News and Opinion on Neighborhoods, Schools and Local Governments of Redmond, WA.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Reference Librarian Andy McClung asks for your support on February 9.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
UPDATED: The Lake Washington District School Board proposes a $294/home levy/bond increase in one year and revises it to $170 after citizen input.
Two school levies and one bond measure are approved by the School Board for the February ballot.
-- LWSD website 11/24
Comments:
A citizen reported on an error and omission on the district website news column of 11/24, as follows:
"The total of all three measures would increase the total tax paid on a home with the average assessed value in the district from $1448The Administration later revised their website news with the same date to:in 2010in 2014 to $1742. (This is a total increase of $294 over four years.)
"The total of all three measures would incease the total tax paid on a home with the average assessed value in the district from $1448 in 2010 to $1618 in 2011, or an increase (over one year) of approximately $170." 11/24The Administration never reported the "total tax paid" in their 11/27 issue of the Redmond Reporter and they didn't change the date of their revision piece so I cannot verify this information. If the Administration has made changes to be accountable to the Public, I hope they would comment here for my Readers. If they send a correction to the Reporter, I will document it under "comments".
CC: LWSD Administration
Monday, September 21, 2009
Councilmember Kim Allen begins doorbelling the neighborhoods
"I'm doorbelling like mad--and really enjoying catching up with the folks in Redmond's great neighborhoods. So far, the Downtown Park is a general thumbs up and there is a cautious optimism for the growth in Downtown. Careful planning is the key."
"I am proud to report that I have just received the endorsement from Redmond Police!"Kim's Election Website,
Sunday, August 23, 2009
BREAKING NEWS: School Resource Officer Program coverage expands in Redmond.
Dave Carson, Chair of the Council's Public Safety Committee held his monthly meeting Thursday morning, 8/30, at Fire Station #12 on 148th Ave. Mr. Carson okayed Councilmember Kim Allen's request to put School Resource Officers (SRO) on the agenda. I attended the meeting.
Mr. Carson and the Mayor announced Lake Washington School District (LWSD) has authorized a third SRO for better coverage of Rose Hill JH, Redmond JH, and Redmond High School. SRO coverage will no longer be split between Rose Hill and Redmond Junior Highs. Each junior high school will now have their own officer. Redmond High School will continue to have their own SRO.
Mayor Marchione said "internal redeployment" within the Police Department will not require hiring an additional employee. Citizens approved funding for these three SRO's in the last Public Safety levy but LWSD only recently gave the green light to staff both Junior Highs. According to Councilmember Allen, it will take a month or so to re-order Redmond officers to make it happen.
As last year's Chairman of the Pubic Safety Committee, Ms. Allen has been pushing for additional SRO coverage at Redmond's schools. Allen stated yesterday, "I want us to get out ahead on these things because the community will want to know as school starts up."
Ken Wong, staff director of the Teen Center, works closely with he SRO's. A third SRO will add continuity and better connection of students with their SRO's.
Ms. Kim Allen is running for re-election of her Council Seat #4 in November. (Ms. Chen filed for the position on the last day of registration.)
CONTACT:
Kim Allen
Redmond City Councilmember, #4
kim@kimonthecouncil.com
http://www.kimonthecouncil.com/
Website: Cops for the Cure, Register: to join and or donate to Kim's Team.
425-894-8237
Friday, August 7, 2009
King County Election endorsements & resources
Below, is a listing of the entire King County Voter's Guide, for your convenience. I urge you to vote; and even if you are short a penny or two on stamps, I believe your ballot will be counted. I am endorsing all the county candidates you see in bold. My endorsements are founded on: King County Muni League recommendations, Seattle Times endorsements, The Voter's Guide and my personal study and experience with candidates.
