UPDATED OPINION: Bike Shares could pollute our city

These Lime bikes and other "bike shares" will be invading Redmond.

Well, it looks like the unpleasant "Lime Greens" will shortly be seen on most corners of our downtown and some even polluting our neighborhoods and trails unless the city doesn't put firm regulations on them. The "Limes" and other bike shares coming out of Seattle could pressure our three bike shops out of Redmond; we'd lose the tax income from these shops and our city's character.  But, they do provide short transportation links to and from the transit centers.

Lake Union (Kiro.)  Lake Sammamish next?

I saw a large tangle of about 20 unused Limes at the Bothell bridge over the Sammamish River.  And, I saw one Lime abandoned on the green-belt next to the river.  I guess someone wanted to ride from Bothell, to a nice spot on the river, dump the bike (like trash) and hike back.  And then, there's the safety issue.  People who have never ridden a bike, especially in downtown streets, are more susceptible to a collision. 

The Limes are now electric so have the capability to run through our downtown transportation corridors-- and be left on roads like East and West Lake Sammamish Blvd. 116th and 124th.  Residents could drive them to the Downtown Park and surround it (art?) before heading back up the hill to neighborhood feeders. Same with the soccer fields and community center.

Shelly, a salesperson for Seattle Electric Bike in Bothell said she had some concerns about the bike shares but indicated permitting should solve most problems.  She sells a wide variety of sturdy, aesthetically pleasing electric bikes as does PIM and PEDEGO-Redmond. (PIM is out of Freemont and PEDEGO-Redmond is at 8296 160th Ave, NE.).

"Read More" for the City of Redmond's plans and point of view

Redmond's first school bell rings out for your vote

                                                                                                                    Bob Yoder

Redmond's first school bell was mounted on a one-room school house in 1892.  Today it rings for you to vote this Tuesday, Februrary 9th.  Don't be late for class!  The "final bell" rings for all 52 Lake Washington School District Schools this Tuesday at 8pm when ballots must be postmarked.  

Here's your homework:   Read your Cliff Notes on the funding measures.  Answer all three True-False questions correctly.   I hope you have a quality teacher and adequate classroom size.  It could determine whether you pass or fail.  

By Bob Yoder

#####  

"Redmond's first school was a simple log cabin built in 1875.  Between 1888 and 1892 classes were in the Congregational Church.  It wasn't until 1892 that a new one-room school was built at what is now Anderson Park.  It was at this school that Redmond mounted it's first school bell, seen here.  The Fact that a small community comprised mostly of small farmers and loggers raised money to purchase a bell for the schoolhouse demonstrated the pride and importance placed on schooling early in our city history."

The bell  is now mounted on the west side of the Public Safety Building.

By Redmond Historical Society  

Letter: 44 states in the nation spend more per student than Washington.

Redmond Neighborhood Blog: LETTER: Lake Washington School District needs to stay within budget.:

"We moved out of a local community whose school district was just 'teaching the basics' and we chose LWSD for their ability to 'meet the challenges of the future'. As families, we were asked to provide all the same type of basic materials there that we are here- paper, pencils, reading materials, etc. Only there- they had very little focus on technology so I doubt that a thumb drive was even used. They instead had to focus education dollars on before and after school care, subsidized lunches and repair and replacement of the countless stolen equipment and damaged or vandalized property weekly. I am glad to be in the LWSD, and I am glad and confident that my money will work harder for their education here than it did there.

The real flaws come from how our state funds education and that there could be such differences in public schools just 50 miles apart. When there are 44 states in the nation that spend more per student than Washington, there is a problem. When library books and librarians are not considered 'basic education' under state definition- there is a problem. When computers and transportation to and from school are not considered 'basic'- there is a problem. The problem is not within LWSD, it is a statewide problem of not funding basic education as promised in the state constitution."

