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 

Is the race between Carson and Stewart non-partisan?

David Carson and Sue Stewart campaign signs are at "opposite poles" 

Sue Stewart is endorsed by the 45th District Democrats. - Sue's website
David Carson was sworn* into city council office in 1998 by Republican King County Councilmember Kathy Lambert. 

*Historically and traditionally Redmond elected officials are sworn into office by the city attorney.

"Redmond has a strong Mayor/Council, non-partisan form of government.

The City Council adopts the City budget, establishes law and policy, approves appropriations and contracts, levies taxes and grants franchises."

  -- City of Redmond website

Dave Carson endorsements, Pos. 7
Sue Stewart endorsements, Pos. 7

Posted and Photo By Yoder

Sue Stewart rated "Very Good" by Muni-League for Redmond Council, Pos. 7

Muni-League rates Sue Stewart, Pos. 7 "Very Good" after interviews

Challenger Sue Stewart, Pos 7

Describe your most important personal characteristics or traits as they relate to the office you seek. M.L.

I am a consensus builder. I am able to analyze and drill down to the core elements of what is needed and help broker a solution through a collaborative process.

Please describe, in sufficient detail, one to three accomplishments or contributions of which you are most proud. These examples should illustrate skills and capabilities you think apply to the office you are seeking. These accomplishments may have occurred at any time in your personal, professional, or public life. M.L.

"There are three contributions I am proud to have accomplished and which I believe demonstrate my readiness to serve on the Redmond City Council.

o As a Safety Officer, I am keenly aware of the importance of reducing risk and injury to our employees. The City of Redmond was considering a significant change to the building code to require sprinkler systems in all new home construction, a first in the state of Washington. Using my knowledge of loss control and the associated risks of being a fire responder, Read More >>

What's up with Tom Flynn's "Highest Rated" campaign sign?

Mr. Flynn is advertising his "higher Muni League rating" over opponent Mr. Wright, Pos. 5

The "Highest Rated" tag on Tom Flynn's campaign sign is referring to his Municipal League of King County's candidate rating outcome.  Mr. Flynn is rated "Very Good" by the Muni-League whereas, his opponent Joel Wright is rated "Adequate."

According to the Municipal League, Tom Flynn is rated "Very Good" because he "is a skilled builder of consensus, inspires confidence in the way he would serve, is thorough and attentive to issues." 

Whereas, Joel Wright is rated "Adequate" because he "has a record of participation and interest, is effective on specific issues, has provoked questions about suitability as an office holder, will need significant time/energy to fill gaps in knowledge."

Tom Flynn's Muni-League rating (Pos. 5) isn't higher than Sue Stewart's rating (Pos. 7).  They are both rated "Very Good."   Tom is just comparing his rating with Joel's. 

Sue Stewart's opponent, Dave Carson Pos. 7 was rated "Good."  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."

The Municipal League is "a volunteer-driven, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that works toward better government in King County, Washington.  Their mission is to promote government that is open, effective and accountable, and to improve the caliber of public officials and the quality of public decisions."


"The League pursues its mission for Candidate ratings with Candidate Evaluation Committees (CEC)
Each CEC conducts the equivalent of a job interview with candidates for public office throughout King County and rates them on their capacity to serve effectively. Every year roughly 75 volunteers give their time to follow the League's well-established system of rating candidates which is based on effectiveness, knowledge, involvement and character. The results are published in a Voters Guide that reaches tens of thousands of voters."
  --The Muni-League Board of Directors:  http://www.munileague.org/about-us/board

Joel Wright's endorsements:  http://wrightforredmond.com/content.php?pg=1
Tom Flynn's endorsements:  http://tomflynnforcouncil.com/endorsements/

Posted By Yoder

RNB isn't endorsing candidates this election though, as a voting resident I'm expressing my personal opinion on candidates.  

