Q: Mr. Federal Way, why was the mayor silent over the issue of the state Democrats filing a Public Disclosure Complaint against legislative candidate Teri Hickel? I understand the mayor used to be a Republican but isn’t he now a Democrat?

A: Mayor Jim Ferrell is usually front and center for photo opportunities with the media and typically doesn’t turn down the opportunity to speak, so it does seem strange that the mayor declined to comment to Mirror staff regarding this issue. Mr. Federal Way’s guess is he didn’t want to get caught up in politics.

Too late.

The mayor himself swung the political pendulum when he first decided to give the Key to the City to Hickel in March. Mr. Federal Way does not argue that Hickel is deserving of this recognition (although Mr. Federal Way still believes the mayor should consider this columnist for a key too).

But the timing of the recognition is the issue.

Ferrell awarded the key to former Advancing Leadership executive director Hickel during the City Council’s March 3 meeting. Exactly two weeks later, Hickel filed with the Public Disclosure Commission as a Republican for the 30th Legislative District, Position 2 seat.

You can’t tell Mr. Federal Way that Ferrell did not know or at least hear from his political circle that Hickel was considering running for the position two weeks prior to her announcement. Mr. Federal Way thinks that the mayor is pretty politically savvy insofar as he keeps a pulse on who’s running for what.

Ferrell seems like a mayor who wants to appeal to the masses, both Democrats and Republicans. But his kind deed toward Hickel was also a gesture toward the Republicans. Perhaps Ferrell redeemed himself when he endorsed incumbent Democratic Rep. Carol Gregory.

But in light of his silence over the complaint, it seems our mayor may have upset the Democrats again.

Here’s what Mr. Federal Way’s statement would have been if he were mayor: “Teri Hickel is deserving of the Key to the City based on her long-time contributions to the Federal Way community. Mr. Federal Way recognized her for love for the community — plain and simple. But for this 30th District race, Mr. Federal Way endorses Carol Gregory, a proven leader who cares about education.”

Mr. Federal Way is unsure who the mayor consults for advice on how to answer such matters, but the mayor is certainly welcome to contact Mr. Federal Way for political advice in the future. This columnist has been known to dole out some sound guidance.

Q: Mr. Federal Way, I know you’ve opined about this before, but what’s the deal with the burned building that used to house Wilson Trophy? Didn’t the city recently hold a hearing to have the eyesore removed once and for all and what was the outcome of that?

A: Mr. Federal Way doesn’t think this is an edge-of-your seat issue. But given the amount of questions Mr. Federal Way has received about this building lately, Mr. Federal Way has asked Mrs. Federal Way to get the butter ready for the popcorn as we wait for the big demolition show. The good news is there is an end in sight — for real this time.

In a nutshell because Mr. Federal Way is tired of summarizing this issue again, the building along Pacific Highway South burned down last October due to an illegal marijuana grow operation. The owner of the building appealed the city’s decision to have the building removed and a Hearing Examiner set an appeal hearing for August.

The owner then asked for a one week extension and finally on Thursday, the owner and his attorney entered into an agreed order with the city with performance conditions, according to an email the Mirror’s editor sent Mr. Federal Way from Community Development Director Michael Morales.

And the owner can no longer stall this process as he waived all appeal rights as part of the agreement. Morales said the demolition permit was issued Thursday morning and the owner has until October to complete all demolition and cleanup of the property. If he doesn’t complete it by then, the city can move in immediately to demolish it.

So get your lawn chairs and popcorn ready, ladies and gentlemen, because the projected start date of the building’s demolition is Sept. 15, although the contractor is trying to get an earlier start on it. Mr. Federal Way invites you to join him alongside Pacific Highway South to finally watch contractors remove the rest of this blight that has given our fair city a bad reputation for nearly a year.

Residents and commuters will soon see a clean entrance to Federal Way and we have Morales and the city’s new proactive stance on code enforcement to thank.

Q: Mr. Federal Way, I heard you are up for some prestigious award. Really?

A: None of your business.

Got a question for Mr. Federal Way? Email mrfederalway@federalwaymirror.com