After reading Scott Harlan’s April 8 letter to the editor and Tim Eyman’s initiative known as BanCam (published online), I believe those initiatives are plainly out of sync with the values and priorities of Redmond voters.

The values and priorities of Redmond voters are easily derived from observing voting patterns, and non-profit contributions.

Folks are “voting” (by means of bond measure) for large public infrastructure projects. As Redmond continues to grow, voters approve and support quality-of-life initiatives.

Education. Redmond voters support the Lake Washington School District. The Lake Washington School Foundation (Scott Harman, past president) supplements the district’s budget with non-profit contributions; and, the foundation represents a broad coalition of city and business officials and parents. The Lake Washington Schools Foundation supports academic excellence and success for all students enrolled in the Lake Washington School District. Redmond voters recently approved a bond measure to construct a new school building; and of course, previously approved a new Redmond High School, Redmond Junior High, and several elementary schools.

Parks and open space. Redmond voters support our high quality parks and open spaces. Redmond voters approved a bond measure for parks and open space. Take a look at the city’s impressive catalog of recreation programs that serve all ages. Visit the Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center, Old Redmond Firehouse Teen Center, and Redmond Senior Center to see the popularity and success of these programs. Visit Hartman Park, the new Perrigo Park, and more to see the popularity of soccer and baseball programs.

Environment. The city is an advocate for environmental stewardship, and works hard on water quality, and regional transportation solutions.  R-TRIP, the Redmond Trip  Resource & Incentive Program, rewards  Redmond residents and employees for choosing alternatives to driving  alone. By bicycling, carpooling, vanpooling, walking, or taking the bus you’ll help reduce traffic and improve air quality in Redmond. GOrtrip.com is your one-stop site for rewards, incentives, commute  subsidies, and online resources.

The Lake Washington School District is another strong advocate for environmental stewardship, and offers several programs and opportunities for learning about green best practices at all grade levels.

The City of Redmond’s “Budget by Priorities” is open to voter participation, and the budget rightly reflects the values and priorities of all Redmond residents. I understand the budget priorities are focused on public safety, infrastructure, and parks and open spaces. The city publishes these priorities in eFocus, and hosts regularly scheduled neighborhood meetings to discuss these topics.

Traffic “calming” has been an on-going discussion in these neighborhood meetings, as well as traffic safety. Some neighborhoods have traffic “hot spots” and likely will continue to see traffic accidents. Scott Harlan’s and Tim Eyman’s BanCam initiative does nothing to reduce traffic accidents, and is out of sync with Redmond voters.

Richard Morris, Redmond