Redmond is a great city for citizen input and that has been encouraged and cultivated by Mayor John Marchione.

Marchione has created a Redmond that listens to the voice of its residents. The budgeting by priorities process that he has led is a great example. More citizens have a voice and a voice directly tied to the city budget than ever before. He has also helped the many commissions and task forces to grow providing a deeper well of citizen feedback.

I’ve spent the last 10 years of my career working in the nonprofit world. Four years ago, Marchione encouraged me to serve on the Human Services Commission in Redmond. I’m glad that I eventually said yes. I’ve had an opportunity to see Redmond from the inside.

I’m impressed with how unified the city is. Staff are excited about the vision of the city. The council has critical dialogue about what’s best and they listen to the advice of their commissions. I’ve sat with Marchione a number of times as mayor speaking on behalf of nonprofits and low income residents and he always listens. Marchione asks hard questions and makes considered decisions based on reasonable advice from local residents.

Marchione has spent a lot of time serving nonprofits across the Eastside. Beyond his work as founding treasurer on the Lake Washington Schools Board, he has spent countless hours with nonprofits throughout Redmond.

Jason Dick

Redmond