Recently, Redmond voters rejected two levies that were meant to improve local parks and enhance public safety. It was a referendum, of sorts, on voter satisfaction with the quality of current investments and the direction of their local government.

As a parks and trails commissioner, I find it difficult to watch our staff having to support an existing, world-class park system on a shoestring budget, all the while our complimentary community facilities are closer to failure. Where is the strategy? Where is the leadership?

Continued densification of our urban centers requires a level of care and feeding that Redmond can’t afford on its current budget — a situation that will mandate a reduction of our quality of life in Redmond unless voters are willing to pay more taxes. The clock is ticking on current assets (i.e., Hartman Pool, Redmond Senior Center, Public Safety Building) and others aren’t meeting the needs of the community (i.e., Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center, Northeast Redmond Park, Southeast Redmond Park, anything in Overlake). As the city is running low on funding options, I am guessing we will be faced with another round of brinksmanship. I wish someone would ask growth to pay for growth.

Nicholas Lee

City of Redmond Parks and Trails commissioner