- anonymous
1/29/2010

Comments?   School Board member(s) are cordially invited and encouraged to send their Letters for publishing to redmondblog@gmail.com

Governor's budget could result in $7 million cuts again this year for LWSD

Governor’s budget could result in $7 million cuts again this year for Lake Washington School District

Redmond, Wash. – The Governor’s proposed 2010 supplemental state budget could reduce revenue by an amount similar to last year’s budget shortfall. 

A second budget, based on new tax revenues and federal funds, was recently proposed by the governor. The total impact on LWSD if the governor’s second budget were to be implemented would be $7.4 million.
The largest cuts in the governor’s proposed budget come in areas that impact class size. complete story

By Kathryn Reith, Communications Director, LWSD
kreith@lwsd.org

Comment:   Don't forget to mail in your ballot on the LWSD levys and bond  by February 9.

Election Night Final Results

FOR NOVEMBER 2011 ELECTION RESULTS GO HERE. 

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

#####

Election Night Summarry:  (next report is 4:30pm  11/4).

NO - I-1033;     YES - Referendum 71   YES Charter Amendment 1-4;
Dow Constatine over Hutchison,  Kim Allen over Chen, Charles Pilcher over Linquist.

http://your.kingcounty.gov/elections/200911/results.aspx

Election Night Final
KING COUNTY   11/3/2009    8:07:20 PM

Ballots Cast/Registered Voters: 254261 / 1079842 23.55%

Initiative Measure No. 1033
YES    78111        34.28%
NO    149739       65.72%

Referendum Measure No. 71  PASSED, 11/4
APPROVED 164724    65.91%
REJECTED    85188    34.09%

Ballots Cast/Registered Voters: 254261 / 1079842   23.55%

King County Charter Amendment No. 1
YES  176174   85.09%
NO      30863   14.91%

King County Charter Amendment No. 2
YES   166128    82.05%
NO       36345    17.95%

King County Charter Amendment No. 3
YES 191012     91.13%
NO     18597      8.87%

King County Charter Amendment No. 4
YES   170222    80.49%
NO      41257     19.51%

KING COUNTY
Ballots Cast/Registered Voters: 254261 / 1079842   23.55%

County Executive short and full term
Susan Hutchison  104622   42.76%
Dow Constantine 139501   57.01%
Write-in                    561      0.23%

Ballots Cast/Registered Voters: 5547 / 25447 21.80%
Redmond City Council
Council Position No. 2
John P. (Pat) Vache 3614 98.61%
Write-in 51 1.39%

Council Position No. 4
Sally J. Chen    1778    37.69%
Kim Allen         2920    61.90%
Write-in              19       0.40%

PUBLIC HOSPITAL DISTRICT NO. 2  (Evergreen Hospital)

Ballots Cast/Registered Voters: 36086 / 157168 22.96%
Commissioner District No. 1
Al F. DeYoung 22633      98.87%
Write-in               259         1.13%

Commissioner Position No. 4
Charles A. Pilcher 19156        72.06%
Rex H. Lindquist     7352        27.66%

Redmond Councilmember Kimberly Allen speaks on the environment

Dear Redmond blog readers: 

As your councilmember, I have been a vocal champion of tree preservation and sustainability in Redmond. I helped craft the last Comprehensive Plan and Transportation Management Plan, both of which set ambitious goals for growth in Redmond while protecting the natural environment and moving toward transit oriented urban centers. I also work hard to make sure that Redmond is one of the leaders in adopting its critical areas and shoreline regulations.

As an elected official, I have endorsed the Wild Sky and Alpine Lakes Wilderness Addition, as well as the Roadless Rule Resolution. I also support Redmond’s partnership with the Cascade Land Conservancy to restore acres of our urban forest to health.

We are now beginning work on a Green Sustainability Initiative for the city to celebrate Redmond’s upcoming centennial. It will involve ambitious goals for energy conservation and carbon reduction, waste management and resource conservation, sustainable development and green infrastructure, and ecosystem conservation and stewardship. One thing I learned from the new Budgeting By Priorities process is that if you don’t measure progress with goals and metrics, you generally don’t get any progress. This initiative holds us accountable to deliver a sustainable city to our children and I want to spend my next term in office keeping the momentum on this critical work.

by Kimberly Allen

Kim Allen
Redmond City Councilmember, #4
kim@kimonthecouncil.com
www.kimonthecouncil.com
425-894-8237

Editorial: The LWSD School Board's "NO" on Initiative 1033 comes a little late.

