I have known Redmond City Council candidate Tom Flynn since 2003, when I joined the board of a local literary arts association called Redmond Association of Spokenword (RASP).

For several years, Tom volunteered with one of RASP’s youth programs, coordinating the Young Authors Contest for grades K-6 in the Lake Washington School District. After I took over the direction of the Young Authors Contest, Tom was a loyal supporter of the program. I remember seeing him in the back of the room at Redmond Town Center Borders Books, when we had our awards ceremony there, cheering and clapping while the kids read their stories.

Tom has also read at the RASP open mic and hosted a poetry reading or two at Victor’s Celtic Coffee. Over the years, we have met informally and exchanged critiques of each other’s creative prose. I was impressed with his ability to listen and to offer constructive feedback in a positive manner.

I’m aware of the work that Tom has done on the city’s arts commission and most recently, on the planning commission. I know that he is interested in preserving our wetlands and parks while Redmond prepares for urban growth.

Tom Flynn is a passionate arts advocate and community organizer. He has a steady, pleasant, no-nonsense style that helps both individuals and groups to focus on the matters at hand. Whatever the issues are, whatever planning and decisions the city government has to make, Tom will bring insight and focus to the table. He has the ability to get things done.

Laura Lee Bennett, Redmond