Showing posts sorted by relevance for query hank myers. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query hank myers. Sort by date Show all posts

Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Small Business Owner and Charity Advocate Hank Myers Announces Redmond City Council Reelection Campaign

              Small Business Owner and charity advocate Hank Myers today announced  he will run for re-election to the Redmond City Council. A diverse group of supporters lined up behind Myers, reflecting his work in Redmond to promote responsible tax policy and regulation, reduced traffic and his caring voice in support of community organizations.

“What makes Redmond great is the way we combine the innovative spirit of business with a sense of community and caring,” said Myers. “To have leaders in business and local non-profits supporting my reelection means a great deal and it reflects my efforts to keep the tax burden on families and businesses down while lifting up those who are in need.

In addition to serving on the Redmond City Council, he also represents the city’s salmon recovery efforts on the local watershed council and served on several transportation advisory groups.

“Working with business and non-profits demonstrates that in many ways they both need the same thing – the freedom and encouragement to solve the problems in the way that works for those they serve. That is the spirit I bring to the council – the recognition that solutions come from the community to City Hall if we listen,” said Myers.

Myers used his successful business background to improve the finances of Eastside Friends of Seniors as Director and help guide Redmond’s Together Center into more direct client services, despite the challenges of the economic downturn.

“I met Hank Myers as part of a Leadership Eastside project I organized to refurbish a Friends of Youth facility for homeless teens,” said Stu Linscott. “Hank worked ceaselessly until the project was complete. His dedication to getting the best results sets him apart."

Hank also earned the respect of regional leaders for his work to make Redmond a great place to live.

“I have known Hank Myers for many years in my work at Metro Transit and my association with the Together Center in Redmond,” says Barb de Michele. “He helped create high speed transit service between Redmond and Seattle. Hank is an advocate with amazing energy who listens and supports the community.”

Hank and his wife Christine have lived in Redmond for nearly 40 years, where they raised two children.

Saturday, December 7, 2019

The Myers - Kahn Race

History is happening. Women now have a total of 6 seats on the Dias, including the mayor. Varisha Kahn secured 6666 votes winning by 66 votes.


Image result for Kahn hank myers photo
Credit/ Redmond Reporter


VARISHA M. KAHN

Voters' Pamphlet:
https://www.electvarishakhan.com/meet-varisha

Education:  Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Communication journalism, University of Washington.
Occupation:  Community Organizer; Former Political Action Committee Director, OneAmerica Votes.
Statement:  As a proud Redmond resident, I running to make Redmond a leader in solving issues we share across the region.  If elected, I will prioritize environmental sustainability solutions to reduce our carbon pollution an the face of climate change, and advocate for better, accessible transportation options so residents can get around with less traffic.  I pledge to make Redmond a more affordable place to live, work, and play and will up uplift our diverse vibrant communities through meaningful collaboration and inclusion. We need new leaders with the courage to put people's needs first,and that's why I'm the only candidate this race rejecting money from developers,  Proudly endorsed by: National Women's Political Caucus; King County 45 and 48 LD, KC Young Democrats; Planned Parenthood; State Senators Patty Kuderer and Mona Das; State Representative Vandana Slatter; City Councilmember Tanika Padye.  I would be honored to earn your vote.  Thank you!

HANK MYERS

Voters' Pamphlet:
 https://www.HankMyers4Redmond.com

Education:  Bachelor of Arts, English, California State University.
Occupation:  Transportation consultant.  Past clients include Microsoft's Award-Winning commute program.
Statement:  Hank Myers brings together the best of Redmond and is an energetic voice for compassion and fiscal responsibility. He is Redmond's advocate for salmon recovery and clean water in our region.  A leader in reducing the cost of government, he fights to keep property taxes affordable.  As former board chair for the Together Center, Hank served those in our community who need help.  From volunteer days in Redmond's parks events to events supporting our police officers, Hank is out with the public, listening to concerns and solving our problems.   Call him at 425-830-4265 and see for yourself. That approach earned him the support of police officers, environmental activists, small business owners, seniors, education advocates, and leaders in our diverse communities.  Redmond is changing and facing new challenges. Hank will represent what is best about our community today and for the future.

