News and opinion on local candidates running for office in 2011 -- LW Schools, Redmond, Evergreen, and KingCo.

UPDATED:  This post launches the beginning of Redmond Neighborhood Blog coverage on the November election and the candidates running.  The filing deadline to register for the ballot is June 10, less than 30-days away. 

I've prepared this  Election 2011 - Candidate News to keep you posted on the latest news on the candidates and citizens who are considering a run.  When you visit the blog you will find this link on the front page header.  It's updated regularly.

"Election 2011 - Candidate News" is also a resource for those interested in running for an office.  As of today, of the ten local seats are up for grabs only eight candidates have filed!
Click blue link to Read More >>

Redmond council approves $10 million bond for parks and open space land

Redmond City Hall



In their last Regular meeting, Redmond city council voted 5-2 to "approve $8.5M limited tax general obligation bonds - not to exceed $10M - to obtain part of the 2011 funds necessary for park and open space property acquisition."   The Downtown Park will consume most of these funds. Council President Richard Cole stated: 

"I'm not going to vote for this tonight".  "We have $120,000,000 debt in this city - about a half of that is for this building (City Hall); although the cost of financing here is now less than (the principal).  Two years ago we borrowed when the bidding climate was good, but this is above my threshold."

Councillor David Carson was the other vote against the bond "but for another reason".  Carson said " I mean...the bonds should be spent in favor of infrastructure for capital projects, not for land acquisition."

READ MORE >>

UPDATED: Much to do about the Mayor's salary

President Richard Cole
ran the salary review session

UPDATED:  The Mayor's salary for the next four calendar years will be $125,000, up from $106K.  Council made the decision 7-0 in their last meeting.  When you count a $6,000 annual car allowance the Mayor's total taxable compensation is $131,000. 

According to HR Director Kerry Sievers, "The Mayor's benefits package is approximately 30% ($39,300) of total compensation."  So, the mayor's  taxable compensation plus *benefits during the next mayoral term is $170,300/year.  He gets the same COLA as non-union staff.  (Do you think the Mayor is paid enough? to much? to little? Take the poll on the right).

As a reference, Councillor Stilin quoted the current highest paid city director salary at ~ $149,888.  Sievers said up to a 15% annual bonus may be awarded, plus benefits  Next year, this city director's compensation & benefits package could be as high as $224,082.

The Redmond Mayor is a "strong mayor" which means he is an elected representative AND the business manager of the city . The Mayor is Redmond's CEO.   In city council's January 11 Study Session, Councillor Hank Margeson said our mayor must be a professional and have special skill sets to be able to run the government.   Mayor Marchione has a Deputy City Administrator who manages city staff.  But, the Mayor stands at the helm, running regional and city affairs. 

Council President Cole, Carson, Stilin and other members agreed the Mayor's salary must be high enough to attract a professional CEO, but not too high owing to the job's subjective elements of public service and altruism.  (Altruism:  "unselfish regard for or devotion to the welfare of others".)   According to Mr. Cole, the filing deadline for candidates wishing to run for mayor is the first week of June, 2011.  Same for council.  READ MORE >>

Marchione Administration Proposes Job and Population Growth Targets

President Richard Cole

UPDATED:  Redmond City Council reviewed the Administration's proposed 2030 growth targets last week.   Council was told most new residential and job growth is planned for the Overlake and Downtown Urban Centers. SE Redmond is targeted for the most new employers.  Residential growth in the neighborhoods will be heaviest in North Redmond and Willows-Rose Hill.

Councillor Hank Margeson rattled off the Administration's plans for 6,000 new residents in eight years; that's 750 new residents/year with 1,075 new jobs by 2011.  Margeson asked staff:  "are we on course"?  Councillor Hank Myers said "it's clear to me we have capacity (for growth) without degrading lifestyle or quality of life."   Read more...

