Council and "Lodging Tax Advisory Committee" plan for more visitors to "Experience Redmond", 6/2011

 

Since this opinion was published on 6/30/2011 Realize Redmond, and Redmond Economic Development Assoc have been disolved and consolidated into "ONE REDMOND."   The Chamber has "tentatively consolidated" into ONE REDMOND.  ONE REDMOND is barely in the radar, led by Group Health, Microsoft and other stakeholders.  Please read the comments below this post for "the rest of the story."  And please, post your own..  BY

REPUBLISHED OPINION (6/30/2011):  History was made in three different ways (1) in this week's Council meeting. The Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) met with city council members and the mayor for the first time in their 13 years of operation.  If  Dan Angellar, General Manager of the Redmond Marriott of Redmond Town Center has his way LTAC will be meeting and partnering with Council every year.

A community role for LTAC might be described as a "tourism alliance". Agnellar said they try to bring Redmond's three economic groups together to stimulate tourism and increase "heads and beds".  Over $337,300 was raised last year from from the 1% lodge tax. So far 50% of LTAC tax revenues go to "Bullseye Creative" - a website branding organization.  (A Blog was created and tags with RNB on search engines.)  $31,365 goes to promoting private and city sponsored events. Councilmember John Stilin suggested allocating more funds towards the events to attract more people and perhaps less emphasis on the website.  Read More >>

2011 Local Election Voters' Guide - Redmond Neighborhood Blog

Welcome to the RNB Voters' Guide. I hope you'll find my Guide a useful resource!   Bob.

Tuesday, November 8

Here >> Election Voters' Guide - Greater Redmond, WA.

2011 Election - Candidate News - Initiatives - Resolutions

Comprehesive coverage of City of Redmond, Lake Washington School District, and Evergreen Public Hospital District elections.

Here >>  http://redmondcity.blogspot.com/p/2011-election-voting-guide.html

Is the race between Carson and Stewart non-partisan?

David Carson and Sue Stewart campaign signs are at "opposite poles" 

Sue Stewart is endorsed by the 45th District Democrats. - Sue's website
David Carson was sworn* into city council office in 1998 by Republican King County Councilmember Kathy Lambert. 

*Historically and traditionally Redmond elected officials are sworn into office by the city attorney.

"Redmond has a strong Mayor/Council, non-partisan form of government.

The City Council adopts the City budget, establishes law and policy, approves appropriations and contracts, levies taxes and grants franchises."

  -- City of Redmond website

Dave Carson endorsements, Pos. 7
Sue Stewart endorsements, Pos. 7

Posted and Photo By Yoder

What's up with Tom Flynn's "Highest Rated" campaign sign?

Mr. Flynn is advertising his "higher Muni League rating" over opponent Mr. Wright, Pos. 5

The "Highest Rated" tag on Tom Flynn's campaign sign is referring to his Municipal League of King County's candidate rating outcome.  Mr. Flynn is rated "Very Good" by the Muni-League whereas, his opponent Joel Wright is rated "Adequate."

According to the Municipal League, Tom Flynn is rated "Very Good" because he "is a skilled builder of consensus, inspires confidence in the way he would serve, is thorough and attentive to issues." 

Whereas, Joel Wright is rated "Adequate" because he "has a record of participation and interest, is effective on specific issues, has provoked questions about suitability as an office holder, will need significant time/energy to fill gaps in knowledge."

Tom Flynn's Muni-League rating (Pos. 5) isn't higher than Sue Stewart's rating (Pos. 7).  They are both rated "Very Good."   Tom is just comparing his rating with Joel's. 

Sue Stewart's opponent, Dave Carson Pos. 7 was rated "Good."  On August 8, 2011, Mr. Carson wrote:

 "I did not participate with the Municipal League’s rating interview or their questionnaire this  year. I believe them to be less-than-impartial and a complete waste of my time."

The Municipal League is "a volunteer-driven, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that works toward better government in King County, Washington.  Their mission is to promote government that is open, effective and accountable, and to improve the caliber of public officials and the quality of public decisions."


