Between now and November, every other Friday The Reporter will feature a question and answer session with each of the candidates for Sammamish City Council. Each candidate is given an equal amount of time, and space, to respond to a question regarding their city, the council, and matters of importance to residents.

What is your assessment of the current relationship between the City Council and city residents? What, if any, specific actions would you advocate taking to improve the situation?

Position 1

John James

I believe that the Sammamish City Council could do a better job of informing and involving the citizens of Sammamish on what they are doing on behalf of those that live in the community.

I recommend that the City of Sammamish put a video of all Sammamish City Council Meetings on their Web site, so that people can see what is being discussed and give access to those that do not have cable TV or cannot attend the meetings in-person.

Also, there needs to be a better way for individual citizens to be heard through input on the City of Sammamish Web site. I propose that the “City Council” section include the ability for a citizen to make one entry that would go to the entire City Council.

Making it easier for citizen involvement and providing open access to information should be a priority of the Sammamish City Council.

Erica Tiliacos

The Council and City work to involve the public and have set up a good formal process of communication in the publication of the city newsletter, mailings, announcements, public hearings, as well as Wednesday informal meetings with a Council member.

While this is a good foundation, I believe there are additional things that can be done.

Specifically, the Council can be more closely involved with their appointed Commissions. These are, after all, made up of citizens appointed by the Council representing the greater community.

Valuable consultant, staff, and public input goes into the work that these Commissions perform, and a closer working relationship between the Council and the Commissions can provide long term benefits that will be reflected in the Council’s deliberations and decisions. Lastly, I think there is an opportunity for new, creative ways of reaching out to the broader Sammamish community to both inform and receive citizen feedback.

Position 3

John Curley

Back in the mid 60’s if you wanted to speak with the president of IBM all you had to do was call the main number and ask for president, Tom Waston. In most cases, you would get Tom Watson.

Shocking I know, but it was part of a corporate structure based on a relationship of accessibility powered by the simple motto “the customer must be heard.”

Now let’s apply that same standard to the resident/city council relationship. Is the resident being heard? Does the council respond? Are the needs being met?

If the answers are all yes, then the system is working and a relationship of accessibility is in place.

We the citizens are the customer and we may not always be right but we always have the right to be heard.

Tom Vance

Each Sammamish councilperson represents all residents of the city. That is their relationship.

The best opportunity for residents to communicate with the Council is with a ballot.

About 41 percent of Sammamish registered voters vote in Council elections.

Does that mean 59 percent are dissatisfied, satisfied, or preoccupied with their own busy lives?

Surveys (the last in mid-2008) have shown most residents think the city is on the right track.

The Council should always be looking for better ways to communicate with residents, whether in person, print, online, or on television.

They should continue to develop ways for the public to participate on the issues that come before the Council.

A fair and comprehensive process will produce better decisions and more satisfied residents.

As a candidate for City Council, I’ve rung more than 750 doorbells, so far. I’m introducing myself, my experience and ideas, and listening to residents concerns and comments.

Position 5

Don Gerend

I think that the relationship between the City Council and city residents is excellent.

The Council has been proactive in opening new lines of communication, as well as being responsive to concerns and suggestions coming from the residents.

One of the major tasks facing the Council this year has been abiding by the State’s requirement to update our shoreline regulations.

The Council has worked closely with the property owners while at the same time being sensitive to State guidelines and input from the environmental community, as it heads towards adoption of a Shoreline Master Program in September.

The Council is also working with city residents to develop a process to address the numerous road barricades throughout the city.

This year the Council has introduced open office hours every Wednesday from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at City Hall; the citizens love it. No need for an appointment; just drop in.

Michael Rutt

Limiting public participation to three minute comment period is the source of frustration and dissatisfaction among residents.

Many citizens believe the City Council is indifferent to their concerns, because of little two-way dialogue, and questions often go unanswered.

The views of the citizens must not only be heard but also reflected in decisions, thus making the council responsive and accountable to the community.

The city governance acknowledges the fact that the relationship with citizens needs improvement.

One of the major topics of discussion at the January 2009 Council Retreat was improving communications.

If elected, I’d reach out and solicit input from residents and offer clear explanations in regard to why and how decisions were made.

I would advocate for establishing Roundtable Discussion Groups and Citizen Oversight and Advisory Committees.

Most importantly, I would encourage public involvement. This leads to inclusive decision making, thus making for a better relationship.

Position 7

Jack Barry

I have longed supported participatory management, meaning collectively we make the best decisions!

We have had over 55 meetings involving input for the East Lake Sammamish Parkway, and still we could have done a better job.

Ebright Creek was one of our better efforts and it appears we are being more successful with the Shoreline Management Plan.

I encouraged staff and Council to get more involved with citizens regarding the barricade issue and I believe it will bring successful results. Together we can and will make Sammamish an even more desirable place to live, to work, and to play for all of us!

Tom Odell

Recently as I have been going door-to-door to meet residents and at the community events I’ve attended many people have told me they want a Council that is more responsive and concerned with their needs today.

They want a Council that listens and responds!

The three-minute comment period in regular Council sessions does not allow for feedback or discussion. Many find this unsatisfactory.

While Council open hours on Wednesday afternoons are a step in the right direction, the timing is difficult for many to attend.

I personally have found many Council members to be approachable by e-mail. This initial contact can lead to further meetings if needed.

I also believe in “MBWA” — managing by walking around.

The Farmers’ Market, the 10th Birthday Celebration, Pine Lake Park concerts, and even Saturday afternoons just walking in the parks offers times when council members can make themselves available for informal discussion with residents.