Read More

Finance Chair Hank Margeson Explains Why "Budgeting by Priorities" Works

I have a high very high opinion of Hank Margeson:  Councilmember Hank Margeson is presently Chair of the Public Administration and Finance Committee, with councilmembers Hank Myers and Kim Allen.  Hank presided in over 10 Budget meetings, and three Hearings.  In 2008 - 2009  Margeson Chaired the challenging Planning & Public Works Committee.  In addition, Hank holds the prestigious position as the city's Suburban Cities representative.  Hank lives with his wife Patti and their family on Education Hill, works full time in the insurance business, "lives to umpire!", and occasionally joins the Mayor and Parks & Trails Chair in a ball game.   Hank's letter is written in response to an email about the budget's cost-of-living adjustment.  Bob Yoder 

Finance Chair Hank Margeson

Dear Bob,

Thank you for your continued interest in the Budgeting for Outcomes (or Budgeting by Priorities) process. During the process of reviewing each of the citizen's priorities it was clear that in spite of challenging economic times, the City of Redmond's process was working. First, the budget offers were well prepared with an improved level of detail that enabled the results teams to rank offers. Second, the leadership team made some very difficult decisions while staying focused on the outcomes provided by each offer. The key to the BP process is to look for an outcome and then select or scale an offer to achieve the desired outcome.

Every budget offer was reviewed for scalability and where appropriate the offer was reduced to ensure a balanced budget was presented to Council. I can't say enough about how difficult this was as each department had positions eliminated. Read more....
READ MORE

UPDATED: Redmond Council To Hold Special Meeting on Budget

President Richard Cole (3rd from left)

UPDATED:  This evening, 11/30,  the Mayor is asking Council to review and possibly vote on the proposed budget and the Tax and Fee increases that are budgeted for the next two years (2011 -2012).  You may comment by email.


 PROPOSED TAX AND FEE INCREASES:
>  1% assessed property tax increase of $291,777
>  $2,980,533 Salary, Wages, Benefits increase includes 1% ($680,015) cost-of-living increase.
> 10% Water Rate increase for city
> 14% Water Rate increase for Novelty Hill Service Area
> 28% Wastewater Rate increase for Novelty Hill Service Area (2011 only)
> 4% Wastewater Rate increase for city.
> $240,000 Business License Fee increase (BITI)
> Stormwater Capital Impervious Unit Charges increase to: $8,539 (Overlake) and $5,435 (Downtown)
> Stormwater Capital Impervious Unit Charge for developers increase to $958/unit.
> Impact Fees on LWSD and private developers 1.64% (FIRE), 1.24% (PARKS)
> 50% reduction in the Flower Pot Program (open for reconsideration tomorrow)  Read More.

READ MORE >>

HAPPY HALLOWEEN FROM "REDMOND NEIGHBORHOOD BLOG" (RNB) !!

"Cannibal Pumpkter" as found on Patti Margeson's facebook
Carved by Pomegranate Bistro of Redmond 

HAPPY HALLOWEEN FROM "RNB" !!

Redmond Senior Center is open to "any age adults"

Hank Margeson

At last night's City Council Meeting, Councilmember Hank Margeson noted that the Redmond Senior Center is open to "any age adult"  - including late teens to early 20's.  He said this is not widely known.   

Fifty years and up qualifies one as a Senior with full access to the Center.  However, for late teens there are still many activities.  Some require the presence of a Senior; others don't.  Sign-in at the Front Desk.   

According to Terry Burke, Senior Center Manager, the outside area along the Sammamish Trail is a city park and is open to all.  Volleyball, horse-shoes, and pickle ball, badmitten, and shuffle board are open to the public, as are the picnic tables.  Check into the front desk for balls, rackets and horse shoes.  The Center has four indoor ping pong tables and three billiard tables.

Center hours are M-Th, 8:30 - 9 p.m. and Friday 8:30 - 4:30 p.m.   The Center is interested in attracting more 30-49 year-olds and is expecting most teens will attend the Teen Center.  The Redmond Senior Center is located at 8703 - 160th Ave NE.  Their website is being updated but has contact information and a brief listing of services.

RNB reported on adult teen and low 20's access to the Senior Science Center in August of 2009.  My story and pictures of the "outdoor park play area" are here. 

National "Take-Back Drug" Event In Redmond A Big Success!

Redmond Police Lobby Take-Back 

You may notice unwanted pharmaceuticals accumulating in your cabinet with "no place to go".   Recently, the State Attorney General said we are not to flush pharmaceuticals.  Yet, throwing them in the trash contaminates ground water; and they are a drug abuser's delight.   So how do we safely dispose of our unwanted pharmaceuticals?  The City of Redmond is working hard on this! 

