Yesterday I learned I was again endorsed by the Seattle Times.
"The Seattle Times recommends John Marchione to succeed Rosemarie Ives, the strongest of strong mayors. Marchione will be a strong mayor, too, but will bring public administrative expertise to the city's chief-executive job that gives him the edge over his opponent."
You can read the whole endorsement and those for Redmond City Council at the Seattle Times Endorsement page.
The endorsement for the primary reads:
With a master's degree in public administration and several years working in municipal government, Marchione certainly has the public management experience to run the city.
We like Marchione's sharper view of budgeting — and the council majority's commitment to a priorities-of-government approach that gives a responsible nod to the proper role of government in a city with escalating home values and taxes.
Read the full Primary Endorsement.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Monday, October 22, 2007
My Dad
Dear Friends,
Thank you for your support of my campaign, it is crucial to my success on November 6th. Today, I need your help more than ever.
Friday night, my father passed away from a sudden heart attack at his home in Indianapolis. Although my father had been in poor health for many years, his death at this time comes as a shock. I will be leaving Tuesday for Indianapolis and returning this weekend. My excitement about the election is now tempered with sorrow.
In my absence, I need your support to help finish out the campaign. Absentee ballots arrived last week, and many people have begun voting. Please email or call all your friends in Redmond to remind them to vote for me.
I know many of you have experienced the loss of a parent, and will understand the difficult path I am now walking. Thank you for your thoughts, prayers and support.
John
Thank you for your support of my campaign, it is crucial to my success on November 6th. Today, I need your help more than ever.
Friday night, my father passed away from a sudden heart attack at his home in Indianapolis. Although my father had been in poor health for many years, his death at this time comes as a shock. I will be leaving Tuesday for Indianapolis and returning this weekend. My excitement about the election is now tempered with sorrow.
In my absence, I need your support to help finish out the campaign. Absentee ballots arrived last week, and many people have begun voting. Please email or call all your friends in Redmond to remind them to vote for me.
I know many of you have experienced the loss of a parent, and will understand the difficult path I am now walking. Thank you for your thoughts, prayers and support.
John
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Strange Survey Calls
Dear Friends,
Someone is conducting a poll, but it is not me. If you receive a call, take a listen and then report what you are hearing.
I have heard it described as "push-poll," meaning they ask questions in such a way to influence your answers. They want you to come to a certain conclusion. It seem they want you to conclude that I will pave over Redmond. I don't have enough information to know what they are up to, but if you want to know my real positions, please see my web site at www.johnmarchione.com or email me at john@johnmarchione.com.
Thanks,
John
Someone is conducting a poll, but it is not me. If you receive a call, take a listen and then report what you are hearing.
I have heard it described as "push-poll," meaning they ask questions in such a way to influence your answers. They want you to come to a certain conclusion. It seem they want you to conclude that I will pave over Redmond. I don't have enough information to know what they are up to, but if you want to know my real positions, please see my web site at www.johnmarchione.com or email me at john@johnmarchione.com.
Thanks,
John
Three Big Issues
As the campaign enters the last 38 days, the question I am asked most often is,"What are the three biggest issues in the Mayoral campaign?"
1) Qualifications -- The job of Mayor is a full-time executive. I am the only candidate with executive management experience, serving over 10 years as the Chief Financial Officer at Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue.
2) Growth -- The State Growth Management law requires Redmond to absorb a certain amount of growth. I want to proactively manage this growth and focus it in Downtown and Overlake. By creating active centers with housing and shopping, we preserve our established single family neighborhoods. To accomplish this goal, the City needs to install the proper infrastructure where we want growth. Otherwise, development will occur on the edges of town and leave our centers continually hollow. (Why will growth continue to occur on the edges if we don't change? Because the cost to developers to install infrastructure is cheaper.)
3) Financial Sustainability -- The City cannot continue to raise taxes and not tell the citizens what they are buying. In the last budget process, my opponent supported the administration's budget that cut parks and transportation to pay for overhead functions. Even the Mayor said it was not sustainable and "not my problem" when she submitted the budget to Council (see October 24, 2006 study session tape). Instead, I led the Council to add 8 firefighters, restore the parks and transportation dollars that were removed, and to Live Within Our Means.
Please leave a comment or email me (john@johnmarchione.com) if you want to know about other issues.
1) Qualifications -- The job of Mayor is a full-time executive. I am the only candidate with executive management experience, serving over 10 years as the Chief Financial Officer at Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue.
