Sammamish Review Letter to the Editor
Sammamish Review, October 21, 2009,
Letter to the Editor
Vote for Odell
On Nov. 3, as we enter our second decade, Sammamish citizens have a real choice for Position 7. While candidate Jack Barry has contributed much to our community over the years, it is time for a positive change. That change is Tom Odell. I have known Tom and his family for the 20 years they have lived in Sammamish and know they are a family of integrity. Odell is focused, analytical, and above all, fair. He does not say one thing and do another.
Tom Odell has stated that a civic center with an aquatic facility is exactly what Sammamish families and kids need. On the other hand, his ‘family friendly’ opponent, Jack Barry, stated that a civic center is ‘wishful thinking’ (Sammamish Review Sept. 30, 2009). He also voted against the skate park and actively opposed the Sammamish Trail, two of the most popular family/kid activities in our city.
Tom Odell has been against the East Lake Sammamish Parkway project from the beginning and continually urged the council to cancel this project. Most citizens with whom he has spoken feel the same. On the other hand, his opponent initially said ‘let’s get on with it’ and supported the entire project during open discussions on the project. Now he claims that he has always only supported two small parts of the project.
Tom Odell has consistently emphasized that this project does not add additional traffic capacity and is not a good use of our road construction funds irrespective of where the dollars come from. Odell has never been in favor of a four-lane highway as his opponent insinuated in the Oct. 7 candidate forum.
As the ballots arrive in the mail, I hope that our citizens will take time to get the facts straight. We need a fresh leader who listens, won’t backtrack when citizens react and refuses to take contributions from special interests. It is time for a positive change on the Sammamish council in Position 7. Please join me in voting for Tom Odell.
John Knie
Sammamish
