neighborhood villages

Currently four of seven commissioners are appointed, not elected.  IMO this is not healthy for the community. T he commissioners continue to avoid providing full mental health services.  In the April election a $325M measure will be on the ballot mostly to fund seismic retrofits.   According to an Executive Laurene Burton, the measure would cost property owners 0.18/1K.  - B.Yoder Kenmore Air president Todd Banks will fill the position previously held by retiring commissioner Jeannette Greenfield Kirkland, Wash. � EvergreenHealth�s Board of Commissioners formally voted to approve the appointment of Todd Banks to represent the community at-large on the health system�s seven-member governing board. Banks is president and general manager of the long-standing, family-owned Kenmore Air company. He brings a wealth of professional expertise and community involvement experience that will serve EvergreenHealth in advancing its vision to create an inclusive community health ...

King County Public Hospital District No.2 (EvergreenHealth medical center) will ask district residents and families to pony up $325,000,000 for 1) an extensive seismic retrofit, 2) a family maternity care refresh and 3) relocation of critical care, with enhancements, to the Silver tower. The bulk of bond monies will go to the seismic retrofit. Regarding the seismic retrofits Laurene Burton, the hospital's Executive Director of Community Affairs says: "Our goal is to not just be safe, but to be available when the region needs us most and be open and ready to care immediately for patients in our community and beyond, in the event of a catastrophic earthquake."  "In 2004 when we went to the voters to build the Emergency Department safety was paramount. We have been good stewards of your tax dollars.  Through these seismic upgrades, we will provide the safest environment for our entire community from our tiniest babies to those in critical care." The Board of Commis...

In the City Council's committee meeting on 10/23 Melisa Files, Director of Finance reported: 1)  Revenues were up by 5% of target and 2)  Expenditures were 4% below target So "we are in a nice place to be" says Ms. Files. Yes we are, many thanks to the "surge in permitting fees" from development and a "one-time construction tax," according to Files.  Historically, the City has assessed  property owners the State's maximum allowable 1% property tax.  But times have changed and the City is swimming in revenue like never before from the massive development of our Downtown and Overlake urban centers. Owing to this unprecedented growth the City of Redmond should change their practices and forgo the 1% property tax this year.  Residents are already burdened by looming school district taxes and in April, an EvergreenHealth $300M bond initiative, among other taxes. It's time the City tightens their belt. -- Bob Yoder, Opinion Sources:  City Council Co...