Pat Vache' -- One Of Redmond's Finest

 

Honorable Pat Vache'

Long-time councilmember Pat Vache', a staunch community organizer and advocate for the people.  Pat founded the Redmond Kiwanis, sits on the One Redmond Foundation Board, was past President of Hopelink, co-founder of Lake Washington School Foundation, Chamber of Commerce trustee, among  other activities.  He served City Council 1982-90 and 2002-09.

Thanks to Arnie Tomac, past Councilmember (1980-1991) for submitting Pat's picture and Council tenure.

Community Favorite Janet Richards Is Running For City Council

 

Janet Richards canvassing with her daughter, Mayor Birney, LWSD Director Bliesner,
County Council Representative Balducci and countless other supporters.

Meet Janet Richards

I am running for Redmond City Council (Position 2) as a voice for everyone, but specifically the voices that are all too often not included in our traditional methods of engaging the community.

Community service has been a lifelong passion of mine. I find understanding the unique journey of individuals eliminates false assumptions and opens the door to connection, enabling all to work in a manner that honors each person.

I believe a city council member should work with everyone, regardless of political party. This allows me to facilitate the challenging conversations necessary to impact the lives of people in our community. As a volunteer, mother, and professional in the high-tech industry, I understand our community and will continue to listen.

As Human Services Commissioner, I worked to prioritize funding to ensure community members in need receive necessary support. I was also an active, early member of the Redmond PD Community Equity Action Team (CEAT) to advocate for the concerns of the BIPOC community. At Seattle Children’s, I led increasing the Diversity of the Family Advisory Council and was the only non-hospital employee included in the task force to update the hospital’s security policies to be more equitable.

The next four years will transform our city into a major transportation hub. I will work to ensure that we retain the unique charm of Redmond, while safely and equitably welcoming the new opportunities and diverse people this will bring.

I live in the Overlake neighborhood with my husband Colin, two children (with an older child living overseas), and rescue dogs Frodo and Winter.

My Experience

• Redmond City Human Services Commissioner, Vice Chair
• Redmond PD Community Equity Action Team (CEAT)
• Seattle Children’s Hospital Family Advisory, Council Co-Chair
• Seattle Children's Hospital Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Council (HEDI) member
• Right to Breathe Association, Leadership Team
• Microsoft, 22 years, Business Program Manager
• Microsoft, 6 years, Project Management Consultant

Education

BA Theology and Management Information Systems, Ambassador University

Learn More

Learn more about Janet's priorities for the City of Redmond. 

Critique On A Redmond Council Meeting

I'm a local government nerd and try to watch City Council meetings on Facebook LIVE whenever I can.  A few actions really annoyed me at their last Study Session and I'm getting it off my chest here; other actions were commendable.  

1,  Our councilmembers work exceptionally hard and they're smart. We, the electorate did well!

2.  Even though Mr. Fields committed to keeping his zoom camera on when talking he rarely does. In the few meetings Ms. Kahn has attended, she seldom turns her camera on.  Seeing faces and body language is an important part of communication.  Otherwise, it's like listening to a radio.

3. Councilmembers Kritzer, Padhye, Anderson, and Forsythe always put their cameras on so you can watch them talking.  Cameras help in public engagement.  Ms. Kritzer and Padhye usually sit on the Dais as does Ms. Anderson & Mr. Carson.  Seeing their faces and body language is extremely helpful.  Yes, we are a broad, attentive viewing audience who wants to be informed and participate.   

4. Ms. Kahn on three occasions talked endlessly.  She may have made 1-2 points. "Be Brief, Be Bright, Be Gone" is something to think about. 

5. V.P. Jeralee Anderson did a fabulous job running the "Environmental Sustainability Priority" conversations. [She's given an environmental TEDx talk on "green roads."] Jeralee made sure everyone had the opportunity to participate equatibly.  Jeralee has good body language and engages well.  

