UPDATED: Musings on the Elected's and Public's participation in affairs of our city

I  try to watch every Council meeting, will occasionally critique the Elected on my blog and send links of these posts by email to mayorcouncil@redmond.gov so they know "I'm not talking behind their back"; but most of all they can hopefully learn from what I've observed. Councilman Hank Myers labels me a gadfly because I have been doing this for years.  He values the gadfly role and on several occasions has thanked me.  Hank recently told me he reads my blog; I have a good relationship with him. Recently Councilmember Kim Allen thanked me on Facebook for being "a facilitator over all the years."  I value my relationship with Hank and Kim.  .

Other than Councilmembers John Stilin, David Carson, Hank and Kim I can't recall any other Councilmember giving me feedback on this blog. Though, once a long time ago President Hank Margeson told me he read it. The Mayor has appeared to ignore me over the many years I've been reporting.  He finally surfaced this week by email. Other than asking me for minor edits on a post, his email was less than encouraging to put it mildly. I think my main problem in communicating with John Marchione is he hates public scrutiny and only wants to hear constructive criticism behind closed doors. It's certainly not because I haven't emailed him on various issues over the years. My impression is the Mayor is too busy with regional and downtown matters to listen to the residential community. Some of his supporters say John always responds to emails. This has not been the case for me.      .

Our elected persistently ask (if not beg) the public for participation and feedback on the affairs of the city.  Marchione said in the mayoral debate he tries to reach out to the community with televised Council and Commissioner meetings, the Focus magazine, the city website and visits to the elementary schools.  John should be giving even more attention to the neighborhoods, especially with "the town turned upside down" from rapid development. He is weak on Public Outreach and rarely listens to the residents and for that sole reason I'm voting for Fields. Otherwise, I think he's a good city administrator and leader.   I do appreciate the one or two times he held a coffee at the Senior Center long ago,

John Stilin holds a coffee at Soulfood every Tuesday at 3 pm. Mr. Stilin,, Ms. Allen are members of the "Education Hill of Redmond" Facebook Group and at times participate.  Mr Myers is working with Ms. Allen to hold Q&A "listening sessions" in the neighborhoods. Councilmember Tom Flynn recently wrote an excellent piece in the Redmond Reporter. Of course our elected are getting copious feedback from the community with this election. For this, we should thank Steve Fields.

As stated, I've chosen to participate in the affairs of the city with my blog.  Like 99% of my neighbors I find it intimidating and usually  non productive to go to City Hall Council Meetings and participate.  Most of my neighbors don't even know the meetings exist or are televised. If they did watch a Council meeting many would probably find them scripted, stale, boring and above the level of the people.

However, this week's Council meeting was a breakthrough moment especially for the Mayor--it appears he's listened.  I've never heard him participate so much at a business meeting -- nor the Council so active and skillful in inviting him into the conversation. The Ombudsman Report was lively and broad. The dais was humming.  I only pray this will not be a one-time event.  You can see for yourselves by tuning into Comcast RCTV channel 21 on Tuesday nights at 7:30 pm. Or watch the meeting online here.

Opinion by Bob Yoder

OPINION: The PTSA School Board Forum was illuminating -- Watch it here before you vote!

Here's the LWSD School Board video.    http://www.lwptsa.net/school-board-candidate-forum/.

I went into the Forum leaning towards the challengers because I felt the incumbents were in there long enough and were going no where with passing the Bonds.  

I left the Forum deciding to vote for the incumbents -- Jackie Pendergrass and Chris Carlson.  Please watch the Forum and decide for yourselves.

If it makes any difference to you, Chris Carlson was endorsed by the Seattle Times.

I almost decided to vote for Tepper.  I liked his refreshing delivery, passion for passing the bond and commitment to the District.  I just found him hyper-focused on the Bond issue.  I really did like his answer to:  "should the Administration have a CFO"?  Carlson harshly dismissed it with humor.  Tepper nailed it with a strong argument for transparency. Posthumous is no CFO.  If she is, the Admin. should give her the title.  I found Chris Carlson wordy but he demonstrated greater substance on all the issues of the District.  