A Responsible and Sustainable Budget, By David Carson, Pos. 7



A Responsible and Sustainable Budget

David voted against the 1% property tax increase that passed the council because he felt supporting a budget which relied on the 1% to balance was not intellectually consistent. However, overall the work done by the council is a good body of work to reign in the growth of local government while still addressing the priorities of Redmond.

By instituting the Budgeting by Priorities (BP) process, the council came up with a plan that did require scrutiny and real evaluation of the communities’ priorities. On the whole, he believes that the council passed a landmark budget (minus the tax increase) and this process is getting better with the experience of the first two budget cycles. Redmond has a structurally-balanced budget that extends 6 years into the future which few cities can boast.

 -David Carson's Campaign website

Incumbent David Carson's Endorsements, Pos. 7 
Challenger Sue Stewart's Endorsements, Pos. 7

Redmond Neighborhood Blog isn't endorsing a Candidate for Pos. 7

Chamber question: What role should the city have in economic development? By Sue Stewart, Pos 7

Chamber question: What role should the city have in economic development? Elect Sue Stewart:

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

Question: What role should the city have in the economic development?

The City must continue to provide ample infrastructure such as accomodations for transit, utilities and completing and enhancing its network of roads and sidewalks. The changes coming to downtown have started in earnest, like the connection of 161st NE between Redmond Way and Cleveland Street. The next step will include returning Redmond Way and Cleveland to two-way. Combine these improvements with replacing missing sidewalks and working with METRO to bring about the service that connects us both inside and outside our community, and we will maintain our role as an Eastside transportation hub. Read More >>

Sue Stewart's Endorsements

By Sue Stewart
Redmond City Council Challenger Pos. 7

Incumbent David Carson's Endorsements Pos 7
Redmond Neighborhood Blog isn't endorsing a candidate for Pos. 7

Redmond Council Candidate Joel Wright notes his issues. Pos. 5

Joel Wright, Pos. 5

Budgeting by Priorities – The City of Redmond’s financial priorities should be responsive to the community’s essential needs, while considering existing economic conditions. Ensure transparent, rational revenue structure and efficient use of City resources.

Safe, Quality Neighborhoods – Ensure first responders (police, fire, and ambulance services) are sufficiently funded and properly prioritized to provide effective service. Well maintained roads, sidewalks, parks and infrastructure. Inspire civic connection through community service and emergency preparedness (i.e., Community Emergency Response Teams - CERT).

Strong Economy – Encourage coordinated efforts of government, business, non-government organizations (NGO) and individual residents to ensure Redmond continues as a diverse, productive community and provides opportunity for constant improvement.

Regulation – More deference should be accorded private and business property owners regarding their own property. While protecting environmental, safety and community concerns, where necessary, regulations and the permitting process should be modified to be more reasonable and less burdensome.

Transportation – Develop and maintain effective and efficient multi-modal transportation and traffic management solutions responsive to current and long term community priorities and resources. I support extending Sound Transit’s rail line into downtown Redmond to the extent the cost is commensurate with the long term benefits received.

Red Light Traffic Enforcement Cameras – I oppose using cameras for red light traffic enforcement and I support their removal after the pilot program concludes.

ENDORSEMENTS for Wright as of 10/8:  22 citizens
 
- Joel Wright's campaign website Pos. 5 
Candidate Tom Flynn's endorsements and positions on issues. Pos. 5

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 >>

Who's a good "write-in" candidate for Evergreen Hospital Commissioner, Position #3

Evergreen Commissioner  Kempf

RNB responds to an engaged hospital district citizen who emailed for a "write-in" alternative to Commissioner Kempf.   (for background on Kempf visit this post)

OPINION:   RNB can't name a specific "write-in" challenger to Evergreen Commissioner Kempf, Position #3, though Reader recommendations can be posted in the comments section.

My ideal candidate has financial skill-sets, is passionate and knowledgeable about Evergreen Healthcare, responsible and accountable to the taxpayer, desires a community hospital rather than one built around specialists, encourages Open Government wherein meetings are video-taped (as is Valley Hospital, Renton), allocates 60% levy monies to community health and wellness and 40% or less for growth and debt service, and is strong enough to challenge the Administration appropriately and catalyze the five-member Board from "cheerleaders" to governors.

