The people of Redmond are fortunate. This election they have a choice for the next mayor of Redmond. Being the mayor for 16 years, 1992-2007, provided me with extensive knowledge of the city, the staff and operations. Thousands of people who call Redmond “home” trusted me to do the right things and to speak out. Today I am declaring my choice for Steve Fields to be the next mayor of Redmond. The choice is very clear.
Steve Fields has the best qualifications of all the candidates who have ever run for mayor! Steve’s 36 years of experience in government and business is invaluable and unmatched. He can apply the best practices of both at Redmond city government but with a style, a sensitivity and inclusion that have been absent in Redmond city government for the past eight years.
Since declaring his candidacy, I have talked with Steve and observed his thoughtful interactions with people during his extensive doorbelling more than 7,500 voters — there is nothing like face-to-face communications for a clear grasp of “Redmond” reality. How he handles criticism with introspection impresses me. Steve’s energy, his welcoming, comfortable style when talking with people, his curiosity about what people think and want, his careful and attentive listening and his resiliency reveals personal assets that would make him a great mayor. The choice is clear.
I don’t like what Redmond has become in the last four years — the poster child for “paved over paradise, put up a parking lot.” Our quality of life has declined significantly. Massive development everywhere, terrible traffic in all directions, stands of trees clear-cut — thanks to the incumbent who was part of the council majority that gave policy direction that resulted in how downtown and the rest of Redmond is today.
Who do you think will pay the price and foot the bill? The mayor proposed two tax increases for public safety and parks, yet he had no problem finding $36 million for a downtown park and contributing funds to exclusive organizations that want to grow more jobs. Redmond is already a regional leader in job growth and now has more than 90,000 jobs and 5,000 licensed businesses. I think spending public dollars to grow more jobs that result in more traffic, more calls to police and fire, more demand for housing causing housing prices to skyrocket is foolish. The incumbent mayor promised to “live within our means,” but I think he simply is not making good financial choices.
We need leadership that will put the people of Redmond first, ahead of developers’ interests, ahead of out of town regional commitments and ahead of big business. Unlike the incumbent, Steve Fields has no interest in higher office. The choice is clear. Steve Fields loves Redmond, its people and want to be our leader. His candidacy gives me hope and gives all of us a choice as to what we want for our future in Redmond. Please join me in voting for and electing Steve Fields the next mayor of Redmond.
Rosemarie Ives
Redmond mayor, 1992-2007