It was a shame President Pendergrass couldn't be there for the Forum.  But I found her challenger's responses were way too brief and shallow.  Even though Eric Laliberte is the Chair of Kirkland's Planning Commission he appeared too green for the school board job.  

Opinion by Bob Yoder

The Mayoral Debate is posted here on UTube. Watch it here!

For those who's schedules aren't flexible enough to watch the Mayoral debate on RCTV,  I'm providing the UTube  mayoral debate HERE

I've listened and I'm voting for Steve Fields.  Watch the debate and decide for yourselves.

For those of you who don't know, there is a convenient drive-through Ballot Drop Box at Redmond City Hall.  No stamps needed.

Bob Yoder

 https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=WTbndDpkpkI&feature=youtu.be

The Mayoral Debate will be televised on Channel 21 and on UTube. It was fascinating!

The Mayoral debate last night was extremely interesting and engaging.  It was the ultimate of "community outreaches" except for the councilmembers not being on stage. (though I did see Councilmembers Allen, Stillin, Flynn, and Shutz there and enjoyed an excellent talk with Kim Allen).

Though it's too bad it took a debate to finally get the Mayor to visit and engage with the neighborhoods, his participation was helpful in understanding how he runs the city. Steve Fields performance was excellent, and a breath of fresh air that has been so desperately needed!  He has a world of wisdom. There is much we can learn from him.  He is sincere and an incredible hard working, intelligent challenger.  Our city is so fortunate to have Steve in the race. It's my belief he won the debate though the good news is you can decide for yourselves if you missed it.

The Redmond Reporter was there and we can look forward to their reporting this Friday.  But what is really exciting is the city taped the debate and it will be shown on TV (Channel 21) at the following times:

Fridays at 8pm, Saturday and Sunday at noon, Monday at noon, Tuesday &Wednesday at 2pm and Thursday at 5pm.

I also just heard that the city will be posting a video of the debate on YOUTUBE by end of business, Friday

Please, please, please try to find some time to view the debate to be better informed when you vote. You will find it's worth every minute!

Opinion by Bob Yoder

Editorial, By Bob Yoder

 I campaigned for Marchione eight years ago because I thought he was most qualified for the position.  Steve Fields is much better qualified for the position, than were Marchione's challengers eight years ago, and Steve has great credentials.   I support Steve Fields now because the town has been "turned upside down" in the last five years and there has been very little neighborhood outreach and representation of the people by the Mayor during this rapid urbanization..  Please vote  by November 3.  

OpEd: Marchione meets the qualifications for Mayor, By Sherri Nichols

I met John Marchione in 2004 when he and I were part of a group of volunteers who stepped forward to form the Lake Washington Schools Foundation. John was still working at Meydenbauer and was on the city council, but he still took the time to help do the heavy lifting involved in getting the LWSF started, serving as one of the original officers for the board. Based on my experience working with John on the foundation, I was pleased when he decided to run for mayor eight years ago, and volunteered to work on his campaign. I liked his vision for what Redmond could become, and wanted to help bring it about.  

Eight years later, the vision is not yet complete, but the pieces are coming together, and I still think John Marchione is the best leader for Redmond. John is a man of integrity who is always calm and thoughtful. I have a science and engineering background, so I appreciate that John is a wonk; he’s happy to dig into the technical aspects of city planning, and can always tell me why a certain choice was made, and what the tradeoffs were. Every time I talk to him, I learn more about how a city works.

John is always clear about what he’s going to do, and he accomplishes it. He really believes that the mayor’s office is non-partisan; he works with Democrats and Republicans, and both speak highly of him. He’s endorsed by elected officials of both parties. I’ve had the opportunity to talk with city council members and mayors from cities near Redmond, and all appreciate working with John. In our current political environment where it seems that nobody cooperates and nothing gets done, this is a rare quality.

I want people in government who understand problems, think clearly about them, consider options, and cooperate to implement concrete solutions. I know John Marchione meets those qualifications, and that’s why I’m voting for him.