On our local level, I have a special fondness for Ross Hunter from the action he took as State Finance Chair to press for funding the restoration of Bear Creek during SR520 widening. Ross coordinated funding with the City of Redmond, W.S.D.O.T., and King Conservation District to fund the State project. The result: Severe flood hazards on SR520 and to Redmond's commercial flood plain are mitigated, and Federally Listed Chinook salmon protections are sustained. In addition, Ross is a fiscal conservative and just the person we need to find answers to the County's debt crisis. (scroll down for my his "Top 10 numbers...." story). His pragmatism makes room for passing and funding critical programs that, for example, improve public safety and health safeguards for those involuntarily committed for brain disorders....something near and dear to me.
I hope you'll take a few minutes to vote this week. I hope the resources on this blog help you.
Regards,
Bob Yoder
Watch the entire Video Voters Guide or watch portions of the Guide:
King County Executive Introduction
Larry Phillips Fred Jarrett Stan Lippmann Alan Lobdell Susan Hutchison Dow Constantine Ross Hunter Goodspaceguy
Metropolitan King County Council Introduction
Council District 9 Mark Greene Beverly Harison Tonda Reagan Dunn (not in Redmond's District)
Port of Seattle Introduction
Commissioner Position No. 3 Rob Holland David Doud Al Yuen
Commissioner Position No. 4 Juan Paraiso - was unable or chose not to participate Max Vekich Tom Albro Robert Walker
NO on I-1033
YES on Charter Open Space Amendment #4
Closing
My source for the King County Voter Guide is Rob Butcher's "KirklandViews".
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Politics hits the Council during Stormwater rate debate.
Updated 4/7, OPINION: At their last meeting, City Council evaluated and considered adjusting stormwater fees to better account for "impervious surfaces". Impervious surfaces create polluted stormwater which must be treated and cleaned by the City. If the stormwater is not adequately treated our aquifer could become endangered. Our aquifer is an "underground reservoir" that supplies City drinking water.
The bulk of the conversation was about how to hold SE Redmond industries accountable for their "fair share" of the costs in treating stormwater running off of their polluted impervious surfaces. It's possible Cadman Gravel, Watson Asphalt, AWR, Genie Industries and other SE industries have impervious surfaces for which they are not being adequately billed. In addition, impervious surfaces created by new and "unfound" buildings are being identified throughout the city. Even the gravel parking lot in King County's 60 Acres Park South was "found" would by the Administration's new digitalized aerial photography. The county lot be assessed for stormwater treatment if council okays the Administration's current proposal.
The Marchione Administration is looking into all these scenarios and wants to keep rates fair and accountable using the Best Available Science. Same with Council. However, Council's review is politically charged because of "R.I.C.E.", a long-standing and historically entrenched lobby for the Redmond SE industrial district. A R.I.C.E. lobbyist was sitting "front and center" during the Council meeting; so close to Council that certain members could literally read her lips.
The R.I.C.E. associate has seemingly "wrapped her arms" around several of our older councilmembers. Newly elected Councilmember Hank Myers is heavily obligated and Councilmember Pat Vache' doesn't seem too far behind. Much of R.I.C.E success comes from their financial and networking support for councilmembers during elections. Councilmembers Allen and possibly Margeson appear politically untouched by R.I.C.E. Both have won their seat with broad support from the Neighborhoods. Margeson won support from businesses, too.
The SE industrial influence on city government began years ago with the powerful "industrialists" like Cadman Gravel. Cadman has been around longer than the City itself. They and other SE industries have been a large tax base for Redmond over the years - from day one. My guess is "the good old boy" network has thrived for years and has become a tradition. The coming of Microsoft, rapid population growth, and "need for green" could be impacting political alignments.
The City Administration, led by Stormwater Manager Jon Spangler, announced during the meeting, a new and more accurate method of measuring impervious surfaces. Mr. Spangler is highly regarded by Sammamish/Cedar River Regional Watershed community (WRIA 8). Impervious surfaces are undesirable because they increase stormwater run-off and treatment costs. Generally, the more impervious on your property the higher your rate. Examples of impervious surfaces are roads, parking lots, roofs, and vehicles parked on creek banks. The impervious surface getting the most attention last night was gravel -- yes, gravel. City code defines gravel as impervious. (Our city parks consultant Guy Michealson confirmed this during his evaluation of park trail materials.) The Administration is building an expensive SE Regional Stormwater Treatment Facility. The stormwater revenue generated from "fair share" billing will go towards paying for facility.
