A Parent's Notes on the School Board's levy/bond vote

OPINION:  Updated 12/13.  The Lake Washington School District Board of Directors  approved Superintendent Kimball's proposal for two Levies (#2044, #2045) and one Bond (#2046) at their Regular Meeting on 11/23.   A citizen levy committee is currently promoting the resolutions to the community.  The LWSD Press Release on the School Board's decision is here.   (photo is a "public work study session").

The School Board of Directors are elected by over 102,000 active voters.  I thought you'd be interested in what our representatives had to say.
The School Board of Directors and Superintendent "commented" on the three funding proposals for about 38 minutes. (The public wasn't invited to comment).  Superintendent Kimball had the most to say by far.  You can watch the website meeting video archive here.  I couldn't find any comments from the Directors on the website or local print media.  My notes and some quotes from the tape are, as follows:

Four of  five Directors were present for quorum.  Director Ravi Shahani's absence was excused.  Mr. Shahani's district includes the "Education Hill Schools", Einstein, Redmond El, Rush, Audubon, Rosa Parks,Wilder, and Lake Washington High.

Dr. Kimball made it clear to the viewing public the funding review work was not done "behind smoke filled rooms."  Chip rattled off some "statistically reliable" survey numbers.  More on this another time.

After Kimball reviewed the facts and benefits of his proposal,  Director Doug Eglington (Sammamish)   kicked off the "comment session".  Mr. Ellington referred to polling data from State School Directors Conference:  1) the public feels state public education is on solid ground and performance is good but, 2) anti-tax sentiment is probably higher than it's ever been in fifteen years, 3)  recommended including the Bond measure with the levies. 

Director Nancy Bernard (Kirkland) thanked Chip Kimball and staff for their hard work on the measures.  She said it was a "huge public process".   Some other comments:   1)  how hard it is to go out for a bond in our current economic situation. 2) but, it's more economical to deal with school modernization now rather than later, 3) Juanita High needs to be modernized, 4) going to four-year high schools will reduce the need for two more elementary schools, 5)  staff and the board "didn't go for everything"; that "according to Focus Groups or whatever you call  them and the other work that was done" the proposal offers less than what some wanted. 
  
Director Chris Carson (Kirkland) commented that 1) going to four-year high schools is "revenue neutral", 2) that you either grow 3-year high schools or go to 4-year schools, 3)  that it doesn't influence the amount of money in the bond.   Kimball concurred and expanded.  Earlier, representative Carson asked staff to look at the ballot and try to keep the three measures as consistent with one another as possible.

President and Director Jackie Pendergrass (Kirkland) had an issue with finding enough land for the elementary schools.  (Without the bond approval additional elementary schools would have to be built).  She reiterated the levies have to be renewed, like a magazine subscription, or they lose the money.

Director Doug Eglington finished by saying:  1)  The levies used to pay for innovative upgrades and today levies are required just to support ongoing basic education.  (Kimball agreed and emphasized the state is "not fulfilling their constitutional duty".)  2)  school construction would create jobs, stimulate the economy and generate school sales taxes.

I noticed a few of omissions in the voting process that seem serious.   The Board's Motion, Second and Vote to approve Resolutions 2044, 2045, and 2046 never took place.   At minute 26 of the video, Mr. Ellington made a motion "to approve the package" seconded by Ms. Bernard but the Board never voted on the motion!  The only vote the Board made (12 minutes later) was on a Pendergrass motion to allow for changes and consistency in language.  That's it!  Go to the 11/23 meeting video and see for yourself.   Advance to minute 26-27 and minute 37 to see for yourself.   (No need to download staff's Silverlite program!). 

by Bob Yoder

LWSD November 23 Press Release -  School Board funding approval. 
The November 23 Meeting "Packet" -

LWSD Administration's published proposal omits $124 in taxes /house.

"The total of all three measures would increase the total tax paid on a home with the average assessed value in the district from $1444 in 2010 to $1606 in 2011."

-- LWSD Superintendent's levy/bond proposal to the School Board.  

What the District doesn't tell you in their press release is that additional taxes totaling $124/house will be assessed over the next three years.  $47 (2012), $41 (2013), $36 (2014). 

Opinion by Bob Yoder

Attempted child luring reported in Redmond

Attempted child luring reported in Redmond KOMO News

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.

UPDATE, 12/01/2009

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 $1448 in 2010 in 2014 to $1742.  (This is a total increase of $294 over four years.)

The Administration later revised their website news with the same date to:

"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."  11/24

The 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

King County Library System - Proposition 1 would cost the average homeowner $32/year.

King County Library System - Proposition 1 - on the February 9 ballot

Washington State Basic Health can't keep up...

The wait list for Washington State's Basic Health Plan now exceeds enrollment (more)  http://bit.ly/1Jr3qT

Slavic property owners plead case to save their Overlake office park.

OPINION:  PART II:  The City Council Meeting of 11/17 was a Big Show.  Emigrant Slavic (mostly Russia) and Egyptian citizens turned out in record numbers.  It was standing room only at City Hall.  Egyptian citizens were asking to extend a sewer line on church land not annexed by the City; the Russian citizens came to protect their "Limited Edition" office park from being destroyed by a Public Works project.

The City has a grand plan to build an gigantic underground regional stormwater treatment facility in Overlake.  It would the size in volume of two city halls!  The Sears parking lot is probably one of the best locations for the facility from a stormwater engineering perspective.  However, in my opinion, the city is now looking at the Limited Edition and seven other sites should the Sears deal fall through.  Doubtful. 

In any event, the Limited Edition Slavic office owners and workers stormed City Hall to plead their case.  They've even brought along an engineer and planning/policy experts to assist and persuade Council.     

The eighteen Limited Edition buildings are individually managed by 13 owners.  The office park has 32 businesses and generates 400 jobs. The park has two churches.  "Elana" described her Russian church as costing $700,000 to change the use to a church and $2M for remodeling.  They rent the building to a Spanish Church and may rent to a Taiwanese Church.  A language school for kids operates out of their community center.  A couple of doctors gave their case about losing their practices.  Of significance, a Russian woman said their "only competition was a parking lot."  I think this speaks volumes.  What do you think?   

In all it was an emotional display by an immigrant minority that I never knew lived, worked, and played in Redmond.  Did you know about this Slavic enclave?  I can't ever imagine the City Council would allow these small businesses to be uprooted.  Certainly not Councilmember Pat Vache' - an avid proponent for small business.  What do you think? 

A public Community Meeting is tentatively planned for the third week of January.  Contact the mayor's office  mayor@redmond.gov for the exact date, location, and time.

The LWSD Surplus Technology Equipment Sale!