UPDATED: What is the job of city commissioners from the perspective of a citizen

UPDATED OPINION:  From my frustrations with the Administration and emotions stirred by the elections, I want to apologize for what I said in a Letter to the Editor of the Redmond Reporter and a blog post about "the
Marchione commissioners appearing to be "Yes Men".  They are valued citizens in our community and play an important volunteering role in the deliberation on the issues of our city.  They are not elected representatives and should not be treated with the same scrutiny that comes with the job of Mayor and Council.  For that, I apologize.

What bothers me is why is it so difficult for the Administration to attract citizens to these commissions?  One would think that with the town "turned upside down" by our rapid growth that citizens would be running to apply for these prestigious volunteer jobs.

I've followed  the council meetings very closely over the years and at times will criticize our elected and the government to activate change, but I always try to offer solutions.  For the first time last year I applied for a commissioner post.  Actually, I also tried to be a member of the Community Advisory Committee for Education Hill years ago under the Ives administration.  In both attempts to join in on "the process" I was "told to go away".  Needless to say I was bothered and my failure to be accepted to a commission, in part, led me to believe that you had to be "like minded" to be included in the Marchione commissions.

Currently, there are three commission jobs open -- two for Parks and Trails and one for the Library.
I've noticed in the city press release the Administration is posting the agenda for these positions. (I don't recollect seeing the agenda when I applied). Describing the job description in detail is valuable. I'm not sure making the agenda known will improve the diversity of the commissions and attract more applications but at least the public will know what's expected of them and how they function.

Bob Yoder

City Seeks Volunteers for Parks and Trails Commission (with a note from the blog editor)

October 9, 2015

Redmond, WA – The City of Redmond is recruiting new volunteer members for the Parks and Trails Commission. Two positions are currently open for residents that live within the city limits. Applications are now being accepted and eligible residents are encouraged to apply by October 30, 2015.

For over 25 years, the Parks and Trails Commission has improved the quality of life for the Redmond community by advising the Mayor and City Council on parks, trails, and recreational facility planning and programming in the City. The Commission also interfaces with the broader community, so that it can represent community members’ interests to the City Council. Currently, the Commission is providing recommendations on the 2016 Update to the Park, Arts, Recreation, Culture & Conservation Plan, the Downtown Park design, the Recreation Buildings Master Plan, and the upcoming budget.

Commissioners serve three-year terms and attend monthly meetings (first Thursday of each month); participate on special committees and attend public meetings and events; cultivate community engagement around Parks and Recreation Department projects and programs; and occasionally meet with City Council and other commissions, as appropriate.

To learn more about the Parks and Trails Commission, or to apply, download an application at redmond.gov/Government/BoardsCommissions/ParksTrailsCommission. Applications can be mailed to the Office of the Mayor, City of Redmond, PO Box 97010, Redmond, WA 98073-9710 or faxed to 425-556-2110. A copy of the community service application is also available in the Mayor’s Office on the fourth floor of City Hall.

There is no deadline for applications but interested citizens are encouraged to submit an application by October 30th. For questions regarding the Parks and Trails Commission volunteer position, contact Carolyn Hope, Park Planning & Cultural Services Manager, atcjhope@redmond.gov or call 425-556-2313. This press release is available on www.redmond.gov.

Disclosure:  I applied for a Parks and Trails Commission position last year and my application was put on file and ignored.  This was the first and only time I applied for a commission job.  At the time, the press release announcing the job did not include the Administration's agenda for the position.  (I've highlighted the agenda in bold).  I believe knowing what the agenda is a big improvement for those citizens applying.  For one, it is more transparent.  Bob Yoder  

Opinion: The silence of Mayor Marchione on neighborhood issues is deafening

It's a rainy day and I am without work so it's a good time to express my observations and feelings again about how I think our elected councilmembers and mayor run our city and how they could improve.  I will admit that I have become picky and pestering especially with the mayoral election underway so my apologies for being a Monday Morning Quarterback, but unfortunately I am one of the rare everyday citizens that is engaged with local government.

