Redmond mayor pay raise is justified

I’m responding to former Redmond City Councilman Jim Robinson’s letter regarding the upcoming mayor’s raise, and sundry other complaints. The mayor’s raise: Jim should recall his own defense of our previous mayor’s raise when Redmond faced a revenue shortfall. Below, I’ve paraphrased his remarks during our 2007 conversation in QFC’s Bella Botega parking lot: “Redmond is home to Microsoft and other world class companies. Our strong mayor system of government is unique, and unfortunately has meant our town is best known for its vitriolic civic bickering. “If we want to retain our vibrant employers and mature into a world class community, we need to offer a mayoral salary level that attracts quality professionals to lead our city government. The raise not only rewards the existing mayor, but makes the position of mayor itself financially feasible for high-caliber managers.”

March 3, 2011 5:58 pm

I’m responding to former Redmond City Councilman Jim Robinson’s letter regarding the upcoming mayor’s raise, and sundry other complaints.

The mayor’s raise: Jim should recall his own defense of our previous mayor’s raise when Redmond faced a revenue shortfall. Below, I’ve paraphrased his remarks during our 2007 conversation in QFC’s Bella Botega parking lot:

“Redmond is home to Microsoft and other world class companies. Our strong mayor system of government is unique, and unfortunately has meant our town is best known for its vitriolic civic bickering.

“If we want to retain our vibrant employers and mature into a world class community, we need to offer a mayoral salary level that attracts quality professionals to lead our city government. The raise not only rewards the existing mayor, but makes the position of mayor itself financially feasible for high-caliber managers.”

At the time, I served on Redmond’s Salary Commission and was skeptical. However, Jim’s argument has been vindicated. In John Marchione, Redmond not only has a strong mayor politically, but also a highly skilled professional city manager. His courteous style, priority-based budgeting philosophy and policy of citizen-friendly government, have transformed our civic behavior.

Taxing Redmond businesses: Redmond and Bellevue business communities are very different in their breadth, character and maturity. Tax basis comparisons are meaningless.

Furthermore, who made the rule that businesses are political bad guys? Why should they pay more taxes? Drive through our Downtown, Town Center and Overlake districts and you’ll see our barren business buildings. Redmond should encourage not encumber its remaining businesses.

City layoffs: The city has eliminated job positions. However, it’s made every effort to help the people occupying those positions transfer to other departments, especially within Public Safety.

I’m truly sorry for laid off city employees. However, they join thousands of other Redmond citizens, who have also lost jobs, businesses or homes.  Mr. Robinson’s sympathies are remarkably misplaced.

City water and treatment fees: What absolute hypocrisy. Jim Robinson can blame himself for the city’s exorbitant water and treatment rates. Afterall, he voted for plenty of them.

Mr. Robinson was a fine Councilman, and his letter seems totally beneath his character.

Sharon Hood, Redmond