Agendas, Information Packets and Minutes for present and future School Board Meetings and Study Sessions

If you haven't yet found that perfect, reasonably priced holiday gift, you may want to try the Lake Washington School District.  That's right!  In the near future, the District (425-882-5100) may be releasing some of their surplus technology equipment for sale to the general public.

The SCHOOL BOARD approved "Surplus Material and Equipment" Resolution No. 2047 at their Regular Meeting, 11/23.

"A large portion of the surplus items include district furniture and equipment due to ongoing modernizations, computers due to ongoing staff and student upgrades and textbooks.  It will be offered for sale/redistribution through RCW 28.A.335.180.  This could include providing technology equipment to indigent students, sales to other private and public schools and sale to the general public and/or disposal."  - LWSD Board Meeting packet, 11/23 (page 10).

For more information, try rlandis@lwsd.org or call the District. 

A few of the surplussed items:

Camcorder (64 units)  CD burner (11)  Computers, Compaq & HP (262)  Digital Cameras (127)

Document Camera (127)  Laptops (10)  Monitors (196)  Printers, HP (95)  Printers, Xerox (47)

Proliant Servers, Compaq & HP (11)  Video Editing Decks (13)  Refrigerators, small (LOT)

Popcorn machine (3)  Filing cabinets (LOT)  Ice Cream Machine (1) Lathes (3) Chairs, adult (LOT)

Basketball Backboards (4) Drillpress (Rockwell 15-017) 1  Band Saw (1)  Bookcase (LOT)

What do you need? 

by Bob Yoder

CC:  LWSD Administration

Microsoft's private shopping mall.

Microsoft Commons: It’s a Mall World After All

The Sonic Forest

Link to more information

Part I - Over 250 Russian and Egyptian citizens turn-out at recent City Hall meeting.

The last City Council meeting (11/17) could be labeled "organized chaos", "a monster meeting", "history in the making".   For Mayor John Marchione it was a home run.  One of  Marchione's Budget priorities is to "build a sense of community and connections with others" and to measure it by counting  turnout at council meetings. Probably, close to 300 citizens showed up!  See for yourself  here.

Two items of  "new business" caused the high turnout;  the Christian Egyptians of NE Rose Hill and the Russians of Overlake, trying to establish their cultures and connect their citizenship to the Greater Redmond community.  (Coptic church painting on left).

More than half  were members from St. George Coptic Orthodox Church - a growing, peaceful community of Christian Egyptians seeking  freedom from religious prosecution in America.   The *church members came to Council seeking a sewer line extension to service a new church they've planned in NE Rose Hill.  The project site is on county land planned for annexation.  The annexation currently has 59% election approval: it needs 60% approval for annexation into Redmond.

Councilmember Richard Cole laid the hammer down referring to Redmond's long-standing urban growth boundary policy denying city sewer extensions into the County.  Mayor Marchione summed up the Council's decision stating:

"We welcome the St. George Coptic Church into the community, but this in not the vehicle in which  to do it.  The vehicle is through annexation."

Greater Redmond christian Egyptian immigrants may not have achieved the immediate infrastructure connection they had hoped, but they made significant progress towards connecting their culture and building our Greater Redmond community.

* Members of the Coptic church presently holds services in space leased from Rev. Tim White's, Washington Cathedral.   Rev. White addressed the Council speaking in support of the church community.

The Russian community of Overlake story will be presented in Part II, above this one.

by Bob Yoder

Ordinance approved, 12/14  http://redmond.gov/insidecityhall/citycouncil/20091215pdfs/AM09296.pdf

Redmond Natural Resources Dept. hits a home run with their Bear Creek Water Treatment Facility.

Swale behind Safeway parking lot

Bear Creek riparian will be restored

Have you heard about the proposed Bear Creek Wetland Facility behind Safeway?  The facility will treat and clean the dirty stormwater running from the Bear Creek Plaza parking lots and roof-tops (eight acres).  Currently, the filthy stormwater is virtually untreated and piped directly into the Creek!  This trashy, warm water is loaded with toxic heavy metals, asbestos, oils, and chemicals.  The creek's endangered salmon are bothered, to say the least.

When the location of the stormwater facility site was pointed out by a city stormwater manager I felt instant relief.   The facility is long and skinny strip of land, like a sliver, and only three feet deep.  Best of all, it's west of the blacktop 'trail' nowhere near the creek or it's beautiful riparian vegetation!

The new stormwater facility will function like a wetland as it treats run-off by filtration!  It won't be smelly or full of weeds.  It will probably be dry in the summer and most of the year.  The city natural resources dept. (DNR) will enhance and restore the area with plant and trees.  If you drive behind Safeway you'll see a row of large Ceder trees. DNR has found a way to keep all those trees!  They're not hitting home runs on this project.  They're hitting a Grand Slams!

But there's more!  What's the good of a beautiful urban salmon stream habitat if the public can't enjoy and learn from it?   Upon recommendation from Park/Trails commissioners (new and old), a barked foot-trail looped to a large salmon-viewing boulder is planned.  Bear Creek Plaza shoppers can take a break on the trails and learn about the local habitat.

My only regret?  The city didn't involve the public in this environmentally friendly project from the start.  A decent map delineating the Safeway store, parking lots and hard surface trail would have gone a long way towards understanding the site location.  A statement in the Notice or a flyer explaining the use and value of a wetland facility would help.  This DNR project is something to be proud of, not hide from. I hope public education will come earlier on future high visibility City stormwater treatment projects.

In the end, the city was extremely informative and accommodating and I am most thankful!   Our Department of Natural Resources is great!   DNR, thank you for improving Bear Creek water quality!   Does a reader want to comment?

by Bob Yoder    

Part III: Greater Redmond Chamber of Commerce: Leadership

The Beaverton and Hillsboro Chambers of Commerce in Oregon push above and beyond  the boilerplate chamber tenets of 1) promoting community, 2) fostering a vibrant local economy, 3) representing and supporting business, and 4) networking and referrals.

The Hillsboro Chamber mission impliments "relevant business education" to youth.  (Part II).  The Beaverton Chamber of Commerce "builds community leaders"..

The Beaverton Chamber of Commerce started "Leadership Beaverton" in l997.  Their mission statement is "To develop a diverse network of visionary civic and business leaders who act in accordance with the principles of community-centered stewardship."   

Leadership Beaverton (LB) grew from a desire for more knowledgeable volunteers, board members, and elected officials in the city.   LB's purpose is to provide training so that better decisions are made in the community.  Topics discussed include:  Beaverton history, government, human services and quality of life.  Twenty-five citizens attend class one full day/month every year from September to May.  Each student completes a community project.  (Their twenty-five graduates per year are substantially greater than either Redmond program.) - Beaverton Chamber website

Two leadership programs are available to Redmond citizens:

1)  A brief  "City College" program taught by staff to whomever signs up.  I think (not sure) the "college" opens every election year.  Topics include lessons on the various city departments:  Planning & Public Works, Parks & Human Services, Finance, Human Resources, etc.  A community service project is not required.  I'm not aware of graduates joining a commission.   If anyone knows, please comment.