The city council meeting last night was one of the most functional meetings I've seen in a long time (with the exception of the Mayor's silence -- which I will address soon.)  James Johnston, a neighbor shared his expertise during Items for the Audience for improving the noise problem from Marymoor Park concerts.  This same neighbor is very vocal on the "Education Hill of Redmond" Facebook Group and several councilmembers are finally paying attention to us through this vehicle.  It would be great if all our neighborhoods (including the Downtown neighborhood) had a Facebook Group for input but so far the City government hasn't facilitated this and continues to miss out in how we feel. The City of Kirkland has "neighborhood associations" which organized a Council Candidate Debate.  Redmond neighborhoods aren't even close.  Fortunately Councilman John Stilin has found the Education Hill facebook group and has observed and participated in it.  John Marchione and Council have been dealing with the Marymoor noise for over 8 years without results; it finally took chatter from the Facebook Group to help John Stilin identify the problem and bring it to the attention of government.  The discussion with King County during the Council Meeting was truly one of the most productive and thorough deliberations I've seen for a neighborhood issue.  Stilin and the Council in general shined.  It would have been healthy for the city if our government was just as functional on "city growth issues."  But, it's too late for that and a contested mayoral race is on.

What was glaringly noticeable last night at the Council meeting was the Mayor's lack of participation and representation during the Marymoor deliberations.  The Mayor was full of "Thank You's" and minor management of the agenda.  He looked weak and is weak in this regard. While council certainly wasn't under Marchione's grip last night, the Mayor was complacent and non-responsive to the neighborhoods on the important Marymoor issue (as he is on the Downtown neighborhood growth issue.) He also has a problem conveying his representation on regional issues during council meetings.  He is touted for being a leader on regional issues but he rarely brings up the specifics of his representation locally during council meetings, OP-ED's or the like.

In a Steve Fields Q&A that resident and blogger Paige Norman conducted, Mr. Fields was asked:  "What do you think is the primary role of the Mayor in Redmond?"  Mr. Fields answered:  "The Mayor is the only full-time, elected position that exclusively represents and answers to the people who live in Redmond. This creates a unique position. The citizens need to trust the leadership and the word of the Mayor." 

 "Full time" .  "Word of the mayor"  "Represents and answers to the people"  Fields nails it.  

The Mayor needs to take notice and be more open and representative for the people. His silence is deafening. Thank you Mr. Fields.  

Opinion by Bob Yoder 

Parents/Community Members Needed for LWSD High School Math Adoption Committee

High school math curriculum under review

Redmond, Wash. – Lake Washington School District reviews its curricula on a planned ten-year cycle. Each year several different curriculum committees may be at work. The district’s goal is to provide up-to-date, research-based, appropriate materials to help children learn.

Committees of people with teaching and subject matter expertise help meet this goal. Diverse perspectives and experiences are represented. Teachers, administrators and parents serve on the committees.

This year, an adoption committee will review the 9-12 math curriculum. The district seeks parents/community members to serve on this committee.  Read More >>

UPDATED OPINION: The Downtown Park is diminished by lack of parking

The City of Redmond's "Focus" magazine was recently mailed and featured a two page piece on the Downtown Park.  In it they state:  "The Downtown Park will be a highly visible gathering spot for our entire community".  They failed to mention that there is very limited parking near the Downtown Park so it will be impossible for the ENTIRE COMMUNITY to use it.

This park costs $37,000,000 and it will be used almost entirely by the tenants nearby, not the community at large.  Even Councilmember Richard Cole once said that the Downtown Park was intended for the downtown residents and not the neighborhoods.

As I recall, Steve Feilds told me the Park was designed by very expensive planners from outside our city; and if he were to have it his way he would use city planners, not outsiders.  Also very few of the downtown residents were engaged in the design.  Fields would engage the greater community.

But it is what it is...