Updated, 10/28:  As impactful as I-1033 is to Lake Washington School District funding, it sure took the School Board a long time to issue their unanimous "NO" on I-1033 Resolution. 

Do you know, the LWSD School Board didn't sign off on their "NO" resolution until last night, 10/26?   The last voting day is only 7 days away.   The news won't be delivered by the local Reporter newspapers until Saturday!  So, unless you are reading this Blog or visit the District web site, the majority of District voters will only have 3 days to find a paper and study the school board's findings.  Unfortunately, by then, many voters will have already mailed in their ballots!  

Neighboring jurisdictions have planned and announced their Resolution weeks in advance of LWSD: 

9/15 - The City of Redmond Council said NO by resolution on 9/15.

9/15 - The City of Kirkland Council said NO by resolution on 9/15

10/5 - Shoreline District School Board said NO on Resolution #2009-22

10/6 - Snoqualmie School District Board said NO on Resolution #745

10/13 - Northshore School Board said NO on Resolution #605

10/14 - Issaquah School Board said NO, 10/14

10/20 - Bellevue School District Board said NO on Resolution 09-26

10/21 - Ballard School Board said NO, 10/21

10/22 - Seattle School Board said NO on Resolution 2261

10/26 - LWSD School Board said NO on their Resolution 2043 last night!  The bureaucracy of Seattle School District even beat LWSD in getting the word out to their voters.

It's not like a NO I-1033 is a done deal.  Republicans are endorsing the measure.  And as President Pendergrass warned last night, the measure appears as a simple way to lower property taxes when, in fact, it's a complex issue that cuts revenues and requires serious study. 

LWSD taxpayers count on President Pendergrass and her Directors to give us timely guidance on the serious issues affecting basic education of our children.  I beg you to please step-up with your peers in the next election and partner with your constituents.   Lake Washington School District does a great job.  Please don't leave us in the lurch next time.

by Bob Yoder

Lake Washington School District Board Votes NO on I-1033

Updated:  Opinion:  Though the goal of I-1033 is to lower property taxes, the School Board resolved that the measure would prevent the District from making new investments and undermine funding into the future.   Under I-1033, State funding for basic education to LWSD would be cut by approximately $17.5 million by 2015. 

During last night's October 26 School Board Meeting, President Jackie Pendergrass (left) read Resolution 2043 declaring the Board of Directors' NO position on I-1033.  The Mail-Only Election is only a week away! Their public deliberation, decision and resolution, though helpful, comes a little late to the voters.

During the 10/12 Regular Board Meeting two weeks go, Superintendent Kimball advised the Board that $17.5 Million would be cut from LWSD funding by 2018 if I-1033 passed.  This cut would translate into a loss of 219 teachers and a 7 student increase in class size.  Despite Kimball's 10/12 advisory, the Board did not vote on a resolution owing to a procedural question; and it appeared they weren't prepared with a resolution in hand.  (I attended this meeting and made public comment). 

The Superintendent stated "Public Comment" from both sides of the issues had to be requested and put on record for a resolution to pass.  I'm not sure why the Board President didn't know this.  President Pendergrass invited the Public to comment only one time.  And just one public comment was made (by Ms. Lewis.)  Pendergrass stated no emails were received on the issue. (I sent two emails to the District last week suggesting NO on I-1033.)

In last night's 10/26 Regular meeting, Superintendent Kimball led the conversation saying by 2015 State cash receipts would be reduced by approximately $5.9 Billion if I-1033 passed.  I-1033 would cut $17.5 million from LWSD basic education funding by 2015.

