Whether it was three months ago or 38 years ago, we all have a story of what brought us to Redmond. In 1969, my parents chose to buy a brand new house in Woodford on Rose Hill, on the West side of Redmond. The whole neighborhood was new and bustling with children.

The next year, when I was 5, I rode the school bus from the Woodford neighborhood to kindergarten at the brand new Ben Rush Elementary.

When I was 8, my mom drove me to play baseball games at the newly improved Hartman Park. I also played soccer for the Lake Washington Youth Soccer Association, and was a paperboy for the Sammamish Valley News.

John suited up for the big soccer match!
Age 9 on the field at Rose Hill Elementary.

As a cub scout, I attended den meetings at various neighbor’s houses. Our service projects included visiting the residents at Cascade Vista, cleaning woods and streams on Rose Hill, collecting cans of food for the food bank.

As a hungry 13 year-old, I was excited when McDonald’s and Wendy’s opened in town. I thought that made Redmond a real city.

When I earned my driver’s license at 16, Highway 520 came all the way to downtown Redmond, but with a stop light at 51st street.

Off to Seattle University I went, where I met Debbie. After graduation we married at St. Jude’s Church, on Education Hill.

Derby Days: A Marchione Family Tradition!
John and Debbie at Derby Days in front of Anderson Park, 1981

And like my parents before me, in 1992 Debbie and I chose to raise our family here, buying a house on Education Hill.

As an adult, I continually work to create a city we all want to belong to. Coaching my son in in Redmond West Little League baseball and my daughter in Lake Washington Youth Soccer I have met many parents who want maintained and safe parks.

As the founding Treasurer of the Lake Washington Schools Foundation, I worked with parents and business people to raise money for our public schools, which my two children attend. The Lake Washington Schools Foundation enhances the educational opportunities provided to all our students by acquiring supplemental funding and developing community resources.

Since 2004, I have served on the Redmond City Council. I am proud of my work to add 8 fire fighters, secure a clean, safe water supply, finance transportation and other infrastructure improvements, and create a financially sustainable budget.

I also represent the City of Redmond on the Cascade Water Alliance Board to ensure a clean, safe drinking water supply for Redmond for next 50 years and beyond. As a member of the Executive Committee and chair of the Public Affairs Committee, I have advocated for improving water quality and adding water to streams and rivers to enhance fish habitat.

My dedication to Redmond began when I was four. Our next Mayor must be dedicated to the community and know Redmond like a childhood friend.