Council Candidate Steve Fields Addresses Emergency Preparedness

Steve is active in the City of Redmond CERT Neighborhood Program.

"Community Emergency Response Team"  

UPDATED: Extensive, disruptive King County Sewer Project Planned For Redmond

King County is upgrading nearly 4.5 miles of sewer pipe in Redmond to meet the needs of your growing community. Construction is expected to begin in 2020. While the sewer pipe is under construction, King County will also install 1.5 miles of pipe to carry recycled water. When complete, the new pipes will provide reliable sewer service and an important connection for the potential future use of recycled water in the area. Segment 1: New sewer and recycled water pipes will be installed along the Sammamish River Trail. There will be temporary trail closures during construction. We are committed to safe detour routes for all trail users.

Segment 2: The existing sewer line runs under the Sammamish River north of Leary Way. We will replace this line with a larger pipe. A recycled water pipe will also be added in the same location under the river. To reduce our impact to fish and wildlife, we are considering underground construction methods that won't require us to dig a trench across the river.

Segment 3: A new sewer line will installed north of NE 50th Way. South of NE 50th Way, a second pipe will be added along the existing pipe to hold more flows. The new recycled water line will stop just north of the West Lake Sammamish Parkway Marymoor Park entrance. We recognize that Marymoor Park is widely used for recreation and events, particularly during the summer. We will maintain park access and try to work around major events, when possible.

Segment 4: Two pipes that currently run under West Lake Sammamish Parkway will be replaced. A third pipe will be added to hold additional flows. Delays and detour routes are expected. We are working closely with the City of Redmond to understand traffic patterns and identify ways to minimize disruptions.

Segment 5: The existing sewer in the Idylwood neighborhood will be replaced. While the sewer route follows roadways as much as possible, it does run along some private property, including Audubon Elementary. To the extent possible, we will conduct work adjacent the school during the summer months, outside of the normal school year.  In my opinion, the city will benefit with Steve Fields on Council during  this 3-year project.  Steve's work experience and connections with the county could be useful towards completing this  project on time and  with fewer mistakes.  Dr. Jeralee Anderson with her civil engineering road sustainability expertise will also be a big asset on council. - B. Yoder Learn more at: kingcounty.gov/KCRedmondSewer

Eugene Zakhareyev, Council Candidate Position 4

Eugene Zakharevev

POSITIONS:

Balance Urban Growth

The Eastside is growing, and Redmond must accept its share of growth. Yet, this growth does not have to change our city into Seattle. In the last few years, we have seen family businesses in Downtown Redmond give way to rental apartment buildings; the majority of capital investment projects are also located it this area. The cost of Downtown two-way conversion project is over $20 million, total cost for the two-acre park in Downtown Redmond is over $40 million - but all the while, the needs of our city are not limited to Downtown and Overlake neighborhoods.

It is time to review current policies to balance development in designated urban centers with the needs of other neighborhoods, as we all are affected by growth in Downtown and Overlake. We need a proactive approach to address traffic congestion and population growth across the city, with solutions implemented before the approval process of development projects and not afterwards.

Empower Community in Land Use Development

Tanyika Padhya, Council Candidate Position 4

Tanika Padyha

POSITIONS:  

Ensuring balanced growth

I believe that while our city is growing, Redmond has the heart of a small town.  Its unique neighborhoods, parks and trails and thriving economy, have made it the number one city to live in Washington. 

However, our city is on the cusp of change with record growth in the region that requires smart planning that preserves our residential neighborhoods, protect rural areas, and safeguards our natural resources.  This growth poses many challenges and opportunities.  I am committed to continuing my work on:  

• Low impact development that preserves our natural resources
• Supporting both small and large businesses so they can thrive
• Revitalizing our aging community centers
• Maintaining our parks and trails
• Complying with the Growth Management Act to ensure transportation and infrastructure funding for Redmond
• Promoting multi-modal transportation options such biking, carpooling, increased bus service and light rail
• Monitoring transportation projects in order to ease traffic congestion

Safeguarding Affordable housing

UPDATED: Redmond Candidate Forum

Steve Fields, Position 2: 

Byon Shutz, Position 2

Jeralee Anderson, Position 6

Jason Antonelli, Position 6 

Tanika Padhye, Position 4 

Eugene Zakhareev, Position 4

A Candidate Forum was held at the First Baptist Chruch on Education Hill last week.  The first up were school board candidates.  Besides the Voter's Pamphlet, this forum probably gives you the best information on the candidates you can find.  

Paige Norman, the founder of "Educatiion Hill Neighborhood Association" (EdNHA) organized and moderated the forum.  Miki Mullor, a City of Sammamish resident and entrepreneur will speak about their moratorium at the EdNHA meeting on November 2nd, 7 pm. 

Thank you Paige!

Highlights of a City Council Meeting

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE OCTOBER 3RD CITY COUNCIL MEETING

Brian Baker approached the podium in a wheelchair and complained:  1)  the City claims 360 ADA parking spaces are available but few of them are accessible by van.  2) the "sandwich board" signs on the sidewalks create an obstacle course.  Mr Stilin  said the city should not allow signs on sidewalks and Mr. Carson reminded him current regulations require signage be located in streets, not sidewalks.  