2)  Past Leadership Eastside (LE) graduates are Mayor Marchione (prior to council), one councilmember, an arts commissioner and a non-profit leader.  The problem is, the program cannot keep up with the needs of the community.  This year, a commissioner (and future councilmember) and a promoted deputy fire chief signed, but the city still in a very serious crunch for qualified commissioners.  

According to a Beaverton Chamber officer, "Beaverton Leadership" has 287 graduates with at least 50% now serving as boards, commissions, and non-profits in some capacity.  Two graduates sought and won city council seats, and the current Mayor (was on city council) went through the program.  Five graduates ran for state office. One County Commissioner graduated. 

It's quite clear the Chamber of Commerce model for developing and enriching leaders works!  Our Greater Redmond of Chamber Commerce can learn from Beaverton on how to  "promote community" by fostering leadership.

by Bob Yoder

Jeff Johnson’s cartoons add sizzle to the Redmond Reporter

Johnson’s cartoon enhance newspaper 

by Bob Yoder

Sammamish Trails Boy Scouts volunteer on projects to enhance riparian habitat and clean residential stormwater.

Hi John and Bob- The Council’s 100th anniversary team is (finally) beginning to follow up with all the service project requests. We realize of course that this is long overdue, and we are grateful for your patience as the service project team is a work in progress.

It turns out you both requested the same project and I’ve contacted Peter Holte at City of Redmond Public Works and he’s suggested that we wait until early next year and throughout the spring to complete some of these projects including: stenciling and gluing buttons on/near storm drains, a planting/species removal event around Earth Day, and participate in the Cascade Land Conservancy that would involve harvesting, cutting and pounding willow branches near streams (neat project for younger Scouts that cannot glue the buttons).

Thank you both for your participation and encourage you to continue to submit projects as you see the need. Bob, we’d love to get some of these projects, once in action, posted on your Redmond blog of course!

Thanks again,

Darla Sklar
Marketing Director
Chief Seattle Council, BSA
206.902.2353
www.seattlebsa.org

Part II: Greater Redmond Chamber of Commerce - the value of Education and Technology in the mix.

Reviewing the Greater Redmond Chamber of Commerce as compared to Hillsboro, OR and Beaverton OR Chambers of Commerce, it is notable the Redmond Chamber Board is loaded with government-related members and thin on technology and education, as follows:

Government representation:  1) Rob Odle, City of Redmond (COR) Staff Director  2) Richard Cole, COR Councilmember, 3) Pat Vache' COR Councilmember (Kinections), 4) Tom Martin, Evergreen Hospital V.P (public hospital)., 5) Auggie Kempf,  Evergreen Hospital District Board of Directors (Kumpf et al).

Government orientation:  6) William R. Garing is the Chamber's "governmental affairs" (Evans land use) and 7) Gene Wilkstrom (Executive Director of NW Career Colleges Federation).  NW Career College prioritizes governmental affairs and advocacy for private career colleges.

Technology:  Microsoft.   Education:  NW Career College Federation.    

Sidebar:  Not all government is excessive.  Auggie Kemp brings many resources to the table as a small businessman, elected official , and affiliation with Kirkland-based Evergreen hospital.   Pat Vache' has a valuable perspective as an elected official , small business owner and trustee of Hope-link and Lake Washington School Foundation. 

The City of Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce combines technology with education to grow and train their city's present and future workforce.   Their *Technology Center and "School to Work" (STW) programs are twin pillars towards this end.  The Chamber's popular program  has three staff dedicated to STW.  STW recruits business owners to volunteer their time to develop their future workers by:

•  visiting a classroom and talking to students about your career (1 hour investment)
•  inviting a student to job shadow to get an inside look of your job and company. (3 hour investment)
•  site visits to provide a tour of your work-site to a class of eager students. (1-2 hour investment).
•  an internship:  students work on specific tasks in your business on a regular basis related to classroom studies.  (15-30 hour investment). 

Can you think of Education and Technology community leaders that could drive similar programs for the Greater Redmond Chamber of Commerce?  Washington Voc. Tech.?  Digipen?  LWSD Superintendent?  Nintendo?  Physio-Control?  The Mayor?

A vibrant local economy starts with a vibrant Chamber.  Part III in this series will be on how the Greater Redmond Chamber of Commerce can help meet community and city needs for leadership.

  by Bob Yoder

OPINION: Part I: How does the Greater Redmond Chamber of Commerce stack up?

OPINION:  The Greater Redmond Chamber of Commerce isn't often held under "the looking glass".  I think the Chamber should be reviewed by the public every once in a while.  Here's my try.  Your comments are certainly welcome.

My method  was to study the Redmond Chamber website and compare it with the Beaverton, OR. and Hillsboro, OR Chamber websites to look for patterns and trends.   I selected the Oregon cities for their similarity to Redmond, WA. in demographics, hi-tech businesses (and Nike), transportation, and close location to a major city. 

The Redmond Chamber newsletter is full of articles and resources, many with City of Redmond topics.  
The standard chamber mission statement is found on each site --  promote community, strengthen the economy, representing business to government (city, school district, etc), and networking.  Hillsboro adds "presenting relevant business education".

Of the three Chamber websites, I found the Redmond Chamber (RC) the most lop-sided with city and hospital government representation (almost 25%).  The RC has three city government officials and two hospital government officials on the Board.  Councilmember Cole is an officer, Councilmember Pat Vache' a director (trustee), as is City Planning/Development Director Rob Odle.  Evergreen Hospital Auggie Kempf (Evergreen Board of Directors) and Tom Martin are trustee officers and trustee William Biggs is a Group Health official.  It appears government is representing itself to business rather than the other way around! 

The RC has only one Director in high-tech.  Hillsboro and Beaverton Chambers don't have a single officer, director, or board member associated with their city government.   Notably both include the Superintendent of Schools, Mayor, and Chamber President as  "Ex-Officios".   Hillsboro also includes fire and rescue district officer. Do you think giving more representation to high-tech businesses and less to city and hospital government would energize, renew and bring vitality to our Chamber, the community and our economy?

The Oregon city chambers offer three "added values".  Hillsboro Chamber has an incredibly exciting "School to Work" program (with 3 staff) and Beaverton has "Leadership Beaverton".  I'll post a description of the programs soon.  