Last Saturday, City Police participated  in a National "Take Back Drug" program with the Drug Enforcement Agency.  According to the two police officers on duty in the Public Safety Building Lobby the event was a success; over 100 citizens dropped off their unwanted pharmaceuticals.  When I visited a half hour before closing, the police pointed to a large brown box (18 inches X 48 inches) completely filled with drugs - going to the incinerator.

The National Take Back Program is a once a year event.   But, other local organizations will take-back your drugs.   The Sammamish Police Department has a lock-box and accepts controlled drugs.  Group Health - Redmond (425-882-6150) and Bartell Drug - Bridal Trails (425-881-5544) take-back all but controlled drugs.  A Group Health -Redmond pharmacist recommended mixing the controlled drugs with water and coffee grounds. 

Sherry Grindeland, spokesperson for Evergreen (Public) Hospital says Evergreen  won't take-back drugs for the community, writing: 

"Hospitals have to follow certain protocols when they discard outdated drugs. We are required by law to have them destroyed and it is quite expensive. (I didn't ask exact amount.) We give them to a company that specializes in this and they're incinerated at extremely high temperatures.

The pharmacists I talked to said the best way to dispose of drugs was to mix them with kitty litter --- USED kitty litter - and put them in your household trash. Yuk!"  7/23

Read More >>

A Letter from Councilmember Hank Margeson encouraging safe disposal of unwanted prescriptions.

The City of Redmond is sponsoring a "drug drop-off" program this Saturday (10-2) at the Redmond Police Department Lobby.  Councilmmember Hank Margeson has been working hard for more than two years to form and  implement these programs. 

Here's what Hank has to say....

Hi Bob,

YES!  The Saturday drug drop-off  program is really great news. I had intended to write to you to put it on your blog, but was busy doing Safeco's work during the day and then stopped by the house to change before visiting Gold's Gym to get in a heavy workout. And to my delight, you wrote to me!

The drug drop-off program adds to the options our residents now have to safely dispose of unused and unwanted prescriptions. Most important, it offers the option to securely dispose of controlled substances, no questions asked. We need to keep educating everyone to avoid flushing (except in rare circumstances) drugs down the drain and ending up in our streams, rivers, lakes and the Sound. If dropping off isn't a good option for some, I encourage them to follow the guidance provided by Attorney General Rob McKenna, mix the unused prescriptions in a zip lock bag along with used coffee grounds or kitty litter and put them in the trash.

Taking a step back, while this is a one day event, the momentum seems to be moving in the right direction in terms of safely and securely disposing of prescriptions. Who knows what the future holds in terms of additional options drug disposal options.

Thanks for keeping this in your Blog!

On an unrelated note, are you hearing anything from your readership on Backyard Chickens?

Take Care,

Hank
 
Details on Saturday's drug-drop off program

On Chickens:  http://redmondcity.blogspot.com/2010/09/city-may-revisit-backyard-chicken.html

Rain Didn't Blurr "The Redmond Central Connector" Visioning Event




This citizen is totally engaged in her Catbird Seat during her "visioning" interview.   I wonder what she is saying?  

Despite rain, the turnout for the Redmnd Central Connector "Visioning Event" on September 15 was  pretty good.   People clung to their positions under the tents while city planners and consultants answered questions.  The event was held on a large green space separate from the Connector, but close-by.  It was interactive.  People got to leave comments, sketches, and drawings on the exhibit "white board" table paper.  The sandwiches were good.

Lots of questions were answered.   Some were not.  Bev, a Redmond Arts Commissioner has an interest in bringing "green" and "interactivity" into the Art in the Connector (a linear park).  A city arts consultant suggested using art themes to connect the entire linear park.  Another consultant pointed out the nearby "Heron Rookery" as a unique Gateway feature next to the Connector.

One citizen had concerns of the "Wall" effect from the large, boxed apartment buildings.  A Berger consultant agreed that the Connector appears to have it's back to the apartments.  Discussion ensued with an agreement that future buildings near the Connector should blend and flow like a river rather than look as a ditch.

The City Council had a study session on the Central Connector the night before, but many still showed up.  Hank Margeson, Hank Myers, Pat Vache' and Mayor Marchione were all available.

Reported By Bob Yoder
Photo by Yoder

City may revisit the backyard chicken ordinance

Redmond resident, Ms. Dennis, asked the city last night to take a second look at our "backyard animal ordinance".   She spoke during the public comment period to City Council, specifically about the value of backyard hens to sustainability and health. 