District #5 Director Shahani and Vice President weighed in saying I-1033 appeals to the voters' wish for lower property taxes but the measure is a "huge mistake" that takes advantage of the public's short term needs vs. the long term hurt caused by loss of revenues.  Mr. Shahani said it doesn't make a lot of sense to use inflation as a guide when teacher's salary growth is much higher than inflation.  Shahani lives in Redmond.

District #4 Director Eglington reminded the Board that I-2261 was passed 9 years ago reforming how revenues are generated and allocated.  Revenue would be lost by I-1033.   I-1033 can be recalled within two years but it's a "rotten way to legislate".  Eglington lives in Sammamish.

District #1 Director and President Pendergrass warned I-1033 appears simplistic at first glance but it's impact on government is far more complex and impactful.   Pendergrass lives in Kirkland.  

District #3 Director Nancy Bernard (Kirkland) was absent from the meeting.

District #2 Director Carson was upset by the "obscene language" of the Initiative.  He said measures are supposed to be boring and sober.  The Board chuckled.  Carson lives in Kirkland.

The meeting was short, lasting 49 minutes.  President Pendergrass said this was a "record" and reminded the viewing public of the Directors' time and attendance at the recent Levy/Bond input meetings.  Of the three meetings I attended, no Directors were present.

reported by Bob Yoder

Longtime Redmond Commissioners Lori and Marty Snodgrass support the re-election of Kim Allen for Council.

Lori Snodgrass was Redmond Parks Board Chair for many years.  Marty Snodgrass was a Chair and on Redmond Planning Commission for over eight years.  They emailed the following endorsement to re-elect Kim Allen for Redmond City Council. (At this time, I don't have a photo of Lori.)  

Dear Bob,

"Kudos to Council President McCormick for her strong endorsement of Councilmember Allen. We have been observers and sometimes participants in Redmond politics for nearly thirty years. Never has the City faced such a confluence of adverse circumstances as it does today. To steer the City through these hard times requires steady, experienced hands at the wheel of government. Compare these days to the crash of the US Airways flight in the Hudson River: those fortunate souls survived only because they were in the hands of a mature and experienced pilot.

Kim Allen belongs in that category. She has years of experience and a maturity shared by few in government. Hers is a steady hand. She is the type of person we can trust at the wheel. These are not just words. We have known her (Marty worked with her on the Redmond Planning Commission), and observed her sterling performance on the City Council for years. She is the real deal and we are lucky to have her. We certainly commend Ms. Chen for her interest in good government. However, now is not the time and the City Council is not the place for a beginner. When Ms. Chen has put in years learning the ropes and demonstrating her competence, we would then consider her for a position on the Council, but not now and certainly not as a replacement for someone of such demonstrated competence, intelligence and experience as Kim Allen."

Marty & Lori Snodgrass
Redmond, WA
E: help@snodgrasslaw.com
by email on 10/23
photo by Lori Snodgrass

2009 King County Election voting is "all-mail". Postage-free ballot drop boxes are available.

There will be no polling in King County for the general election. All ballots must be mailed OR may be placed in a few of the 24-hour drop boxes scattered around the county.

For the November 3 general, ballot drop boxes will open on Friday, October 16 and close at 8 p.m. on Election Day, November 3. Postage is NOT required when using the ballot drop boxes.

Locations and availability:

•Library Connection @ Crossroads, 15600 NE 8th St., outside of Suite K-11, 98008
•Earlington Business Center, 919 SW Grady Way, 98057
•Fall City Library, 33415 SE 42 Pl., 98024
•Lake Forest Park Library, 17171 Bothell Way NE, 98155 near the lower level mall entrance
•Seattle, King County Administration Building, 500 Fourth Ave., 98104
•Woodinville Library, 17105 Avondale Rd NE, 98072
•University, 4534 University Way NE, 98105

Complete listing of ballot drop box locations is at "Info Vote 09"

Kathy Lambert gives her insight into Dow Constantine and endorses Susan Hutchison

In the King County Executive race primary there were many excellent candidates. I have worked with Fred Jarrett in the legislature and Larry Phillips on the council, and I find them both fine and intelligent men who are a pleasure to work with. But instead Dow Constantine won the second position.

