Redmond City Hall Ballot Drop Box is Open!

Redmond City Hall  - Next to the Library -  15670 NE 85th Street

24-hour Ballot Drop Boxes Are Open Now!

CAST YOUR BALLOT AT THE CITY OF REDMOND BALLOT DROP BOX!

CONVENIENT DRIVE-THROUGH! 

AVOID THE WEATHER!

SHORTER LINES THAN THE POST OFFICE!

NO STAMPS!

DROP BOXES CLOSE AT 8PM, 11/6.

There's another drop box at Crossroads Shopping Center, South Entrance
IF YOU MAIL:  One First Class stamp is required, postmarked by November 6.
Republished:  11/1/2012

Lake Washington School Board President Pendergrass ran unopposed after Hudson withdrew - takes 55.38% of vote

School Board Pres. J.  Pendergrass

Jackie Pendergrass, a longtime board member and  board president won 55.38% of the votes.  She ran unopposed, though the Voter's Pamphlet published Cynthia Hudson as an opponent.  Cynthia withdrew from the race this summer but Ms. Hudson still got a surprisingly large vote of 44.24%. 

Ms. Pendergrass will continue to hold her District #1, Board of Directors seat.  District #1 includes Kirkland, including Juanita.  

The three Lake Washington School district board of directors races were also unchallenged, but one of the school board member positions will be filled by Education Hill's  Siri Bliesner, a Redmond resident. Ms. Bliesner will replace Ravi Shahani, District position #5.  Ravi didn't file for re-election after serving 10 years in the position.

Mr.Chris Carlson, PhD, of Kirkland, ran unopposed taking 99.06% of the ballots cast.  Newcomer Ms. Siri Bliesner took 98.90%., as of November 8. 

The levy bond failure limiting capital funding for remondernization of Juanita H.S.and longer distance to the eastside STEM school didn't appear to influence the vote for Carlson.

The reported election result quotes are preliminary, as of the 11/8/2011, 8:15 PM count. 

Who is Siri Bliesner?
 http://redmondcity.blogspot.com/2011/10/siri-bliesner-poised-to-be-new-member.html

The King County Election Results link:  http://redmondcity.blogspot.com/p/2011-election-voting-guide.html
City of Redmond Election Results link: http://your.kingcounty.gov/elections/elections/201111/respage44.aspx

Reported By Bob Yoder

"Why I'm running for Redmond City Council," By Tom Flynn

Tom Flynn (gold tie) and Hank Margeson (blue tie) at Leadership Eastside event

"Why I'm running for Redmond City Council," By Tom Flynn  (Ref:  Muni-League Questionnaire)

"I moved to Redmond in 1992 and raised my son and daughter here. During my many years in Redmond, I have come to appreciate the city’s parks and green spaces, strong economy, and friendly neighborhoods. I am running for Redmond City Council to help preserve these attributes for future generations. I plan to contribute my community leadership experience in developing and maintaining strong policies for preservation of our streams and waterways, green space, forested areas, and city parks. I am also an advocate of economic development to promote working and high wage jobs, and to help businesses locate and succeed in the city. And I want the city to continue to develop programs that promote improved communication between the city and its many neighborhoods. I hope that this will bring neighbors together, and they will become more familiar with what’s happening in their neighborhoods.

I am also running for office because Ì would like to see Redmond become a place known for its combination of high tech, arts, and culture. As the urban areas in the city develop, I will advocate for functional and attractive buildings and spaces that will be inviting and livable for a variety of residents. I am also supportive of policies and programs that promote sustainable options in transportation, including light rail to downtown Redmond. Light rail will be critical to keeping Redmond connected with the Puget Sound region.  Read More>>

UPDATED: King County Councilmember Jane Hague describes Labor Policy success story to Redmond officials

King County Councilmember Jane Hague

REPUBLISHED:  In a March, 2011 Business Meeting, Redmond City Council heard a startling report from Jane Hague forecasting large bus service reductions in King County Metro for 2012 - 2015. 

Why?  Sixty-two percent of Metro's budget is funded by sales tax revenue and revenues are significantly down in this economy.  Hague, one of two King County Councilmembers representing Redmond citizens gave the city council reassurances.   