I'm not certain if it's realistic a qualified write-in will rise at this late date, but terms are 6-years so elections occur with regularity.  Candidates are currently spawned but the "Evergreen Advisers". "I talked to a prominent Redmond business person and Advisor.  She said if "you had one problem or issue with Evergreen you wouldn't qualify for the program."   Evergreen governance and community system appears "inward," clubby and close-minded.   A commissioner attends Advisor meetings once a month, but Advisors never attend public commission meetings to give input.  Since I've been covering Evergreen, they replaced the Advisor staff member with Laurene Burton, Administrative Director, Community Affairs and Governance (and executive secretary to the CEO.)  Ms. Burton is also the Public Records Officer, professional and cordial.  She takes Public Records requests by email and screens Board emails.

Some background:   Evergreen has a strong influence over the Greater Redmond Chamber of Commerce over the years.  Mr. Kempf  has been the Chamber Membership Chair for years. An executive from Redmond's Columbia Bank was past-President and a lauded Evergreen Advisor.  A senior executive from Evergreen is current President.  Dr. Appleton, Evergreen ER Assist. Director and past Redmond councilman ran for office against Mayor Ives. He left Evergreen last year for the V.A Medical Center.  Our Chamber of Commerce has lost significant membership since Kempf took over and is currently repositioning under One Redmond.

I hope district citizens are encouraged to run for election.  For Kempf's position (No 3)  the candidate must live in Redmond or Sammamish.

Opinion By Bob Yoder
Editor, RNB

Note:  Commissioner Jeanette Greenfield's position (No 5) is "at large" and a candidate may reside anywhere in the hospital district. Ms. Greenfield is the sole commissioner on the Levy Standing Committee.  She's an operations specialist for U.S. Bank.

OPINION: Seattle Times article a "must read" on tolling Initiative 1125 controversy

520 bridge

OPINION:   At the Oct. 4 council meeting Redmond Mayor Marchione  OPPOSED Initiative 1125, as he addressed council before their vote on a Resolution on the initiative:   

"520 is an economic lifeline to the city of Redmond. It's in the direct interests of the City of Redmond and our economic development and our community; and the Resolution be opposed and take the leadership required."

The Redmond City Council majority followed the Mayor and voted AGAINST an endorsement Initiative 1125 (5-2).  Incumbents David Carson and Hank Myers made a political vote FOR the Resolution to endorse Initiative 1125. 

David Carson is challenged by Sue Stewart for Redmond City Council Pos. 7.

According to the TIMES, the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce is AGAINST Initiative 1125 (which is significant in that "one of Bellevue's most prominent businessmen, Kemper Freeman, is the biggest backer of I-1125, contributing more than $1 million to the campaign.).  

SEATTLE TIMES REPORT:  Local News Eyman challenges state's route on tolls Seattle Times Newspaper

By Andrew Garber, 10/1/2011
Seattle Times Olympia bureau

OLYMPIA — Tim Eyman and state officials agree on one thing: His tolling initiative on the November ballot would upend state plans for reducing traffic congestion and financing costly highway construction, including the Highway 520 floating-bridge project.

Eyman says Initiative 1125 would make lawmakers more accountable for raising and spending billions of dollars in tolls, and would make tolling fairer by banning variable-rate tolls that he says hit the state's poorest residents the hardest.

But it also would undermine long-term efforts, state transportation officials say, to find an alternative to gas taxes to help finance highway construction.  READ MORE >> 

Opinion By Bob Yoder
Internet photo - Cascadia

Revealing 5-Minute Speeches from City Council contestants: Stewart, Carson, Flynn and Wright

City of Redmond City Council Contested Races:

Candidates give 5 minute speeches.