Dow has rarely been helpful on the projects important to this district. Example - He sponsored the CAO – Critical Areas Ordinance – and there were many times I asked him to reconsider and to listen to the citizens at town halls. Often, he left early. Several years later the court found a part of it unconstitutional. Four years later when the update was done to the CAO, Larry Gossett chaired the committee. Larry was wonderful and went out with me to see various issues first hand and talk with citizens who were facing the problems created by the CAO. Larry listened to citizens and worked with me to make the rules better.

Last year the citizens voted to make the council and executive positions nonpartisan. I was eager to see the “system” change and made several proposals on how the council could work in a nonpartisan manner. This plan would rotate each week who met for briefings – so that each member of the council would be with every other member of the council in a caucus at least once a month to share ideas, needs and concerns. Under Dow’s chairmanship it is unfortunately still the same members meeting in Republican or Democrat caucuses that have been changed to Formerly Republican or Formerly Democrat caucuses. That is the only change…..

Last October I wrote a new labor policy. The Seattle Times Editorial Board supported my idea and said it was a “good first step”. Unfortunately, some of my peers thought it was too controversial and would not let it come up for a hearing. The bill says that employees do not automatically get a minimum of 2 % raises in a year of recession. Without this bill, the employees of the county will get an automatic 2% raise unless they are already at the top of their pay scale. We cannot afford those kinds of raises in this economy and when citizens are facing a nearly 10% unemployment rate. So imagine my surprise when Dow said in the televised debate that he supports the labor policy change to reduce the 2%. Where has he been for the last year?

This gives some insights on how our district and county have been treated by an executive candidate and some issues that have not been handled in ways that show good leadership in my opinion.

I have gotten to know Susan Hutchison over the last few years. She is a woman of integrity, a hard worker, a collaborator and one that is willing to look for new and better ways to do things. It would be so refreshing to work with an executive that cares about all the citizens in this county.

Kathy Lambert
Redmond, WA.
by email, 10/24

Redmond City Council President Nancy McCormick endorses Kim Allen

"I have known Kim Allen since she joined Redmond’s Planning Commission in 2002 and we have served together on the Redmond City Council for the last 4 years. I have watched Kim quickly learn her way around the issues in the areas of transportation, planning, growth management and environmental stewardship and we have gone together to carry Redmond’s needs and concerns to our state legislators, many of whom have endorsed Kim’s reelection—as have I.

Kim and I represent Redmond’s interests in transportation as voting members of Eastside Transportation Partnership where we have worked to secure more buses and transit for Redmond. She has promoted Council’s presence in the community and I look forward to working with her as Council lead as we rewrite Redmond’s zoning code. Her background and connections to the Redmond community give her an understanding of our city’s interests and have made her an effective Councilmember for Redmond. That’s why I am supporting her campaign for the chance to serve another 4 years."

Nancy McCormick
nmccormi@halcyon.com
by email, 10/22

Kim Allen
Redmond City Councilmember, #4
kim@kimonthecouncil.com
http://www.kimonthecouncil.com/
425-894-8237

The Municipal League of King County opposes Initiative 1033

RECOMMENDATION and RATIONALE

The Municipal League of King County opposes Initiative 1033.

"Washington State is experiencing a severe recession. State and local governments have instituted drastic budget cuts affecting education, health care, human services, parks, corrections and many other programs that citizens rely on, especially during hard times. Now is the worst possible time to further hamper government’s flexibility to meet public needs and to help with economic recovery.

Previous statewide initiatives have already slowed government spending significantly and elected officials are already very cautious about authorizing tax increases to meet service needs. While it may be a good idea to encourage government to prioritize services and live within its means, this initiative is filled with complex provisions that will make government’s ability to govern much harder and further exacerbate the structural problems of our system of financing public services."

Link to Municipal League of King County I-1033 report, recommendation and website.
http://www.munileague.org/issues/ballot-issues-archive/ballot-issue-reports/nov-2009-i-1033

The Municipal League is a volunteer-driven, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that works toward better government in King County, Washington.