Ms. Dennis reminded Council of the widespread salmonella contamination to chicken eggs nationwide this year.  According to a New York Times article of 8/27/2010 more than 1500 infections have been tied to bad eggs since May - the highest incidence since FDA studies began in 1973. 

Ms. Dennis trumped many of the common objections to backyard chickens.  Salmonella contamination is uncommon with organic eggs.  Referring to neighboring city ordinances, she proposed council approve up to three backyard hens, no roosters; saying noise is limited in the absence of roosters.  She said rats and insects follow people.  People will dogs and cats must clean up; just as one does for hens.  

Councilwoman Allen  agreed completely with Ms. Dennis saying she is aware of the widespread outbreak of salmonella in eggs and has always endorsed the sustainability concept.  Ms. Allen was Chair of the Safety Council Committee.  Council Finance Chair, Hank Margeson agreed wholeheartedly with Ms. Allen and Ms. Dennis.  Council Safety Chair Meyers was positive, as well.

The Council needs four votes to proceed with an ordinance change and they've got three now.   Who do you think is a 4th aye?   Senior Councilman Richard Cole used to have backyard horses.  Councilman Carson said his wife would vote for the hens, but that he still needed to think on it.  You can lobby council.  Email: council@redmond.gov.

Reported By Bob Yoder
Photo from Google images

Click:  "Redmond Neighborhood Blog" Facebook page for comments.

NAMI Newsletter announces new Mental Health Court in Issaquah

Preface:   Councilmember Hank Margeson pushed hard for an Eastside  Mental Health Court during his "Leadership Eastside" training project.  I believe John Marchione also worked on this project.   BY

The Issaquah branch of the new King County District Regional Mental Health Court held its grand opening on July 9th. This Court represents an effort to effectively increase cooperation between the mental health treatment system and the criminal justice system — two systems that have traditionally not worked closely together.

The Mental Health Court aims to reduce recidivism (the repeated or habitual relapse into criminal or antisocial behavior patterns) and improve access to public mental health treatment services for persons
with mental illnesses who find themselves in the criminal justice system. By reaching these goals, the
safety of the general public will be improved. 

READ MORE   about the Mental Health Court and  the latest NAMI-Eastside educational and workshop events.

GO HERE  for the Issaquah Press Online article about the Court and Eastside Leadership's involvement.

Submitted By Clark Graves
National Alliance of the Mentally Ill,  NAMI - Eastside
Photo courtesey of Issaquah Press - Commissioner Kathy Lambert and NAMI'S Mike Rynas in photo.

Residential Neighborhoods Are Subsidizing Stormwater Costs of Private Developments

UPDATED:  The Redmond Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is many things to many people.  DNR is division of Public Works, the largest department in the city.  Our utility bill pays for DNR's stormwater management costs and if you didn't notice, our rates have increased dramatically over the past few years.

Council recently held a study session on our Utility rates.  Council was pleased with the value DNR brings to sustainability of our environment; however, Councilman Cole complained Redmond has the #1 stormwater rate in the area.  For example, Bellevue's stormwater rate is less than half our rate.

Much of our high rate is attributable to a grandiose plan to build spend  $90,000,000 on two regional stormwater facilities - in Overlake and Downtown.   Commercial and high rise development costs will be significantly less since they will not have to build their own facilities or use their land.   Council, obviously pro-business, decided several years ago that the residential rate-payer would front most of these facilities costs, including the very high cost of  land acquisition.

Over-prescribing and inadequate disposal of pharmaceuticals hurts our kids

Growing numbers of neighbors, schools, and local governments have serious concerns about the dangers of keeping unused pharmaceuticals in our medicine cabinets and  later flushing them down the toilet.   For one, drugs like estrogen, anti-depressants, ibuprofen, and antibiotics, when flushed, enter our water supply.  They have been found to change the sex of small fish and some can never be removed from our water supply.

An overriding concern is the ready availability of controlled substances like hydrocodone, oxycontine, and demerol -- getting into the hands of children, students, contractors, and even house guests.  According to USA Today "prescription drugs are more accessible to teens than beer". 