Click blue links to select the candidate videos

David Carson vs. Sue Stewart - Pos 7

Tom Flynn vs.  Joel Wright - Pos. 5

Margeson, Myers and the Mayor are unopposed. 

Redmond Council Candidate Sue Stewart works to make Redmond a livelier place.

Challenger Sue Stewart
Education Hill Neighbor

from the desk of Sue Stewart, Redmond  City Council Candidate, Pos. 7...

"I recently participated in a candidate forum hosted by the Redmond Chamber of Commerce. We were asked to respond to four questions, and I wanted to share the questions, and my answers with you over the next week here as well.

How would you help make Redmond a livelier place?

Redmond is a great place to live, work, and play – we know that, but we can do better. The City of Redmond can help to promote places and activities that the community wants, like more dining choices, recreation, and entertainment. This is something that I have heard from my neighbors and friends who have suggested places like..>>

Evergreen Hospital Commissioner incumbent August Kempf copes with State audits during 2011 election

R. August Kempf, Commission Pos 3
Represents Redmond / Sammamish

Editor's Note:  In the October 2, 2011 election Mr. Kempf won 98% of the vote.  

Commissioner August Kempf's financial expertise hasn't appeared to help Evergreen resolve problematic annual state audits.  Should Commissioner Kempf oversee Evergreen Healthcare for another six years? 

Evergreen Hospital is a property-tax supported county hospital.   $24,153,945 in levy monies were collected last year from Redmond, Sammamish, Kirkland, Woodinville, Bothel, Duvall and other district property owners.  Most tax dollars fund debt service for growth; a modicum goes to "community healthline services."

"Five publicly elected hospital commissioners have the ultimate responsibility and accountability for the Evergreen district.  Citizens entrust their elected commissioners to approve major financial decisions and provide legal oversight of Evergreen."   But, do they?

R. August "Auggie" Kempf is an incumbent, running unopposed this year.  He's an 11 year commissioner for Evergreen  Hospital and he's asking the electorate for another 6 years on November 8.  If you live in Redmond or Sammamish, "Auggie" is your designated representative.  He runs an insurance, investment and financial planning firm in Redmond with probably the most financial skill sets of the five commissioners.  Mr. Kempf attended seven "Audit and Finance Committee Meetings" last year - more than four commissioners.

Mr. Kempf's financial expertise hasn't appeared to help the hospital pass annual state audits.  The State Auditor's Office (SAO) charged Evergreen in recent years with twice the serious audit "Findings," of Lake Washington School District and City of Redmond combined.   2009 was not a good year either.  The SAO reported 3 findings:

• the hospital was paying contracted staff hourly rates almost double their employed nurses.  SAO recommendations to reduce contracted nurses resulted in an estimated $7.5 million in savings.
• Evergreen collected $1.8 million in cash (deli, pharmacy, gift shop) in 2008.   SAO findings:  internal control weakness increase risk of misappropriation.  Status to be reviewed in 2010 audit.
• "Evergreen Healthcare did not comply with competitive bid laws on two projects totalling $1,223,856 in 2008.  In 2009 the SAO determined corrective actions were taken.

The more distant Audit History during Mr. Kempf's tenure is equally poor:  Read More >>

Redmond Chamber's City Candidate Forum is on TV and on video 24/7.

Ballot Drop-Box at City Hall

Seven candidates for City Council and the Mayor's seat participated in a Candidate Forum on September 21st.  It was sponsored by the Greater Redmond Chamber of Commerce.  Topics included strategies on increasing activity in downtown, positions related to various transportation issues and candidates’ priorities.

The contested races are: Incumbent David Carson (Pos. 7) vs. Challenger Sue Stewart (Pos. 7); Tom Flynn (Pos. 5) vs. Joel Wright (Pos. 5).   Mayor Marchione and Councilmembers Hank Myers and Hank Margeson are running unopposed.    To see how the council candidates are rated visit this "Municipal League of King County" Redmond candidate site.