2) Growth -- The State Growth Management law requires Redmond to absorb a certain amount of growth. I want to proactively manage this growth and focus it in Downtown and Overlake. By creating active centers with housing and shopping, we preserve our established single family neighborhoods. To accomplish this goal, the City needs to install the proper infrastructure where we want growth. Otherwise, development will occur on the edges of town and leave our centers continually hollow. (Why will growth continue to occur on the edges if we don't change? Because the cost to developers to install infrastructure is cheaper.)
3) Financial Sustainability -- The City cannot continue to raise taxes and not tell the citizens what they are buying. In the last budget process, my opponent supported the administration's budget that cut parks and transportation to pay for overhead functions. Even the Mayor said it was not sustainable and "not my problem" when she submitted the budget to Council (see October 24, 2006 study session tape). Instead, I led the Council to add 8 firefighters, restore the parks and transportation dollars that were removed, and to Live Within Our Means.
Please leave a comment or email me (john@johnmarchione.com) if you want to know about other issues.
Dog Lover
Yes, I am a dog lover. My family has an Airedale Terrier named Dodger (I am also a baseball fan). When I am out doorbelling and the family owns a dog, I show them a picture of Dodger in the brochure.
Here is the best comeback I have heard so far. One woman looked at the picture really hard. "Oh, an Airedale," she said. "If you can manage an Airedale, you can manage the Council. You have my vote!"
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Seniors Want a Voice Too
During my campaign, I have talked to many retired citizens who feel excluded from the City. They have issues but they feel are under-represented. Issues raised include:
- The Senior Center exists but they cannot get there (or get home)
- Trails and parks do not have smooth paths for walking
- Needing more benches along trails for resting
Marchione BBQ Picnic
Thanks to all who came out to my picnic last Saturday. We had a steady stream of visitors throughout the afternoon, with about 70 people in all stopping by for at least a cold water. Grill master Barry Garman served up tasty hot dogs and many families supplied cookies for the event.
Most people came as a family. That was great! One young man decorated his bike with Marchione fliers and balloons and rode through the park.
I enjoyed seeing supporters and I was glad to meet many new people who were curious about my campaign. The issues discussed the most were:
Most people came as a family. That was great! One young man decorated his bike with Marchione fliers and balloons and rode through the park.
I enjoyed seeing supporters and I was glad to meet many new people who were curious about my campaign. The issues discussed the most were:
- my work on protecting streams and enhancing water quality
- restoring/enhancing salmon runs in Bear Creek
- setting budget priorities in a way that involves meaningful participation from the public
Thanks again for the thoughtful discussions!
Thursday, August 2, 2007
An Exhilarating Week!!!
Dateline – August 2, 2007. Monday started with a visit to Fairwinds on Avondale. Most of the hour long discussion was fun and informative. However, a group from one of my opponents came and started to dominate the questioning. This annoyed the residents, who recognized the group, and had to wait to ask me questions.
On Tuesday, the Municipal League of King County (aka “The Muni League”) issued their candidate ratings for the Redmond races. I am very pleased to receive their highest rating “OUTSTANDING”!
Wednesday brought the Candidate/Issue Forum at Emerald Heights. Many thanks go out to Lori Snodgrass for organizing this event. It was great to see old friends and meet new ones. The Mayor portion of the forum was taped and will be played on RCTV Channel 21.
Thursday was the candidate’s forum with the Police Association. I welcome the chance to meet the employees and learn more about their issues. However, I asked them to not endorse me or any other candidate for Mayor. It is not ethical for the Mayor, who is responsible for negotiating contracts with the union, to accept such an endorsement. Then any negotiation settlements are tainted by the endorsement (or lack thereof). It is OK for unions to be politically active, but there should be certain limits.
Friday (I hope) will be a quiet day. I will use Friday night to prepare to go out doorbelling.
On Tuesday, the Municipal League of King County (aka “The Muni League”) issued their candidate ratings for the Redmond races. I am very pleased to receive their highest rating “OUTSTANDING”!
Wednesday brought the Candidate/Issue Forum at Emerald Heights. Many thanks go out to Lori Snodgrass for organizing this event. It was great to see old friends and meet new ones. The Mayor portion of the forum was taped and will be played on RCTV Channel 21.
Thursday was the candidate’s forum with the Police Association. I welcome the chance to meet the employees and learn more about their issues. However, I asked them to not endorse me or any other candidate for Mayor. It is not ethical for the Mayor, who is responsible for negotiating contracts with the union, to accept such an endorsement. Then any negotiation settlements are tainted by the endorsement (or lack thereof). It is OK for unions to be politically active, but there should be certain limits.