6. The Council Safety Committee was considered for "housing" an environmental sustainability standing committee.  The Mayor (not in attendance) through President Padhye was concerned about staffing. Padhye said a Director's attendance was common practice. Five councilmembers said an environmental executive would be fitting. (as do I.)  Council will take a vote next Business meeting.  

7. Mr. Fields scolded President Padhye over a simple procedural question.  It was uncivil and unbecoming of a councilmember.  (His area of interest is policy.)  

-- Bob Yoder, 8/26/2021

Redmond Council Candidate Janet Richards Walks For Mental Health

 I'm endorsing Janet Manuel Richards! Go Janet!  (Bob Yoder)

Janet Manuel Richards (r) and daughter Jada Walk for Mental Health

"I'm so proud of Jada, she was the youngest person walking today at the Kirkland Marina park location. We walked for all the youth in Redmond who need and have needed mental health support during this difficult year. No one should be shamed or embarrassed about seeking professional help to be as healthy as they can be."

-- Janet Manuel Richards

Election Website

Dennis Elliss Is Out Of Touch, Vote Melissa Stuart For Redmond Council Position 4

 

Campaign literature:  Melissa is a non-profit leader with deep experience breaking down barriers for youth and families. She serves as the Director of Individual Giving at Boys & Girls Clubs of King County. During the pandemic, she’s worked to keep students connected to school and parents/caregivers in the workforce. Prior to Boys & Girls Clubs, Melissa worked to create affordable access to behavioral healthcare for all East King County families at Youth Eastside Services. She’s also worked to ensure education success for youth in foster care at Treehouse, and more. She earned a Masters of Non-Profit Leadership from Seattle University.

Melissa served as a Community and Organizational Development Advisor in Moldova with the U.S. Peace Corps. During her service, she worked with community leaders to strengthen youth development programs and with international NGOs to increase the reach of human trafficking prevention programs to rural areas of the country.

On council, Melissa will be a leading voice for urgent action on climate change. She is a known environmental advocate in the city and has served as an Eastside Climate Justice Steward with the Alliance for Jobs & Clean Energy, board member at Zero Waste Washington, and volunteer member of a Sound Transit/Metro 520 Connections Sounding Board. Melissa is committed to working with other leaders so that Redmond can be a leader in climate mitigation and resilience across the region.

-- Malissa Stuart

Candidate for Redmond Council Position 4.  

Malissa's opponent is Dennis Elliss. In his literature Mr. Elliss complains about
"mayoral discussions being focused on how soon the earth was going to burn up and how walking paths and bike lanes were gridlock soluctions."

Mr. Elliss is out of touch.  Vote for Melissa Stuart!

-- Bob Yoder, 7/12/2021

UPDATED: Council Holds First In-person Meeting In Over A Year

 

(l-r) Varisha Kahn, Jessica Forsythe, Tanika Padeya, David Carson, Mayor Angela Birney, Vanessa Kritzer, Jeralee Anderson, Steve Fields.

Council had their first hybrid / in-person Regular meeting on July 6th, 2021.  Prior to this, meetings were remote owing to COVID.  

In this particular meeting, Varisha Kahn, Jessica Forsythe and Jeraleee Anderson wore masks. Everyone else were unmasked, including the mayor, the city attorney and city clerk.  Mr. Fields was participating remotely.  Carol Helland, Director of Planning and Ms. Hite, Director of Parks were sitting unmasked at the table.  Some members of the audiance were not masked. 

I'm not sure why three were covered.  Were they fearful of the Delta variant?  My guess is some were trying to set an example to encourage the public to mask since the pandemic isn't over.

Council Member Varisha Kahn, in the committee meeting, attributed her full-face covering to a scratchy throat. 

-- Bob Yoder, 7/7/2021 - photo: redmond.gov

City Council Aims To Improve Their Culture

City of Redmond Mayor and Council 
(l-r) Varisha Kahn, Jessica Forsythe, President Tanika Padhye, David Carson, Mayor Angela Birney, Vanessa Kritzer, Vice President Jaralee Anderson, Steve Fields

Video: Scroll to 1:04:35 hours to watch council and a facilitator review their retreat 

It was decided council needs to strive for a better culture.