The good news?   Read More >>

There's another Doctor in the "School House" (besides Kimball!)



Chris Carlson, PhD
LWSD School Board, Dist. 2

 Dr. Christopher Carlson, LWSD Director, District Two – Resident of Kirkland is running unopposed for school board for a second term this year.

First elected 11/2007
Term ends 11/2011

Christopher Carlson, Ph.D, was elected to the school board in November 2007. He is a faculty member in the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center's Division of Public Health Sciences. His lab focuses on identifying correlations between genetic variation and disease risk for cancer, diabetes, and other common diseases, and then identifying the causal biological mechanism responsible for the correlation. Carlson is also an affiliate assistant professor with the University of Washington School of Public Health in the Department of Epidemiology. He holds a B.A. in molecular biology from Pomona College and a Ph.D in genetics from Stanford University.  Read More >>

Recent AWR modifications on Evans Creek shoreline, violating city code

2010 - after



2007 - before

Both photos show the bridge built by All Wood Recycling (AWR) crossing Evans Creek.  The right photo taken in 2010, shows unpermitted modifications and development.  The mitigated shoreline of Evans Creek is visible on the left side of each photo.  (Click to enlarge) Yes, that's the shoreline.

The City is currently reviewing All Wood Recycling (AWR) on 8504 192nd Ave NE for three land use applications to correct code violations.  The city photos in the slide show are dated from 2006 - 2010.

The violations are, but not limited to: 

• partial demolition of existing buildings, vegetation removal along Evans Creek, extensive paving impervious surfaces), storage of hazardous materials, the construction of a stormwater vault, retaining wall, and truck scale.  

Work noted above (click slide show for captions) has been completed without permits. AWR is proposing to install a sanitary sewer line and connect it to city sewer; and to relocate the fuel line.  City Planner Kelsey Johnson writes: 

At this point in time (10/30/11), the associated land use applications are under review. Therefore, no corrective actions have taken place.  The city photographs of the site are public records on file in the Permit Center.

Work completed by All Wood Recycling does not meet code therefore, remediation activities will need to occur once the permits are approved and issued." 

Sources:   Kelsey Johnson, LEED AP BD+C Assistant Planner City of Redmond Planning and Community Development MS: 2SPL 15670 NE 85th Street PO Box 97010 Redmond, WA 98073-9710 425.556.2409.

AWR is located on top of a Priority One Wellhead Protection Zone that supplies our drinking water.

By Bob Yoder 

City website land use action notices.

David Carson recommends "A Balanced and Predictable Shoreline Management Program"

DAVID CARSON CAMPAIGN ISSUE: 
A Balanced and Predictable Shoreline Management Program

David Carson writes:

"Any time new regulations are being considered, property owners have a right to be concerned about the impact to their property and its future value. When the council took up an update to the Shoreline Management Plan starting in 2008, a group of lakefront [Lake Sammamish] property owners were actively engaged to ensure that this plan did not discourage routine maintenance and wouldn't hinder revitalization of this neighborhood. This approach resulted in a plan* that is fair to property owners while protecting the natural habitats at the water’s edge."   -- David Carson's website

COMMENTARY:  The Shoreline Management Program applies to "Shorelines of the State," which for Redmond are:  1)  Bear Creek,  2) Evans Creek, 3)  Sammamish River, and 4) Lake Sammamish.  David Carson's campaign issue specifically addresses the Lake Sammamish shoreline and the City's plan* to manage view corridors, trees, open spaces, docks, building heights, and stormwater on the lake.

Significant impacts are occurring to Bear, Evans, and Sammamish River shorelines.   For example, the city has plans to buffer and alter Bear Creek further from SR 520.  And below, an aerial photo of the SE Evans Creek shows extensive industrial use has expanded on the shoreline banks.

In July of 2008, David Carson and I toured this site with Kathy Lambert and city staff, looking at industrial impacts to the shoreline and city aquifer.  Three years later, All Wood Recycling is still violating city code and is under review.  Is the Shoreline Management Plan for Evans Creek balanced and predictable?

