Creativity Abounds In Campaign Signs This Year

We enjoyed lots of creativity and flourish in Council candidate signs this year!  My favorite was Tara's. Absolutely loved the colors and design! She was handily defeated by incumbent Jeralee Anderson. Jeralee scattered an abundance of signs all over the City.  Her bicycle logo looks pretty cute 😉. My wife really liked Janet Richards flowered, green sign with the tag " Redmond Thrives When Everyone Thrives." Janet lost to incumbent Steve Fields in a big way.  Steve staked his standard 2-tone, blue wavy sign everywhere.  

Incumbency aside, it seems quantity rules over quality. I'm always amazed how quickly candidates remove their signs.  

-- Bob Yoder, 11/9/2021

Leah Choi Thanks Councilmembers Jeralee Anderson and Steve Fields For Their Support In The School Board Race (video clip)

Leah Choi challenged Cassandra Sage for Lake Washington School District Board of Directors Position 3.  Leah Choi (53.99%) was leading Casandra Sage (45.45%) as of 8:15 p.m. 11/2.  Lake Washington School District is the second largest in the State of Washington.

-- Bob Yoder, 11/3/2021

Leah Choi Leading Cassandra Sage In LWSD School Board Race

 

Leah Choi (53.99%) leading Casandra Sage (45.45%) as of 8:15 p.m. 11/2.

 
Education: B.S. Chemistry/Molecular Biology, University of Denver; Ph.D. Candidate Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego

Occupation: Parent; Financial Planner, Nordstrom

Statement:

In a rapidly changing world, students deserve a public education that will adapt and prepare them for success. This requires leaders who are committed to doing the work and driving educational progress.

Our schools must lead in educating students and communities on the critical issue of Earth’s climate. We are living with the consequences of human driven climate change, and we need to better prepare future generations for the challenge it poses.

I support the work to provide technical training for students who may choose non-traditional secondary education and will work to enhance and grow these opportunities, because not everyone learns the same way and there are many paths to success.

Finally, we need to consider implementing science-based recommendations like changing our school start times. Overwhelming evidence supports delaying school start times for adolescents. It’s time that we join the thousands of schools nationwide that have made this change and are reaping the benefits. My diverse background in education, science and business gives me a unique perspective to work collaboratively and achieve goals. It would be an honor to work for our community and I am grateful for your vote. Endorsed by: NWPC-WA and Democrats for Diversity and Inclusion.

-- 2021 King County Voters Pamphlet

Malissa Stuart leading Dennis Ellis In Council Position No. 4 Race

Malissa Stuart (61%) Dennis Ellis (38.31%) as of 8:15 p.m.

Education: Master of Non-Profit Leadership, Seattle University; BA Communication & BA Political Science, Washington State University

Occupation: Development Director, Boys & Girls Clubs; Former Redmond Library Trustee

Statement:

I’m running for city council because I believe Redmond can be a great place to live for all. I will ensure that every person can have their voice heard. I will collaborate with city leaders to invest in climate change mitigation today and resiliency for what is to come tomorrow.

 

To council, I’ll bring my years of experience breaking down barriers for youth and families; including my work at Youth Eastside Services to secure access to affordable behavioral healthcare for all families, and at Treehouse to promote education success for youth in foster care. I am a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer, former 48th LD Democrats PCO, former Sound Transit/Metro Sounding Board member, and active environmental advocate in our city.

 

Endorsements: 45th LD Democrats; Congresswoman Suzan DelBene; Representative Vandana Slatter; Redmond Mayor Angela Birney, Council President Tanika Padhye, Councilwoman Vanessa Kritzer; Zero Waste Washington Executive Director Heather Trim

-- King County Voters Pamphlet, 11/2/2021

Jeralee Anderson Leading Tara Van Niman In Council Position No. 6 Race

As of 8:15 p.m. 11/2 Jeralee Anderson leads 67.01% to Tara Van Niman's 32.47%

  
Education: PhD, University of Washington, Civil & Environmental Engineering; Certificates in Business Administration, Diversity & Inclusion

Occupation: City Council Vice President; President/CEO Greenroads Foundation; Beagle Rescue Volunteer

Statement:

As a construction engineer and social entrepreneur, I help build sustainable communities around the world. I bring integrity, an open mind, and practical experience to the Council. I care about smart growth, environmental protection, community health, and good governance. Last term, I helped bring clean energy to city operations. I worked collaboratively to ensure effective stewardship of tax dollars. At all levels of government, I served as your champion for access to reliable transportation, broadband, and clean water.