Stay with the video for some very interesting discussion

Scroll at the beginning to find planning commissioners talking

by Bob Yoder, 4/14/2021

City Of Redmond Swearing In Ceremony

l-r Angela Birney, David Carson, Varisha Kahn, Jessica Forsythe, Vanessa Kritzer

In a ceremony during Redmond City Council's December 17th meeting, newly elected Redmond residents Angela Birney (Mayor), Varisha Khan (Council Position No. 1), Jessica Forsythe (Council Position No. 3), Vanessa Kritzer (Council Position No. 5), and David Carson (Council Position No. 7) were officially sworn in. Their terms are effective January 2020 through December 2023.

Thirteen different council/mayoral candidate signs were staked.  Amazingly, most were removed within a day following the election. (click to enlarge)

Mayor-elect Birney was elected to City Council in 2015 and served as Council President from 2018 to 2019. She currently represents Redmond on several regional boards and committees and previously served on the Parks and Trails Commission. Angela grew up in Eastern Washington and moved to Redmond in 1998. Formerly a middle school science teacher, she earned a Master of Education from Heritage University and a Bachelor of Arts in Biology Education from Eastern Washington University. She lives on Education Hill with her husband and daughters.

UPDATED: Dr. David Morton, Redmond's Most Prolific Speaker

Dr. Morton posing at the Youth Climate Strike

In my 13 years of observing and reporting on city government I can say Dr. David Morton, a citizen of greater Redmond with a PhD in Chemistry, is unarguably the most prolific public speaker in the City of Redmond, and perhaps it's history.  For six years David's been speaking during  "Items From The Audience" at the beginning of  each and every  Regular meeting held by Council. Since David's first speech on Sept. 17, 2013 he's delivered 124 prepared  four minute talks.  Besides public speaking, David participates in Redmond's "Green Redmond" program, planting trees and restoring urban forests.

David is a gentle spirit, obsessed with anything having to do with pollution in our city. An activist by nature,  environmental sustainability and pollution in Redmond are his top priorities. He works exceptionally hard with extreme persistence to raise awareness. Very rarely the city takes action but he's had a couple wins along the way.

Dr. Morton's first and longest sequence of speeches (rants) was about the pollution and smell emanating from Watson Asphalt.  He doesn't live far from Watson and was concerned and fearful that plumes of carcinogenic air were blowing into the neighborhoods.  Citing scientific and case studies, he stubbornly recommended  newer scrubbing technology but Council didn't act, though Watson quietly stopped using "cutback asphalt." So David picked another topic to harp on -- leaf blower air and noise pollution.

The Myers - Kahn Race

History is happening. Women now have a total of 6 seats on the Dias, including the mayor. Varisha Kahn secured 6666 votes winning by 66 votes.

Credit/ Redmond Reporter

VARISHA M. KAHN

Voters' Pamphlet:
https://www.electvarishakhan.com/meet-varisha

Education:  Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Communication journalism, University of Washington.
Occupation:  Community Organizer; Former Political Action Committee Director, OneAmerica Votes.
Statement:  As a proud Redmond resident, I running to make Redmond a leader in solving issues we share across the region.  If elected, I will prioritize environmental sustainability solutions to reduce our carbon pollution an the face of climate change, and advocate for better, accessible transportation options so residents can get around with less traffic.  I pledge to make Redmond a more affordable place to live, work, and play and will up uplift our diverse vibrant communities through meaningful collaboration and inclusion. We need new leaders with the courage to put people's needs first,and that's why I'm the only candidate this race rejecting money from developers,  Proudly endorsed by: National Women's Political Caucus; King County 45 and 48 LD, KC Young Democrats; Planned Parenthood; State Senators Patty Kuderer and Mona Das; State Representative Vandana Slatter; City Councilmember Tanika Padye.  I would be honored to earn your vote.  Thank you!