Attn Readers! Post your election endorsements here!

Post your endorsements here!   You are invited to email your endorsement to Bob Yoder at  redmondblog@gmail.com for posting on this page.  (please include your address for verification purposes)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I have gotten to know Susan Hutchison over the last few years. She is a woman of integrity, a hard worker, a collaborator and one that is willing to look for new and better ways to do things. It would be so refreshing to work with an executive that cares about all the citizens in this county.

Kathy Lambert
Education Hill neighborhood
Redmond, WA.
10/24
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Bob,

"Kudos to Council President McCormick for her strong endorsement of Councilmember Allen. We have been observers and sometimes participants in Redmond politics for nearly thirty years. Never has the City faced such a confluence of adverse circumstances as it does today. To steer the City through these hard times requires steady, experienced hands at the wheel of government. Compare these days to the crash of the US Airways flight in the Hudson River: those fortunate souls survived only because they were in the hands of a mature and experienced pilot.

Kim Allen belongs in that category. She has years of experience and a maturity shared by few in government. Hers is a steady hand. She is the type of person we can trust at the wheel. These are not just words. We have known her (Marty worked with her on the Redmond Planning Commission), and observed her sterling performance on the City Council for years. She is the real deal and we are lucky to have her. We certainly commend Ms. Chen for her interest in good government. However, now is not the time and the City Council is not the place for a beginner. When Ms. Chen has put in years learning the ropes and demonstrating her competence, we would then consider her for a position on the Council, but not now and certainly not as a replacement for someone of such demonstrated competence, intelligence and experience as Kim Allen."

Marty & Lori Snodgrass
Redmond, WA
E: help@snodgrasslaw.com
10/23
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"I have known Kim Allen since she joined Redmond’s Planning Commission in 2002 and we have served together on the Redmond City Council for the last 4 years. I have watched Kim quickly learn her way around the issues in the areas of transportation, planning, growth management and environmental stewardship and we have gone together to carry Redmond’s needs and concerns to our state legislators, many of whom have endorsed Kim’s reelection—as have I.

Kim and I represent Redmond’s interests in transportation as voting members of Eastside Transportation Partnership where we have worked to secure more buses and transit for Redmond. She has promoted Council’s presence in the community and I look forward to working with her as Council lead as we rewrite Redmond’s zoning code. Her background and connections to the Redmond community give her an understanding of our city’s interests and have made her an effective Councilmember for Redmond. That’s why I am supporting her campaign for the chance to serve another 4 years."

Nancy McCormick
nmccormi@halcyon.com
10/22
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Most of you probably skip voting for Hospital District Commissioner like I usually do because you don't know any of them. I have known Charles Pilcher for 25 years, he was my boss for several of those, is a good MD, headed the emergency department at Evergreen for many years, supports health care reform and is a good person. I think he would do a great job for us and Evergreen."

Terry Lavender
10/20

Major Ballot Mistake on I-1033 by King County Elections.

Thanks, Hank for bringing this huge snafu to our attention. 

Unfortunately, I've already voted and I MISSED IT.   But, I'll tell my wife.  Thank you, Hank!

Bob

LETTER from Hank Margeson, 10/20

Friends,
A big mistake by the King County Elections office is causing huge numbers of King County voters to overlook I-1033 on their ballots. I-1033 is Tim Eyman's latest effort to slash funding for schools, health care, and other public services.

Make sure you don't miss it! I-1033 is on the bottom, left-hand corner of the first page, underneath the instructions, where it's very easy to overlook. See the graphic below.

The key to beating I-1033 is a big no vote in King County and Seattle -- where voters are strongly opposed. But thousands of King County voters are overlooking I-1033 on their ballots, even when they want to vote No.

Please forward this message to your friends and family members! This election is going to be incredibly close. We can't afford to have any No voters overlooking I-1033 on the ballot. We appreciate your help getting the word out about this confusion.