Friday (I hope) will be a quiet day. I will use Friday night to prepare to go out doorbelling.
Monday, July 30, 2007
Derby Days Rumors
I have heard rumors that I want to discontinue Derby Days. That is not true! I love Derby Days and want it to continue as a community festival. To say I want it discontinued is to twist my words (I did say that Public Safety is more important than community festivals during budget discussions).
For 60 of the 67 years, the community (Chamber and other civic groups) sponsored Derby Days. Since the City has taken up the festival 7 years ago Derby Days has become smaller and less attended. I want the community to take back the festival. The City can still provide parks, police and fire services for the event, but Derby Days was a much better event when everyone participated.
In the budget I provided one year of funding, so community leaders can have two years to prepare to take it back over. I know of many companies that will participate if the City removes itself from controlling the event.
For 60 of the 67 years, the community (Chamber and other civic groups) sponsored Derby Days. Since the City has taken up the festival 7 years ago Derby Days has become smaller and less attended. I want the community to take back the festival. The City can still provide parks, police and fire services for the event, but Derby Days was a much better event when everyone participated.
In the budget I provided one year of funding, so community leaders can have two years to prepare to take it back over. I know of many companies that will participate if the City removes itself from controlling the event.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
New Video
Did you see my new video? Catch it at http://www.johnmarchione.com/blog.php. It was a blast to make! My son said that if I wore make-up he would disown me. See if you can find your neighborhood in the background.
Here are some trivia questions to answer. The first person to respond with three correct answers to john@johnmarchione.com wins an autographed Marchione for Mayor frisbee.
What elementary school did I attend?
At what park did the Derby Days parade end when I was a kid?
Which brother did I coach in Little League?
No Mom, you can't play!
Here are some trivia questions to answer. The first person to respond with three correct answers to john@johnmarchione.com wins an autographed Marchione for Mayor frisbee.
What elementary school did I attend?
At what park did the Derby Days parade end when I was a kid?
Which brother did I coach in Little League?
No Mom, you can't play!
Monday, July 9, 2007
Derby Days 2007
A great day for a fun event. Thanks to my 30+ volunteers who showed up and marched with me! A fun time was had by all.
I look forward to improving Derby Days with a longer parade route and greater community participation. This old tradition needs new energy.
Managing Growth in Redmond
Redmond is no longer a bedroom community. We must shape the growth around us instead of allowing the growth to shape us. A proactive vision of the city and services we want will help ensure we enhance our quality of life. This is not a vision to encourage growth, but a vision to manage growth to keep Redmond great.
One measurement of a successful city is a place where you can live happily for all phases of your life. This means providing housing, transportation and recreation choices. At different ages, you need different options. Out of college you need an apartment. A new family may need a single family house with a yard for the dog. Once your youngest child graduates, you may choose a condo so you can travel without worrying about yard work.
To allow these housing choices to be affordable, the city needs to increase the supply of housing units and implement the proper transportation infrastructure. The first place to start is to focus density in our urban centers. I am concerned that the City is spreading density evenly throughout, like peanut butter on bread, reducing housing choices, making everything the same, and diminishing the character of our neighborhoods.
Matching land use with transportation infrastructure is another important action needed to maintain the quality of life. That is why I want to match downtown Redmond with a Sound Transit stop.
Using transit to connect key sites on the Eastside will improve usability. Currently, I can get to downtown Bellevue or Seattle during rush hour, but anywhere else is a major challenge. Most of the congestion on the Eastside is from people traveling from one Eastside destination to another.
We need a regional mass transit system. I am supporting the transportation package this fall. I am disappointed it does not go all the way into downtown Redmond, but light rail will be closer to the City than if the package fails altogether.
For Redmond to increase the housing supply, we need to catch up with our infrastructure needs so the private sector wants to build here. For example, Redmond zoning calls for five story multi-use buildings in the downtown. The City Council shows great vision here. However, the City’s water system only has the capacity for one story buildings. Currently a developer would have to build the whole water system for the downtown core to construct one building in downtown. As Mayor, I would install the water pipe that matches the land use plan and use debt and hook up charges to finance the project so that growth pays for itself.
One measurement of a successful city is a place where you can live happily for all phases of your life. This means providing housing, transportation and recreation choices. At different ages, you need different options. Out of college you need an apartment. A new family may need a single family house with a yard for the dog. Once your youngest child graduates, you may choose a condo so you can travel without worrying about yard work.
To allow these housing choices to be affordable, the city needs to increase the supply of housing units and implement the proper transportation infrastructure. The first place to start is to focus density in our urban centers. I am concerned that the City is spreading density evenly throughout, like peanut butter on bread, reducing housing choices, making everything the same, and diminishing the character of our neighborhoods.