My experience shows doctors tend to over-prescribe pain-killers - out of habit, convenience and/or favor to their patients.   Over-prescribing contributes to substance abuse and disposal issues.    Example 1:  An oral surgeon pulled my daughter's four wisdom teeth and  prescribed 20 tabs of Hydrocodone 500M ("Vicodin") and 25 tabs of Ibufrofen 600mg.  But, she only used 10 tabs of the Hydrocodone.  (Some mothers refuse to give their kids any Hydrocodone, but the doctors still prescribe it in advance).  When I called the office nurse about it, she told me "larger adults can take more."  What does that mean? The doctor wouldn't return my call.  

Example 2:  I found 11 tabs remaining of a 20 tab prescription of Vicodin prescribed by an Urgent Care physician for a shoulder pain.  Example 3:  28 of 40 expired Demeral tablets were found.  I lock controlled substances in a safe.  The examples in my house show our doctors prescribed twice as much controlled pain medication as my family needed.

So where do we dispose of these unused pharmaceuticals?   I spent half a day figuring it out.  Not one pharmacy I visited would take back the controlled substances.   Most pharmacies refer you to Bartell Drug at Bridle Trail Village (425-881-5544).  They have excellent service and advice.  Bartell's take your non-addictive pharmaceuticals and incinerate them.  Both Bartell and Group Health (425-882-6150) recommend you to throw controlled substances in the trash, ground up with water and coffee grounds.  Group Health will dispose your non-addictive drugs in a locked container per their "take back program".   I called Evergreen Hospital.  They are looking into it.  

The QFC pharmacist recommended flushing controlled substances like Vicodin and OxyContin down the toilet, per FDA advisory.  She referred me to Redmond's Group Health "take-back" program.    She also recommended pouring both non-addictive and controlled medications into a sealable plastic bag, crushing it and adding water and then add coffee grounds.  I think the best website to visit for advice is http://www.safedrugdisposalnw.org/ .  They don't recommend flushing any pharmaceuticals. 

Redmond Councilman Hank Margeson has a keen interest in this problem and is working on it.  Redmond Councilman Hank Myers is interested.  Perhaps we can help Hank and encourage our State Representatives,  candidates, and health care providers to take action?

Report and Opinion by Bob Yoder

Redmond Council confirms Ron Gibson for City Police Chief

At its April 27 meeting, the Redmond City Council confirmed Mayor John Marchione's choice for City Police Chief, Ron Gibson, currently the Deputy Chief of Colorado Springs, CO (population 418,076).

"Throughout the interview process, Ron displayed the characteristics and traits required of a director on my management team," stated Mayor Marchione. "His leadership and management skills, along with excellent interpersonal skills, will make him a valuable addition to the City's Police Department and the community."

Councilmember Dave Carson said,  "The thing I took away from our first meeting was you are just personable and I think people really want to see that.... We were just really impressed with your demeanor your skills and background....and your personality."

Councilmember Hank Margeson said, "This police force you are about to take over is one of the elite, in my mind, not only in the state but in the nation.  I couldn't think of a better candidate to help lead those many, many leaders that we have on the streets making critical decisions every day...."

Councilmember John Stilin said:  "I like to make things pretty personal for me, and I would want to work for you.  When I heard you talk about how you would grow people -- it's something that I heard from a former boss that I had.  He called it "Sandbox Theory":  you give people a place to play, you tell them to kinda go and do the best they can do and you come up with solutions and you let them run."

Councilmember Pat Vache' appreciated Ron's "inclusiveness, openness, and getting community involved -- I think that matches well with the department we have now... and  learning how to get continuously better."

Councilmember Hank Myers is Chair of the Public Safety Committee and will interact with Chief Gibson extensively over the next 20 months. Mr. Myers commented about Gibson's "history of interaction with the community, human service agencies,  non profits,  civic agencies community agency to help  broaden the appeal and the cooperation between police department and community."

After the Council confirmation, Richard Cole, City Council President remarked, "The process to hire a new Police Chief took just over one year and has been well worth the time."

Mr. Gibson holds a Bachelor's degree in Sociology from Colorado State University, a Masters of Criminal Justice from the University of Colorado and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and the Center for Creative Leadership.   Mr. Gibson will relocate to Redmond and begin his position as Redmond's Police Chief in June.

By Bob Yoder
Source:   Council Meeting tapes & city press release

Annual Horace Mann Pancake fundraiser not so ordinary!

HORACE MANN PTSA ANNUAL
PANCAKE BREAKFAST FUNDRAISER

Dad's have to get up at  5:30 a.m. to start whipping up the batter.  (Moms sleep in?) 