Thanks for your help,

Hank Margeson, Education Hill
Dayle “Hank” Margeson for Redmond City Council 2007
Hank@FriendsofHank.com
http://www.friendsofhank.com/

- sample ballot submitted by Hank Margeson

Vote YES on King County Charter "Open Space Amendment" #4

Letter from the Water Tenders

We have endorsed King County Charter Amendment 4, on your November ballot. The Open Space Amendment (OSA) will provide enhanced protection for approximately 156,000 acres of natural open space owned by King County.  (photo of Cougar Mountain)

Through a new section in the county charter, the Open Space Amendment  (#4) strengthens protection of certain high conservation value properties by requiring a 28-day public comment period, a finding of facts, and a supermajority vote (7 of 9) of the County Council before the property could be sold or transferred. This public process will help to safeguard our most cherished green spaces for future generations.

These properties are among our most treasured conservation and recreation spaces. County lands to receive additional protection include all the Bear Creek Waterways properties in Unincorporated King County (Cold Creek Natural Area, the Upper Bear Creek Conservation Area, Evans Creek Natural Area and many more) Squak Mountain/Tiger Mountain Corridor, Cedar River Waterways, Cougar Mountain, the Upper Raging River Forest, and the Snoqualmie Forest.

The properties protected by the Open Space Amendment are already owned or held in a conservation easement by King County – the amendment involves no new land purchases or direct costs.

The Open Space Amendment is unanimously supported by the County Council, Executive, Municipal League, many environmental groups, and community leaders. You can see a full list of endorsements and learn more about he Open Space Amendment at http://www.openspaceamendment.org/.

We urge you to vote Yes on King County Charter Open Space Amendment #4. 

The Water Tenders
submitted by Terry Lavender
9/4

The King County Elections ballots are in the mail! "Let the games begin"!

Council President Nancy McCormick is retiring after 6 terms of dedicated service to the City of Redmond.

Redmond Council Vice President Pat Vache' and Arts Commissioner John Stilin are both running unopposed. 

Councilmember Kimberly Allen is running for re-election (Seat #4) against upstart Sally J. Chen.   

Chuck Pilcher is running for commissioner of  Evergreen County Hospital District #2 against Rex Lindquist.  Dr. Pilcher is endorsed by every hospital district commissioner except Lindquist.  Redmond Fire and Medics endorse Pilcher. 

King County Charter Amendments One, Two, and Three are mostly housekeeping.   Charter Amendment Four is significant and deserves study.   The Municipal League of Woman Voters recommends "yes" on all four. 

LWSD Directors Nancy Bernard ("Kirkland" area District 3) and Doug Eglington ("Sammamish Plateau" District 4) are again running unopposed.   Julie Wright has withdrawn from the race, according to LWSD. 

King County Councilmember Kathy Lambert is running unopposed.

The Big Race is for King County Excecutive.   "Outsider" Susan Hutchinson is running against King County Councilmember Dow Constantine.   Do you care who just got the Seattle Times endorsement?

All local candidate websites and charter amendments are posted on this sidebar.

For these and all other Eastside races, the link to the King County Candidate website is:    http://www.kingcounty.gov/elections/elections/200911/contestscandidates.aspx

text and photo by Bob Yoder

LETTER - Register to vote now on heated races for King County Executive, Council and Hospital District positions and important Measures!

LETTER

Every Vote Counts! Are you registered to vote? Is your voter registration address current? If not, act now! Monday, October 5 is the deadline to register online or by mail if you want to vote in the statewide November 3rd election. Register to vote online here. Change your voter registration address online here.

A lot is at stake this election, and your vote counts! Referendum 71 asks voters to approve or reject the domestic partnership law that was passed this spring by the Legislature and signed by Governor Gregoire. Tim Eyman's Initiative 1033 would cap state revenue. There are also heated races for King County Executive and Redmond City Council.