By Bob Yoder

Still time to provide input on LWSD facilities long-term strategies

Town Hall on October 7, survey closes October 11

Redmond, Wash. – Parents and community members can still help shape the long-term strategies around school buildings for Lake Washington School District. There are two final opportunities to provide input into the recommendations of the Long-Term Facilities Task Force. The Task Force has held four community meetings and members have attended many PTSA meetings to provide information and get feedback on their draft recommendations.

Community members can participate in a Task Force Town Hall on Wednesday, October 7, at Rose Hill Middle School from 6-8:30 p.m. From 6-7:30 p.m., attendees can review and learn more about the recommendations, then join small discussion groups with task force members. From 7:30 on, task force members will host a Town Hall session, listening to and fielding questions from the audience.

                An online open house  provides information on all of the draft recommendations. A survey on that site is open through October 11.

                Districtwide, enrollment is predicted to increase to more than 30,000 students by 2021-22. That is over 5,000 more students than district schools were built to serve. There is little space left in current school buildings, some of which need to be renovated or replaced due to their age and building conditions.

                The recommendations address classroom capacity issues, cost reduction, efficient use of space and other issues. They also recommend specific projects to be undertaken in the future. Some of the major recommendations concerned capacity, aging facilities and funding.

                The Task Force will review the input collected through these different methods, then meet to determine any potential revisions to the recommendations. They plan to share final recommendations with the school board in November.

Eric Lalibrete: "Why I'm Running for the LWSD school board"

As a member of the LWSD Facilities Task Force, which is responsible for developing a plan for future school construction and optimizing the use of existing buildings, I have learned the importance of engaging stakeholders, and that community-generated planning is more effective than decisions made at the top without consultation.

I want to serve on the Lake Washington School Board to continue fighting for more community engagement and innovative approaches to education.  

As a member of the School Board, I will work collaboratively with teachers and the community to make sure our students are prepared for tomorrow’s jobs and can tackle tomorrow’s problems.  I will take three immediate, practical steps to address school design and ensure our children’s learning is not outdated:

(1) Implement cost-effective design policies to improve education and prevent future capacity problems.

(2) Increase opportunities for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics programs needed to train for jobs of the future.

(3) Improve technology support for teachers, giving them new digital tools for students to practice problem solving and collaboration skills within a real world context.

I have the background and enthusiasm to provide new leadership our District needs.  I appreciate your vote!

Biography

My wife and I are life-long Eastside residents, currently residing in the Juanita neighborhood of Kirkland.  

After graduating from the area's public schools, I attended the University of Washington School of Law and earned a J.D., M.B.A and Bachelors in Economics.  I am now an attorney at the Seattle law firm of Keller Rohrback L.L.P, practicing commercial and real estate litigation.

I am also committed to public service.  I am the Chair of the Kirkland Planning Commission.  And I also serve on the Lake Washington School District's Long Term Facilities Planning Task Force and Working Subcommittee.

I am passionate about education and believe that I have the private sector and community service experience needed to address the District's challenges and to plan for the future.

Website:  http://www.voteeric.org/
Eric Lalibrete is challenging President Jackie Pendergrass

Who's running in the LWSD elections?

No challengers filed in the District 5 race, and Bliesner is running unopposed. The other two incumbents face one challenger each. Eric Laliberte is vying for the District 1 seat against incumbent Pendergrass, while Rob Tepper challenges District 2 incumbent Carlson.^[1]

The PTSA Council and Dickinson PTSA will hold a forum for school board candidates. It is scheduled for Thursday, October 15th from 7:00 to 8:30 at Redmond High Performing Arts Center.  Unfortunately, Jackie Pendergrass is unable to attend and a PTA volunteer will present prepared responses.  

Learn more about the November 3 election process and school district HERE.

