Redmond Neighborhood Blog

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

redmondblog@gmail.com (Bob Yoder) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 22:32:00 +0000

UPDATED, 11/13. 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 of the opinion 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.

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.

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 Meetings at 5:30 on the 2nd and 4th Monday of the Month (~45 minutes). Their Regular Meeting follows.  Work Study Meetings are unstructured and have no video or audio recording and no Minutes (one sentence) so the meetings can be very interesting!  See you there!

by Bob Yoder

$81,921 DONATED TO LWSD SCHOOLS IN NOVEMBER

redmondblog@gmail.com (Bob Yoder) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:15:00 +0000

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 School Board's LWSD governing process is lacking and it's not our fault: 1) the School Board at large didn't show up for the levy input meetings, 2) citizens aren't showing up for the Board 's Work Study Meetings. because the BOARD doesn't announce it or the Topic during their Regular Meetings 3) Work Study Meeting Minutes are only one sentence long so we never know what's going on behind those closed doors. What do you think? Will you stop in?

The adventures of Bear Creek's young buck

redmondblog@gmail.com (Bob Yoder) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 01:37:00 +0000

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

redmondblog@gmail.com (Bob Yoder) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 07:30:00 +0000

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

How and Why you should help the SecondStory Repertory.

redmondblog@gmail.com (Bob Yoder) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 07:19:00 +0000

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

redmondblog@gmail.com (Bob Yoder) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 01:19:00 +0000

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 because the schools are federally funded Title One.   Even if Redmond High was a Title One school it's highly doubtful students would transfer because the school is so good.

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.

Election Night Final Results

redmondblog@gmail.com (Bob Yoder) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:49:00 +0000

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

redmondblog@gmail.com (Bob Yoder) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:08:00 +0000

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.

redmondblog@gmail.com (Bob Yoder) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:14:00 +0000

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

redmondblog@gmail.com (Bob Yoder) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:12:00 +0000

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.

redmondblog@gmail.com (Bob Yoder) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 19:51:00 +0000

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

redmondblog@gmail.com (Bob Yoder) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 17:32:00 +0000

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..."

redmondblog@gmail.com (Bob Yoder) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:08:00 +0000

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 the largest turnout (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.

redmondblog@gmail.com (Bob Yoder) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 19:22:00 +0000

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

Editorials & Opinion | The Times recommends Susan Hutchison for King County executive | Seattle Times Newspaper

redmondblog@gmail.com (Bob Yoder) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 05:21:00 +0000

Editorials & Opinion The Times recommends Susan Hutchison for King County executive Seattle Times Newspaper

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

redmondblog@gmail.com (Bob Yoder) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 15:38:00 +0000

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

redmondblog@gmail.com (Bob Yoder) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 01:50:00 +0000

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.

redmondblog@gmail.com (Bob Yoder) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 01:34:00 +0000

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

redmondblog@gmail.com (Bob Yoder) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 22:48:00 +0000

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

redmondblog@gmail.com (Bob Yoder) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 01:51:00 +0000

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

Redmond City Council President Nancy McCormick endorses Kim Allen

redmondblog@gmail.com (Bob Yoder) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 03:48:00 +0000

"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

The Eastside Symphony and the Concert Opera of Seattle perform at Redmond Performing Arts Center

redmondblog@gmail.com (Bob Yoder) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 03:11:00 +0000

Eastside Symphony and the Concert Opera of Seattle Presents Tenor: Gino Lucchetti

Hey Bob,

I was given your card by John Vasko our Oboe player in the Eastside Symphony. He said you are friends and ran into each other in front of the school during our last rehearsal on Thursday evening and exchanged cards. I am wondering if you would post our press release below on the Redmond Neighborhood Blog to help us promote our upcoming concert on November 21 at the Redmond Performing Arts Center. Thank you!

Valentina Giovannetti
Eastside Symphony VP

The Eastside Symphony and the Concert Opera of Seattle will combine forces on November 21 in a concert version of Verdi's renowned opera, Rigoletto, conducted by Alexei Girsh. Featured soloists include tenor Gino Lucchetti, soprano Christina Kowalsky, baritone Charles Stephens, and bass Craig Grayson. Rigoletto is one of the most popular operas in the repertoire, known for such famous melodies as "La donna è mobile" and "È il sol dell' anima." Tickets for this special event are available in advance at www.eastsidesymphony.org at $17 general, $12 student/senior. Tickets at the door are $20 general, $15 student/senior.

Concert is November 21 is 8:00 p.m. at the Redmond Performing Arts Center,
Redmond High School, 17272 NE 104th St.

Contact eastsidesymphony@gmail.com
Eastside Synphony - http://www.eastsidesymphony.org

Beautiful, but is it worth $4, 068,000?

redmondblog@gmail.com (Bob Yoder) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:35:00 +0000

Redmond's $4 Million Dollar Water Tanks

Come back soon to hear "the rest of the story" about these tanks on NE 104th Street.

photo by Bob Yoder

The Municipal League of King County opposes Initiative 1033

redmondblog@gmail.com (Bob Yoder) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 15:48:00 +0000

RECOMMENDATION and RATIONALE

The Municipal League of King County opposes Initiative 1033.

"Washington State is experiencing a severe recession. State and local governments have instituted drastic budget cuts affecting education, health care, human services, parks, corrections and many other programs that citizens rely on, especially during hard times. Now is the worst possible time to further hamper government’s flexibility to meet public needs and to help with economic recovery.

Previous statewide initiatives have already slowed government spending significantly and elected officials are already very cautious about authorizing tax increases to meet service needs. While it may be a good idea to encourage government to prioritize services and live within its means, this initiative is filled with complex provisions that will make government’s ability to govern much harder and further exacerbate the structural problems of our system of financing public services."

Link to Municipal League of King County I-1033 report, recommendation and website.
http://www.munileague.org/issues/ballot-issues-archive/ballot-issue-reports/nov-2009-i-1033

The Municipal League is a volunteer-driven, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that works toward better government in King County, Washington.

Attn Readers! Post your election endorsements here!

redmondblog@gmail.com (Bob Yoder) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 05:15:00 +0000

Post your endorsements here! You are invited to email your endorsement to Bob Yoder at redmondblog@gmail.com for posting on this page. (please include your address for verification purposes)

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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
Education Hill neighborhood
Redmond, WA.
10/24
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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
10/23
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"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
10/22
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"Most of you probably skip voting for Hospital District Commissioner like I usually do because you don't know any of them. I have known Charles Pilcher for 25 years, he was my boss for several of those, is a good MD, headed the emergency department at Evergreen for many years, supports health care reform and is a good person. I think he would do a great job for us and Evergreen."

Terry Lavender
10/20