 Evans Creek is flowing north and west (r-l) through All Wood Recycling, 2002
The site in SE Redmond is even more developed today.

By Bob Yoder
Photo Courtesy of City of Redmond
Source: Shoreline Substantial Development Permit.,
Kelsey Johnson, City Assist. Planner 

"Layers of Redmond Colors," By Kamal Siegel

KAMAL SIEGEL/ "Layers of Redmond Colors" 

Redmond resident and small business owner of  Double Digital.  Kamal Siegel is building a collection of  photographs to honor Redmond's 100-year birthday celebration next year.

Kamal was on the Redmond Arts Commission when Tom Flynn was Chair.  Follow Kamal's growing gallery here.

Elections Dept. identifies about 11,000 Eastside voters whose ballots weren't sent out. Dept. to mail them on Saturday 10/29 in time for Nov. 8 election

Ballot mailing delay for some Eastside voters  - Delivery expected in the mail early this week for these voters.

The Elections Department has identified about 11,000 Eastside voters whose ballots were not sent out among the 1.1 million General Election ballots mailed on Oct. 19. Ballots are being mailed to these voters tomorrow and they should receive them in the mail early next week. All voters have until Nov. 8 to vote and get ballots postmarked or returned to a ballot drop box.  Read More >>

"Video Voters Guide for King County Candidates" worth a quick look

Video Voters’ Guide for King County Candidates in our voting district

This entire online King County Video Voters' Guide is designed to make information about the November 8 General election more accessible, and assist you in making an informed choice.

Below are 2-minute videos of King County candidates on the ballot in our area.  It's worth a quick look.   

• the King County Assessor  (Lloyd Hara-uncontested)
• King County Elections Director (xxxMark Greene vs. Incumbent Sherril Huff)
• Metropolitan King County Council (Incumbent Jane Hague vs. Robert Mitchell
• Port of Seattle Commissioners #5 (Dean Willard vs.President Bill Bryant)
• Port of Seattle Commissioner #2 (Richard Pope vs.Incumbent Gail Tarleton)

Each candidate has two minutes to speak. They appear on the screen in the same order in which they will appear on your ballot.

Source:  King County election website

Carson wants less public notice, less community feedback during neighborhood commercial project reviews.

OPINION:  Neighborhood Commercial (NC) zoning would allow developers to build grocery stores, spas, cafes, garden centers and the like to the edges of our neighborhoods.  Convenience stores (like 7/11's) are prohibited.

NC is a relatively new planning concept and somewhat controversial so the city council wanted to discuss improved public notice and feedback process.

This is the second of three reports on the city council's May 25 study session  on  "Neighborhood Commercial (NC).

 ###

All councilmembers, except David Carson, gave a *"thumbs up" approval to the more thorough  "Panel Review" process for neighborhood Notice and feedback.  The Panel Review process requires a city-wide notice, whereas the process David Carson asked for was the traditonal Notice limited to residents living 500 feet of the proposed neighborhood project.  Carson suggested "technical committee" city staff should initially review the project.  The Panel Review process is more inclusive with at least 4-6 Redmond residents in the initial review.

The Panel process would take 1.5 - 3 years and require a broad, neighborhood-wide public Notice. The panel would make recommendations to staff.  Neighborhood Meetings and Planning Commission review are still required.  The Council has final authority to "condition" the development.  Council member Allen suggested the Panel be composed of staff, development review committee, planning commission (two citizens), design review board (two citizens), and 1-2 neighbors. 

Hank Margeson recommended a panel be more representative of residents than staff.  Hank Myers said, "I like the panel approach because it creates fewer pitfalls.  If we do more process in the front we do less in the end. It helps streamline the process, especially in controversial developments."

David Carson asked Senior Planner Kim Dietz, "where do you really see the deficiency in the current process we have...what is...if you could pick a couple things you think were lacking in the current thing we do, what do you think we're lacking?" 

Ms. Dietz responded, 

"The panel is actually our recommendation.  I gives a sense of what's going in there.  There are no requirements for applicants now.  The panel introduces a new level of information; it gives opportunity for developers to really hear what neighborhoods concerns are and start to work with them to address them."