The Myers-Kahn race was possibly the closest recorded in Redmond history. Ms. Kahn is only 24 years old which could be a record as well. So what contributed to this loss?  For one, probably the rapid change in our demographics.   


Myers conceded November 25, 2019:  "With only 52 votes in doubt against a 64-vote lead, it is time to concede. My 15 years as a King County poll judge made that decision easy."  

  
31,140 registered voters.  46.92% ballots counted.     
Of Note:               
Angela Birney vs. Steve Fields. Birney won the mayoral position with 60.04% of the votes.
Vanessa Kritzer defeated Eugene Zakhareyev for the open seat with 70.98% of the votes.
Jessica Forsythe challenged Hank Margeson for Position 3 and won with 54.67% of votes.
Varisha Khan challenged Hank Myers for Position 1 and won with 50.15% of the votes.
Incumbent David Carson defeated Carlos Jimenez for Position 7 with 53.02% of the votes.
Steve Fields, Tanika Padhye, and Jeralee Anderson remain on Council.

-- Reported by Bob Yoder, December 6, 2019

Sources:  King County Official Local Voters' Pamphlet, November 5, 2019
               Public Disclosure Commission (PDC)  
               Candidate websites

Sunday, November 11, 2007

9/11/07, Impressions of Hank Myers council debut

UPDATE, 4/15/2024 - Council member Henry "Hank" Myers has been in office almost two years.  From my weekly Council viewing and reporting it's clear he's a dedicated and tireless representative.  It's sometimes difficult to discern his true position though it appears he leans to the right.  

As Council Chair of Parks and Human Resources he has attended several GreenRedmond tree-planting work parties.  He tenaciously supports the SE Industries lobby, RICE.  RICE lobbies for "hands off" on costly stormwater regulations.  They backed Hank during his run for Council.  Mr. Myers basks in his political atmosphere. He often addresses Council during meetings in a formal, speech-like manner, sometimes leading with a list of credentials. Myers is very smart with career experience in regulatory matters.  My nickname for Hank is "Wiser Myers."   He's a man of very good humor and would laugh at this moniker.  

I scanned the Council meeting last night on my DVD. The highlight was watching Hank Myers getting sworn into the City Council and watching him in action. He had his first night at the Council Study Session "Roundtable" and was awesome. Hank demonstrated confidence, leadership, transportation expertise, enthusiasm and commitment in his new role. My first impression of Mr. Myers is that he will be a valuable and welcome addition to Redmond government.

Conversation kicked off on The Overlake Urban Master Plan. This topic gave Mr. Myers an excellent opportunity to demonstrate his expertise in his career field of "transportation economics" & planning. He interacted very effectively with Tom Hinman and Susan Petipas of the Planning Commission AND staff. You could feel the new energy and buzz at the council table. Even Cole was especially relaxed and funny. I think Cole felt a burden of responsibility lift with the presence of Hank.

OPINION by Yoder, 9/11/2007 - Updated, 4/15/2024

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

UPDATED: Councilmembers David Carson and Hank Myers conditionally prefer 2-acre "cluster" developments in neighborhoods; Margeson opposes "strips".

UPDATED, 6/20/11:   City Council held a Study Session on 6/14/11 reviewing and clarifying the three methods for zoning "neighborhood commercial".  The complete discussion can be found on hour 1:58 of  the meeting tape: http://rctv.redmond.gov/ondemand/CC06142011.wmv.  The preferred rezone method (C-1) was defined as:  a.) only 1 commercial rezone allowed in each of six different neighborhood areas, b.) the rezone is required to be concentrated in proximity to one of three criteria:  business, residential, or recreation; prominently residential.  C-1 is the method of choice by staff and council.  Myers and Carson preferred the C-3 method, defined as:  market-based, no requirements for proximity other than 1-acre rezones must be separated by 1/2 mile.  Neighborhood commercial rezone must be along collector roads or larger.  Carson suggested the option of grocery stores or establishments in converted residential housing.  Council decided 24-hour convenience stores with a "limited line of goods" (like 7/11) and signage aesthetics unapproved by the Design Review Board would not be acceptable. Public Hearing is set for July19 at City Hall. 