Matching land use with transportation infrastructure is another important action needed to maintain the quality of life. That is why I want to match downtown Redmond with a Sound Transit stop.
Using transit to connect key sites on the Eastside will improve usability. Currently, I can get to downtown Bellevue or Seattle during rush hour, but anywhere else is a major challenge. Most of the congestion on the Eastside is from people traveling from one Eastside destination to another.
We need a regional mass transit system. I am supporting the transportation package this fall. I am disappointed it does not go all the way into downtown Redmond, but light rail will be closer to the City than if the package fails altogether.
For Redmond to increase the housing supply, we need to catch up with our infrastructure needs so the private sector wants to build here. For example, Redmond zoning calls for five story multi-use buildings in the downtown. The City Council shows great vision here. However, the City’s water system only has the capacity for one story buildings. Currently a developer would have to build the whole water system for the downtown core to construct one building in downtown. As Mayor, I would install the water pipe that matches the land use plan and use debt and hook up charges to finance the project so that growth pays for itself.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Cancelled BBQ
So I must confess why the sudden cancellation in the BBQ for June 16th. That is the same day as the The Komen Race for the Cure to raise money for breast cancer. This is an important cause to our family and very important to Debbie given her (our) recent experience.
So we will hold a BBQ another time. Meanwhile, please sponsor someone who is walking this Saturday.
So we will hold a BBQ another time. Meanwhile, please sponsor someone who is walking this Saturday.
Saturday, June 9, 2007
Yard Signs For Sale!
A classmate aproached my eighth grade daughter and said "We have a sign in our yard with your dad's name on it!"
Other friends heard this and asked, "Can we get one?"
One girl asked, "How much?"
Without missing a beat, my daughter replied, "Five bucks!"
She reportedly sold $35 worth of signs the first day and $25 the next. Asked what she planned for the money, she said she would donated it to the campaign after deducting her costs.
Other friends heard this and asked, "Can we get one?"
One girl asked, "How much?"
Without missing a beat, my daughter replied, "Five bucks!"
She reportedly sold $35 worth of signs the first day and $25 the next. Asked what she planned for the money, she said she would donated it to the campaign after deducting her costs.
Who Reads This Stuff Anyway?
Thank you for the couple of comments I have received on blog entries. I am glad to know the entries are appreciated.
HOWEVER, when I asked my wife, Debbie, about a particular entry, she replied, "I don't read that!" But I am happy to know someone does. Thanks!
HOWEVER, when I asked my wife, Debbie, about a particular entry, she replied, "I don't read that!" But I am happy to know someone does. Thanks!
Thursday, June 7, 2007
A Day of Loss / What is important?
Yesterday a friend died from cancer. She was 41. There is no way my words can do her justice. There are many tragic elements when a young person dies: the lost potential, the many friends left behind. But the saddest element to me is when the parents outlive their children.
In this case both parents attended their child when she died. Parents should not have to bury their children. That is the greatest tragedy.
So hug your loved ones twice tonight. Remember it is the relationships we make that enrich our lives, not the accomplishments we obtain.
In this case both parents attended their child when she died. Parents should not have to bury their children. That is the greatest tragedy.
So hug your loved ones twice tonight. Remember it is the relationships we make that enrich our lives, not the accomplishments we obtain.
Monday, June 4, 2007
Signed Sealed & Delivered
Filing for office opened today at the King County Department of Elections. I waited for the crowds to subside (yes, there are actually crowds of people who want to run for public office).
Here is a picture of me as the registrar notarizes my declaration of candidacy. The shirt is an early father's day gift from my daughter. The picture marks another step of progress towards the November election.
Earlier today I had coffee with a potential supporter. The issues are the same all over the City: its time for a change, lets manage growth to add to the community not subtract, and please someone help with the traffic!
Doorbelling is going well. If I haven't knocked on your door, I will be coming soon!
Sunday, June 3, 2007
The Importance of Local Government
The fact you are reading this blog means you have at least a passing interest in local government. Local government is where the ACTION is. Every day local government impacts your life.
Today was a great day for doorbelling, although a little hot. Thanks to all of you who took the time to discuss local issues and share my enthusiasm for the City of Redmond.
For those of you interested in a yard sign, click here, to sign up!
Today was a great day for doorbelling, although a little hot. Thanks to all of you who took the time to discuss local issues and share my enthusiasm for the City of Redmond.
For those of you interested in a yard sign, click here, to sign up!
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