Reported by Bob Yoder

Welcoming the Small Business Development Center at OneRedmond

OneRedmond is proud to announce the new addition to our office in support of Redmond’s small businesses! We would like to introduce Don Yates, Business Advisor, from the Washington Small Business Development Center (SBDC). The SBDC officially has an office in OneRedmond.  OneRedmond knows the importance of providing services for all businesses of Redmond especially small businesses.  Read More >>

Redmond Reporter: Marchione, Fields to meet in Oct. 14 debate

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Redmond Mayor John Marchione and challenger Steve Fields will meet in a debate at 7 p.m. Oct. 14 at Emerald Heights Retirement Community, 10901 176th Circle N.E.

Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and shuttle service will begin at 6:15 p.m. from Redmond High School, 17272 N.E. 104th St.

Members of the League of Women Voters will moderate the event and will gather questions on city issues from attendees at the door.

King County Elections will mail ballots Oct. 13 and election day is Nov. 3.

The Redmond Reporter, 9/28/2015

Steve Fields is now available for drop-in conversations

Get to know Steve Fields:

Steve is available for drop-in conversations on Mondays from 10 to 11 AM at Victor’s Celtic Coffee, located at 7993 Gilman St., Redmond, WA 98052, and Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 to 11 AM at his coffee shop, Down Pour Coffee Bar, located at 13200 Old Redmond Road #150, Redmond, WA 98052. Please feel free to stop by to ask any questions, discuss issues, or share any concerns you may have from now until November 3rd! 

Reported by Bob Yoder

PTSA plans a school board Candidate Forum at Redmond High

The PTSA Council and Dickinson PTSA will hold a forum for school board candidates. It is scheduled for Thrusday, October 15 from 7-8:30 p.m. at Redmond High Performing Arts Center.

Reported by Bob Yoder

Lake Washington School District honored as Champion of Sustainability

​McKinstry, a full-service, design-build-operate-maintain (DBOM) firm that specializes in energy and facility services, announced that Lake Washington School District (LWSD) will be honored as a Champion of Sustainability during the Sept. 27 Seahawks game at CenturyLink Field. 

In partnership with the Seattle Seahawks, the annual Champions of Sustainability program recognizes one organization during regular-season home games that exhibits a forward-looking approach to innovative energy and waste reduction  Read More >>

City of Redmond releases videos of Steve Fields and John Marchione

The City of Redmond recently released video tapes of Steve Fields and John Marchione explaining why they are running for election, their qualifications and their vision.  Each video takes about 5 minutes to view and is an excellent way to see these candidates express themselves.

To view the videos, click here:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jloZo932MhE&sns=em

Reported by Bob Yoder

Redmond Reporter: Redmond Ready: City offers emergency preparedness training

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• by SAMANTHA PAK,  Redmond Reporter Reporter 
• Sep 25, 2015 at 2:00PM

City of Redmond

— Image Credit: Courtesy Graphic

In the case of an emergency, the protocol is to call 911.

It usually takes first responders 4-6 minutes to arrive on the scene of an emergency, but Janeen Olson said in the case of a disaster such as a major earthquake, first responders may not even be able to get to the scene as they could be responding to a more serious situation somewhere else in town or their route may be blocked.

Olson, police programming coordinator for the Redmond Police Department, said depending on the scale of the disaster, it could take anywhere from a few hours to several days — or longer — before emergency services can respond to everyone.

Because of this, she said it is important for people to be prepared if this happens.

To help Redmond residents and businesses with this, the city’s Office of Emergency Management(OEM) offers various training opportunities that people can take part in to learn what to do in the case of a disaster.  Read More >>

Fire Department hosts several open houses to celebrate Fire Prevention Week

Redmond, WA – Redmond Fire Department and King County Fire District 34 are partnering together to host several open houses at local fire stations throughout Fire Prevention Week. Fire Prevention Week is a national campaign and this year’s theme is to promote "Hear the Beep Where You Sleep!”  Read More>>

LETTER: Q&A with Steve Fields -- The Specifics of his campaign

By Brian Hansford

I recently met Steve Fields, candidate for Redmond Mayor. Redmond is at a pivotal point that needs strategic leadership, management skills, and community engagement. I’m not a fan of voting for a candidate “for the sake of change” and I asked Steve some direct questions on 5 issues important to me. Steve took the time answer my 5 questions in great detail. This is important to share because I think it helps provide information to making voting decisions beyond griping. I encourage Redmond citizens to spend five minutes to read this to help you make an informed voting decision.