For quite some time, Redmond City Council and city staff  have been studying and planning policy options for creating "neighborhood commercial" zones in our neighborhoods. Fewer car trips to downtown centers, conveniences, and neighborhood gathering places are a few goals.

A significant piece of Neighborhood Commercial policy is "implementation" of size, proximity and types of businesses in the neighborhoods. Councilmembers Allen, Vache, Margeson and Stilin firmly agreed to:  locating commercial within walking distance (~1/4 mile) of residential concentrations (12-30 housing units/parcel) and parks. (Option C-1)  (SEE UPDATE)
.
Preserving neighborhood character is paramount to council.  Councilmember John Stilin commented, "I'd rather have a neighborhood begging us to open up to development, than be pushed..."

Monday, April 2, 2018

Council "Committee Of The Whole" passes, improves job performance

Council Committee Of The Whole

At Council's March 27th Regular Meeting council passed Ordinance 2917 that changes their 4:30 pm Tuesday Council Standing Committee meetings of 3 councilmembers to "Council Of The Whole Committee" meetings of 7 councilmembers.  The vote was 7-2 (Fields, Anderson.)  

The creation of Council Committee Of The Whole (CCOW ) last week has historical significance because Council's "old" Standing Committees were first installed by Council in 1913 under Ordinance No. 4. (Ref. Michelle Hart, city clerk.)  CCOW meetings will significantly open up the workings city government to the people as well as empower Council's decision-making process on legislation and policy-making.   

Owing to the significance of CCOW meetings I will be reporting on them on a regular basis....in Series format. Their first meeting is scheduled for this Tuesday, April 3 at 4:30 in City Hall.  Details are in the Agenda here.  

B. Yoder  

READ MORE  - Mr. Myers letter about the CCOW and his analysis of it. 

Friday, December 6, 2019

2019 Candidate Contributions

Image result for hank myers images
Hank Myers
"Campaign Funds For Community," Hank Myers  Redmond Reporter, 11/14/2019

"Thanks to all the Redmond voters that made this election energetic and the best reflection of public values in 12 years. I sent the following message to all 10 candidates for city offices and hope they will join me.
As we close down our campaign accounts, perhaps you have some money left over. There are several things you can do with the money. I am hoping you will join me by donating any money left to nonprofit operations that benefit Redmond and its residents.
My first give is to the Green Redmond program. One-gallon Douglas fir and Sitka spruce trees cost the city $3.50 each. I am hoping to donate $350 to plant 100 trees. If all 10 candidates do that, we can reforest a couple of acres at least.
My second choice is The Sophia Way women’s shelter. They have had a rocky time recently with organization and management. Additional money should help stabilize them and help them hire a permanent executive director.
Third on my list is the Landing, the young adult shelter operated by Friends of Youth at the Together Center in Redmond.
If I have any money left over, it will go to Union Gospel Mission, which is ramping up its Eastside efforts. You may know Jason Dick, a Redmond resident who is their development director. By next Tuesday, I should know how much I have left, and will again encourage candidates to put any leftover funds into community good."
Hank Myers
Redmond city council candidate

Candidate Contributions:
Hank B. Myers $19,575.00   Varisha M. Khan $38,175.98
David M. Carson $9,730.00   Carlos S. Jimenez $4,595.00
Vanessa E. Kritzer $30,804.51   Eugene Zakharaeyev $1,839.95
Jessica G. Forsythe $13,530.98  Dayle "Hank" Margeson $16,460.58
Angela E. Birney $105,636.00   Steven J. Fields $22,524.40

Reported by Bob Yoder
12/6/19
 PDC

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Council member Myers Awarded Certificate of Municipal Leadership - City of Redmond, WA

Hank Myers
Myers Awarded Certificate of Municipal Leadership, City of Redmond, WA

"Hank Myers, Councilmember for the City of Redmond, recently received a Certificate of Municipal Leadership (CML) from the Association of Washington Cities (AWC). To earn this distinction, Mr. Myers completed over 30 hours of training credits.