HANK MYERS

Voters' Pamphlet:
 https://www.HankMyers4Redmond.com

Education:  Bachelor of Arts, English, California State University.
Occupation:  Transportation consultant.  Past clients include Microsoft's Award-Winning commute program.
Statement:  Hank Myers brings together the best of Redmond and is an energetic voice for compassion and fiscal responsibility. He is Redmond's advocate for salmon recovery and clean water in our region.  A leader in reducing the cost of government, he fights to keep property taxes affordable.  As former board chair for the Together Center, Hank served those in our community who need help.  From volunteer days in Redmond's parks events to events supporting our police officers, Hank is out with the public, listening to concerns and solving our problems.   Call him at 425-830-4265 and see for yourself. That approach earned him the support of police officers, environmental activists, small business owners, seniors, education advocates, and leaders in our diverse communities.  Redmond is changing and facing new challenges. Hank will represent what is best about our community today and for the future.

The Myers-Kahn race was possibly the closest recorded in Redmond history. Ms. Kahn is only 24 years old which could be a record as well. So what contributed to this loss?  For one, probably the rapid change in our demographics.   

Myers conceded November 25, 2019:  "With only 52 votes in doubt against a 64-vote lead, it is time to concede. My 15 years as a King County poll judge made that decision easy."  

  

31,140 registered voters.  46.92% ballots counted.     

Of Note:               
Angela Birney vs. Steve Fields. Birney won the mayoral position with 60.04% of the votes.
Vanessa Kritzer defeated Eugene Zakhareyev for the open seat with 70.98% of the votes.
Jessica Forsythe challenged Hank Margeson for Position 3 and won with 54.67% of votes.
Varisha Khan challenged Hank Myers for Position 1 and won with 50.15% of the votes.
Incumbent David Carson defeated Carlos Jimenez for Position 7 with 53.02% of the votes.
Steve Fields, Tanika Padhye, and Jeralee Anderson remain on Council.

-- Reported by Bob Yoder, December 6, 2019

Sources:  King County Official Local Voters' Pamphlet, November 5, 2019
               Public Disclosure Commission (PDC)  
               Candidate websites

Women Rule In Redmond Politics

Angela Birney / Facebook / November, 2019

Well, the votes are certified with Angela Birney winning the coveted mayoral position. Four women won Council positions this election, add in two sitting women councilmembers (Tanika Padhye and Jeralee Anderson); in total, six women officials will represent the citizens of Redmond. Steve Fields and David Carson remain.

Angela Birney vs. Steve Fields. Birney won the mayoral position with 60.04% of the votes.

Vanessa Kritzer defeated Eugene Zakhareyev for the open seat with 70.98% of the votes.

Jessica Forsythe challenged Dayle "Hank" Margeson for Position 3 and won with 54.67% of votes.

*Varisha Khan challenged Hank Myers for Position 1 and won with 50.15% of the votes.

Ms. Kahn secured 6666 votes vs. Mr. Myers' 6600 after a machine recount.  Mr. Myers lost by 66 votes...the closest Redmond race in memory. The final count was officially certified by King County Elections on December 6th. 27 write-ins. The Seattle Times wrote an excellent article on Varisha, December 6th. I encourage you to read it!

Councilmember Tanika Padhye's Seat #4 will expire on 12/31/21. Councilmember Jeralee Anderson's Seat #6 will expire then as well.

Reported by Bob Yoder
12/6/2019

2019 Candidate Contributions

Hank Myers

"Campaign Funds For Community," Hank Myers  Redmond Reporter, 11/14/2019

"Thanks to all the Redmond voters that made this election energetic and the best reflection of public values in 12 years. I sent the following message to all 10 candidates for city offices and hope they will join me.

As we close down our campaign accounts, perhaps you have some money left over. There are several things you can do with the money. I am hoping you will join me by donating any money left to nonprofit operations that benefit Redmond and its residents.

