"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: 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 

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.  

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

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 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