The CML program is designed to enhance the ability of elected municipal officials by providing knowledge and skills to effectively operate within the law, plan for the future, secure and manage funds and foster community and staff relationships. To earn this certificate, the official attends a variety of AWC sponsored municipal workshops. The courses help mayors and councilmembers learn the essentials of municipal service and improve their ability to work with council colleagues, city staff and citizens.  Read More >>

Friday, December 2, 2022

Snippet From Hank Myers City Hall Complaints

Hank Myers, retired Redmond Councilmember

Hank Myers is a retired Redmond council member of over a decade.  Several weeks ago he addressed our elected officials on a variety of topics:  1)  "the 53 - 47% Safety Levy loss, 2) the high cost of Redmond government as compared to other cities, 3) He accused some past "tone-deaf councils for punishing businesses and residents for not approving even higher taxes."  4) His talk on COVID is summarized below:  

Redmond firefighters

Hank Myers says....

Hello Mayor Birney and Council members, 

"We just celebrated Veteran's Day and as a veteran I can say the leaders most appreciated are those who support their troops."

"Two years after the COVID pandemic science taught us vaccines don't dramatically lessen its effect.  That's why I'm triple vaxxed."  

"The City of Redmond did not handle the pandemic well:

  1. From the mishandling of Fire Chief Tommy....
  2. To the firing of many good firefighters who served the city honorably.
At long last the official COVID emergency is over. The city can do the right thing and reinstate their dedicated and highly trained firefighters who have been proven to be correct in their beliefs." 

###

And of course, my 2-cents  ☝

* 1)  Week after week in City Hall I watched firefighters, highly trained medics, and their families plead for their jobs and rights. It was heartbreaking and very sad to watch.  I had hoped the Mayor would accommodate as did many other cities. Freedom was at stake and it hurt to see a little of it taken away. In the meantime, the new Fire Chief rushed to hire and train replacements.

  2) Jumping forward, my 31-year old daughter got COVID last week.  She was primary vaxxed with two boosters.  Her infection was very mild.  However, her husband was only primary vaxxed and he was bedridden for over a week with a serious infection.  The *COVID emergency may be over (as defined by mask mandates and Myers) but the Omicron "long haul" looms for seniors like me. I have the primary vaxx and three boosters.  Cutting edge science amazingly protects me!  Medical requirements aside, I chose not to wear a mask. Free at last!

-- Bob Yoder, opinion, 12/2/2022

Thursday, January 24, 2019

Hank Myers BIO


Image result for Hank Myers redmond photo
Hank Myers
Credit/Redmond Reporter
Hank has served on Redmond’s City Council since January 2008 and is now serving his third term. He has served on advisory boards for Metro Transit and the Bellevue School District. Councilmember Myers is a Transportation Economist working in all modes of transportation including experience in commercial aviation, public transit, and passenger ferry service. Hank began his professional career with Hughes Airwest as a regulatory affairs specialist before moving to the northwest to become Director of Government Affairs and Pricing for Alaska Airlines. He has a Bachelor’s degree in English from California State University. Hank currently represents the City on the Local Hazardous Waste Management Coordinating Committee (LHWMCC) and on the Water Resource Inventory Area 8 (WRIA 8) Salmon Recovery Council. A 42-year resident and living in the Viewpoint area of Redmond, Hank is married to Christine and has two grown children. He likes to spend time volunteering with Green Redmond and at the Center for Wooden Boats.

Monday, April 15, 2024

Redmond Kiwanis Club Honors Retired Councilmember Myers

Henry "Hank" Myers holding his Kiwanis Proclamation

Retired Redmond Council Member Henry "Hank" Myers was honored by Proclamation last week for his 10 years of dedicated and tireless work at Redmond Kiwanis Club.  
 
Hank's Proclamation
(click picture to enlarge)

Club President LouAnn Ballew presented the Proclamation, Club Secretary Sue Stewart wrote the Proclamation "with the help of AI," reading it with emphasis on Hank's full name, Henry "Hank" Myers.