Based on Steve’s responses to my questions I have decided to support and vote for him as the next Mayor of Redmond.

Here is my Question and Answer with Steve Fields:

1. What would you have done differently, if anything, with the approach taken on the two recent failed tax propositions? My understanding is the original public safety levy is expiring. Renewing makes sense - if the money isn't already there. Does the City only ask for money when a perceived ‘crisis’ comes up like an expired tax levy?

Before I answer the basic question of what I would have done differently I would like to clarify a couple of things.

•       There was no expiration of the 2007 Public Safety Levy. The language in the 2015 Levy proposal that was defeated in August states that Council had voted to continue that funding. I think there was confusion on that by voters.

•       The city can ask for new revenue sources based on a number of issues and not necessarily just a crisis. It could be to add or expand services or to cover unmet costs for existing services. I think part of the confusion on this levy is it was presented as both. People were confused.

I would have worked to avoid the need for a tax increase in the first place. There were many poor decisions such as the revision on 166th and the downtown park, and other poorly planned projects that should have not been approved ahead of the basic services included in the levy. Also, I am very confident under my leadership the City will find real cost efficiencies and determine more optimal levels of budget on services. This is what I do best.

The request for a new tax increase should always be very clear and supported by convincing information. The need for increased taxes should be compelling and the impacts of voting yes or no should be clearly understood by voters. The city leadership should be prepared with alternatives and let citizens know what changes will be made if a proposed tax levy is rejected. For example, what will the city do to mitigate the impact of not having the money for the proposed property crime and outreach officers? This should have had already been planned for by the Mayor.

2. Growth Management - how would you approach managing the growth that Redmond is experiencing? Buildings will be built, especially if permits have been approved and issued. Is there really anything to make this growing process less painful?

The City of Redmond does not have a Citywide Strategic Plan that is based on community engagement. You can only manage something as complicated as city building if you have a plan that everyone understands - Especially the people who live here. The city needs a strategic framework that the citizens participate in developing. This framework begins with values tied to the concept of the human scale. Or how will the end state feel, look, and taste to people.

• Does it feel safe? Are people excited and proud of how it looks? (I.e. Design Standards for new buildings like condos.)
• Does it accommodate all forms of mobility? (Transit, Bikes, Cars, Walking)
• Is there a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and business that reflect our character and community identity? (And do small businesses feel confident in coming here)
• Are there public green spaces and other public land to balance private businesses and residences?
• Are we ensuring that the eco-system is not being degraded and threatened?
• Is it laid out so that walking or bicycling makes sense to most people?
• Adequate Parking, transit, or ways around the city to avoid coming downtown are included in the planning?

All of these things are examples of what we would include in a strategic framework, a way to measure progress, and manage step by step.

A narrow vision will result in a bad plan. Without community values and support from citizens planning is futile. From the UN Guidelines on City Planning “Plans conceived exclusively by technical experts, in isolation; plans using imported approaches that are not adapted to local conditions; and plans based on mechanical and detached assessments may be irrelevant” I would designate a specific group with responsibilities for strategic coordination and inter-departmental cooperation.

3. What can be done to manage traffic? More people in more apartments and condos mean more cars.

This is the difficult one. The elephant in the room of course is what you said in your question. That is, are we growing past our capacity to handle the impact on traffic and congestion? This problem is the poster child for my view that we need to have a detailed Citywide Strategic Plan. That plan would include quality of life objectives and measures that would demonstrate the tipping point from acceptable to unacceptable. I believe the City method to measure growth impact on traffic is outdated. Right now the city looks at each individual project to measure impact on transit. We need to have more proactive methods and out year analysis that tell us when we are not ready or in a position to build more residences. This would be a first priority for me to evaluate. I have ideas but this requires some very skilled people to look at. We need to talk with other cities that have done this well as well as the cities that have done this poorly.  A number of things that could be looked at and these are some of my ideas only:

• A limited city transit system or shuttle system.
• Find ways to negotiate more transit service from regional services such as metro and sound transit.
• Placing limited small shops and stores in neighborhood locations to limit traffic downtown.
• Look at where roads that bypass downtown could decrease congestion.
• Look at how the city is spatially constructed and find ways to make typical trips more convenient or less spread out. Right now our downtown area is fragmented. (Does anyone know where the heart of downtown actually is?)
• And the elephant in the room. We need to consider how to manage the rate of growth.

