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 >>

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.
Connected Community:

Neighborhood Preservation, Housing, Urban Centers

Redmond has ten neighborhoods that offer their own unique characteristics. These neighborhoods give residents a variety of options to fit their housing needs. I support the city’s Neighborhood Network program that links residents with city employees to talk regularly about issues important to their neighborhood.

At the same time, housing in Redmond is a challenge for many residents and employers because of high prices in the market. I support innovative approaches to provide a greater capacity for affordable housing in the city. As housing is built in the new urban centers, city policies and regulations can help to promote the inclusion of affordable housing in these areas.

It is exciting to see plans for the urban centers in the Downtown and Overlake begin to take shape. The Redmond Central Connector will provide a unique destination that will also support future light rail, connecting Redmond to the entire region for work and play. These urban centers will one day be filled with a lively nightlife rich with cultural and art opportunities. I will work to see that the Downtown and Overlake are exemplary models of attractive, functional, and sustainable urban areas.

ENDORSEMENTS:  Tom Flynn is endorsed by:  The Municipal League, Cascade Bicycle Club, Eastside Business Alliance (of Chambers), King Conservation Voters, Sea-King County REALTORS, four Redmond city council members, and fourteen Redmond Commissioners, including Chairs of Planning, Parks & Trails, and Art.  45 Redmond citizens, as of  10/8.
  - Tom Flynn's website.

Joel Wright's endorsements position on issues, 10/8