As Microsoft is to Redmond so is Intel to Hillsboro.  The Hillsboro Chamber hosts the "Intel Technology Center" to promote the use of advanced technology in the workplace.  The Center has 10 IBM laptop computers with Intel mobile technology.  Chamber members can use the center for staff training and to learn what the latest technology can do for the bottom line.  The total investment was $25,000 to $40,000.

So what's stopping our Greater Redmond Chamber of Commerce from moving forward with Greater Redmond's high-tech businesses?   Do you think less government and more high-tech business on the Board would energize our community and economy?

Opinion by Bob Yoder

http://www.redmondchamber.org/
http://www.beaverton.org/
http://www.hillchamber.org/

Education Hill homes have experienced a recent rash of burglaries.

 
Heads up...... I heard there were 2-3 burglaries on the street by the pool..... people posing as landscape workers.....
  --Tracy
 
From the Redmond Police:
We have seen an increase in residential burglaries over the last few months. Most began in the Overlake area, and now they have started on Ed. Hill. I can't stress enough to urge people to file reports when crimes occur. Not doing this only allows this trend to continue. Even if nothing was stolen, the more information we have, the better. We recently had one neighborhood that didn't have any crime in quite some time have a burglary, two vehicle prowls, and a suspicious person knocking on doors. Only one was reported to us.

I encourage you all to communicate with your neighbors and let them know what to be on the lookout for and phone 911 if anything looks suspicious. We did get one solid tip from one of the burglaries where a white "work" van pulled up outside of a house, set up cones as if they were doing landscaping work, and it turns out they were burglarizing the house. I encourage to keep an eye out for this type of activity--it's not uncommon for burglars and prowlers to change vehicles frequently.

The only businesses (not including non-profits, etc.) who should be peddling and have a license to do so are the following companies:

BDW Design and Construction
Edward Jones
Evans Glass
Evergreen Tree Care
TRG Solutions (Verizon FIOS)
Trugreen Landscape

When asked, they should be able to produce a business license, and if they are peddling, EACH INDIVIDUAL should have their own peddler's license.

Jim Bove
Redmond Police Department
Community Outreach Facilitator
jbove@redmond.gov

--forwarded by Tracy, Education Hill, 11/14

What could it cost taxpayers if the LWSD levy/bond measures pass in the February election?

UPDATED, 12/1/09 Last night Redmond Mayor Marchione asked Council if they wanted to endorse the LWSD Levy and Bond that's up for vote in a Special Election on February 9.  Six councilmembers gave their support to endorse, saying our schools are vital to Redmond neighborhoods and contribute to the quality of life we enjoy in our City.  Councilmember Kim Allen did not want to endorse the measure owing to impact fee issues.  Kim is usually a strong advocate for the neighborhoods.

Council's support for the school levy and bond were positive but conditioned on learning more about the measures.   I've been to several School Board "Work Study" meetings so will try to share what I know.  By the way, I encourage you to attend these Work Study meetings.  Work Study sessions are a close and personal and fun way to get to know our Board Members, Superintendents and Staff and learn how the system works.

The February 9 ballot will have *3 boxes to check:  1) Capital Projects Levy for Facilities and Technology (4-year), 2) Educational Programs and Operations Levy (4-year) and 3) Capital Facility Planning Bond.  Last Monday, Superintendent Kimball gave his recommendations to the School Board, based on extensive in-person, PTSA Committee, and web input surveys and of course, Board conversation.   The School Board will make the final decision.  In my opinion, it's doubtful they would make any substantive changes.  Dr. Chip Kimball was hired by the Board and unquestionably runs the show.  He is likable and extremely capable and effective.  I'm convinced governance could improve with more intra-Board deliberation and leadership.

Superintendent Kimball's Levy/Bond recommendations provide examples of the cost for a home in the District with an average assessed value of $505,000.  Items 1,2,3 below may negligibly differ.

1)  The Facilities and Technology Capital Projects Levies will be combined into one Levy for the Election. Thus, the total Capital  Projects Levy is $83M over four years, or .55 cost / 1000 of assessed value or $278/house in 2011.

2)  The Educational Programs and Operations Levy (EP&0) is $205.5M over four years, or 1.30/$1000 or $656/house in 2011   Years 2012, 13 and 14 will be adjusted for changes in assessed property values.

3)  Capital Facilities Planning Bond is $234M over four years, or .33 / $1000 of assessed value or $166/house in 2011.

The TOTAL amount for the two levies and one bond up for vote is $2.18/1000 or $1101/house in 2011. The assessed value changes every year so years 2012, 13, 14 are projected roughly $20 - $30
higher per year.

Add in the existing voter approved Debt Service, and the two levies and bond issue, if passed, will total  $1606 in 2011, $1636 in 2012, $1651 in 2013, and $1672 in 2014.   School Taxes for the year 2010 have already been voter approved and are expected to be $1444/house for a house with an average assessed value of $505,000.

Thus, with passage of all levy/bond measures, the average local school tax per home is expected to increase $162 in 2011.   12/01 update:  after a few tweaks by Kimball, the average tax/home is approximately $170 in 2011 and  $294 over 4 years.

Good schools do everything to prepare our children for the future, build good neighborhoods and raise property values.  So, what will the schools and students receive for this property tax increase?  What do you think?  Stay tuned for Part II when the benefits of our hard-earned tax dollars will be spelled out. 

Watch Superintendent Chip Kimball present his levy/bond recommendations on video, 11/9.  View the LWSD Press Release, 11/13 on Dr. Kimball's proposal.

*The LWSD School Board holds their WORK STUDY dinner meeting  and REGULAR Meeting starting at 5:30pm on the 2nd and 4th Monday of the Month..  The Public is invited to both.   Work Study Meetings are unstructured and have no video or audio recording and no Minutes (one sentence) so the meetings can be very interesting!  Look here for the extended agenda for Work Study and Regular Meetings.   

by Bob Yoder

$81,921 DONATED TO LWSD SCHOOLS IN NOVEMBER

NOVEMBER DONATIONS TO LWSD

"and a little bit more"

Environmental & Adventure School PTO to EAS -- $38,100 -- to provide stipend for extra office help for activities ($8,100) and support outdoor education and student supplies.

Juanita Rebels Booster Club to Juanita High School -- $2,331.60 -- to provide coaching stipend.

First Teach to Rosa Parks Elementary -- $2020.20 -- to support building program.

A.G. Bell PTSA to Bell El. -- $1800 -- To provide classroom enrichment at teacher's discretion.

Louisa May Alcott PTSA to Alcott El. -- $2012.60 -- To provide student leadership and assembly stipends.

Elizabeth Blackwell PTSA to Blackwell Elementary --$21,000 -- To provide student and teacher curriculum aids ($11,000); staff development ($5000), purchase library books ($200); and support field trips ($3000).