Carson responded, "we could just require them [the developer] to say up front what they want in the proposal... I guess I'm not sold on the idea of the panel and...I don't know, if just, I mean I think, if we were to require them [developers] up front to say well, 'what do you want to put in here'?  To me, when you go to the neighborhood meeting then all those questions can be answered.....It's a lot easier to go through the current process without a lot of more red tape."

Vice President Pat Vache' said "you go to a neighborhood meeting and the developer tells you what you're going to do and you didn't have an opportunity to discuss it..." 

Hank Margeson added, "Having lived through this with Education Hill Community Advisory Committee, the feedback we got from the community was 'the fear of the unknown'.  Mr. Vache' has a good point.  We've sat in meetings and folks feel like they were heard, but no action was taken, so how useful was that?  Whereas, if you have a panel who can say these are the conditions that well allow this to operate...or these are the things we need to see...like screening...or this is not our idea for our neighborhood, then there's a negotiation process and people feel represented.

Hank Myers said  "This is an advisory group.  The developer can come back and redo, but the panel doesn't decide.  "I like the idea of a panel because this [neighborhood commercial] is a fairly new idea.  We're not buying the whole thing all at once."

Councilmembers Pat Vache', Kim Allen and John Stilin actively contributed in this session, but this piece focuses on the 2011 election candidates.   Richard Cole was absent. 

Myers, Margeson and Carson are running for re-election in November.  Do you think all three deserve to be re-elected and hold office for another 4-years?  If not, find an engaged citizen and ask them to run.  Candidates must file by June 10.

Reported By Bob Yoder
6/5/2011

COMMENT:  The Washington Cathedral owns 10 acres of land abuting 124th Street, NE.  Several years ago the church applied for a permit to build a large shopping center w/Safeway on the land.  Council  questioned compatibility and proximity to agricultural open space.  Councilmember Allen suggested a smaller, garden center project, but traffic was a consideration.  In my view, this site is a possible first location for a "Neighborhood Commercial" project.  B.Y

*The panel review study session lasted 22 minutes.   Two hours, two minutes (2:02) into the tape, Mr. Vache' asks for a "thumbs up" vote on the panel.   You might find what you see interesting.

Stewart - The choice on Nov 8th

Stewart - The choice on Nov 8th



Sue Stewart

 As the days of the campaign draw to an end, some may be wondering what are the differences between Sue Stewart and my opponent. Is the incumbent a safe bet or is Sue Stewart the better candidate for Redmond?

For 15 years I have served the community of Redmond, often in partnership with representatives of our business community. My opponent, through his endorsements, would have you believe that he is the only pro-business candidate in this race. Nothing could be further from the truth. The reality is that I understand and value the role of business in our city and the benefits these entities bring to our community. In recent discussions about the neighborhood commercial process, my opponent resisted the additional requirements for community input. Neighborhood Commercial has great potential for bringing small businesses to the edge of our neighborhoods but I believe that the size, scope, and esthetics of these establishments have to be thoroughly vetted with the neighbors.  Read More >>

Meet David Carson

Meet David

David grew up in the Pacific Northwest (Southern Oregon) and moved to the Redmond area in 1991 to work for Microsoft. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Oregon State University. He lived in Germany for six months directly after college where he did an internship in the banking industry where he also studied the finer aspects of beer and German food.

He worked for Microsoft as a full-time employee for 10 years, first in Product Support and then as a Software Test Engineer in the Office and Outlook product groups.  Read More >>

Four Redmond Residents nominated for Leadership Eastside awards.

Karin Duval, Managing Director
LE Class of '11

From the desk of Karin Duval, Managing Director, LE...

Hi Bob,

Leadership Eastside (LE) recently held their annual LENi Awards Gala honoring community leaders in the region. Four Redmond Residents were nominated for an award:

John Marchione (LE '08), Mayor of the City of Redmond, was nominated for a Vision Award, for his leadership around the rejuvenation of Redmond.