"The League pursues its mission for Candidate ratings with Candidate Evaluation Committees (CEC)
Each CEC conducts the equivalent of a job interview with candidates for public office throughout King County and rates them on their capacity to serve effectively. Every year roughly 75 volunteers give their time to follow the League's well-established system of rating candidates which is based on effectiveness, knowledge, involvement and character. The results are published in a Voters Guide that reaches tens of thousands of voters."
  --The Muni-League Board of Directors:  http://www.munileague.org/about-us/board

Joel Wright's endorsements:  http://wrightforredmond.com/content.php?pg=1
Tom Flynn's endorsements:  http://tomflynnforcouncil.com/endorsements/

Posted By Yoder

RNB isn't endorsing candidates this election though, as a voting resident I'm expressing my personal opinion on candidates.  

A Responsible and Sustainable Budget, By David Carson, Pos. 7



A Responsible and Sustainable Budget

David voted against the 1% property tax increase that passed the council because he felt supporting a budget which relied on the 1% to balance was not intellectually consistent. However, overall the work done by the council is a good body of work to reign in the growth of local government while still addressing the priorities of Redmond.

By instituting the Budgeting by Priorities (BP) process, the council came up with a plan that did require scrutiny and real evaluation of the communities’ priorities. On the whole, he believes that the council passed a landmark budget (minus the tax increase) and this process is getting better with the experience of the first two budget cycles. Redmond has a structurally-balanced budget that extends 6 years into the future which few cities can boast.

 -David Carson's Campaign website

Incumbent David Carson's Endorsements, Pos. 7 
Challenger Sue Stewart's Endorsements, Pos. 7

Redmond Neighborhood Blog isn't endorsing a Candidate for Pos. 7

Chamber question: What role should the city have in economic development? By Sue Stewart, Pos 7

Chamber question: What role should the city have in economic development? Elect Sue Stewart:

This is the second post in a series covering the four questions from the recent City of Redmond Chamber of Commerce candidate forum.

Question: What role should the city have in the economic development?

The City must continue to provide ample infrastructure such as accomodations for transit, utilities and completing and enhancing its network of roads and sidewalks. The changes coming to downtown have started in earnest, like the connection of 161st NE between Redmond Way and Cleveland Street. The next step will include returning Redmond Way and Cleveland to two-way. Combine these improvements with replacing missing sidewalks and working with METRO to bring about the service that connects us both inside and outside our community, and we will maintain our role as an Eastside transportation hub. Read More >>

Sue Stewart's Endorsements

By Sue Stewart
Redmond City Council Challenger Pos. 7

Incumbent David Carson's Endorsements Pos 7
Redmond Neighborhood Blog isn't endorsing a candidate for Pos. 7

Redmond Council Candidate Joel Wright notes his issues. Pos. 5

Joel Wright, Pos. 5

Budgeting by Priorities – The City of Redmond’s financial priorities should be responsive to the community’s essential needs, while considering existing economic conditions. Ensure transparent, rational revenue structure and efficient use of City resources.

Safe, Quality Neighborhoods – Ensure first responders (police, fire, and ambulance services) are sufficiently funded and properly prioritized to provide effective service. Well maintained roads, sidewalks, parks and infrastructure. Inspire civic connection through community service and emergency preparedness (i.e., Community Emergency Response Teams - CERT).

Strong Economy – Encourage coordinated efforts of government, business, non-government organizations (NGO) and individual residents to ensure Redmond continues as a diverse, productive community and provides opportunity for constant improvement.

Regulation – More deference should be accorded private and business property owners regarding their own property. While protecting environmental, safety and community concerns, where necessary, regulations and the permitting process should be modified to be more reasonable and less burdensome.

Transportation – Develop and maintain effective and efficient multi-modal transportation and traffic management solutions responsive to current and long term community priorities and resources. I support extending Sound Transit’s rail line into downtown Redmond to the extent the cost is commensurate with the long term benefits received.