Blog posts on some of Hank's council work are HERE.  

Photos by Yoder, 4/15/2024, updated 4/16/2024

Saturday, March 24, 2018

Council member Hank Myers "beats the bunny"

Image may contain: Hank Myers, smiling, outdoor
"Beat the Bunny 5K at the new Community Center at Marymoor Village today. Giving
“bunny ears” to the Bunny means one more thing off the bucket list!" -- Hank Myers

A Council member of ten years, Hank Myers is an active Kiwanian and often participates in the "Green Redmond" forest restoration events.  The Redmond Kiwanis Club "is all about helping children."  They meet every Friday morning (7 am) at the Family Pancake House.  Beat the Bunny is one of their fundraisers. 
facebook photo

Sunday, January 2, 2011

LETTER: Redmond Red-Light Camera "Pilot Program" Allows "Decision Points" For Council Review

LETTER TO RNB
By Councilmember Hank Myers, 9/19

Regarding the KING5 TV video feature on red-light cameras in Lynnwood. 

I went onto the KING5 website and viewed the *report (about the red-light installation in Lynnwood). I think the report was balanced, and represented the various opinions. As you may recall, both Richard Cole and I voted against the fine structure because we did not want to be accused of having the program for revenue. The Mayor and Police Department were also sensitive to the charge, and our version uses excess revenue to fund traffic safety programs and does not go into the general fund. I still do not like the fine structure, and that may be changed by the legislature. Our red light cameras are only going in at the few lights with the most violations, and we authorized only one school zone speed camera because only one school has flashing lights to notify drivers. John Stilin was particularly effective in raising the issue of clarity about when the school zones are active.

The report presented evidence that in Lynnwood the accident rate went up after the red light cameras were put in, largely due to rear end accidents, and then came down to below the original level. This did happen with some early adopters, but a portion of the problem appears to be related to having the warning signs too close to the lights. Once effective warning is provided further in advance, the accident rates dropped. We have a pilot program that allows us some decision points. Both the Public Safety Committee and the Council will be reviewing the program and data carefully.

Best wishes-
Hank Myers, 9/19/2010

Councillor Hank Myers is Chair of the Council Safety Committee
Read all RNB posts on Hank Myers
*http://www.king5.com/news/up-front/Red-light-cameras-good-idea-or-bad-111347179.html

Thursday, August 18, 2016

UPDATED: Mayor Marchione and Council go out of their way to participate with us

John Stilin
John Stilin
(grabbed off the internet)
UPDATED 8/23  Our council members work hard and long to represent us with little recognition from the general public. They value and almost crave citizen input to get the pulse of the community, often reading our Facebook sites, blogs and other social media discussions. 

Unfortunately, input from commission volunteers, city meetings, Items from the Audience, Letters to the Editor and social gatherings barely scrape the surface for the community participation they and staff need to make good decisions.   Ironically and unfortunately lack of participation from us makes them less accountable. 

A few council members (and now the Mayor) have recognized the problem and are going out of their way to engage with us.  The Mayor is holding "Neighborhood Conversations"  outside of City Hall and in our neighborhoods.  Council members Hank Myers and John Stilin host "coffee times."  I've followed the council for over ten years and find Hank Myers the city's #1 advocate for citizen participation. Hank values and respects any input from us, even if we drone on about one issue after the other.  

Stilin is the most powerful, ambitious and intense member of council that I know. He's the Council alpha  To the common man he appears above the people and demanding of respect, but he tries hard to engage. For a long time John held his coffee-time at Soulfood.  Despite the nasty two-year couplet construction he moved it to Midori Bakery on Redmond Way because he likes the pastries and service. I've been to two of his coffees. He has a wealth of information about the city and will share it with you if you give him something in return.  Despite his demeanor and stature by all means don't be afraid to engage!

Stilin holds coffee-time between 3:00 and 4:00 every Tuesday for his constituents. In days past he frequently posted his coffee hours on the Ed. Hill Facebook site.  Now, he advertises on the city tourism site "Experience Redmond Blog."  John will happily schedule an appointment if you have a work conflict. I'm sorry I don't have an email for you.  He uses a different email format than the other council members and I can never remember it. 