Linda Benson, Vice President, Community Initiatives, Hope-link, was nominated for a Vision Award for her work to end hunger,

Tom Hinman, Community Leader, for a Sustainability Award for his passion around Liveable Redmond, and

Linda Hall, Director, Housing Development and Operations at YWCA for a Catalyst Award for her amazing decade of leadership creating the Issaquah Family Village.   Read More >>

Mayor John Marchione to attend ribbon-cutting ceremony for Deana Hale, November 4.

Mayor John Marchione attends many ribbon-cutting ceremonies throughout the year
 to welcome small businesses.  This one was for The Orchard & Pea Patch preschools.
On Friday November 4 the Mayor will welcome Deana Hale of Edward Jones.



Deana Hale
Edward Jones office
Whole Foods Marketplace

UPDATED:  On Friday, November 4, Mayor John Marchione will welcome Deana Hale and the Edward Jones office to Redmond at a ribbon cutting ceremony in the Whole Foods Market Place, 17887 Redmond Way, Suite 125. The celebration begins at 4pm with the ribbon cutting at 4:30pm.

According to the Greater Redmond Chamber of Commerce, the Edward Jones office is now led by Deana Hale, Financial Advisor with Edward Jones since December 2009. Deana is active in the community through her involvement in the Redmond Rousers Rotary, the Redmond Chamber of Commerce and the Eastside Women in Business.

“As Redmond continues to grow its economy, I want to personally welcome new businesses to Redmond,” stated Mayor Marchione.  Read More >>

Siri Bliesner poised to be new member of Lake Washington School Board : The Sammamish Review

Siri Bliesner
Unopposed Candidate
LWSD District Pos. 5

Siri Bliesner poised to be new member of Lake Washington School Board : The Sammamish Review:

Siri Bliesner poised to be new member of Lake Washington School Board

October 25, 2011
By Christopher Huber

Siri Bliesner, of Redmond, is running in an uncontested race for the Lake Washington School Board this fall. She will replace outgoing board member Ravi Shahani.

Although Bliesner does not live in Sammamish, school board seats are voted on by the district as a whole, and decisions she makes will impact Sammamish families in the Lake Washington district. The general election is Nov. 8.

Bliesner works in public health and graduated from Stanford with a degree in human biology and received a masters in public health from the University of Washington, she said. She speaks Spanish and currently works for Hopelink as the outcome and evaluation coordinator.  Read More >>

UPDATED ENDORSEMENT: The Stewart - Carson race for Redmond City Council is one to watch.

For an archive of all RNB Election news, stories, and opinions or to comment, please visit this page.

Bob & Pam Yoder

Dear Friends,

UPDATED ENDORSEMENT:   We're less than a week away from the November 8 General Election!  You may have already cast your ballot in the mail; some are waiting to hear the "rest of the story."   If you're undecided about voting at all, I hope some of the election resources and comments you read here will move you to take a moment and vote.

Wouldn't you know it, November is the beginning of the flood season and  it could rain 'cats and dogs' the day you need to mail your ballot!  Find comfort!  A drive-through Ballot Drop Off  Box awaits your vote at Redmond City Hall and other convenient drive-through locations.  Just pop it in the secure, Green metal box - no need for a stamp!  The good news:  Convenience!  Comfort!  Hardly a wait.  (The Boxes close at 8PM, Election night). 

Redmond Neighborhood Blog (RNB) is not endorsing any one candidate this year.  RNB has no Editorial Board, though as a voting Redmond resident I'm expressing my personal opinion on candidates.

Make your voice heard on RNB.  Please send your comments, arguments, passion, and counter-points to RNB for publication (and take courage and mail a copy to the Redmond Reporter for the broader coverage they provide.)  "RNB Facebook Page" is a good stop, too.

Pam and I are personally endorsing most candidates on their campaign websites, including Sue Stewart, Hank Myers, Tom Flynn, Mayor John Marchione, King County Councilmember Jane Hague, Incumbent Port President Bryant and school district candidates Siri Bliesner,  President Jackie Pendergrass, and Christopher Carlson.  I hope my blog will provide a useful resource for your own decisions.   

