In the Sept. 11 Redmond Reporter, Bob Yoder wrote that Redmond’s commissions are filled with “yes men,” implying that Mayor John Marchione only allows like-minded citizens to serve. That simply isn’t true. I worked as his executive assistant, and every application for commission appointments crossed my desk.

First, every candidate was screened by the appropriate department, to check for the relevant background and interest. Ideally, for example, the Arts Commission would consist of members spanning the spectrum of the arts, and the Planning Commission members would represent different areas of the city.

Once this screening was complete, John made a recommendation to the council, which has final approval. John didn’t hand-pick candidates, though he did encourage people to apply because there is usually a dearth of candidates. He has also encouraged commission members to run for council because, again, there are so few people willing to run and serve. This isn’t unusual or unique; most candidates for city councils come from commissions because that’s where they gain experience and knowledge about the city. Certainly there can’t be much argument about the lack of candidates for council here, given that all of the current races are uncontested.

There were some applications from people I would characterize as “frequent flyers,” people who have lots of complaints but never offer anything constructive. While our mayor might not have found these people to be ideal candidates, he wouldn’t have blocked them from serving.

If you don’t think our commissions are diverse enough, it’s not because John Marchione is conspiring to pack them with “his people.” It’s because there aren’t enough people willing to put in the work.

Talley Hudson

Redmond Resident and former executive assistant to the mayor