Hank Myers hosts his coffee-time the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month, 2:30 to 4:30, conveniently located at Down Pour Coffee Bar in west Redmond. I've been to one of Hank's coffees. He is friendly, approachable and a real treat to visit.  Hank is very busy and to be assured of seeing him I suggest an email -- hmyers@redmond.gov.  

We need to participate more with council so they and staff can make better decisions!  The Mayor, Mr. Stilin and Mr. Myers are giving us great opportunities.  Let's use them!  

Bob Yoder

Monday, April 10, 2017

City Council

Redmond has a strong Mayor/Council, non-partisan form of government. Seven council members and the Mayor, all representing the community at large, are each elected directly by the people for staggered four-year terms. The City Council adopts the City budget, establishes law and policy, approves appropriations and contracts, levies taxes and grants franchises.

The City Council meets for business meetings on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month. The alternate Tuesdays are Council Study Sessions.  All meetings are held at 7:30 p.m. in the Redmond City Hall Council Chambers, unless otherwise noticed.

Meeting Information Center and Current Council Agenda (click) 

Extended Meeting Agenda

2017 Legislative Agenda





Meet the Council

Angela BirneyAngela Birney

Position #5
Term Expires 12/31/19

Chair of the Finance, Administration, and Communications Committee
Member of the Parks Human Services Committee

Angela was elected to her first term on the Council in 2016. Prior to that she served as the chair of Redmond’s Parks and Trails Commission. Angela is a Washington native and grew up in Eastern Washington. She moved to Redmond in 1998. Formerly a middle school science teacher, Angela has a Master’s degree in Education from Heritage University and a Bachelor’s degree in Biology Education from Eastern Washington University. She lives on Education Hill with her husband and daughters. Her hobbies include walking, reading, and travel.

abirney@redmond.gov
425-556-2133

Friday, September 18, 2009

UPDATED: Councilmembers Margeson and Myers explain the uses and meaning of Council Committee voting.

Second update, 9/19:  I met Councilmember Hank Margeson at the "Leadership Eastside" breakfast meeting this morning and he was aware of my struggle to understand the Council Committees' purpose of voting.   Margeson (left) Chairs the Planning and Public Works Committee.  He said he uses the Committee vote mostly to "give direction" to staff.   Hank Myers (right) touches on this in the below letter he just emailed.  

A double thanks to "both Hanks" and especially to Kim Allen who first alerted me and explained the voting process.  Council President Nancy McCormmick and Michelle McGhee, our City Clerk also helped.   
The take-home message is Council Committee voting is "advisory" in nature and  not a Council decision.  The full Council will still have to vote by consent or nonconsent, on committee advise.

Open government is furthered if committee votes are not only recorded but also announced for the benefit of the viewing audience, media and staff.

A paraphrased, excerpted email from Councilman Hank Myers describes Committee process further, as follows:

Mayor Marchione has a policy of trying to give the Council process three touches on significant issues. Certain actions, such as applying for grants, require Council action. ...And in the case of the bike jump grant request we voted to recommend applying for the grant to show that it had been considered and was not controversial in our view. As a result, it was subsequently considered as part of the Council Consent agenda and passed.    

The Committee meetings are advertised as public so that interested members of the Council may attend and even participate in the discussion without violating the open public meetings act. It is my understanding that only members of the Committee may vote, [and the public my attend but not participate] and when we took the vote to approve the application for the bike jumps Mr. Vache', Mr. Carson and I all voted in favor. Councilmember Cole did not vote.