Rachel Carson PTSA to Carson El. -- $10,039 -- to provide stipends for intramural program ($2013), website administration ($2013), Green Team program ($1006), and Student Council Program ($1006); purchase health room equipment and supplies ($500); and support field trips ($3500).

Juanita Schools Foundation to Juanita Elementary -- $4617 -- to support volunteer program ($1,315) and building program ($1289) and provide outdoor education stipend ($2012).

"a little bit more"

Participation by the community in the LWSD School Board's governing process is lacking:  1) the School Board at large didn't show up for the levy input meetings,  2) citizens aren't attending the Board 's Work Study Meetings. because the BOARD doesn't announce the Topic or times during their Regular Meetings  3) Work Study Meeting Minutes are only one sentence long so we never know what's going on behind the closed doors.  What do you think?  If you want to sit in on a meeting check the "extended agenda" on the sidebar under LWSD links.

by Bob Yoder 

The adventures of Bear Creek's young buck

While exploring the Bear Creek stormwater facility site, I found this young buck foraging for food along Bear Creek behind Safeway.  Grass and shrubs must have been scarce from the flooding. The buck crossed Avondale Way and headed downtown, but then came back.  It was touch and go crossing Avondale Way.  Both lanes of traffic stopped.   Do you see him on the shoulder of the road?  Can you believe it?  (click upper right photo to enlarge). You can see Bear Creek flooding onto the trail that goes under the Avondale Way bridge.  Normally the buck would probably take the safe way North under the bridge, but you can see it's blocked by the flood. When the new stormwater facility on Bear Creek is built, food and shelter will probably be in shorter supply; since  ~ 3,000 sf of riparian buffer will be lost.

by Bob Yoder

Photos taken today when walking the stormwater project site.

Redmond SecondStory Repertory needs $80,000 to stay afloat

Redmond%27s%20SecondStory%20Repertory%20needs%20%2480%2C000%20to%20stay%20afloat

How and Why you should help the SecondStory Repertory.

Donate Today! 

Why should you patronize and donate to Redmond's Second Story Repertory? 

1. Because the repetory is one of the brightest attractions on Seattle's Eastside, with nine Mainstage            and four children's productions this season.
2.Because over 20,000 people depend on experiencing live theatre at SecondStory Repertory.
3.Because you love having live, professional theatre in your community.
4.Because if you love the arts, you should contribute to organizations creating it.
5.Because more than 200 kids take theatre classes here after school and in the summer.
6.Because over 5,000 school kids will be introduced to the magic of theatre here this year.
7.Because we really, really need it - $80,000 is needed by December 31 or the theatre will leave Redmond.
 
DID YOU KNOW
•SecondStory Repertory is a cultural institution with a mailing list of over 5,000 local households, with an average household income of $96,000, according to Redmond Town Center research.

WEB SITE & DONATE HERE:  http://www.secondstoryrep.org/supportssr/donate.html

DROP YOUR KIDS OFF DURING  RTC HOLIDAY SHOPPING
"Drop and Shop"  http://www.secondstoryrep.org/classes/publicclasses.html

This website information and plea for support was posted in response to Holly Plackett's urgent request.  Holly is a past Redmond City Councilmember, Planning Commissioner and community activist.

Redmond High Principal Jane Todd and associates report to the School Board

Updated, 11/11:  It's Superintendent Chip Kimball's practice to host one school per month and today was Redmond High School's opportunity.   Redmond High School Principal Jane Todd (speaking) and her associates, Ms. Pointer and Mr. Higgins, gave their presentation during the  October 12 regular meeting.

According to Superintendent Kimball, Redmond High ranks in the top 85 high schools in the country.  Ms. Todd celebrated the achievements of her students and teachers.  83% of Redmond High graduates go directly onto a post-secondary institution.  854 students took AP tests in 27 subject areas.  The SAT mean score is 40 points above the state mean for the last five years.  PSAT testing has taken a huge jump.

Surprisingly, despite Redmond High's obvious success, the school is  "under improvement" for Annual Yearly Progress (AYP)!  Why?  They fell below standard in one of 37 areas -  "Special Education of Students."  The Federal program, 'No Child Left Behind' is decidedly askew. Kimball anticipates the law will be  changed in a couple years.

When Einstein and Redmond Elementary fell below standards this year, 100 students opted to transfer to other schools.  Federally supported Title One schools have a transfer option.  Even if Redmond High was a Title One school it's highly doubtful students would transfer because the school is so highly rated.

Jane and her associates talked of their efforts in "building culture" at the school.  Several programs are implemented:

•  "RHS HELP" - 160 students 'in need' receive financial support from Microsoft, the PTSA, and other groups for everything from lunches to school supplies. 
•  The Latino demographic -  Latinos meet once a month - usually on college tours - to build leadership to establish better connections and fill in social gaps with the student body.
• Afro-Americans have started a Black Student Union with similar goals as the Latinos. 
• A sophomore core of teachers and students meet regularly to smooth the transition into high school.
• A new attendance and vacation policy holds the students and parents accountable for absences.  

Chip recognized Ms. Todd for her progress in "building culture".  Ms. Todd experienced a general culture of "NO" at the start.  A "can do" attidtude is the status quo today.

by Bob Yoder

Election Night Final Results

FOR NOVEMBER 2011 ELECTION RESULTS GO HERE. 

http://redmondcity.blogspot.com/p/2011-election-voting-guide.html

#####

Election Night Summarry:  (next report is 4:30pm  11/4).

NO - I-1033;     YES - Referendum 71   YES Charter Amendment 1-4;
Dow Constatine over Hutchison,  Kim Allen over Chen, Charles Pilcher over Linquist.

http://your.kingcounty.gov/elections/200911/results.aspx

Election Night Final
KING COUNTY   11/3/2009    8:07:20 PM

Ballots Cast/Registered Voters: 254261 / 1079842 23.55%

Initiative Measure No. 1033
YES    78111        34.28%
NO    149739       65.72%

Referendum Measure No. 71  PASSED, 11/4
APPROVED 164724    65.91%
REJECTED    85188    34.09%

Ballots Cast/Registered Voters: 254261 / 1079842   23.55%

King County Charter Amendment No. 1
YES  176174   85.09%
NO      30863   14.91%

King County Charter Amendment No. 2
YES   166128    82.05%
NO       36345    17.95%

King County Charter Amendment No. 3
YES 191012     91.13%
NO     18597      8.87%

King County Charter Amendment No. 4
YES   170222    80.49%
NO      41257     19.51%

KING COUNTY
Ballots Cast/Registered Voters: 254261 / 1079842   23.55%

County Executive short and full term
Susan Hutchison  104622   42.76%
Dow Constantine 139501   57.01%
Write-in                    561      0.23%