City Council reluctantly approved Burnstead's "Hawthorn Park" Final Plat.  In this, and a prior meeting a total of ~8 neighbors including Pat Vache' a retired councilmember **vehemently complained about the disruption and degradation to their private road by an off-site sewer line Burntsead is installing.  ** Mr. Vache' focused on the facts and only mildly complained.   Burnstead insisted they will fully inspect the project when completed for "performance, restoration and maintenance" to ensure all parties are satisfied; and assured that bonds were on file. Pres. Hank Margeson gave an eloquent summery of council's sentiments before the vote.

UPDATED: LETTER: Fields is focused on solutions that benefit everybody

After hearing (repeatedly!) from my neighbor that Steve Fields is the guy for Redmond City Council Position 2, I decided I wanted to find out more for myself. I met Steve at his Thursday Community Coffee Time, heard his insights about issues affecting Redmond – and then he listened.

When Steve talks about his vision for Redmond, “Build Community not Just Buildings,” it actually means something. He believes that the best civic leadership is based first on trust, then making sure residents are well-informed, then engaging the community in a dialogue before important decisions are made. His process is to bring stakeholders together and figure out a solution that benefits everybody. I like that he’s a “project guy”.

Steve Fields' and Byron Shutz's "Vision Statements"

Mr. Shutz's and Mr. Fields' "Vision Statements" were harvested from their Candidate Websites and City Candidate videos.

Byron Shutz's Vision:  "Redmond's Mayor and City Council continue to lay the ground work for Redmond's next 100 years, and beyond. My email byline reads:   

Redmond -- a great place to live, work, and play for over 10,000 years -- all true, and keeping the long view in mind --the archaeological site on Bear Creek dates to over 10,000 years ago."  

As your Council member, I'll continue to work City aims to:  

• Serve each resident and visitor with respect, dignity, and trust.

• Collaborate regionally on all municipal issues, and continue my focus on strengthening ongoing human service infrastructures for every resident.

• Improve connections to area transportation and transit infrastructures - lightrail arrives in Overlake 2023 and Downtown in 2024.

• Connect our residents and businesses with regional aspirations and expectations.

• Facilitate transparency and continual improvement in collaboration among city, county and state services.

-- Byron Shutz's Candidate Website


Steve Fields' Vision:  "Build Community, not Just Buildings." 

Promote a Smart and Sharing City

Our quality of life is good, but as we’ve grown, we’ve been steadily losing ground. We can choose to be smarter and do a better job of managing our growth. This begins with reevaluating how we make our decisions and improve our current approaches and methods to be more inclusive and more comprehensive. Our best city planning resources are the people who live and work in Redmond. If elected, I will be an advocate for community involvement in determining what our city will look like and what amenities we will insist on.

Plan Growth with Innovative Ideas

Our buildings, streets, public gathering places should be placed to enhance our everyday lives and the beauty of our built and natural environment. We should not be stuck in traffic congestion every time we want to get somewhere. Our city government should be innovative, creative and thoughtful. We need to take the time to plan and understand what is best not just do what is quick and easy. I will ensure that Redmond uses the most advanced analytical tools and information to plan our growth with innovative ideas.

Osama Hamdan endorses Steve Fields for Redmond City Council

Osama Hamdan

The theme for my race for Redmond City Council was #ConnectingRedmond. I believe we need to prioritize better planning and more community parks in order to better connect our communities. Even though I am no longer a candidate, my priorities have not changed and I am actively looking to continue the efforts of #ConnectingRedmond.

While the results of the race did not get me into the general election, the results did make it very clear that voters are looking for change. Redmond is at a crossroads and the City Council needs to ensure it is making the right decisions for the residents it serves.

I have had the opportunity to meet with both Byron Shutz and Steve Fields to better understand their positions and how they align with my own vision. While I believe both candidates have the best intentions for our city, Steve Field’s vision is more aligned with my own and can help us be more focused on building the city we need.  Steve wants to “Build Community, not Just Buildings” and he aims to have the city be more engaged with the residents of the community.  These positions reflect the spirit of #ConnectingRedmond and have therefore led me to endorse Steve Fields for Redmond City Council Position 2. 

This November, I plan to vote for Steve Fields. I encourage supporters to do the same and help get Steve elected to the Redmond City Council. 

-- Osama Hamdan

Steve Fields candidate website

UPDATED: Steve Fields and Byron Shutz's preliminary positions on "transportation"

Campaign signs:  Let the games begin!

ADDRESSING THE TRANSPORTATION ISSUE:(AS FOUND ON CANDIDATE WEBPAGES AND FACEBOOK SITES)

"Redmond City Government MUST immediately take actions to improve our capability to move in and around our city centers and neighborhoods. We are growing past our capacity to handle the impact of traffic congestion with the current infrastructure and transit capabilities. This is an immediate priority. Our prosperity, health, and well-being greatly depends on the effort and time it takes to get to all those places that make our everyday lives enjoyable and successful.

Our downtown areas are very fragmented. We need to improve our spatial planning and make typical trips more convenient and less spread out.