Hank Myers
Councilmember, View Point Neighborhood
Chair of Parks and Human Services Committee
paraphrased and edited by Bob Yoder

Saturday, June 4, 2011

UPDATED: Council meeting on "Neighborhood Commercial" sheds light on candidates Carson, Myers, and Margeson

L-R, Margeson, Myers, Cole, Allen,
Carson, Vache', Stilin
Council meeting on "Neighborhood Commercial" sheds light on candidates Carson, Myers, and Margeson

UPDATED OPINION:  City council met on May 24 to study "Neighborhood Commercial"(NC).  It's a big deal because they're setting policy on permitting commercial business in our neighborhoods.  Councilmember Allen succinctly described NC as "something you walk to, to get things you need."   Do we want "7-11 convenience stores" on Education Hill, North Redmond, Grasslawn, or Idylwood (View Point) neighborhoods?  'Clusters' of projects?   *Something different or in-between?  Or nothing at all?  *Council re-affirmed from previous meetings, the form of NC they want are cafe's, small grocery stores, spas, professional services, near parks (culture, rec, and government) on 1-acre parcels within .25 miles walking distance from neigborhoods. 

Neighborhood Commercial is an emotional, political issue and something new to Redmond. The May meeting offers fertile ground for insight into how councilmembers think and make decisions. This post (and others) will focus on the three councilmembers running for re-election this year - David Carson, Hank Myers, and Hank Margeson. I hope the review will encourage engaged citizens to run for a council office in the spirit of building a healthy, vibrant Redmond.

Council broke their May 24th study session into three parts: zoning, public notice process and implementation.  Richard Cole was absent.

ZONING:  Rezoning was the shortest conversation.   Council decided:
  • NC wouldn't be allowed in  low density residential property, like horse acre properties (R-1)
  • Business Parks and Commercial Parks could have delis but no 7-11's, nail salons, dentists, etc.  (Margeson and Myers made a point of this)
  • 3-acre residential couldn't be rezoned to NC with the exception of 1) the PCC shopping area on 116th and Avondale and 2) the shopping area on Old Redmond Road and 132nd Avenue.  Myers and Margeson both agreed the shopping areas were stragegic to their neighborhoods.  Myers pointed out their 1+ mile distance from Redmond urban centers and so greater residential need for services.
I watch most Council meetings.  During council meetings in general, it's common for Hank Margeson to lead on neighborhood issues.  (Mr. Margeson was on the Education Hill Advisory Committee and Parks Board.)  In this session, Mr. Margeson actively contributed to the conversation about 5 times and Mr. Myers about three.  Mr. Carson had very little to say.  He asked staff a short question about Overlake Technical Center; and mentioned "a deli."  Council's entire conversation on rezoning lasted 20 minutes.

Neighborhood Public Process is the next subject of my next post.  It's really important to Council. 

Opinion By Bob Yoder
City website photo
Updated, 6/5

Sunday, December 17, 2017

Updated: "Unanimity rarely results in good outcomes"

In the Council meetings I've watched of late, Mr. Myers has been the only council member  mildly challenging his peers and staff on mayoral-supported issues while the other six sit unresponsive seemingly in fear of upsetting the Administration's non-transparent management style. Our Council - Mayor balance is seriously out of kilt favoring the Administration.  Hopefully the new Council (legislatures) will "check and balance" the Mayor (our CEO) to more fairly and justly represent the people who elected them. - B. Yoder


Image result for redmond reporter image

Redmond Reporter  Letter to the Editor, Thursday, December 7, 2017 


"Unanimity rarely results in good outcomes"  by Richard Grubb. 


I agree with Redmond City Council member Hank Myers’ letter that the council needs more brains. But where to start?
In defending the city council’s 7-0 votes, Mr. Myers claims that proposals have already been “thoroughly vetted” by a lengthy administrative process when they reach the council. This reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of the legislative process. An important function of a legislative body is as a check on the permanent government. It is not enough that elected officials merely say yea or nay, their duty is to bring a considered deliberation to the process. It is essential that elected officials, when they do not have independent staff, do their own unbiased research and not depend upon a bureaucracy that may provide information, either consciously or unconsciously, to support a predetermined outcome. This check on the permanent government is essential.
Once a proposal comes to the full council, each member should apply his/her distinct knowledge and intelligence to the issue through an open process of debate, opinion, counter-opinion and argument to ensure that the policy to be adopted by the council is congruent with the desires and needs of the citizens of Redmond. Unanimity rarely results in good outcomes.
Mr. Myers might want to google an erstwhile Speaker of the House of Representatives, Sam Rayburn, who remarked, when two people agree on everything, only one of them is doing the thinking. So, who is doing the thinking for the seven in lock-step council members?
Given the council’s proclivity for agreement, Mr. Myers’ kidney analogy may be appropriate. Since a body can get by on only one kidney, perhaps the city council is unnecessary.
Richard Grubb
Redmond
Hank Myers wrote a subsequent letter further "delving into council meetings."  

