David Carson
Years on City Council: 8
Position: 7

Why are you running for Redmond City Council?

Redmond is at the center of so much in our region and that means that we in Redmond have an increasingly important role to play in regional governance. I am running to make sure that the taxpayers (both business and residents) have a voice in these debates. The region has so many important decisions ahead of it regarding economic growth and the infrastructure that supports it and Redmond is a leader in shaping this future. Those who make our municipal government possible and allow the city to thrive should be always kept in mind in these decisions.

What does Redmond mean to you?

Redmond is an international economic engine with a natural environment that residents find peaceful and relaxing through its parks and natural spaces. It also means a place where you can get the goods and services you need and want. It means great neighbors who watch out for each other. It means a safe and secure neighborhood. It’s home and shouldn’t it be all of these things?

What are some of the issues in and around the city that you are most concerned about and why?

While there have been some strides made on Redmond’s homeless situation, I remained concerned about residents feeling safe when they are in downtown and Overlake. I know from my own circle of friends that this has deteriorated and that we need to take action. We also have some challenges in the area of transportation and I continue to advocate for more of the general fund going to capital improvements to alleviate our congestion problems around town (Willows Road and West Lake Sammamish Parkway come to mind specifically).

What are your goals for this upcoming term on council?

Two goals would be making significant progress in the areas of concern mentioned in the question above. Those are my primary goals and I have another related to my work on the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee. This would be to put together a festival to highlight and promote the various products made in the local region with specific focus on the many breweries, wineries, distilleries and food producers we have. There’s such an abundance of these and it’s a shame that we don’t show them off properly.