Ballots Cast/Registered Voters: 5547 / 25447 21.80%
Redmond City Council
Council Position No. 2
John P. (Pat) Vache 3614 98.61%
Write-in 51 1.39%

Council Position No. 4
Sally J. Chen    1778    37.69%
Kim Allen         2920    61.90%
Write-in              19       0.40%

PUBLIC HOSPITAL DISTRICT NO. 2  (Evergreen Hospital)

Ballots Cast/Registered Voters: 36086 / 157168 22.96%
Commissioner District No. 1
Al F. DeYoung 22633      98.87%
Write-in               259         1.13%

Commissioner Position No. 4
Charles A. Pilcher 19156        72.06%
Rex H. Lindquist     7352        27.66%

Redmond Councilmember Kimberly Allen speaks on the environment

Dear Redmond blog readers: 

As your councilmember, I have been a vocal champion of tree preservation and sustainability in Redmond. I helped craft the last Comprehensive Plan and Transportation Management Plan, both of which set ambitious goals for growth in Redmond while protecting the natural environment and moving toward transit oriented urban centers. I also work hard to make sure that Redmond is one of the leaders in adopting its critical areas and shoreline regulations.

As an elected official, I have endorsed the Wild Sky and Alpine Lakes Wilderness Addition, as well as the Roadless Rule Resolution. I also support Redmond’s partnership with the Cascade Land Conservancy to restore acres of our urban forest to health.

We are now beginning work on a Green Sustainability Initiative for the city to celebrate Redmond’s upcoming centennial. It will involve ambitious goals for energy conservation and carbon reduction, waste management and resource conservation, sustainable development and green infrastructure, and ecosystem conservation and stewardship. One thing I learned from the new Budgeting By Priorities process is that if you don’t measure progress with goals and metrics, you generally don’t get any progress. This initiative holds us accountable to deliver a sustainable city to our children and I want to spend my next term in office keeping the momentum on this critical work.

by Kimberly Allen

Kim Allen
Redmond City Councilmember, #4
kim@kimonthecouncil.com
www.kimonthecouncil.com
425-894-8237

Redmond's "Rocket Man" and sons end the season with a Bang.

I first met Dave Randall and his family during a Hartman Park forest restoration work-party. His boys are Scouts and BMX jumpers. Linda, his wife, works for the LWSD.   Dave’s largest rocket is 22 feet tall, 150 pounds and reaches up to 2,500 feet.  Randall's “the Redmond Rocket Man”!  And his younger son, Joshua  is learning fast (right) with his upscaled Estes kit, "The Mosquito".   

Here's Dave's story: 

In Redmond, 60 Acres park is often used for flying low power model rockets when soccer is not in session, including the winter months. We head to rural areas to launch our 5 pound and larger rockets.

Last weekend, hobby rocketeers gathered in the small central Washington town of Mansfield, near Chelan, for the last big launch of the 2009 Washington Aerospace (WAC) flying season. Students from University of Washington and Ingraham High School participated while learning and demonstrating real rocket science in action.

David's latest project was a team effort with three other local rocketeers. "We wanted to go big. Real big," David said about his team's rocket named "U4EA". At 22' tall and weighing 150 pounds, it was the biggest rocket ever launched at the Mansfield site. "The liftoff was absolutely majestic. And the feeling as we watched it take to the sky, was, well, U4ic!" The rocket used a cluster of five rocket motors to achieve its required thrust and carried two cameras on board. Special altimeters recorded the flight and ensured the parachutes were deployed at the perfect.

While some folks remember the Estes rockets flown in schoolyards or local parks, WAC hosts launches with bigger rockets. The larger rockets can weigh over 100 pounds and fly as high as 14,000'. Coordination with the FAA ensures safe flying for both rockets and airplanes. Rockets at Mansfield fly to an average altitude of 4,500' and weigh around 5 pounds.

Redmond rocketeer Dave Randall says: "I fit squarely into the group of adults known as 'BAR's' - or Born Again Rocketeers." Many adults in the hobby, like Dave, returned to the hobby with their own children participating in rocketry as a science class or Scouting activity. Indeed, the entire Randall family participates in rocketry. From Estes kits to big scratch built rockets, a crowd-favorite "Tin Man" rocket that was featured on the cover of a national rocketry magazine.

Typical rockets require over 20 hours to assemble, paint, and prepare for flight. Schedules for northwest rocket launches can be found at www.rocketsnw.com. The hobby boasts over 3,000 active flyers nationwide with local launches occurring in many states across the country.

- Dave Randall

Dave's rocket story is timely with NASA’s launch of the “Mars Rocket” (2 min. video) on 10/28. The booster on the Mars Rocket was 100 meters long, it reached 150,000 feet and traveled almost 5X the speed of sound.

NAR website (http://www.nar.org/) and WAC website (http://www.washingtonaerospace.org/)
Story and photos by Dave Randall
Edited, Yoder

Juanita High School Participates in Landmark Statewide Teen Smoking-Cessation Trial

Study is the first of its kind to achieve significant increase in prolonged quit rates

With the help of students of the class of 2003 at Juanita High School, the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center has obtained landmark results from the Hutchinson Study of High School Smoking, the largest randomized trial of teen smoking cessation ever conducted.

The study for the first time demonstrated it is possible to:

• successfully recruit and retain a large number of adolescent smokers from the general population into a smoking intervention study, and
  
• significantly impact rates of six-month continuous quitting through personalized, proactive telephone counseling.

Students in the class of 2003 — both nonsmokers and smokers, and with their parents’ permission — were invited to participate in the study. As juniors, they participated in an in-class baseline survey, and then were followed by mailed survey one year post-high-school graduation to learn about changes over time in their attitudes and practices with regard to smoking and nonsmoking.

The trial, funded by the National Institutes of Health, involved more than 2,000 teenage smokers from 50 high schools in Washington, including Juanita High School. Half of the schools were randomly assigned to the experimental intervention; teens in these schools were invited during their senior year to take part in confidential, personalized telephone counseling designed to help motivate them to quit.

edited by Bob Yoder
abreviated LWSD press release, 10/09

Editorial: The LWSD School Board's "NO" on Initiative 1033 comes a little late.

Updated, 10/28:  As impactful as I-1033 is to Lake Washington School District funding, it sure took the School Board a long time to issue their unanimous "NO" on I-1033 Resolution. 

Do you know, the LWSD School Board didn't sign off on their "NO" resolution until last night, 10/26?   The last voting day is only 7 days away.   The news won't be delivered by the local Reporter newspapers until Saturday!  So, unless you are reading this Blog or visit the District web site, the majority of District voters will only have 3 days to find a paper and study the school board's findings.  Unfortunately, by then, many voters will have already mailed in their ballots!  

Neighboring jurisdictions have planned and announced their Resolution weeks in advance of LWSD: 

9/15 - The City of Redmond Council said NO by resolution on 9/15.