I'm posting a series of  reports and arguments, pro and con, on the contested local races for Redmond City Council.  (The school and hospital district races are uncontested).  I watch the Council and School Board meetings almost every week and can't wait to share my observations and opinions with you.

The Stewart-Carson race is the most exciting race for me and I will personally focus on it.  My wife and I favor Sue Stewart for Redmond Council Pos.7.  The "Municipal League of King County", the Cascade Bicycle Club, and small business owners like John James of Instant Imprints all like Stewart.

Sue Stewart #7, Tom Flynn #5 and Hank Margeson are rated  "VERY GOOD"  by the non-partisan "Municipal League." Hank Myers and David Carson #7 rate "GOOD."  Joel Wright #5 rates "ADEQUATE."
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."

Mayor Marchione is trying his hardest to move our blossoming city forward in the right direction.  He needs the support and intelligence of an independent-thinking, balanced council team.  Please help him put it together on November 8th with your vote.

Sincerely,

Bob Yoder
Education Hill Neighborhood
Redmond resident of 30 years

LETTER: Councilmember Allen personally endorses Sue Stewart for Redmond City Council #7.

Redmond City Councilmember Kim Allen personally endorses Sue Stewart for Council, Position 7. 

Hi friends,

Councilmember Kim Allen

I am NOT up for reelection this election cycle, but a competent and committed woman is running for seat 7 on the Council. As you review your candidate ballots, I want to share with you my personal endorsement for Sue Stewart. I have known Sue for many years and know her commitment to our community of Redmond. She’s lived here for 30 years and has been active on boards and commissions for the last 15 years. Additionally, she has been involved in other community activities from PTSA to Redmond West Little League, and our high school Drama Boosters. As a Redmond volunteer, she has covered the whole gamut from parks and trails to budget to zoning code review--dedicating HUNDREDS of hours to improving our community and helping to make government responsive to the people who live here.

Sue understands how government works and will dig deep to understand the heart of the issues and find effective solutions. She has a depth of experience in transit, which is vital to our city, and is committed to assuring Redmond's sustainability and continued excellent quality of life. Please take a few moments to look at Sue's website below and please pass the word to your neighbors and friends. I remain committed to keeping Redmond a wonderful place to call home and I believe Sue is too.

Many thanks!
Kim Allen
Redmond City Council

What's the most important transportation issue facing Redmond?, By Candidate Sue Stewart, Pos. 7

Sue Stewart
Council Candidate Pos. 7

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

Question: What is the most important transportation issue facing Redmond and how would you address it?

Having an effective and efficient transportation system is vital to our entire community. We need to have the ability to move goods and services to our businesses and then residents to these businesses. We will need to connect our urban centers and then outward to the region. How do we accomplish this? We will need a network of complete streets, parking management, and improved transit services.

To improve transit, we will need to continue to assert ourselves with Metro and Sound Transit to insure we get our fair share of transit. As someone with 30 years of transit experience, I bring a depth of knowledge to the table that Redmond can use to fight to make sure we have the right service at the right time. I also know what a network of complete streets should look like to enable efficient movement about town both for our residents and for future transit. Parking management means having ample spots for people to park once and then be able to walk about the community from place to place.

By Sue Stewart, Pos. 7

UPDATED: Flynn wins key city council endorsements for Richard Cole's position.

(l-r)  Council President Richard Cole, Councilman Hank Margeson, Council Vice President Pat Vache'

UPDATED:  Council President Richard Cole (left) is retiring after 24 years on city council.   Richard was elected in 1988 after a stint as Chair of the Planning Commission.  Mr. Cole has been very active on growth management issues over the years as an Executive Board member on the Puget Sound Regional Council.

Candidates Tom Flynn and Joel Wright are running for Richard's open position, #5.  Councilmembers Hank Margeson (center) and Pat Vache' (right) are endorsing Mr. Flynn for the position.

Councilman Hank Margeson of Education Hill, is running unopposed this year. Hank has taken over some of the work Mr. Cole did on Suburban Cities Association.  Hank is smart, well-liked, and a passionate councilman for our Region.   No one works harder with such zeal and joy as Margeson. 

Opinion By Yoder
Photo by Yoder during a city council "Study Session" in City Hall