4. Do you support the impending change of the downtown one way streets to two-way? Personally I think it will be a complete goat rodeo with fewer lanes for more cars to go through.

Support it or not it is absolutely crazy that this was not done BEFORE we built all the new buildings and businesses. But no I don’t support it. Because it is too late to make it make sense. It will reduce parking. It will reduce bicycling. And it will add to the feeling of cramped and unsafe. And it has limited value to the businesses downtown. However I would make this a citizen outreach priority to be certain that the benefits of either changing it or keeping it the same are well understood.

5. Citizen Engagement - how would you engage citizens differently?

This is the heart of what will put our city back on the right track. Many people in our city have lost trust in our government - And for good reasons. As one person recently put it “City Hall has its own agenda and if a citizen voices a concern, then the blow-back attitude is basically ‘we know what's best for you now go away and let us do our thing’".  Not only have I heard this from many other citizen sources, I have also had confirmation about this attitude from a source inside City Hall. It's a real thing.”

It begins at the leadership level. It is a matter of leadership values. I know that talking with people broadens my understanding. Proactive engagement between the government and the citizens is at the heart of a democratic society. It is how we negotiate living together. I would include monthly outreach where along with key staff and department heads would meet with community groups and citizens in their neighborhoods. I would make community engagement and service a major improvement initiative for all city staff. I would empower city staff by encouraging innovation and clear roles. This is a shift in city culture based on values. I would make it easier and meaningful for people to be involved.

LETTER: Musings on Mayor Marchione and his approach to developing the Downtown

Dear Editor:

As a resident and small business owner in Redmond I want to add my strong support and endorsement of Steve Fields for Mayor of Redmond. Steve’s solid work history shows that he has the right experience for the job. More importantly, he is not only attentive to the concerns of citizens, he actually understands those concerns. When I saw that Steve Fields was running I contacted him via email even though we had never met. He responded to me very quickly and actually asked to meet with me one on one to discuss the issues the city faces. The fact that he actually listens is a welcome relief and that alone makes him one of the most refreshing candidates for any office that I have ever met.

In contrast, the current mayor only seems interested in the feedback of the residents and business owners whose views directly align with his. He uses the fancy buzz phrase that “development should pay for development,” yet development has not paid for development, hence the need for levies to pay for amenities that attract and enrich out-of-town developers.  Read More>>

Food Drive at Bella Bottega QFC sponsored by the City

Redmond, WA - Members of the Redmond City Council, the Redmond Human Services Commission, and Mayor John Marchione will participate in the Day of Concern for the Hungry by hosting a Food Drive on Saturday, September 19, 2015 and Sunday, September 20, 2015, at the Bella Bottega QFC store located at 8867 161st Avenue NE, Redmond, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day. This year, the Mayor, Councilmembers, and Commissioners, will be asking shoppers to donate “Super Foods” including whole grains, nut butters, and dried fruits in addition to the standard canned goods, such as vegetables, soups, and beans. These donations benefit the Hopelink Food Bank. Last year nearly 5,000 pounds of food was donated by Redmond’s generous community members.

Mayor John Marchione encourages all residents to stop by and donate food or consider hosting a food drive during the month of October. “A food drive is a great employer–employee effort, as well as a great school or neighborhood project to show you care.” This Day of Concern Food Drive is part of a month-long community-wide effort, with other participating cities, Bellevue, Kirkland, Issaquah, Mercer Island, Northbend, and Sammamish.