In recent weeks, I’ve had the usual visits from friends and neighbors pitching both candidates for mayor — I have a ton of respect for anyone who chooses to run for public office, but my vote has to be built on more than just respect.

The challenger in this campaign has done a fine job of cataloging all the things he doesn’t like in our town. What he hasn’t done is explain in specific terms what he either supports or would do. To me, a mayor in this community must have vision, as the past four mayors have shown. It is not enough to just say NO — you need to tell me what you would DO. I haven’t heard that from the challenger — no vision, no vote.

Experience is another sticking point. While the challenger has had a good career in public service, I see little if any Redmond-specific service in elected office or on Redmond boards or commissions. Redmond service demands Redmond experience, and I’m not seeing it here. I’m not handing the keys to my car to someone who doesn’t have a drivers license, and I feel the same way about the office of mayor of Redmond.

Finally, there is the issue of values. This editorial page has seen commentary from a frequent letter writer on the challenger’s behalf bemoaning the delays associated with recent traffic calming projects. Yes, in peak hour it may take 15-20 seconds longer to get downtown from Education Hill on 161st Avenue Northeast (a project initiated by former mayor Ives, by the way), but traffic collisions are being reduced both in number and severity.

Vision, experience, values – I’m supporting John Marchione for mayor.

Phil Miller

Redmond