The City of Redmond taped the Forum for Redmond City Television Channels 21 (Comcast) and 34 (Frontier FIOS).  TV replays will begin at 9pm, Monday, October 3 and run through the election on Tuesday, November 8th.

The program is also available on demand 24/7 at the City’s website here.

The Redmond Chamber of Commerce sponsored the event as part of their monthly membership luncheon series.  Chamber Chair Tim Martin, an Evergreen Hospital executive, moderated the candidate panel.  The Forum was held at Matt's Rotisserie Bar and Grill in Redmond Town Center.

City of Redmond's Patrick Hirsch filmed the Forum.  Questions?  425-556-2439

Photo By Bob Yoder

City Council Candidates Flynn and Wright publish statements on Redmond economic development

THE 2011 GENERAL ELECTION DAY IS: November 8....

Redmond City Council Candidates for Position #5 -Tom Flynn and Joel Wright - publish statements on economic development

Candidate Tom Flynn
Redmond City Council, Seat #5

Strong Economy - Tom Flynn

Local Business, Innovation, Education, Arts and Culture
Endorsements

"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." 
  -- Source:  Tom Flynn's Campaign Website

Candidate Joel Wright
Redmond City Council, Seat #5

Strong Economy - Joel Wright
Endorsements

"Encourage coordinated efforts of government, business, non-government organizations (NGO) and individual residents to ensure Redmond continues as a diverse, productive community and provides opportunity for constant improvement.

Regulation – More deference should be accorded private and business property owners regarding their own property. While protecting environmental, safety and community concerns, where necessary, regulations and the permitting process should be modified to be more reasonable and less burdensome."
  --Source:  Joel Wright's Campaign Website

###

2011 GENERAL ELECTION DAY IS: November 8, only 47 days away. Redmond Neighborhood Blog is beginning coverage of local city, hospital and school candidates with weekly reports. B.Y.

UPDATED OPINION: "Redmond Initiative 1" moves closer to qualifying for February 7 ballot

UPDATE: 
9/21/2011 - NEWS FLASH:   THE MAYOR AND HIS CITY LAWYER, MR. HANEY, ANNOUNCE TODAY THAT THE 6000 PETITIONS ARE ILLEGAL ACCORDING TO STATE LAW AND WILL NOT BE DELIVERED TO THE COUNTY FOR FILING.  B.Y.  Eyman's Editorial  9/22 

Mayor Marchione and Councilmember Cole's OpEd in response to Eyman's Editoral., 9/22

Scott Harlan, Redmond activist

from the Desk of Scott Harlan, Redmond resident and activist... 

OPINION:  "My goal is to get a public vote on the redlight camera program so the citizens can say “yes” or “no”.  If they say “yes”, I am fine with that (although I would personally vote no.)

We are quickly approaching the end of the redlight signature signature gathering phase of this campaign.  With a little bit more work, we are well on our way to qualify for the ballot (which will be on February 7th). 

Campaign Update:  There has been a little confusion about the [red light signature gathering campaign,] so let me clear that up.   The signature gathering phase of an initiative lasts a full six months.  For gathering signatures, that final date is roughly September 20th.  Once the signatures are gathered, they are turned in to the county for verification.  After the city council acts, the measure would then go on the ballot for the next election per certain regulatory time-frames. 

For Redmond Initiative #1, that means that the measure goes on the February ballot.  Making the November ballot in time would have required a miracle given the size of Redmond. [ ] The county just requires too much lead time to make a November ballot.  When we are on the February ballot, that will be success." 

The following Redlight Signature Gathering Event is scheduled for September 10th:

Redlight Signature Gathering Event:

When:  Saturday, September 10th

 from 9:30am to 3:30pm 

(2-3 hour shifts are just fine and appreciated)

Where:  Meet at the Together Center board room

 (16225 NE 87th, Redmond, WA  98052)

Opinion By Scott Harlan

Planning Commissioner Tom Flynn co-authors Minority Report to council urging "micro-level" neighborhood commercial

Six Neighborhood Commercial zones have been approved  for large

 grocery store-type developments, like "PCC" at Avondale &amp

 116th Ave and "Bridle Trails" at 132nd Ave. NE and Old Redmond Road.