My first give is to the Green Redmond program. One-gallon Douglas fir and Sitka spruce trees cost the city $3.50 each. I am hoping to donate $350 to plant 100 trees. If all 10 candidates do that, we can reforest a couple of acres at least.

My second choice is The Sophia Way women’s shelter. They have had a rocky time recently with organization and management. Additional money should help stabilize them and help them hire a permanent executive director.

Third on my list is the Landing, the young adult shelter operated by Friends of Youth at the Together Center in Redmond.

If I have any money left over, it will go to Union Gospel Mission, which is ramping up its Eastside efforts. You may know Jason Dick, a Redmond resident who is their development director. By next Tuesday, I should know how much I have left, and will again encourage candidates to put any leftover funds into community good."

Hank Myers

Redmond city council candidate

Candidate Contributions:

Hank B. Myers $19,575.00   Varisha M. Khan $38,175.98

David M. Carson $9,730.00   Carlos S. Jimenez $4,595.00

Vanessa E. Kritzer $30,804.51   Eugene Zakharaeyev $1,839.95

Jessica G. Forsythe $13,530.98  Dayle "Hank" Margeson $16,460.58

Angela E. Birney $105,636.00   Steven J. Fields $22,524.40

Reported by Bob Yoder

12/6/19

 PDC

Updated: It's Estimated The Senior Center Will Re-Open In 2.5 - 3 Years

The estimated cost to demolish and rebuild is about $21 million; estimated cost to renovate is $20 million. Owing to the Critical Areas Ordinance, the new building will move 20-30 feet away from the river with possible impacts to the green house.

The Parks and Recreation Director Carrie Hite and Project engineer Eric Dawson updated Council on the status of the Senior Center during their December 3rd Regular meeting. In August, two stucco panels near the loading dock fell off (fortunately no one was hurt) and serious dry rot was found throughout the plywood of the exterior walls. Though the roof is about 30 years old it was in satisfactory condition. Owing to dangerous conditions, the Center was immediately closed on September 9th. Ms. Hite said many of the Center's activities were re-located to 1) City Hall (Bytes Cafe and the conference rooms, 2) Marymoor Village, Old Redmond School House, 3) Grasslawn Arts Center and other places. 

In response to Councilmember Jeralee Andrson's timeline question, Hite said it's estimated the Center will re-open in 2.5 years if renovated and 3 years if demolished and rebuilt. For sustainability Jaralee recommended the waste be recycled.

Ms. Hite suggested an opportunity to expand to 4-stories was possible -- for work force housing, affordable housing, an urban school, etc.  Councilmember Hank Myers said he was by no means in  favor of an expansion. He insisted on rebuilding ASAP; the audience clapped. It seemed a salute, with parting thanks.  (Hank lost to Varisha Khan in the general election by 66 votes; this was one of his last council meetings.)  Hank asked the City to do preventative maintenance on all their buildings on a regular basis, just as people do with their cars.

Councilmember Steve Fields agreed with Hank.  He noted black mold was regularly bleached out of the green house.and had anecdotal evidence someone pushed their hand through one of the walls. He recommended anecdotal feedback be a part of the preventative maintenance program. Councilmember Tanika Padhye asked if the public engagement process would be thorough and fast-tracked.  Ms. Hite suggested a few Public meetings would probably be sufficient.

Council President and Mayor-elect Angela Birney was "encouraged that to rebuild or to fix is about the same, so at least that doesn't seem to be a big task to go one way or the other."  She said over the years she learned a lot about what improvements Seniors wanted in their Center. Angela looked forward to establishing partnerships.  She was "a little sad about the 2-3 years."

Vice President Councilmember David Carson said it was "a chance for amenities to be added."  He was not for renovating or remodeling.   

Hank Myers calculated the city already had the funds to re-build saying $15 million was authorized for Senior Center improvements in November of 2018.  (Unfortunately, the improvements weren't done until it was too late.)  Hank also noted the city was sitting on $6 million of one-time money from the 2017 -2018 budget. Thus, with the $15 million, there's money in the budget to re-build. Hank received another clap.  He was one of my favorite Councilmembers.

