The Man behind the Numbers (besides his boss)

Opinion: The City Council Meeting of 7/28 had some interesting moments, even though I had to watch it "On Demand" at http://www.redmond.gov/ . A few of the issues discussed were:

• How to prepare for a $656 Million shortfall (over 50 years) for constructing and repairing new municipal buildings e.g. for the Police, the Senior Center, the Old Redmond School House and others. YES! if you don't believe the number, contact mayor@redmond.gov.


• Deciding if the revenues from the "sales tax on construction" will be deposited into the General Operating fund (Mayor's choice) or the Capital Improvement fund. (Council's choice).


• the "Biddy" tax. It's a tax on businesses for making required transportation improvements. I can't spell the "Biddy" acronym so I won't jabber on.


• Increase transfers from the General Operating to Capital Fund beyond the traditional 5% amount? Most say, yes.

MEETING DYNAMIC: During the Council and Mayoral conversations and presentations by staff, an interesting dynamic was observed. Since most of the meeting was about the Capital Improvement Fund (CIP) the Finance & Information Services Director (Mike Bailey) gave the initial presentation. It was his usual "wonkish" delivery where he endlessly "fumbles" and "mutters" about his data and the process. But, then, oddly, the Mayor acted wonkish, too. He had glasses on (glasses?) and got really technical with the financials. Normally, Mr. Mayor doesn't take on a defined administrative role....the Mayor is usually quiet, may reinforce the main points and doesn't get involved with Council's deliberations. At the end of deliberations Mr. Bailey didn't mumble, fumble or bumble. Rather, Mr. Bailey summed up council's main points with stunning conciseness, clarity, financial acumen and pointed attention to council politics. He recommended Council not make a decision tonight but send the CIP topics to "committee". Richard Cole's "Council committee", said the Mayor. Done.

THE TAKE HOME: How refreshing to observe the Finance Director's intelligence in action, LIVE on camera. And Mr. Mayor's presence was anything but diminished. Transparency is enlightening. The Finance Director is NOT the bumbling, muttering bureaucrat wearing the green visor of a bean counter we may think. He's an ACE and we thank MR. MAYOR for hiring him. Let it shine, oh, let it shine!