 

As we restore the economy, I will advocate for housing equity, small businesses, living wages, and innovative technology. I will promote programs that provide connection, healing, and happiness. Together, we will enhance public safety, create job opportunities, and develop a thriving city! Thank you for your vote!

 

Sole Endorsements: Redmond Firefighters, Washington Conservation Voters, Washington Housing Alliance, Affordable Housing Council, Senator Patty Kuderer, King County and Young Democrats, LD48 Democrats, and more

[No endorsement from Mayor Angela Birney]

-- King County Voters Pamphlet, 11/2/2021

Steve Fields Leading Janet Richards In Council Position No. 2 Race

Steve Fields (59.71%) - Janet Richards (39.75%)  8:15 p.m.

  
Education: BS, Accounting, San Diego State University. Certified Government Management and Administration.

Occupation: Government Finance and Operations Manager. Redmond Business Owner, City Councilmember

Statement:

Four years ago, I brought my real-world experience in finance, infrastructure, and environmental protection to City Council. Working with a renewed Council that responds to you, I declared a Climate Emergency, championed the building of a new Senior Center, improved financial policies, and rallied support for our community and small businesses during COVID.

 

With your help, we can accomplish more. I will continue to work for a community-driven and inclusive approach to growth management, sensible use of taxpayer dollars, climate change mitigation, and an equitable community for everyone. It’s been my pleasure and honor to represent you and lead Redmond toward a healthier, sustainable future. I appreciate your vote!

 

Endorsements: King County Democrats; 48th LD; Women of Color in Politics; Democrats for Diversity and Inclusion; Sierra Club; State Senators Patty Kuderer and Joe Nguyen; State Representative Jamila Taylor; Councilmembers Jessica Forsythe and Varisha Khan; former Mayor Rosemaire Ives; and more.

[No endorsement from Mayor Angela Birney]

-- King County Election Pamphlet, 11/2/2021

What About Council Candidate Janet Richards?

Janet Richards with her fury friends!

"PATCH" online news service gave the most comprehensive interview of any candidate I've seen.  You will learn everything you need to know about voting for Council candidate Janet Richards HERE.

-- Bob Yoder

Vice President Jeralee Anderson's Priorities

 

Council V.P. Jeralee Anderson

"In the next four years, communication is key. COVID has introduced great disconnection, isolation, suffering, loss and uncertainty into everyone's lives. As we work through this collective trauma and grief to heal together, I will work to create an inclusive, resilient Redmond for everyone, where you feel welcome, heard, and empowered. I believe that responses you receive about policy decisions from the Council and Mayor should be transparent, thoughtful, accountable, and most importantly, respectful. I think that looks like a participatory, accessible planning process where community input is truly valued and not overlooked."

-- Candidate Councilmember Jeralee Anderson

Jeralee's priorities and pictures

Progressive Voters Guide Recommends Janet Richards For Council Position #2.

Commissioner Janet Richards

"There are two progressive candidates in this race. Our interviews and extensive conversations with Eastside community leaders and partner organizations revealed greater differences in style and approach than policy positions. Both candidates expressed progressive values and complete support for the vital Health through Housing initiative in Redmond.  

While both candidates have progressive endorsements, we lean toward Richards to bring a new perspective and collaborative approach to the council."

-- Progressive Voters Guide

 

UPDATED: Councilmembers Steve Fields And Jeralee Anderson Should Renounce "Safe Eastside"

OPINION, 10/27:  As you know, housing in Redmond (and across the Eastside) is terribly unaffordable. Those without technology jobs can barely afford to live here.  Add the COVID dilemma and some people just can't pay rent or their mortgage. Sadly, a few unlucky souls are left homeless, living in their cars and on friends' couches.

The County is trying to do something about it.  About a month ago they bought the Silver Cloud Hotel in south Redmond near Microsoft to provide a sanctuary for some who've lost their homes. Support services and warm meals will be provided. Information about the hotel is found HERE.  I can't thank the County and City enough for extending their hand to these traumatised people.   

There's a boisterous group known as "Safe Eastside" on a mission to terminate this homeless hotel.  This group is the cause of a lot of misinformation.  Signs are staked all over town and near schools warning "no injection sites." Parents, students and neighbors have been frightened. 

I've sat in on council meetings where they've verbally attacked the Mayor, her staff, a councilmember, and commissioner. They often blame and shame the mentally ill.  This hurts because I and many others have serious illnesses, yet are able to have a productive career and a nice home or apartment. 