Red Light Traffic Enforcement Cameras – I oppose using cameras for red light traffic enforcement and I support their removal after the pilot program concludes.

ENDORSEMENTS for Wright as of 10/8:  22 citizens
 
- Joel Wright's campaign website Pos. 5 
Candidate Tom Flynn's endorsements and positions on issues. Pos. 5

Redmond Council Candidate Tom Flynn lays out the issues - Position 5

Tom Flynn
City Council Candidate, Pos 5

For Redmond to thrive as a livable community, especially through expected growth and change, it will be vital for the city to have policies that retain the beauty of our natural environment, support economic development, and build on connections in the community. 

Natural Environment:

Rivers, Streams, Native Growth, Wetlands, Parks, Sustainable Energy

Redmond has a wealth of natural areas including the Redmond Watershed Preserve, the Sammamish River, salmon spawning Bear Creek, and numerous areas of native growth and wetlands. Our residents also benefit from a wide variety of city parks spread throughout the city’s neighborhoods. And we need to keep working on reducing our energy use and our carbon footprint. By preserving these natural resources, we will make Redmond a desirable place to live for many generations. I will work to support strong policies and programs to support our natural environment and sustainable energy.

Strong Economy:

Local Business, Innovation, Education, Arts and Culture   Read More >>

OPINION: Seattle Times article a "must read" on tolling Initiative 1125 controversy

520 bridge

OPINION:   At the Oct. 4 council meeting Redmond Mayor Marchione  OPPOSED Initiative 1125, as he addressed council before their vote on a Resolution on the initiative:   

"520 is an economic lifeline to the city of Redmond. It's in the direct interests of the City of Redmond and our economic development and our community; and the Resolution be opposed and take the leadership required."

The Redmond City Council majority followed the Mayor and voted AGAINST an endorsement Initiative 1125 (5-2).  Incumbents David Carson and Hank Myers made a political vote FOR the Resolution to endorse Initiative 1125. 

David Carson is challenged by Sue Stewart for Redmond City Council Pos. 7.

According to the TIMES, the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce is AGAINST Initiative 1125 (which is significant in that "one of Bellevue's most prominent businessmen, Kemper Freeman, is the biggest backer of I-1125, contributing more than $1 million to the campaign.).  

SEATTLE TIMES REPORT:  Local News Eyman challenges state's route on tolls Seattle Times Newspaper

By Andrew Garber, 10/1/2011
Seattle Times Olympia bureau

OLYMPIA — Tim Eyman and state officials agree on one thing: His tolling initiative on the November ballot would upend state plans for reducing traffic congestion and financing costly highway construction, including the Highway 520 floating-bridge project.

Eyman says Initiative 1125 would make lawmakers more accountable for raising and spending billions of dollars in tolls, and would make tolling fairer by banning variable-rate tolls that he says hit the state's poorest residents the hardest.

But it also would undermine long-term efforts, state transportation officials say, to find an alternative to gas taxes to help finance highway construction.  READ MORE >> 

Opinion By Bob Yoder
Internet photo - Cascadia

Revealing 5-Minute Speeches from City Council contestants: Stewart, Carson, Flynn and Wright

City of Redmond City Council Contested Races:

Candidates give 5 minute speeches.

Click blue links to select the candidate videos

David Carson vs. Sue Stewart - Pos 7

Tom Flynn vs.  Joel Wright - Pos. 5

Margeson, Myers and the Mayor are unopposed. 

Redmond Council Candidate Sue Stewart works to make Redmond a livelier place.

Challenger Sue Stewart
Education Hill Neighbor

from the desk of Sue Stewart, Redmond  City Council Candidate, Pos. 7...

"I recently participated in a candidate forum hosted by the Redmond Chamber of Commerce. We were asked to respond to four questions, and I wanted to share the questions, and my answers with you over the next week here as well.

How would you help make Redmond a livelier place?

