Redmond City Councilmember, local business owner and long-time Redmond resident Steve Fields announced he is running for mayor of Redmond in this year’s local election.

Fields, a former mayoral candidate who garnered nearly 50 percent of the votes in the previous mayoral race, believes the time is right for him to take over as the executive in charge and bring a more collaborative leadership that embraces the ideas and insights of the creative, dynamic and growing community, according to a press release.

“One of my most important responsibilities as Mayor will be to work with Council to envision and prepare our city for the future. Change will continue. Light Rail, new technologies, climate impacts, and continued development are a certainty. We need to look honestly and fearlessly at the things that are shaping our future. We must value the diverse culture, knowledge, and talent in Redmond. Then take action to provide, protect and enhance what is important to the lives of people,” he said in the press release.

Fields has lived in Redmond since 1989. Prior to opening a local coffee shop in 2014 with his wife, his career included more than a decade in the budget offices of King County and the City of Seattle, where he managed large municipal budgets, set operational strategies and advised elected officials on policies. His strength of qualifications also includes finance and project management positions at corporate technology firms, the press release states.

In addition to his skills and knowledge, he promises to bring an engaged style of leadership.

“People want a Mayor who is willing to get out of the office at city hall and work directly with people to find solutions. Our focus is on the well-being of the community. I intend to be far more collaborative than the recent administration in addressing Redmond’s challenges and will bring needed scrutiny to managing the resources we expend on them,” he said in the press release.

Fields stressed that integrity and accountability are expectations he will set for everyone who works in city government.