The grill is just outside the school kitchen.  Other dads are in back frying up some bacon and cutting orange wedges. 

This year the gate opened at 7 a.m. The kids were treated to ring-side seats of the Greatest Saturday Morning City Show On Earth!

A large contingent of police and fire workers turned-out!  They all bought tickets to support the PTSA and fill up on cakes.  Then John Marchione, our Mayor, stepped in.  Four  councilmembers came too!  On the left with hat, is Council VP Pat Vache', Mayor John Marchione is in the middle and on the right is John Stilin - our newest councilmember.  Mr. Stilin brought his two sons.  He's the Council Chair of Parks & Trails.  Not seen is Council President Richard Cole and Councilmember Hank Margeson.  Hank Chairs the Finance Committee.  Hank had to leave early to get to a baseball  Referee Certification Progam.   Hank informed us about the breakfast when he announced the event on RC-TV during a council meeting. Thanks, Hank!

The kids got a huge bonus when the fire trucks stopped by.  "Hey, this is better than chocolate milk"!

I can't remember my daughter Lexie ever sitting down with her pancakes to an event of this proportion.  Wow.  What a treat!

The PTSA mom's were happy, too!   

By Bob Yoder
Photos by Yoder

Do any other Horace Mann parents remember these times?   Do you want to share a memory?  Or, comment on the fundraiser experience of your school? 

Last night's performance by Redmond's poet laureate draws attention.

  

Comment: The short soundbites of poetry recorded by FOX 13 do no service to our poet laureate's literary art. I hope the city will produce a VIDEO that shows the true value and meaning of Rebecca's artistry. 

I really wanted to see our new poet laureate, Rebecca Merideth.  My wife and I rushed from our workout at the R.A.C. last night to get Soulfood Bookstore by 7:30.  We arrived just in time to hear Rebecca read a poem and talk about her new part time job as Redmond's poet laureate.  I was moved by her reading, enough that I'd like to have it in writing to share with my daughter.  Every seat was taken in Soulfood with a mixture of older adults and some children.  Other known poets read at open mic.

We noticed the Channel 13 Fox news van was just outside, but we missed their interviews.  Back at home, Pam shouted:  "the Fox news show is on!"  After some talk about the scarcity and cost of poet laureates in Washington Councilmember Hank Margeson was interviewed.  Rebecca gave answers to the program's purpose and meaning.  read the complete Channel 13 Fox story.

It was announced Rebecca is planning to read at Redmond High School.   She works M-TH so Friday may be the day for many of her public performances.   The Mayor had to attend a PTSA meeting at Einstein El. so couldn't make it.  Councilmember John Stilin (former Arts Commission Chair) was gone, preparing for "ONE NIGHT COUNT THE HOMELESS".  John is on the 1AM - 5:30PM shift.

By Bob Yoder

Spotlight on Redmond Councilmember Hank Margeson

Spotlight on Hank Margeson,  Education Hill neighbor and Redmond City Councilmember

OPINION:  In many respects: Hank is Redmond.  You may pass him on the Power Line Trail walking his dog Dizzie.  Or find him umpiring a baseball game at Hartman Park, or touring Perrigo Heights development with concerned citizens.  One day, Hank tipped me about a black bear his friends saw at RHS.  Patti and Hank have donated hours to Farrel McWirther Park's Pony Club. 

I bump into Hank all the time.  We've met at the first Digital Arts exhibit, the Sonic Forest event, a Leadership Eastside conference and neighborhood meetings. Hank and Patti raised two children in LWSD schools; he worked the phones for past Levy Committees.  He cares deeply about our schools.  At Christmas time we always drive through their neighborhood and enjoy their manger scene and lights.

Hank's work output is phenomenal.  He has two "full time jobs" -  Safeco and Council!  Hank was recently promoted at Safeco (or is it now called Liberty Mutual)?  He was recently appointed Council Chair of Public Administration and Finance.  Two years prior, he took on the big job of chairing Planning and Public Works. Hank is also current Chairperson for the Redmond Disability Board.

On top of his regular job and Council work, Hank took the reigns from Concilmember Cole to represent Redmond to the Suburban Cities Association Policy Issues Committee (PIC) in 2009.  This is a huge job - by importance and work load.   PIC works on regional growth management issues.  In addition, this month  Mr. Margeson was appointed Redmond's "alternate" to the Cascade Water Alliance board.  Cascade Water is building a pipe to supply water from the mountains to eastside cities. 