Safe Eastside is actively campaigning, and endorsing Dennis Ellis, Councilmember Jeralee Anderson and Councilmember Steve Fields in the election.  I'm not sure what they did to earn these endorsements. Dennis, Jeralee, and Steve should emphatically renounce this spiteful group and support the greater good.

-- Bob Yoder, 10/21/2021

UPDATED: LWSD To Place Three Levies On February 8 Ballot

Two replacement levies and Building Excellence Capital Levy

The Capital Levy while needed, is a new tax.

These measures will be on the February 8, 2022 ballot

Redmond, Wash. - Lake Washington School District is planning three ballot measures for the February 8, 2022 election. The measures are a replacement of the existing Educational Programs and Operations (EP&O) levy, a replacement of the existing School Technology and Capital Levy, and a Building Excellence Capital levy. A recommendation was presented to the Board of Directors on October 4, and they formally approved the levies at their October 18 board meeting. 

This Building Excellence Capital Levy will be "new taxes"

• Building Excellence Capital Levy – To continue meeting the needs of our growing district, this levy will help us add classroom space to our schools. The Facility Advisory Committee provided recommendations for future facility projects to accommodate our rapid enrollment growth and continue to provide learning environments that promote excellence for students. The board considered these recommendations, received information and feedback from the Levy Advisory Committee and considered multiple options for addressing short and long-term capacity needs in seven study sessions between January and September 2021. This levy would fund the first step of three funding measures to provide required student space by 2034. This Levy funds critical capacity needs required by 2024: 
• Elementary: Redmond area 
• Middle: Juanita, Kirkland and Redmond areas 
• High: Kirkland, Redmond and Eastlake areas

• How much are the installments of the Capital Levy and for how long do they last? 

  The 6-Year Building Excellence Capital Levy annual amounts are:

  2023 $35 Million

  2024 $45 Million

  2025 $45 Million

  2026 $58 Million

  2027 $56 Million

  2028 $56 Million 

"Eastside Business Alliance" Endorses Janet Richards

The Eastside Business Alliance endorses Janet Richards’ for Redmond City Council position two. Richards’ extensive volunteer work and community leadership prove the kind of councilmember she will be – a dynamic, active, and effective voice for all members of the community.

An almost 30-year Microsoft veteran, community service has been a lifelong passion for Richards. As a Human Services Commissioner for Redmond, she has been an advocate for some of Redmond’s most at-need residents. Richards also served as an early member of the Redmond Police Department’s Community Equity Action Team, where Richards helped daylight the concerns of historically underrepresented community members. Richards also volunteers on the Seattle Children’s Hospital Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion council and co-chairs the hospital’s Family Advisory Council. She was the only non-hospital employee included in the task force charged with reforming the hospital’s security policies to be more inclusive.

As the city and region face unprecedented growth it is essential that we elect experienced community leaders with proven ability to balance competing interests and complex issues. Janet Richards will be such a councilmember.

Candidate Janet Richards Will Bridge The Divide In Redmond City Council

 

Commissioner Janet Richards

Janet Richards is the vice chair of the Redmond Human Services Commission, which advises the mayor and city council on funding and policy on a range of issues from child care assistance to senior services. She's running for Redmond City Council, Position 2 to expand the city's sustainability efforts while equitably managing growth and advocating for a safe city that thoughtfully considers everyone's needs. 

Richards notes that the introduction of light rail is an opportunity to manage growth, and wants to see the city plan ahead for this with climate change and quality of life in mind. As an early member of the Redmond PD Community Equity Action Team (CEAT), she states that she is an advocate for gun violence prevention as well as engaging residents of color on the issues of policing and community safety. Richards also emphasizes the need for green education programs and investments in electric vehicles for the city.

 As a member of the Human Services Commission, Richards feels that the budget for COVID recovery does not adequately cover the community’s needs for additional mental health, food, and housing security, and wants to see a change in governance that reflects more voices in the community, both racially and socioeconomically. Richards also earned the endorsement of our partners at Washington Conservation Voters for her plans to turn her environmental positions into concrete action.

Supporters of both candidates point to division on the current council as an obstacle to passing important progressive legislation. If elected, we hope that Richards can help bridge this divide and be a force for progressive change on the Redmond City Council.