9/15 - The City of Kirkland Council said NO by resolution on 9/15

10/5 - Shoreline District School Board said NO on Resolution #2009-22

10/6 - Snoqualmie School District Board said NO on Resolution #745

10/13 - Northshore School Board said NO on Resolution #605

10/14 - Issaquah School Board said NO, 10/14

10/20 - Bellevue School District Board said NO on Resolution 09-26

10/21 - Ballard School Board said NO, 10/21

10/22 - Seattle School Board said NO on Resolution 2261

10/26 - LWSD School Board said NO on their Resolution 2043 last night!  The bureaucracy of Seattle School District even beat LWSD in getting the word out to their voters.

It's not like a NO I-1033 is a done deal.  Republicans are endorsing the measure.  And as President Pendergrass warned last night, the measure appears as a simple way to lower property taxes when, in fact, it's a complex issue that cuts revenues and requires serious study. 

LWSD taxpayers count on President Pendergrass and her Directors to give us timely guidance on the serious issues affecting basic education of our children.  I beg you to please step-up with your peers in the next election and partner with your constituents.   Lake Washington School District does a great job.  Please don't leave us in the lurch next time.

by Bob Yoder

Lake Washington School District Board Votes NO on I-1033

Updated:  Opinion:  Though the goal of I-1033 is to lower property taxes, the School Board resolved that the measure would prevent the District from making new investments and undermine funding into the future.   Under I-1033, State funding for basic education to LWSD would be cut by approximately $17.5 million by 2015. 

During last night's October 26 School Board Meeting, President Jackie Pendergrass (left) read Resolution 2043 declaring the Board of Directors' NO position on I-1033.  The Mail-Only Election is only a week away! Their public deliberation, decision and resolution, though helpful, comes a little late to the voters.

During the 10/12 Regular Board Meeting two weeks go, Superintendent Kimball advised the Board that $17.5 Million would be cut from LWSD funding by 2018 if I-1033 passed.  This cut would translate into a loss of 219 teachers and a 7 student increase in class size.  Despite Kimball's 10/12 advisory, the Board did not vote on a resolution owing to a procedural question; and it appeared they weren't prepared with a resolution in hand.  (I attended this meeting and made public comment). 

The Superintendent stated "Public Comment" from both sides of the issues had to be requested and put on record for a resolution to pass.  I'm not sure why the Board President didn't know this.  President Pendergrass invited the Public to comment only one time.  And just one public comment was made (by Ms. Lewis.)  Pendergrass stated no emails were received on the issue. (I sent two emails to the District last week suggesting NO on I-1033.)

In last night's 10/26 Regular meeting, Superintendent Kimball led the conversation saying by 2015 State cash receipts would be reduced by approximately $5.9 Billion if I-1033 passed.  I-1033 would cut $17.5 million from LWSD basic education funding by 2015.

District #5 Director Shahani and Vice President weighed in saying I-1033 appeals to the voters' wish for lower property taxes but the measure is a "huge mistake" that takes advantage of the public's short term needs vs. the long term hurt caused by loss of revenues.  Mr. Shahani said it doesn't make a lot of sense to use inflation as a guide when teacher's salary growth is much higher than inflation.  Shahani lives in Redmond.

District #4 Director Eglington reminded the Board that I-2261 was passed 9 years ago reforming how revenues are generated and allocated.  Revenue would be lost by I-1033.   I-1033 can be recalled within two years but it's a "rotten way to legislate".  Eglington lives in Sammamish.

District #1 Director and President Pendergrass warned I-1033 appears simplistic at first glance but it's impact on government is far more complex and impactful.   Pendergrass lives in Kirkland.  

District #3 Director Nancy Bernard (Kirkland) was absent from the meeting.

District #2 Director Carson was upset by the "obscene language" of the Initiative.  He said measures are supposed to be boring and sober.  The Board chuckled.  Carson lives in Kirkland.

The meeting was short, lasting 49 minutes.  President Pendergrass said this was a "record" and reminded the viewing public of the Directors' time and attendance at the recent Levy/Bond input meetings.  Of the three meetings I attended, no Directors were present.

reported by Bob Yoder

October PTSA Donations & "a little bit more..."

October PTSA Donations to LWSD schools...and a little bit more (scroll below)

Emily Dickinson Elementary PTSA to Dickinson El - $2420.00 - to support 5th & 6th grade community building program @Camp River Ranch

Rachel Carson PTSA to Carson Elementary - $4022.72 - to purchase Accelerated Reader and Star Reading Program, copier supplies.

Samantha Smith PTSA to Smith Elementary - $3470.00 - to purchase Read Naturally Program and student council.

Redmond JH PTSA to Redmond Junior -$3830.87 - to provide academic enrichment mini-grants (supplies and equipment).

H.D. Thoreau PTSA to Thoreau Elementary - $4944.75 - stipends for Honor Choir Program ($1977.90), Outdoor Education ($1977.90), and Chess Program ($899.95).

John Muir PTA to Muir Elementary - $5100.00 -  to provide curriculum enrichment ($3500.00) and field trip transportation ($1600.00).

Stella Schola PTO to Stella Schola - $3018.90 - to provide stipends for extracurricular programming work.

Margaret Mead PTSA to Mead Elementary - $3168.90 - to provide stipends.

AND A LITTLE BIT MORE:    School Board President Jackie Pendergrass came up with an interesting explanation tonight for their record short, 49 min. Board meeting.  Jackie indicated the Board had worked especially long this month attending the Levy/Bond input meetings. Oh?  Interesting!  I went to half (3) of Levy Input meetings this month and didn't see a single School Board member!   Lake Washington High School had one of the largest turnouts (over 20) and not one Board Member attended.   Conspicuous absences at Redmond High and Junior High, too.   They'll need a better reason, next time....

Longtime Redmond Commissioners Lori and Marty Snodgrass support the re-election of Kim Allen for Council.

Lori Snodgrass was Redmond Parks Board Chair for many years.  Marty Snodgrass was a Chair and on Redmond Planning Commission for over eight years.  They emailed the following endorsement to re-elect Kim Allen for Redmond City Council. (At this time, I don't have a photo of Lori.)  

Dear Bob,

"Kudos to Council President McCormick for her strong endorsement of Councilmember Allen. We have been observers and sometimes participants in Redmond politics for nearly thirty years. Never has the City faced such a confluence of adverse circumstances as it does today. To steer the City through these hard times requires steady, experienced hands at the wheel of government. Compare these days to the crash of the US Airways flight in the Hudson River: those fortunate souls survived only because they were in the hands of a mature and experienced pilot.