How did Hank attain such heights of community leadership?    1)  He has a Masters in Public Administration, 2) is a baseball pal with Mayor John Marchione,  3) a four-year volunteer on the Parks & Trails Commission and 3) three-year volunteer on the Education Hill Citizens Advisory Committee.  4)  is on the Recruiting Committee of  "Leadership Eastside" and 5) was a Redmond West Little League board member.  He takes leadership positions in almost everything he does.

Hank Margeson's myriad of leadership experiences attest to his acumen for leadership and consensus-building on Council.  I'm posting his picture so you will recognize him around town.  Will you wave hi to Hank next time you see him?  I guarantee you'll be rewarded with a smile, in the least.  You can also watch Hank on Channel 21 TV Tuesday's, at 7:30pm or read the Minutes of his Finance meetings low on this side bar.  Contact Mr. Margeson at:  hmargeson@redmond.gov 

OPINION by Bob Yoder

Updated EDITORIAL: I'm taxed out.

Updated, 12/4:  As the holiday season comes upon us, so does the tax season.  Unfortunately, all of our local governments but Evergreen Hospital District  (presently $.24/ 1000) will have their hands out to the taxpayers, at a terrible economic time when we can least afford it.  For perspective, one in four children and one in eight adults are living on food stamps in America.

Watch Redmond citizen J.P. Panesko's forceful 4 minute challenge to the council and mayor requesting spending cuts. The Mayor was noticeably shaken. (advance the video to minute 5:50).

The Lake Washington School District levies and bond measure would raise taxes on an average assessed home by $294 over four years (2010 - 2014); the remainder of the bond ($234 million) is paid down like a mortgage.  The King County Redmond Library would lift the lid on taxes about $40/year for the average home in the school district ($505,000).  If this isn't enough, the Redmond City Council last night approved an ordinance levying a 1% property tax increase commencing January 1, 2010!   My cup has overflowed.  (Though the Evergreen Hospital levy is not a measure this year, taxpayers  currently pay $121.20 for a  home  per year within the LW school district.)

Councilmember Cole claimed the levy funds ($13.25/year/house) were "necessary to keep the city running, especially public safety."  OMG.  The Mayor claimed the city's "long range slow and steady position is Redmond's salvation".  Like a squirrel stuffing his cheeks for a winter?   Councilmember Myers even joined the herd, claiming the ~ $360,000 levy was a very small increase but it can be used to "attract the best and brightest" employees. (In THIS economy?)  Thousands of of qualified workers in Redmond are hungry for work, myself included. 

Councilmember McCormick claimed the $359,198 levy is "tiny", then went on to strike every nerve in my body.   Ms. McCormick  implied the city uses the money to cover rising costs of employee health insurance (!), buy $200,000 traffic signals, and pay employee salaries.  My Oh My!  Many citizens don't have even  basic health insurance.  Some none.  Others, pay $1000/month just for premiums.  Enough said.

Madam President. Mr. Mayor. Have you ever considered implementing salary freezes where you can or cutting COLA's til the worst is over?   It happens all the time. Here's a kinder choice than salary cuts:  One percent of all public works projects goes to pay for art installation on city construction sites -- whether it's a new manhole cover or under a bridge! 

Yes, you now have cap measures on Executive performance bonuses. But, are they implemented?  Yes, the Mayor's salary is substantially below market compared to LWSD Superintendent Kimball and CEO Brown of Evergreen Hospital.  But, does the Mayor's "salary freeze" justify uninterrupted, slow and steady annual salary increases for your employees?   Yes, you've cut 19 jobs, four of them yesterday.  But weren't over nine of them contracted Microsoft workers?  

Praise to the three councilmembers voting against the levy ordinance -- Pat Vache', Kim Allen, and David Carson.  Councilmember Pat Vache' is truly attuned to the business and neighborhood communities.  Vache' commended the Mayor on achieving $2.6M in 'innovative' cuts.  Yet, he claimed the dire state of the economy changed everything and "what is nice to do is not really necessary" under the circumstances.  He wisely noted procedures were in place to tap money in response to an "event".

(NOTE, 1/2/11 - Vache voted FOR the 1% property tax this 2011-12 budget cycle and Myers voted against it). 

While I am not against most of these measures,  I'm taxed out.  How about you?

by Bob Yoder