Saturday, July 21, 2012

WHY WE SHOULDN'T RAISE PROPERTY TAXES IN REDMOND NEXT BUDGET: "REDMOND REPORTER : LETTERS"

This Letter from Redmond Councilmember Hank Myers (truncated by Yoder) was published in the Redmond Reporter's July 20th edition (this weekend).  The Letter wasn't published in Reporter's online edition:  www.Redmond-Reporter.com.  To read the entire Letter which includes a compliment to the Marchione Administration, please read the newspaper edition delivered to your home.  The Redmond Reporter is available from newspaper dispensors at bus stops, apartments, Redmond Town Center, the post office, at select businesses, the Redmond library, City Hall and Old Redmond School House Community Center.

WHY WE SHOULDN’T RAISE PROPERTY TAXES IN REDMOND NEXT BUDGET, By Councilmember Hank Myers,  Redmond Reporter, 7/21/2012

At Tuesday night’s City Council Meeting, Finance Director Mike Bailey outlined the state of the current Redmond budget as we passed the 75% mark of the biennial period. The highlights are that Redmond’s cash on hand position is $9.5 million better than projected for this point in time. Even excluding a $4.0 million sales tax special payment from the State, we are still well over $5.0 ahead of our own projections. This strong cash position is due to our recovering sales tax revenue, as well as property tax collections that are about $1.5 million better than projected. On the expenditure side, Mayor Marchione and his Director team are under-spending the budget by 7.63% (compared to 7.08% last quarter). The City Council is the most frugal department, under-spending its budget by over 23.5%.

Last week Mr. Bailey presented an analysis of overall economic trends which show a strengthening recovery, particularly locally. If sales taxes follow the economic trends, we should see significant improvement in our single largest revenue source. Unlike other cities in our area, Redmond continued to raise property taxes in each of the last four years of the great recession. In dollar terms it is not a big amount, but it is not the only tax increases our residents have had to pay, and it came during a time when real income was declining.

Looking at all this, there are three excellent reasons why we should not raise property taxes in the next budget.

First, we don’t need the added revenue. We are looking at a budget-end cash surplus approaching $12 million. This is the third cash surplus in three budgets. At the end of the last budget we added a new multi-million dollar reserve fund that puts our reserve capacity well above city averages in our state. At the end of 2008 we created an innovation fund to encourage more efficient service delivery out of that surplus. By contrast, increasing property taxes the allowed 1% raises just under a million dollars for the biennium. Our residents rate city service delivery at impressively high levels. Conservatism is a laudable virtue in budgeting, second only to accuracy.

Next, how a government considers its citizens is vital. Except for a small amount of development services, all of the general fund revenue comes from taxing the productivity of the community. There are easy rationalizations for tax increases: “it’s not a lot of money” or “other governments are raising taxes more”. The bottom line is that any government that puts its own needs ahead of those of its citizens is not worthy. Besides, the property tax is the only general tax within the direct control of the city.

Third, the budget will be structurally balanced without a tax increase. We did not need the property tax increase in the current budget to assure a six-year structurally balanced budget, nor did we need it in the previous one. The question is how do we use our current surplus to create the most sustainable benefits for our residents? We have spent the last two surpluses creating innovation funds and super-safe reserve levels. Now is the time to use our surplus outside of city hall, almost literally putting it on the streets for the benefit of everyone.

My suggestion is....(please read the newspaper edition for Mr. Myers's closing remarks). 

Hank Myers
Redmond City Councilmember
P.O. Box 7151
Bellevue, WA  98008-1151
(425) 892-4820