Councilmember Pat Vache' wanted to delay most of the new charges until after 2010 owing to the Recession. Did Mr. Vache' forget about his vote to raise neighborhood property taxes 1% taxes starting this year while leaving the businesses untaxed? Councilmember Kimberly Allen wanted to qualify "impervious surfaces" using Best Available Science before moving on. Some wanted citizens and businesses to have a chance to appeal the new charges or to phase them in. Another meeting will he held to review the Administration's proposal.
Pat Vache' and Kimberly Allen are running for re-election to Council this year so I will be highlighting their activities and decisions as they come up.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
"Odds & Ends"
SR 520 road widening news - Word is out a few local city and state government officials are "cautiously optimistic" about funding a Bear Creek meander to move it away from the 4 additional lanes planned for 520. The lanes will be built on the creek-side and will consume flood plain capacity and threaten endangered salmon. Meandering the creek will mitigate flooding, make traveling safer, and protect the listed salmon. Citizen Gary Smith (past Trails Commissioner, salmon aficionado and Water Tender ) has spearheaded and coordinated citizen efforts with the city, agencies and legislature and is a large reason for the success we've had to date. You can find Gary's regionally renowned 520-Bear Creek flood video clip here. Gary only recently announced guarded optimism for creek restoration funding.
Monday, February 4, 2008
Did you know we have state caucuses ?
Both Party Caucuses will be held Saturday, February 9th, 1:00 sharp for about an hour.
To find your where your local caucus is meeting and learn more, click the links below:
King County Republican Caucuses King County Democratic Caucuses
Procedure for caucusing: You will arrive and sign in for your candidate. You will then gather with the group of other like-minded folks. If there are any candidates with very small numbers, their supporters will then choose which group they want to join. Everyone says it's lots of fun and builds a feeling of community. Your special interests are 'heard'. Are you going?
Friday, January 11, 2008
Our "Western Gateway view corridor" is harmed by a new project
These tall, angular structures, seem to jut out at you. Worse, they completely block the views we once had of the green wooded hillsides of Education Hill and North Redmond. Thin setbacks leave virtually no room for vegetative buffering. These structures, "3-deep" with garaged parking, appear to be set-back only 15 feet from Redmond Way sidewalk! Prepare for increased traffic congestion on Rose Hill a year from now.
The above pictures tell the story...or take a drive down Rose Hill. How on God's Green Earth could we allow this "WALL" of structures blocking public the scenic views of our wooded hillside city asset? (ref: Guy Michaelson, Berger Partners, Seattle)
Is it time for the city to amend zoning and design standards to protect our public view Gateway and Shoreline corridors from mega-projects and mega-homes?
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Top events for Redmond in 2007
Defeat of the first -and expensive - levy lid-lift was up there for me as one of the biggest events in Redmond 2007. Why does the city give a "property tax increase" the wonkish label of "lid lift"? No one really knows what a lid lift is. (Oh! there's the reason!) This mysterious terminology is just as nebulous as that 4-page "marketing" piece staff mailed -- crammed with vagaries. No wonder citizens clamoured for "transparency". My Letter to the R. Reporter griped about the $50M plus City Hall albatross. I voted for the levy only to support council. It wasn't easy. 60% voted NO vs. safety and park funding.
The election of Marchione was #1 for me. It was historic, with the start of a "Marchione dynasty" and the end of Rosemarie's 16 year reign. It was the first time I ever campaigned and it was exciting. The long process brings out the best and worst in candidates (and their supporters). My blog stories gave me some voice. It was fun! And, the best man for leading the City of Redmond won!
