I moved from Kirkland two years ago and have been impressed with how Redmond seeks citizen input, so I’m puzzled by Steve Fields’ campaign message of improving citizen involvement. Hardly a week goes by where I don’t see some event to gain citizen participation and opinions on a project. Because Mr. Fields has never held public office, he doesn’t know how difficult it is to get people involved.

Fields’ lack of experience shows in his ad claims of solving regional transportation and school district problems. These entities operate independently and can only be influenced by city government. He has not spent the time building relationships in order to effectively influence change. Mayor Marchione has the respect and necessary relationships with county, state, local transportation authorities and the school district.

Mr. Fields’ ads indicate Mayor Marchione can’t take credit for projects like the Redmond Connector and Bear Creek Parkway because they were voted in before he was elected mayor. He forgets that the mayor had participated in designing these projects as a City Council member.

In Fields’ recent advertisement in the Reporter, he says he’s going to build “squares and public places … to connect an entire city community,” and “a multifaceted downtown with attractions that draw people for reasons other than employment or a place to live.” Statements like this make me wonder where he lives or if he ever ventures downtown.

Who hasn’t enjoyed Redmond events that bring together community and drive local business in and around downtown? Redmond Lights, Derby Days, VALA, music in parks, art fairs, even the concerts at Marymoor bring throngs of people downtown. As I drive through the city on any given Friday night, I see tons of people. And let’s not forget Redmond Town Center. And is our new downtown park not just what Fields says we need?

Mr. Fields criticizes, but lacks any details on what he would do better — how is he going to connect communities like downtown, Overlake and Redmond Ridge any better than Mayor Marchione. How is he going to pay for public spaces and bike lanes. How is he going to solve school overcrowding and traffic problems?

I’ve met Mayor Marchione on several occasions and find him to be approachable, concerned and engaged. He has demonstrated good leadership by reducing city spending while improving services. I see a Redmond where businesses are welcomed and encouraged and resident involvement is sought after. The mayor’s time on city boards and City Council gave him the experience necessary to succeed.

Mayor Marchione has earned my vote with his hard work, experience and connections.

Cami Keyes

Redmond