Steve Fields' Leadership Style Sets Him Apart

In Redmond's "Strong Mayor" form of government our mayor is both CEO and Chief of Staff; Steve Fields will fill both those shoes. I know, because I watch council meetings almost every week and report on them in Redmond Neighborhood Blog.

Primed to excel as CEO, Steve is the only candidate who has led teams preparing large government budgets. As mayor, Steve will manage our city finances with integrity and accountability. He's completed multi-million dollar negotiations and led teams of people that improved operations. The Redmond urban centers have grown exponentially. As CEO, Steve will strategically implement projects to control this growth. He's assertive, likable, and doesn't need the popularity of the elite. Steve isn't bigger than life. He's grounded.

Steve's the best candidate to take the rudder and guide Redmond, both locally and regionally. Career experience has brought him toe-to-toe with Seattle and King County officials. He's connected. While engaging with neighbors he will cut expensive and ineffective projects like the 2-way conversion.

Protecting our environment, our health and our future is his highest priority. He wants to protect our streams, salmon and trees. He took the 5K Walk with NAMI to "bust" the stigma of mental illness. He wants to make our city more affordable for people who call Redmond home and for small businesses -- like he and his wife's coffee shop.

Our traditional small businesses simply can't afford the mixed-use box buildings. They are being driven out, just as workers have been driven out to find affordable housing. Steve wants to change this by navigating through government red tape to provide innovative housing options and tax incentives for our small businesses. For mobility, Steve will move light rail forward, encourage "smart technology" with traffic and parking programs, and design smarter and safer bike lanes.

I've spoken with and listened to the candidates on many occasions. Steve's management and leadership style is what separates him apart. Please vote "Yes" for Steve Fields this August 6th!

-- Bob Yoder