Redmond is a great place to live, work, and play – we know that, but we can do better. The City of Redmond can help to promote places and activities that the community wants, like more dining choices, recreation, and entertainment. This is something that I have heard from my neighbors and friends who have suggested places like..>>

City Council Candidates Flynn and Wright publish statements on Redmond economic development

THE 2011 GENERAL ELECTION DAY IS: November 8....

Redmond City Council Candidates for Position #5 -Tom Flynn and Joel Wright - publish statements on economic development

Candidate Tom Flynn
Redmond City Council, Seat #5

Strong Economy - Tom Flynn

Local Business, Innovation, Education, Arts and Culture
Endorsements

"Along with Redmond’s strong local economy in software and information technology, the city is also home to companies in avionics/aerospace, advanced technology, digital media, and homeland defense.

The city can help to foster continued economic growth in high wage jobs by implementing the recently adopted Economic Development Plan. This involves promoting innovation, collaboration with local technical colleges and universities, raising Redmond’s profile in the region and internationally, and enhancing Redmond’s “sense of place.”

A sense of place can partly be accomplished by creating attractive urban centers that incorporate innovative design, iconic and interactive art, and gathering places for residents. I will focus on the city’s outreach, policies, and programs to support a strong local economy." 
  -- Source:  Tom Flynn's Campaign Website

Candidate Joel Wright
Redmond City Council, Seat #5

Strong Economy - Joel Wright
Endorsements

"Encourage coordinated efforts of government, business, non-government organizations (NGO) and individual residents to ensure Redmond continues as a diverse, productive community and provides opportunity for constant improvement.

Regulation – More deference should be accorded private and business property owners regarding their own property. While protecting environmental, safety and community concerns, where necessary, regulations and the permitting process should be modified to be more reasonable and less burdensome."
  --Source:  Joel Wright's Campaign Website

###

2011 GENERAL ELECTION DAY IS: November 8, only 47 days away. Redmond Neighborhood Blog is beginning coverage of local city, hospital and school candidates with weekly reports. B.Y.

Carson and Stewart vie for Redmond Council Seat #7: The Facts. The Issues.

REDMOND CITY COUNCIL SEAT 7 (Carson vs. Stewart)

READ MORE...the issues, ratings, campaign contributions, websites>>  

UPDATED: Redmond Council passes Resolution endorsing Proposition 1: "Veterans and Human Service Levy"

King County Veteran with his family

REPUBLISHED

UPDATED:  In their July 12 meeting, Redmond Council voted on Resolution No. 1363 to support and endorse King County Proposition 1, a 6-year "Veterans and Human Service Levy" renewing and replacing the expiring Levy. After five council members discussed their positions, Council passed the resolution 6-1 (David Carson - opposing).

Bellevue and Kirkland city councils
passed resolutions earlier endorsing the Levy.

In the 2011 August election, county residents will vote on Prop. 1.  The 2011 levy is 5 cents/ $1000 of assessed property value, or $20 in 2012 for the average-priced $400,000 home in King County. A CPI capped-measure is built into the Levy.  Read More >>

Sue Stewart states why she's running for Redmond City Council

Sue Stewart

Candidate for Redmond City Council Seat 7

 UPDATED: Sue Stewart, a 30-year resident of Redmond is running in the November 2011 election for Redmond City Council Seat 7. Who is she? And, why is she running for this office?

Ms. Stewart provides answers in a newly published Municipal League of King County 2011 questionanaire. The " Muni League" of King County rated Sue Stewart "Very Good". Her opponent, Council member David Carson is rated "Good" by the League. (I'll write-up David next.)

In July, the Municipal League released valuable information about the political history of the candidates. Sue lists the following history of her work for the City:

• Code Rewrite Commission, September, 2009 - November, 2010, Vice Chair
• Budget By Priorities, "Results Committee" 2008
• Parks and Trails Commission, 2002 -2007, Chair
• BITI Committee, (Business Tax Transportation Improvement) 1996 -2003

I live in the same Education Hill neighborhood as Sue and know of her experience and participation with neighborhood traffic and safety programs, land use development process and the LW School District.