Kim Allen belongs in that category. She has years of experience and a maturity shared by few in government. Hers is a steady hand. She is the type of person we can trust at the wheel. These are not just words. We have known her (Marty worked with her on the Redmond Planning Commission), and observed her sterling performance on the City Council for years. She is the real deal and we are lucky to have her. We certainly commend Ms. Chen for her interest in good government. However, now is not the time and the City Council is not the place for a beginner. When Ms. Chen has put in years learning the ropes and demonstrating her competence, we would then consider her for a position on the Council, but not now and certainly not as a replacement for someone of such demonstrated competence, intelligence and experience as Kim Allen."

Marty & Lori Snodgrass
Redmond, WA
E: help@snodgrasslaw.com
by email on 10/23
photo by Lori Snodgrass

2009 King County Election voting is "all-mail". Postage-free ballot drop boxes are available.

There will be no polling in King County for the general election. All ballots must be mailed OR may be placed in a few of the 24-hour drop boxes scattered around the county.

For the November 3 general, ballot drop boxes will open on Friday, October 16 and close at 8 p.m. on Election Day, November 3. Postage is NOT required when using the ballot drop boxes.

Locations and availability:

•Library Connection @ Crossroads, 15600 NE 8th St., outside of Suite K-11, 98008
•Earlington Business Center, 919 SW Grady Way, 98057
•Fall City Library, 33415 SE 42 Pl., 98024
•Lake Forest Park Library, 17171 Bothell Way NE, 98155 near the lower level mall entrance
•Seattle, King County Administration Building, 500 Fourth Ave., 98104
•Woodinville Library, 17105 Avondale Rd NE, 98072
•University, 4534 University Way NE, 98105

Complete listing of ballot drop box locations is at "Info Vote 09"

Opinion | Tim Eyman: Time to give it a rest | Seattle Times Newspaper

Opinion Tim Eyman: Time to give it a rest Seattle Times Newspaper

Help adults learn to read - do basic math - study for GED exams - learn English. Sign-up with HopeLink.

 
Hopelink in Your Neighborhood Needs Volunteers!

Prospective volunteers can attend a required orientation session at any of Hopelink’s five locations

Hopelink relies upon volunteers for such jobs as sorting food in its food banks; helping adults learn to read, do basic math, study for the GED exams or learn English as a second language; providing child care and homework tutoring to children in our housing facilities; delivering food to homebound clients; or answering phones and helping with administrative tasks. Hopelink’s new Kirkland/Northshore center in the Totem Lake neighborhood is in particular need of volunteers to stock shelves in its grocery store-style food bank.

Hopelink asks new volunteers over age 16 and volunteers between the ages of 12 and 16 with parent/guardian supervision to register to attend a mandatory orientation. To register, please visit www.hope-link.org/takeaction/volunteer  or call (425) 869-6066.

· Wednesday, November 4, 2009. Afternoon and evening sessions are available:

o 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. at Hopelink’s Bellevue center, 14812 Main St., Bellevue.

o 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at Hopelink’s NEW Kirkland/Northshore center, 11011 120th Avenue NE, Kirkland.

· Tuesday, November 10, 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. at Hopelink’s Redmond center, Building A, 16225 NE 87th St., Redmond.

Office: 425.869.2440; Cell: 206.605.6843
Email: denises@hope-link.org
posted:  BY

Kathy Lambert gives her insight into Dow Constantine and endorses Susan Hutchison

In the King County Executive race primary there were many excellent candidates. I have worked with Fred Jarrett in the legislature and Larry Phillips on the council, and I find them both fine and intelligent men who are a pleasure to work with. But instead Dow Constantine won the second position.

Dow has rarely been helpful on the projects important to this district. Example - He sponsored the CAO – Critical Areas Ordinance – and there were many times I asked him to reconsider and to listen to the citizens at town halls. Often, he left early. Several years later the court found a part of it unconstitutional. Four years later when the update was done to the CAO, Larry Gossett chaired the committee. Larry was wonderful and went out with me to see various issues first hand and talk with citizens who were facing the problems created by the CAO. Larry listened to citizens and worked with me to make the rules better.

Last year the citizens voted to make the council and executive positions nonpartisan. I was eager to see the “system” change and made several proposals on how the council could work in a nonpartisan manner. This plan would rotate each week who met for briefings – so that each member of the council would be with every other member of the council in a caucus at least once a month to share ideas, needs and concerns. Under Dow’s chairmanship it is unfortunately still the same members meeting in Republican or Democrat caucuses that have been changed to Formerly Republican or Formerly Democrat caucuses. That is the only change…..

Last October I wrote a new labor policy. The Seattle Times Editorial Board supported my idea and said it was a “good first step”. Unfortunately, some of my peers thought it was too controversial and would not let it come up for a hearing. The bill says that employees do not automatically get a minimum of 2 % raises in a year of recession. Without this bill, the employees of the county will get an automatic 2% raise unless they are already at the top of their pay scale. We cannot afford those kinds of raises in this economy and when citizens are facing a nearly 10% unemployment rate. So imagine my surprise when Dow said in the televised debate that he supports the labor policy change to reduce the 2%. Where has he been for the last year?

This gives some insights on how our district and county have been treated by an executive candidate and some issues that have not been handled in ways that show good leadership in my opinion.

I have gotten to know Susan Hutchison over the last few years. She is a woman of integrity, a hard worker, a collaborator and one that is willing to look for new and better ways to do things. It would be so refreshing to work with an executive that cares about all the citizens in this county.

Kathy Lambert
Redmond, WA.
by email, 10/24

Editorials | 'Yes' for open space with King County Charter Amendment No. 4 | Seattle Times Newspaper

Editorials 'Yes' for open space with King County Charter Amendment No. 4 Seattle Times Newspaper

Redmond City Council President Nancy McCormick endorses Kim Allen

"I have known Kim Allen since she joined Redmond’s Planning Commission in 2002 and we have served together on the Redmond City Council for the last 4 years. I have watched Kim quickly learn her way around the issues in the areas of transportation, planning, growth management and environmental stewardship and we have gone together to carry Redmond’s needs and concerns to our state legislators, many of whom have endorsed Kim’s reelection—as have I.

Kim and I represent Redmond’s interests in transportation as voting members of Eastside Transportation Partnership where we have worked to secure more buses and transit for Redmond. She has promoted Council’s presence in the community and I look forward to working with her as Council lead as we rewrite Redmond’s zoning code. Her background and connections to the Redmond community give her an understanding of our city’s interests and have made her an effective Councilmember for Redmond. That’s why I am supporting her campaign for the chance to serve another 4 years."

Nancy McCormick
nmccormi@halcyon.com
by email, 10/22

Kim Allen
Redmond City Councilmember, #4
kim@kimonthecouncil.com
http://www.kimonthecouncil.com/
425-894-8237