There are also things we can do immediately to make things better such as investment in information technology to inform commuters on real-time traffic issues and placing better visual cues for drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians to improve traffic flow."

 -- Steve Fields transportation Issue statement on Mr. Field's candidate website

To find Mr. Shutz's position READ MORE >>

Cleveland Street two-way traffic expected soon -- candidate websites

Redmond  Way & 166th Ave NE Credit, Bob Yoder Council candidate comments on traffic are footnoted below Redmond, WA – The much-anticipated conversion to two-way travel on Downtown Redmond’s Cleveland Street and Redmond Way begins soon. Cleveland Street’s two-way travel is expected to start on Friday, September 8 and Redmond Way will follow on Tuesday, October 10. These dates are approximate and are subject to change due to unanticipated changes in weather or construction delays. The full project is expected to be complete by the end of the year. During this conversion, drivers should be alert, aware of traffic rerouting, and ongoing work by private developers. The work already completed at the eleven intersections includes utility improvements, new traffic signals, lighting, paving and sidewalk improvements, the addition of plazas near Anderson Park and much more. Cleveland Street is now Redmond’s signature “main street” with wide sidewalks inviting pedestrians and encouraging outdoor dining while Redmond Way will carry the majority of traffic as the main arterial through Downtown. Bear Creek Parkway and SR520 offer options for drivers who choose to bypass Downtown and the Redmond Central Connector urban trail provides a beautiful and quieter choice for bicyclists and pedestrians. These options, paired with the previous street connections at 161st Avenue NE and 164th Avenue NE, complete the City’s planned transportation grid in Downtown Redmond. Ongoing construction by private developers on the north side of Redmond Way will continue. Developers investing in the City of Redmond will be building the second westbound lane of Redmond Way east of 164th Avenue, improving remaining sidewalks and parking areas as well as completing frontage improvements.  Source: Lisa Mayer,  redmond.gov I scoured the Council candidate websites to find their positions on traffic: Steve Fields, Position 2:  Byron Shutz, Position 2 Jeralee Anderson, Position 6 Jason Antonelli, Position 6  Tanika Padhye, Position 4  Eugene Zakhareev, Position 4 Bob Y.

Steve Fields thanks community for high voter turnout

Credit:  down pour coffee bar

When I went to "down pour coffee bar" this morning I ran into Steve Fields, winner of the Primary for City Council Position 2. He asked me to thank everyone for the high voter turnout. The turnout  was over 35%!  Steve's wife, Roni, owns the cafe. I enjoyed an indescribable americano. The taste was something I've not found at "Charbucks" or any other cafe in Redmond. (Councilmember David Carson would love it.) Roni looked hard and wide to find the "Sleepy Monk" coffee roast from Cannon Beach, OR. It's a must sip!

Besides enjoying an awesome americano, down pour is a good place to meet Steve and tell him what's on your mind.  Steve's usually at the shop on Thursday's between 2 -4.  He can also be reached at 425-444-3188 or by e-mail at sjf13@comcast.net. His candidate website is www.ElectSteveFields.com.  He has an impressive site.

Byron Shutz is in the General Election as well. He's facing off to Steve for Position 2. According to the city website, Byron's e-mail is bschutz@rdmond.gov and phone number is 425-556-2143.  His website is: www.ShutzForCouncil.com. His vision for the city may catch your eye. Byron's very active with the Redmond Kiwanis; you can find him at most of their meetings and fundraisers.

Bob Yoder

UPDATED: "Ballotpedia"- Candidates Jinyoung Lee Englund and Manka Dhingra

Ballotpedia is an objective source of facts and news on the 45th District election and candidate

Jinyoung Lee Englund

https://ballotpedia.org/Jinyoung_Lee_Englund



Ballotpedia is also an objective source of facts and news for candidate
Manka Dhingra

 https://ballotpedia.org/Manka_Dhingra

UPDATED,6/19 Opinion: Vote for future-minded candidates

UPDATED:  Redmond City Council  is gripped by "The Master Builders of King and Snohomish Counties."  50% of the spend in the City Council Primary thus far has been sourced by the Master Builders PAC...all of it spent on campaign mailers and services supporting two "City Hall" candidates. 

The "Master Builders PAC states "There are many timely issues that directly impact the homebuilding industry - critical areas regulations, design review guidelines, permitting processes....etc."  Of course these "timely issues" ultimately revolve around profit (that's okay) but sometimes at serious compromise to our city look and feel.

With the Master Builder's concerns for the "timely issue of design review standards" it's no wonder our downtown is built-out with inexpensively designed "row-house" apartment buildings fronting our signature Leary Way Gateway.  We'll be living with and seeing this wall of box buildings for the next 100 years.

We need to elect candidates who are independent of developer "timely issues" and to support those few sitting council members willing to sacrifice their standing with the development community to do the right thing.

Bob Yoder

I was inspired to write this post by Jason Antonelli Position 6 and Steve Fields Position 2.   Councilman Hank Myers wrote an excellent letter in the Redmond Reporter defining the candidates as "City Hall"  and "outsiders." which inspired me.