City Council Candidates for Redmond's Future

(Note: the seat numbers have been updated).

It's time for you to fill out that voter ballot that recently arrived in the mail. The current races for City Council are as exciting and contentious as they've been in the nearly 10 years I've lived in Redmond. Also in that nearly 10 years, I've seen tremendous change in our City, most of which I really like.

It's my observation, from conversations with neighbors and friends, that this election is as much about Redmond's past as it is about the future. So, I'm offering my recommendations for City Council for each of the contested seats. The recommendations are based on talking with you, attending the Education Hill Neighborhood Association Candidate Forum on Oct 5th, reviewing the candidate websites, and reviewing campaign contributions as recorded by the State.

If you have yet to vote and are on the fence, please consider these candidates on your ballots.

Before the recommendations, let me first share a thought with you. There's a poster in my house with a quote I've always loved. It was put to press as part of a change management campaign I ran for a Fortune 100. It's a reminder that no matter how much we want things to stay the same... they never do. The best we can do is be a part of the future.

To the candidates who have committed personal time and money running for City Council, "thank you for getting involved." This is a tough gig. For the challengers inspired by wanting to make a change, I hope--should you win--that the endless hours of time that you will be committing to the City don't weigh you down. And I hope that you are able to stand up to the criticism that is going to be lobbed your way. You know, glass houses and all.

Here are the candidates I am supporting for City Council, and I encourage you to vote the same.

Seat #6: Jerlaee Anderson
Jeralee brings a fresh slate of ideas to the campaign. She wants to improve transportation for Redmond, and do it in a progressive, technology-smart fashion. She supports a focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math learning, especially for girls, in private and nonprofit collaboration with the City. She is also an advocate for small business.

I don't know Jeralee, but she has my vote. Please vote for Jeralee Anderson for Seat #2.

Here is Jeralee's website: https://www.jeraleeanderson.com/

Seat #4: Tanika Padhye
Tanika recognizes and promotes what Redmond residents have come to experience: Redmond is the #1 City in Washington. It didn't happen overnight--it occurred because of the families who have lived here for years and the families who are still coming to live here. Tanika is the candidate for all of us, not just some of us.

Tanika was appointed earlier this year to this position as the former member of Council stepped down from duties. She was chosen from a broad slate of candidates. Tanika brings diversity to our Council, in perspective and background. She recognizes that our City has changed significantly, and must hold onto its roots.

On a personal level, I have known the Padhye family for years. They are committed to our community. Please vote for Tanike Padhye for Seat #4.

Here is her website: http://www.tanika4council.com/

Seat #2: Byron Shutz
Byron is a levelheaded and responsible member of City Council. He speaks to the facts and has developed a sound track record of leadership in government, education, and human services.

Byron has given his time to our City and our schools for years, having served on the Lake Washington Schools Foundation before joining City Council. He is deeply involved in our community, serving on the Board of Hopelink, the Redmond Kiwanis, among others. Byron's list of volunteer positions is much longer than I could list here, but visit his website if you want to see all of his community activism.

Byron and I met when he was elected to the City Council and I was with the Redmond Arts and Culture Commission, and I've always enjoyed talking with him at City events. It's my hope that Redmond residents make the right choice and vote for Byron Shutz for Seat #6.

Here is Byron's website: http://www.shutzforcouncil.com/

A final word... about the campaigns running up to this election: I've not been a fan of the tone some campaigns are taking; there have been accusations and claims made without basis. The City Council never debates issues? Baloney. The City won't listen to residents? Nonsense. Candidates are vilifying City Hall and thereby attacking the people who work and volunteer there. These are our friends and neighbors who drive the same streets and shop in the same stores and send their children to the same schools. They deserve more respect than they've been afforded. I urge you to carefully consider rewarding a campaign that engages in this type of behavior.

All of us want a better Redmond. I encourage you to vote for these three candidates to build on the success of our community and move us forward together.

Rob Leavitt is a private citizen and was not compensated for these endorsements. He is former Co-Chair of Cub Scout Pack 591, former President of the Redmond Lacrosse Club, and two-time Chair of the Redmond Arts and Culture Commission. He and his family live on Education Hill in Redmond.