ODELL ENDORSED BY SAMMAMISH REVIEW
Sammamish Review, Our Choices for Council, October 21, 2009
Sammamish is very fortunate to have so many people willing to serve on the City Council. There are not many cities of this size that have every council position challenged, giving voters real options. The candidates have generated a vigorous debate about the issues and all merit your consideration.
We have listened to the candidates carefully. We offer our endorsements as one more piece of information as you consider your options.
Position 1 – Erica Tiliacos. While not a skilled public speaker – a skill she’ll need to develop if she hopes to communicate her views well – Tiliacos has shown deep intellect and thoughtful consideration of a gamut of city issues. Her experience as a member of the Planning Commission will serve her well. Her opponent, John James, is a more knowledgeable candidate than when he ran two years ago, but falls far behind Tiliacos.
Position 3 – Tom Vance. As chair of the Planning Commission, Vance has a unique understanding of the city’s land use issues and has spent years studying city operations. Opponent John Curley is a beginner with the makings of a community leader, but just isn’t near ready.
Position 5 – Don Gerend. Gerend’s grasp of the issues is unparalleled and his thoughtful positions have led to good leadership since the city was founded 10 years ago. Gerend is a good listener, representing the citizens well. Challenger Michael Rutt is a viable candidate, but voters should not yet replace Sammamish’s No. 1 statesman.
Position 7 – Tom Odell. While Odell started as a one-issue candidate, he has grown tremendously. Odell has a solid grasp on the issues and is flush with ideas to help Sammamish move forward. Incumbent Jack Barry has served admirably for the past 10 years — and we hope his knowledge and leadership will continue as an ambassador for the city — but newcomer Odell is ready to take the reins.
Sammamish is very fortunate to have so many people willing to serve on the City Council. There are not many cities of this size that have every council position challenged, giving voters real options. The candidates have generated a vigorous debate about the issues and all merit your consideration.
We have listened to the candidates carefully. We offer our endorsements as one more piece of information as you consider your options.
Position 1 – Erica Tiliacos. While not a skilled public speaker – a skill she’ll need to develop if she hopes to communicate her views well – Tiliacos has shown deep intellect and thoughtful consideration of a gamut of city issues. Her experience as a member of the Planning Commission will serve her well. Her opponent, John James, is a more knowledgeable candidate than when he ran two years ago, but falls far behind Tiliacos.
Position 3 – Tom Vance. As chair of the Planning Commission, Vance has a unique understanding of the city’s land use issues and has spent years studying city operations. Opponent John Curley is a beginner with the makings of a community leader, but just isn’t near ready.
Position 5 – Don Gerend. Gerend’s grasp of the issues is unparalleled and his thoughtful positions have led to good leadership since the city was founded 10 years ago. Gerend is a good listener, representing the citizens well. Challenger Michael Rutt is a viable candidate, but voters should not yet replace Sammamish’s No. 1 statesman.
Position 7 – Tom Odell. While Odell started as a one-issue candidate, he has grown tremendously. Odell has a solid grasp on the issues and is flush with ideas to help Sammamish move forward. Incumbent Jack Barry has served admirably for the past 10 years — and we hope his knowledge and leadership will continue as an ambassador for the city — but newcomer Odell is ready to take the reins.