Stewart wrote the following one-page statement answering the Municipal League's questionaire question: "Why are you running for this office"?

"My family and I have lived in Redmond since August 1981, when I began my current position as a Safety Officer for METRO Transit. I initially chose Redmond for its proximity to work but quickly fell in love with both the environment and the deep sense of community. Read More >>

Redmond was small by Los Angeles standards but as the years went by our family grew along with the community of Redmond. I knew it was important to get involved to have an opportunity to shape the vision for our growing city. Read More >>

City Council gives District go-ahead to remodel Redmond High School; modifies parking plans

Redmond High School 

UPDATED:  City Council modifies LW School District's Redmond High School plan to construct two building additions, three portables, and additional parking.  Passes amended Ordinance 2608  approving RHS remodel. (6-1, Cole opposing).

The district is required to impliment and maintain detailed management plans for "event parking" and "daily operating parking".

It's a known fact, traffic is bad on 104th Street and 166th Avenue when school is in session.  During the July 19th city council meeting on the proposed Redmond High School (RHS) building additions, even Council President Richard Cole said he avoids driving these roads whenever possible.  Richard has this luxury; his kids graduated years ago. 

Susan Wilkins, a mother of two RHS students, unfortunately doesn't have this option.  In the July 26 permit Hearing, she bravely spoke for almost 10 minutes on district traffic study omissions and school project costs. City and district lawyers and officials listened intently.

"With 500 more potential parent drop-offs of 9th graders, traffic will be horrible" Wilkins said.  "I can't even get on 104th Street without making an illegal left turn".  She said her "kids had to walk on Avondale just to get on a bus, just so the District could get paid [for that route]."   Wilkins advised that a state law goes into effect this September giving eligibility for busing only to those kids living outside a one mile radius from school (not counting twists and turns).  She concluded, "It's better to drive my kids".

Ms. Wilkins focused her argument on severe lack of school and Metro bus ridership stating:

"Only 300 ride the bus to RHS, of 1450 students.  That's less than 20% of the population.  At Lake Washington High School almost 1000 students or, 50% ride of the kids ride the Metro bus".   

She said the District needs to provide more buses or give Metro incentives.   Unfortunate for Ms. Wilkins and her supporters, Council didn't address busing.  A traffic planning ordinance (TMP) and lack of documentation appeared to limit Council on the issue.

What the District committed was Read More >>

OPINION: The sidewalks on 166th Ave. are dangerously narrow

Sidewalks on 166th Ave NE are so narrow kids have to hike on garden beds

OPINION:  Two weeks ago and a woman running along a road in Chelan was hit and killed by an old man who fell asleep at the wheel.  Could it be a matter of time before a car loses control on 166th and runs into a pedestrian or bicyclist....or worse, a group of kids?  Children may walk in groups to be more visible to traffic and feel safer?  The oldest and tallest child usually walks closest to the street or on the curb. 

The traffic and safety on 166th Ave. has been under the watchful eyes of citizens, city council and administration for years. In the 2007 election one of Brian Seitz's campaign pledges was to slow the traffic and widen the sidewalks and bike lanes on 166th with 4:3 conversion.  The conversion was partially implemented. (Brian lost to Dave Carson by 200 votes).  Objections were concerns of trucks and buses plugging up traffic.   Carson and Cole were particularly focused on freight and buses.  Sue Stewart said Metro bus slowdowns on a conversation wouldn't be significant.  She works for Metro in Safety.  A few weeks ago, Councilmember John Stilin strongly indicated the conversion should be completed.

When you look at the video, picture a bicyclist coasting down the hill between the kids and a car.  No wonder so few bicycle here.  It's surprising to see so many pedestrians using the sidewalks.  Drivers often react by swerving away from small groups.  

Do you think 166th can take the traffic?  Do you think the city should finish the conversion?  The city put in red lights to improve safety at key intersections.  Should the city build safety improvements on 166th with proceeds from red-light tickets?  What do you think?
 