One development is allowed per zone.  CLICK 2X TO ENLARGE

"We certainly understand the need to keep residential development and rendering plans separate, but do not see the immediate incompatibility of a corner coffee shop, produce store or bakery with the needs of residents who might walk to such an establishment."

-- Redmond Planning commissioners Phil Miller and Tom Flynn's Minority Report to City Council on "Neighborhood Commercial," as follows: 

"We need to remind ourselves that one of the principal justifications we have been given for the establishment of the Neighborhood Commercial (NC) classification is to improve “walkability” in our neighborhoods. [  ] We have not seen to our satisfaction that forcing neighborhood residents to walk an extra ½ mile accomplishes anything but encourage the use of automobiles for even very short trips. ½ mile excludes a large number of people in Redmond from convenient commercial. [  ] It isn’t the intent to force car trips downtown, but this certainly is the effect.  Read More >>

Carson and Stewart vie for Redmond Council Seat #7: The Facts. The Issues.

REDMOND CITY COUNCIL SEAT 7 (Carson vs. Stewart)

READ MORE...the issues, ratings, campaign contributions, websites>>  

LETTER: King County Councilmember Jane Hague explains position on $20 car tab fee

Jane Hague responds to Richard Morris's "Save Your Bus!" query, on the proposed $20 car tab increase to support METRO.  Richard recommends R-Trip incentives.  Mr. Morris, an Education Hill Neighbor, shares Hague's response...

Incumbant Jane Hague, Pos. 6

King County Coumcilmemmber

Dear Neighbor,

Thank you for writing me and voicing your concern over the proposed $20 car tabs fee.

As you may have read, a vote on the “congestion reduction fee” was expected to take place at the July 25th Council meeting. Instead, this vote was unexpectedly delayed until August 15th. I still oppose a councilmanic adoption of the $20 car tab increase. Further, I am concerned by the fact that the $20 fee will still result in a reduction of bus service for the Eastside and that Metro has not fully implemented plans to control its ongoing budget growth.

As a firm supporter of transit, I have said consistently through this debate that I have many concerns about Metro’s future. First, as I mentioned above, significant route eliminations and reductions on the Eastside will occur even if the car tab fee is implemented. These service hours will be allocated elsewhere. Eastsiders will ultimately be paying for service they will not receive. Second, long term solutions for Metro’s future have yet to be discussed. The fee doesn’t solve the underlying issues and uses important reserves to fill-in budget holes.

I don’t think it’s responsible to my constituents in District 6, nor the people of King County, to endorse a weak “band-aid” solution. Again, thank you for writing. Let me know if you have any additional questions or concerns. I look forward to continuing this debate.

Sincerely,

Jane Hague

King County Council – District 6

Email: jane.hague@kingcounty.gov 

Phone: 206-296-1006

http://www.kingcounty.gov/Hague  http://www.facebook.com/kccJaneHague

UPDATED: Redmond Council passes Resolution endorsing Proposition 1: "Veterans and Human Service Levy"

King County Veteran with his family

REPUBLISHED

UPDATED:  In their July 12 meeting, Redmond Council voted on Resolution No. 1363 to support and endorse King County Proposition 1, a 6-year "Veterans and Human Service Levy" renewing and replacing the expiring Levy. After five council members discussed their positions, Council passed the resolution 6-1 (David Carson - opposing).

Bellevue and Kirkland city councils
passed resolutions earlier endorsing the Levy.

In the 2011 August election, county residents will vote on Prop. 1.  The 2011 levy is 5 cents/ $1000 of assessed property value, or $20 in 2012 for the average-priced $400,000 home in King County. A CPI capped-measure is built into the Levy.  Read More >>