew the following aircraft: MD-80, DC-9, Boeing 727, 737, 757, and 767.


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  • Operations department head, U.S. Navy: Responsibilities included management of millions of dollars for annual budget and operating requirements.
  • Rehabilitative property management: Managed older, structurally upgraded commercial buildings. Learned the value of well written, ordinances and codes that protect peoples’ safety and are sensitive to surrounding environment.
  • Academic history: B.S., History, Fordham University
  • Teaching certification: substitute teacher, high school (This could also be classified as a learning experience!)

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Our opinions on local issues are very important.  As a voter, you can help ensure that our City Council reflects your hopes for the Bainbridge Island community.  Please share your thoughts and ideas with me by clicking on the e-mail below:

e-mail: Bill Knobloch

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VOTE FOR BILL KNOBLOCH

 

General Election:
Tuesday, November 6th

 

  

 

Hello, I’m Bill Knobloch, candidate for reelection to the City Council of Bainbridge Island, Central Ward, Position # 4. With my wife, Liz, I’ve been privileged to call Bainbridge Island home for the last nineteen years. We enjoy gardening, many Island friendships, travel, and visits from our grandchildren.

So… why am I running again for city council?

For the last six years, as your representative, I have become deeply involved with the issues that directly affect our quality of life, affordability and, most importantly, the sustainability of our island character and natural resources.

My campaign platform is based on the three most important issues currently facing our city:

TAXPAYER MONEY

Our financial base for city government depends on revenue closely tied to taxation that includes:

• Bainbridge Island’s share of county property tax assessments
• Local sales tax
• Fees for utilities
• Real estate sales tax

There is a limit on how much we, as a city, can spend and what you, as taxpayers, are able and willing to pay for the Level of Service the State of Washington requires our city government provide. Establishing a reasonable and sustainable priority of government funding of services is urgently needed.

 

ISLAND WATER RESOURCES

Reliable data of hydrology study(s) reveals a unique system of supply for our island that does not mimic the Puget Sound mainland. The recharge of our two main aquifers depends solely on the annual rainfall for Bainbridge Island.

As reported for 2006, our daily pumping rate has an average flow of 754,602 gallons of water for the 30-mile Winslow water system. This does not include island wells that comprise the rest of our draw-down of our two main aquifers; Fletcher Bay and the Sea Level Aquifer.

Until we can factually establish what the recharge is for a sustainable water supply, decision-making on land use issues must factor in whether water might be a limiting factor. This will affect our building plans under the GMA.

I will continue to ask for transparency for this most important data-based issue to enhance public understanding of how our natural water resource is critical to our present enjoyment and sustainability of island character.

 

WINSLOW TOMORROW

This two-year planning effort by a very engaged segment of our island population is a part of the other two issues already mentioned. It is a governmental equation that requires substantive input of revenue, project labor and city/taxpayer debt.

Winslow Way, our Main Street, is vital to our island way of life in many different ways. Winslow Tomorrow is a vision that requires island-wide commitment due to the complexity of city and taxpayer cost. How much debt can we withstand and how great is the willingness of utility users and taxpayers to approve what council is being asked to fund?

Basic infrastructure requirements of our aging sewer and water lines require their replacement under Winslow Way and are long overdue as part of the city’s responsibility to state Level of Service requirements.

However, island-wide taxpayer input as to how much additional money should be added for Winslow Tomorrow is necessary. These enhancements are not part of the Level of Services required through city government and usually are funded through private, commercial redevelopment. Asking households to review and weigh in on additional costs that may be incurred through highly increased utility and use taxes is critical prior to a city council vote for Winslow Tomorrow in the city budget process.

For your reference, I’ve provided, below, a listing of principles from the Puget Sound Regional Council. [PSRC] I believe these principles are standards that should be reflected in our municipal government by our city administration and elected officials.