Reported by Bob Yoder
12/4/2019

Updated: Notes On 4/23 Council Meeting

STAFF'S 2018 "YEAR IN REVIEW" 

Planner Carol Hellman presented private development stats. 

The following were built in 2018:

  >167 Single Family Homes

  >2025 Mixed-use family units

  >129,643 sf Commercial space 

Affordable housing units, at 80% AMI or less:  

   >130 units were built in 2018; Total of 693 affordable units now.

   >This year 60 units are in the pipeline; 150 units are in planning stages;  Thus, we may have a total of 903 affordable units by year end.  

   

Jon Spangler, Engineer and Manager of the Construction Division described major Public Works projects:  

  

>86% of the 2018 projects were under budget saving the city $2.5M.  This was accomplished without a Public Works Director.  (Our Fire Chief in now running Public works and his Deputy is running the Fire Department.) Councilmember Steve Fields was concerned about various staff vacancies and thanked Mr. Spangler for his fine work despite their lack of a Director.

    

>Mr.Spangler described key construction projects planned for 2019:  

    1)  Relocate the ERRATIC artwork from the future light rail track to a spot near the Matador. ST-3 will pay for it. (Indirectly, we pay for it.)  The relocation is estimated at $1M.

    2)  Unfortunately, Willows Road will have to be re-paved from 90th to 124th starting this summer. Sections of the re-paving will require extensive construction. Two culverts have to be installed next year. As Councilember Margeson indicated, this could be a traffic nightmare. Facebook will lease offices on Willows Road, adding to the traffic.  Councilmember Myers reiterated the value of a large 10-minute community project nearby (which will add to the construction traffic.)

    3) A 12-16 month project in the Fall to construct a tunnel under NE 40th to connect the SR520 ped/bike trail to Microsoft and the City.  

    4)  Rehabilitation the Cleveland Street sidewalk from 164th to 168th, owing to tree damage.  

    5)  A complicated pavement and private sewer line project on 187th. 

    6)  Installation of two sewer pump stations. 

Council President Angela Birney wasn't in attendance at this Study Session or the prior Council Committee meeting. V.P David Carson ran the Study Session.  

-- Bob Yoder, 4/25  
    Source:  4/23 Council Study Session & Council Committee of the Whole meeting.      

City Hall Customer Service improvements

Credit / "Redmond Reporter" 

I highly recommend e-mailing info@redmond.gov  to get answers and information from city staff. The customer service department is very helpful in assisting you here.  

Last night, Council was briefed by the Customer Service Center Manager during their Parks Council committee meeting.  The relatively new Customer Service Center desk is assisting city hall visitors with processing financial transactions, obtaining business licenses, being directly connected to the appropriate staff for permitting and other needs or receiving information regarding city matters. Most importantly, citizens and residents can get information and report issues here.


During the meeting, there was a lot of discussion about the center's mobile "Your Redmond" app.  Councilmember Carson spoke very highly of it.  Here, you can report non-emergency issues, make service requests, and find answers to common questions on your mobile phone. I haven't downloaded it and use info@redmond.gov.  

Few know that several conference rooms near to the customer service desk are available for developers, city staff, and other in-house meetings. Council Chair of the "Parks and Human Services Committee" Hank Myers asked when/if the rooms will be available for community meetings.  Owing to legal concerns and other problems customer service is still trying to find a way for the community to access the rooms...this has been going on for months.  

I am surprised the Customer Service Center is assigned to the "Parks and Human Services Council Committee" rather than the  "Administration, Finance, and Communications Committee." It seems customer service has more to do with communications than parks. Case in point, I asked why (by info@redmond.gov) a replay of a council regular meeting (in which I spoke) wasn't being played on City TV, only to learn from the city clerk all the replays were scrubbed due to technical difficulties. It's important customer service communicates with the Council Ombuds on these serious issues.  

-- Bob Yoder