The size and cost of our new City Hall was my #2 story because of it's harm to our budget & city services and especially for it's symbolism of government waste & excess. Why no citizen input on this "project"? The first lid lift lost mostly because of the City Hall. The size and expense of the building demonstrated Rosemarie's power, control and charismatic personality. The Silver Thaw art flood lights outside of the Hall never worked from the start. Bureaucracy at it's finest.
The removal (clear-cutting) of Perrigo Heights hill-top woodlands was a nightmare for the neighborhood. 8 acres of mixed conifer/hardwood urban forest and trails gone. Hartman bog wetlands lost it's shelter from the sun and wind and is drying up. I wrote three columns in the Reporter hoping an angel would step forward. Mayor Ives "partnered" for a cheap deal. The new $70 million City Hall made council feel "cash poor". As Redmond urbanizes, the next generations of Redmonites will pay dearly for our short-sightedness.
The Redmond High School basketball's District tournament wins was refreshing and happy news for this usually gripey blog! "You gotta believe!" ....and our young men and their coaches DID! Did you see any games?
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
10/17/07, Candidate website and voter center
LINKS TO: Campaign websites, candidate blogs and videos, ratings, Seattle Times stories and endorsements, independent blogs, county election and voter information.
"Click here"
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-2Omg3BU9eqXu5wxoSJuocgLo0tS9?p=719
Monday, November 12, 2007
10/27, "Redmond Politics" - a gossipy new election blog
UPDATED: "Redmond Politics" - was a short-lived gossipy social media blog about candidates of Election 2007.
Find it here: http://redmondpolitics.blogspot.com- Minutes of the December 5, 2006 Council Meeting.
Comment: Redmond Neighborhood Blog limits political reporting to nonpartisan, "community building" issues. Political news takes a back seat, however Redmond Blog (RNB) ADVERTISERS welcomes and encourages candidate advertisements with discount pricing. Bob Yoder, 6/11/2012
Sunday, November 11, 2007
10/5/07, The Significance of Holly Plackett to Redmond's future
- Did you know that in the Primary, Marchione won over Robinson by only 3% - 193 votes?
- Did you know that Holly Plackett collected 1517 votes in the Primary? That's a lot of votes!
- Would Holly's endorsement make a big difference as to who our next Mayor is in November?
- Quite likely, considering her recognition in the community and strong following.
I will soon be posting a table comparing Holly's platform to John and Jim's platforms.
Do you have strong feelings or comments you want to document or share? If so:
IN RETROSPECT: Ms. Plackett's influence on the election was minimal. The only candidate she endorsed was Brian Colin and he lost by a wide margin to Hank Margeson. 11/12/07
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some mayoral candidate observations from the Seattle Times, 8/22/07....
2 from council favored for Redmond post
By Ashley Bach; and Sonia Krishnan
Seattle Times Eastside bureau
"Marchione and Plackett ran with promises of a more collaborative approach than Ives', while Robinson had the mayor's endorsement and said he wanted to raise taxes on businesses."
- snippet from "The Seattle Times", 8/22/07
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The last time I heard from Mayor Ives, businesses and residents split the city tax burden about equally. Has anyone heard otherwise? Bob Yoder
9/5/07, Final Primary Election Results
KING COUNTY
9/5/2007 8:59:31 AM
Primary Election
August 21, 2007
Page 8 of 16
CITY OF REDMOND
Ballots Cast/Registered Voters:
Poll Precincts Counted/Total Poll Precincts:
59
.....100.00%
John Marchione
2445
.....39.23%
Jim Robinson
2252
.....36.13%
Holly Plackett
1517.....
24.34%
Write-in
19
.....0.30%
Proposition No. 1 - Levy for Public Safety Funding
YES
4116
......62.96%
NO
2421.....
37.04%
Proposition No. 2 - Levy for Parks and Recreational Funding
YES
3857.....
59.06%
NO
2674......
40.94%
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8/21 Council Meeting notes:
John Resha resigned from Council tonight owing to personal reasons, effective immediately. John's passionate public service work was applauded by all.