Ballots will be mailed out starting October 14. If you haven't received yours by October 20th, contact King County Elections at 206-296-VOTE (8683)

by Laurleen Blender

Evergreen Hospital Commissioners Endorse Dr. Chuck Pilcher

Charles A. Pilcher, MD

Candidate for Commissioner

 King County Public Hospital District #2

The Evergreen Hospital district includes the Lake Washington School District, Duvall and that part of the Northshore School District in King County.

Evergreen Hospital Commissioners Endorse Dr. Chuck Pilcher

Dr. Chuck Pilcher today announced several endorsements including all of the current hospital commissioners except his opponent (who's a commissioner) and several key community organizations.

Pilcher is running against incumbent Rex Lindquist for a seat on the Evergreen Hospital Board of Commissioners. The remaining four commissioners - all of whom are endorsing Pilcher - include: Al DeYoung, Woodinville; Rebecca Hirt, Kirkland; Augie Kempf, Redmond; and Jeanette Greenfield, Kirkland.

"Decisions will be made in the next six years that the Board has never had to face," says Pilcher. "Because of my experience in not only planning for the needs of the hospital and its patients but actually using the facilities and technology, I believe I am more capable than my opponent of helping the Board successfully address these challenges.”

Al DeYoung, Commission President, agrees. “Rex Lindquist should be commended for his service but impending challenges in healthcare require the skills and perspective that Chuck Pilcher will bring. It is time for a change.”

Besides the support of the hospital commissioners, Pilcher has been endorsed by Bothell Firefighters (IAFF Local 2099), the Kirkland Police Guild, Redmond Firefighters (IAFF Local 2829), the Redmond Medic 1 Paramedics, and a host of community leaders and citizens who have come to know him personally and professionally over the years.

A list of Pilcher’s endorsements can be found on his website a http://www.pilcherforevergreen.com/ .

Pilcher, a 34-year resident of the hospital district, retired in February after a 35 year career as an Emergency Physician at Evergreen. He was Medical Director of the ER for 25 years and served as President of the Medical Staff. In 2004 he was the voice of the successful "Yes for Evergreen" campaign to build the new Emergency Department and patient bed tower. He also received the Received the Evergreen Board of Commissioners “Community Service Award” in 2005.

If elected, Pilcher would be the first physician in 30 years to serve on the Board of Commissioners.
Says Pilcher, “A position on the Board will give me an opportunity to continue serving the community I have been serving for all these years. Since my retirement, I have been humbled and gratified by the number of people who have encouraged me to enter this race.”

http://pilcherforevergreen.com/endorsements

chuck@PilcherForEvergreen.com
10127 NE 62nd Street
Kirkland, WA 98033
206-915-8593
Released 9/29

posted by Bob Yoder, 9/30
updated, 10/1

Doug Eglington, LWSD Board Director, District Four

Mr. Eglington has been on the School Board for 20 years.
Doug lives in Sammamish.

 BIO and contact information.

Mr. Eglington is running unopposed.

Julie White filed to run against Mr. Eglington, but she has since withdrawn.

Doug's district has the most schools of any other Board Member. His district  includes six Redmond schools:

Redmond High, Redmond Junior, Inglewood Junior (Sammamish),  Evergreen Junior (Redmond),Smith Elementary (Sammamish), Mead Elementary (Sammamish), McAuliffe Elementary (Sammanish)

Dickenson Elementary (Redmond), Carson Elementary (Sammamish), Blackwell Elementary (Sammamish)

Alcott Elementary (Redmond), Audubon Elementary (Redmond)

                                    Nancy Bernard, LWSD Board Director, District Three

Nancy Bernard has been on the School Board 12 years

 Ms. Bernard is running unopposed

Nancy was PTSA Science Chair for eight years at John Muir in Kirkland

BIO and contact information

Ms. Bernard's district covers 10 schools. 3 high schools, 3 junior highs, 4 elementary schools, including three Redmond schools.

Redmond High, Lake Washington High, Juanita High, Redmond Junior, Rose Hill Junior, Kamiaken Junior, Twain Elementary, Rush Elementary, Muir Elementary, Frost Elementary.