Opinion and photography by Bob Yoder

2011 King County Updated Election Results

BOOKMARK THIS PAGE FOR ELECTION UPDATES

The Next King County Election Report is 4:30 PM Wednesday (today).  The complete schedule for future updates is posted at the end of this post.

KING COUNTY 11/2/2010 8:07:42 PM  
Election Night Final  (see updated results)
Read More >>

Reporter story of the LWSD overcrowding needs clarification

Bob Yoder

OPINION:  "Reporter story on the LWSD overcrowding needs clarification"  By Bob Yoder

I think Mary Decker's October 6 story "Parents weigh in on overcrowding issue" is very well written,  except for a couple omissions, as follows:

1)  Error & Omission:   Two new District Superintendents (Pierce & Vaille) attended and participated in the October 6 input session.  The Reporter omitted them.

This summer Superintendent Chip Kimball initiated significant organizational changes to the District administration.  (see my earlier post).  One change, was to promote Dr. Traci Pierce to Deputy Superintendent of School Instruction and move Dr. John Vaille to Assistant Superintendent of Technology.  Pierce and Vaille now report directly to Superintendent Dr. Kimball rather than to Deputy Superintendent Janene Fogard.  Janene is now freed up to direct Administrative operations.  Dr. Pierce, Dr. Vaille, and Barbara Posthumus actively participated in this vibrant October 9th input session.  Their participation was absent in last year's feeder school and levy input sessions. 

2)  Clarification:  Not one School Board member attended  or participated in the Oct. 6 input meeting.  The Reporter omitted this.  When a parent questioned how LWSD planned to "advertise" its desire for community support for more funding, Fogard noted, " The district can only provide information.  It can not spend money to promote its agenda."  [Reporter]

What wasn't said is:  the School Board IS authorized to promote the agenda, so why weren't they there?  Board members Ravi Shahanni, Chris Carlson, and Nancy Bernard missed all three overcrowding input meetings.  Our Community needs the full support and participation of our School Board members if future levy and bonds are to pass.  Last year is a perfect lesson.

School Board members advertise and promote their candidacy to voters when they're up for re-election; why can't give the same level of support to our schools during bond and levy elections?

Opinion By Bob Yoder

National "Take-Back Drug" Event In Redmond A Big Success!

Redmond Police Lobby Take-Back 

You may notice unwanted pharmaceuticals accumulating in your cabinet with "no place to go".   Recently, the State Attorney General said we are not to flush pharmaceuticals.  Yet, throwing them in the trash contaminates ground water; and they are a drug abuser's delight.   So how do we safely dispose of our unwanted pharmaceuticals?  The City of Redmond is working hard on this! 

Last Saturday, City Police participated  in a National "Take Back Drug" program with the Drug Enforcement Agency.  According to the two police officers on duty in the Public Safety Building Lobby the event was a success; over 100 citizens dropped off their unwanted pharmaceuticals.  When I visited a half hour before closing, the police pointed to a large brown box (18 inches X 48 inches) completely filled with drugs - going to the incinerator.

The National Take Back Program is a once a year event.   But, other local organizations will take-back your drugs.   The Sammamish Police Department has a lock-box and accepts controlled drugs.  Group Health - Redmond (425-882-6150) and Bartell Drug - Bridal Trails (425-881-5544) take-back all but controlled drugs.  A Group Health -Redmond pharmacist recommended mixing the controlled drugs with water and coffee grounds. 

Sherry Grindeland, spokesperson for Evergreen (Public) Hospital says Evergreen  won't take-back drugs for the community, writing: 

"Hospitals have to follow certain protocols when they discard outdated drugs. We are required by law to have them destroyed and it is quite expensive. (I didn't ask exact amount.) We give them to a company that specializes in this and they're incinerated at extremely high temperatures.

The pharmacists I talked to said the best way to dispose of drugs was to mix them with kitty litter --- USED kitty litter - and put them in your household trash. Yuk!"  7/23

Read More >>