Healthy

Moving Redmond forward means creating a city with a healthy environment, healthy finances, healthy businesses and healthy residents. A healthy city is a thriving city.

Environmental Health
Water issues are very important to me. A city without clean drinking water cannot thrive.

As a City Council Member, I have worked hard to improve the quality of the storm water run-off into the Sammamish River. As Chair of the Public Works committee, we evaluated the water quality of the outfalls into the Sammamish River. This review led the committee and staff to the conclusion that a centralized storm water collection system for the downtown area is a better solution than requiring each site to contain and treat its own water. A centralized system allows the City to maintain one large system instead of hundreds of small facilities; is a more efficient use of land in an area in which we want to create density; and it greatly improves the water quality of discharge into the Sammamish River.

I also represent the City of Redmond on the Cascade Water Alliance Board to ensure a 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 advocate for improving water quality and adding water to streams and rivers to enhance fish habitat.

A city with a healthy environment has plenty of parks and open space for both people and wildlife. Redmond is fortunate to have a variety of parks offering opportunities for active recreation, like baseball at Hartman Park or soccer at Grasslawn, and passive enjoyment, such as the fields and forest at Farrell McWhirter. Redmond also has a long commitment to its trails linking neighborhoods and parks. These parks and trails must be properly maintained with an eye to the needs of both human and non-human users.

Financial Health
In the last budget process, the City Council was asked to approve a proposal that increased spending 11%, although taxes only increased 9%. As Chair of the Finance Committee, I led the Council through a process that set three priorities:

• Live within our means
• Do not use capital money to balance operations
• Stop the temporary closure of fire stations

I am proud of my work. In the end, the Council created a financially sustainable budget by living within our means, continuing investment in the community, and adding 8 fire fighters to protect lives and property.

Business Health
A healthy business community is a solid mix of large and small companies, with opportunities for new entrepreneurs. Residents are able to shop, dine, and find the services they need, right here in Redmond. A healthy business community works in partnership with the city and business owners actively participate in the civic community.

Residents' Health
Residents' health includes personal and property safety, which begins with good police and fire services. I am working to build fire station 17 in North Redmond and staff it with paramedics, and add 8 fire fighters in station 12 in Overlake to improve response times. I support the levy lid increase on the ballot for August 21.

While health is a personal responsibility, the City can provide opportunities to enhance residents physical well-being. The City's recreation services should offer a variety of activities for all generations to enjoy and interact. Healthy residents also have healthy discussions on civic issues. Improving the communication between the City and the residents is also a top goal of mine. Too often, I see governments set aside civic discussion because it takes too much time. Government sometimes must move slowly to gather the input of residents, but it is critical that this time be spent to ensure everyone can join in the conversation in a meaningful way.