Progressive Voters Guide

Vote Katie Grainger For "EvergreenHealth" Public Health Hospital Commissioner District No. 4

Katie Grainger lost to Chuck Pilcher

Commissioners are elected to 6-year terms!  The incumbent has been at EvergreenHealth for 47 years.  Is that long enough?  We need a leader with a fresh perspective, who's a good listener and a community neighbor who will reach out to us!  Vote for Katie.

Katie Grainger is endorsed by the LD 48 Democrats and the National Women's Political Caucus of Washington state.

Katie Grainger

Nice to meet you. I'm Katie Grainger. I'm the first in my family to do many things and that now includes running for office. 

I never thought I'd have the courage to do something like this, but then I was diagnosed at 28 with an autoimmune disease. I lost my best friend at 30 to a rare cancer. I developed a rare renal condition at 31. Since then, I've served as a volunteer ambassador for the Sjogren's Foundation, and I've lobbied on behalf of the Sarcoma Foundation of America. 

All of these experiences motivated me to work in healthcare. Having worked in clinical care operations for the third-largest non-profit health system in the United States, I see both the challenges facing healthcare and possibilities for reform. 

I know firsthand the struggles of navigating a system that is not always affordable or accessible. I continue to be an advocate for health by promoting awareness for autoimmune diseases and fundraising for cancer research. I don't need to be the medical expert in the room to provide governance that positively impacts my community. 

I intend to help make healthcare better for all Americans and that starts with impacting decisions made at the local level as Public Hospital (EvergreenHealth) Commissioner for District 2. 

Incumbent Chuck Pilcher, District #4 retired in 2010 after 36 years of service in the Emergency Department at EvergreenHealth.  We've discussed mental health at Public Meetings several times. He's numb to psychiatric care services. Sadly, there are no full time community psychiatrists or Advanced Nurse Practitioners at Evergreen, this at a time when we need them the most.

Ballot and Pamphlet Delivery Delays

It's October 18th and my ballot and pamphlet still haven't been delivered.  I got no mail today. not even junk mail.  According to the State pamphlet, ballots were mailed out October 15th (normally we get the local pamphlet well in advance of that.)  I called King County Elections; they said they were having problems with USPS.  They kindly said they would hand-deliver if I didn't get my ballot and pamphlet by 10/19 or mail me a second  ballot. If you have similar problems call 800-448-4881.

-- Bob Yoder, 10/18/2021

End result:  My ballot came today, 10/20.  The second ballot is outstanding.  Yay!  I can vote!

Usually Staid King County Race Is Packed With Drama

 

Sarah Perry

Kathy Lambert

Incumbent Kathy Lambert, Metropolitan King County Council District 3 -- very short clip.

Challenger Sarah Perry, Metropolitan King County Council District 3 -- very short clip.

Note: the "Seattle Times" reneged on their endorsement of Councilmember Lambert owing to a racist campaign flyer (as defined by the entire King County Council.)

Vote For Melissa Stuart, Position 4

 

A very short clip of Melissa Stuart introducing herself at the 2021 OneRedmond Candidate Forum.  It's excellent.

Vote For Jeralee Anderson, Position 6

A very short clip of Council Vice President Jeralee Anderson introducing herself at the OneRedmond 2021 Candidate Forum.  

Vote For Janet Richards, Position 2

  

This is a very short clip of Janet Richards introducing herself at the 2021 OneRedmond Candidate Forum.  It's excellent.

Melissa Stuart Runs for Council to Bring Advocacy for the Environment and Education

Melissa Stuart is running for Redmond City Council, Position 4 to bring her advocacy for the environment and education to the council. She is the Director of Individual Giving at Boys and Girls Club of King County, has served on the board of Zero Waste Washington and South Transit, and as an Eastside Climate Justice Steward with the Alliance for Jobs and Clean Energy. She has also worked at Youth Eastside Services to help provide behavioral healthcare for families.

She is running against finance analyst Dennis Ellis, who is running a conservative campaign for the seat. He states that public safety - specifically through policing - is the number one essential for a city. Ellis disagrees with the methods that other cities have taken in shifting funding to proactive community services that reduce crime, like health care and youth programming. He states that he will move the conversation away from topics like climate change or walkable infrastructure to making the city a more business-friendly environment, though he does not state exactly how.

Stuart has been endorsed by several leading Democratic representatives and elected officials. While her campaign platform is not fully fleshed out on her website, her long record of community and professional service speaks to a candidate who is ready to contribute meaningfully to the council.

Stuart is the best choice for Redmond City Council, Position 4.

-- Progressive Voters Guide