An open letter to the new candidates for Redmond City Council:

Thank you for being willing to serve in a role that requires tremendous personal sacrifice. Our past and present city council members work tirelessly on behalf of the city, sacrificing many afternoons and evenings to focus on the city versus spending this time at work or with friends and family.

As someone passionate about how our city is led, I encourage the new candidates to show up. Show up and volunteer in the many opportunities available within the city. Show up to learn how the city functions. Show up to see the dedication, passion and hard work city staff does on a daily basis. Show up to city council meetings. It is important to show up for the easy part of the job (city council meetings), and if new candidates are not willing to even do that before the election, I wonder what the interest is in running for council in the first place.

Again, thank you for running for Redmond City Council. It is important that elections be contested. It is even more important that as new candidates, you show up. I hope to see you at an upcoming city council meeting.

Shawn Roland

Redmond