Council complained about the Redmond Reporter's distribution practice of throwing papers onto driveways. Councilwoman Allen said her deliveries were unreliable and Richard Cole said the neighborhoods are looking trashy from unread papers accumulating on driveways; with no way of cancelling delivery. I was hoping the City would start advertising their Legal Public Notices and conservation ads in our local paper rather than citizens having to pay the Seattle Times.
FROM BOB CHAMBERLIN, NORTH REDMOND GROUP:
As I have been led to understand it, Marchione got the biggest share of the votes in the primary for Redmond Mayor with Robinson coming in second. Regrettably, voter turn-out was apparently only 16.7% of the registered voters. It was actually a smaller percentage of the actual residents since this does not count the rather large number of people who have recently moved to Redmond and are not yet registered to vote in Redmond. As such, a very few people collectively decided that all of us should have our taxes raised rather substantially in addition to the amount that they were already being raised without our specific permission. I guess the moral is that people who choose to say nothing (IE: don’t vote) had best be prepared to live (without complaint) with the decisions of those who do speak with their vote. Please forgive my complaint about this. I just feel that the city should be doing a much better job of managing the money that we have already given them and that they really do not need more of our money to mismanage. Perhaps I am relatively alone in this belief. If anyone else has an opinion about this I would personally love to hear it. Just hit reply to this message and everyone on the list will be copied. Bob Chamberlin 11405 169th Ct. NE Redmond, WA 98052 Home: 425-867-0667 Mobile: 425-503-4163 bobc@bc.org
8/6/07 - Ives campaign endorsement - Where is HER record?
City Clerk
City of Redmond
425.556.2190 phone
425.556.2198 fax
* archived monthy to 2005 - "hunt and peck for each vote".
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EXTRA! FOLLOW THE CANDIDATES' CONTRIBUTION MONEY HERE: http://www.pdc.wa.gov/Public/Campaign/Default.aspx
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FROM BARB THOMPSEN, Education Hill neighbor & community volunteer - "I saw some deer while out walking my dogs on Education Hill this morning. I can’t help but feel sad for them—they have nowhere to go. Which of the candidates is going to do something about saving our green spaces and stop catering to the big builders like Cam West? I am so glad that Rosemarie Ives is leaving; I’ve been saying for a long time that being in office as long as she has, results in building relationships and being influenced by them regardless of good intentions." - Barb Thompsen, Education Hill neighbor. 8/5/07
Thursday August 9, 2007 -
RICHARD MORRIS: When I attended the recent Community Meeting held July 31, Mayor Ives indicated the budget she proposed was not adopted by the Council. She said she preferred her budget, and was unhappy with the budget approved by the Council. At one point in the Community Meeting, Councilwoman Kim Allen jumped up to explain that there was a minority position on the budget. She indicated she was part of the minority. The nature of the minority position was not made clear in the Community Meeting. Council President Nancy McCormick said more than once that the Community Meeting was not about "Budget 101", however the nature of the disagreement between the Mayor and the Council is all about the budget. The disagreement is so wide, that the seeks more millions in tax revenues from property owners by means of increasing levy lids, named Proposition #1 and Proposition #2. This budget fight has brewing for a few years, as the Mayor has consistently increased city employees. On the other hand, Council members have consistently promised to hold the line on increasing taxes, staying within the State tax rates. When asked why the City spent so much money on the City Hall building, Nancy McCormick mentioned that the number of increased city employees demanded a larger building. Certainly Redmond has experienced huge growth over the past 15-20 years, yet total tax revenues for city operations would also increase. In my household budget, I must live within my earned income. Why can't the City operate within its tax revenues?
Thursday August 9, 2007 -
YODER: Many claims are vs. Marchione for his 5-2 voting "gang". Here's one that's not - Marchione voted to save Anderson Park 4-3. Jim Robinson voted against it. I hope we will start thinking of 5-2 voting or 6-1 voting as "consensus" rather than a "gang up".
Tuesday September 4, 2007 -
8/6/07, Muni-League candidate evaluation forms for all!
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