Curley leads in funds
July 27, 2009
New: July 27, 1:17 p.m.
John Curley, television personality-turned-politician, said he was cognizant of some people’s belief that he’s running for City Council as a way to remain a celebrity.
“Here’s the thing that I have to run against. I’m sure some people are going to say, this guy doesn’t take it seriously,” he said. “I am taking it seriously.”
Curley is running a campaign unlike anyone else in the 2009 Sammamish City Council elections. As of July 7, Curley led in the number of campaign contributions, amount of money raised and amount of money spent. He also stood apart in being the only candidate to spend money on a campaign consultant. Read more
Open space amendment to appear on November ballot
July 26, 2009
New: July 26, 4:32 p.m.
The King County Council voted July 20 to put an open space charter amendment on the November ballot.
By amending the county charter — effectively the county’s constitution — voters would create an extra level of protection for 95 prized county lands.
If voters approve the initial list, the list can only be revised by a supermajority on the county council. Read more
Sammamish makes key early decision on shoreline plan
July 25, 2009
New: July 25, 11:31 a.m.
The Sammamish City Council hedged on the side of protecting shoreline habitat over property owners in an decision about its revised shoreline building regulations. The council deliberated July 21 on a scientific standard that determines how close people can build to Lake Sammamish.
The city will temporarily consider 28.18 feet above sea level as the normal water elevation on Lake Sammamish until it conducts its own study in September or October, according City Manager Ben Yazici. Read more
Digital speed limit signs come to Sammamish
July 24, 2009
New July 24, 2:32 p.m.
Watch your speed, Big Brother is watching. Not really, but the city is installing 25 new speed limit signs which measure passing cars’ speeds and read them back to motorists on a digital display. No cameras are involved.
The city already installed four of the 25 signs, including two on Southeast 8th Street, near Skyline High School.
Signs like this will be popping up all over Sammamish. Photo by J.B. Wogan
New Bengal Tiger Cubs at Zoo
July 24, 2009
Coyote Rescue
July 24, 2009
Sammamish annexes Rosemont neighborhood
July 23, 2009
New July 23, 1:45 p.m.
The city is scheduled to tack on 4.7 acres and 43 residents to its overall girth July 31. That’s when Rosemont, a 14-home subdivision located north of the Timberline neighborhood, will join Sammamish.
The City Council approved the annexation at its July 21 meeting 7-0.
“I’m pleased that we’re finally going to invite them to become part of the city,” City Councilwoman Kathy Huckabay said. Read more
Municipal League releases election ratings
July 23, 2009
The Municipal League of King County released its ratings for the 2009 elections July 23.
The league has a five-tier rating system including outstanding, very good, good, adequate and not qualified.
For the King County Executive race, four candidates received “very good”: Dow Constantine, Ross Hunter, Fred Jarrett and Larry Phillips. Two received “good”: Susan Hutchison and Alan Lobdell. Two received “not qualified”: Goodspaceguy Nelson and Stan Lippmann.
Among the four Sammamish City Council races, Don Gerend was the only candidate to receive an “outstanding” rating. His opponent Michael Rutt rated as “adequate.” Erica Tiliacos rated as “very good” while her opponent John James rated as “adequate.” Tom Vance rated as “very good” while his opponent John Curley rated as “good.” Tom Odell rated as “good” while Jack Barry rated as “adequate.”
Sammamish voters will also have a say in the Port of Seattle elections, which has two open seats this year. The league rated Rob Holland “very good,” while his opponents David Doud and Al Yuen were “good.” In the other race, the league rated Tom Albro “outstanding,” while Max Vekich was “good” and Robert Walker was “adequate.” Juan Paraiso did not receive a rating because he provided insufficient information.
To see a full list of the Municipal League’s ratings, go to http://www.munileague.org.
Top 12
July 22, 2009
Once again, Sammamish was ranked among the top towns in America, according to a CNN/Money Magazine survey.
The No. 12 ranking (down a statistically insignificant amount from No. 11 two years ago) reinforces what many here already know: Sammamish is a great community with a host of amenities.
Congratulations to everyone who helps keep it that way.
Affordable housing benefits us all
July 22, 2009
When the Sammamish Town Center is finally built, there will be at least 200 new households living in the city with people who couldn’t afford to live here today.
We applaud the city for having the vision to create this mandate, and we hope the residents will welcome these new neighbors.
The affordable housing coming to the city is not going to turn 228th Avenue into a low-income neighborhood. It is for people who have jobs — like teachers and firemen — and still can’t afford to live here. Read more
