Karen Tennyson – Candidate for City Council Position 5

Candidate Bio

Name: Karen Tennyson
Age: 63
Family: Son and daughter-in-law Christopher and Faith, grandson Maxwell, and my cat, Garth
Religion: Raised Lutheran
Education: Portland Community College
Resident of Kirkland since: 1992
Resident of King County since: 1979

Campaign Chair: Anna Rising
Campaign Treasurer: Bea Nahon
Campaign website: www.karentennyson.com
Contact information: Karen@karentennyson.com

Favorite movie: Young Frankenstein

Currently reading: The Street of a Thousand Flowers, Alexander Hamilton, The Way to Buddhahood

Hobbies: Skiing, dancing, weightlifting, aerobics and gardening

Professional Experience: Kirkland business owner, Learning Matters, distributes educational software and instructional materials

Political Experience: This is my first campaign for public office

Civic Involvement/Community Service:

North Rose Hill Neighborhood Chair (2 terms)

Member of Planning Commission and served as Chair

85^th Street Action Team

A Regional Coalition for Housing (ARCH) Citizen Advisory Board

Kirkland Economic Partnership

Kirkland Sidewalk Advisory Committee

Citizen Advisory Committees – 85^th Street and North Rose Hill Neighborhood Comprehensive Plan Update

Market Neighborhood Comprehensive Plan Update

Secretary-Treasurer Washington/Oregon/Alaska Textbook Representatives Association

Childhaven Volunteer

Eastside Sexual Assault Center for Children Board Member

CASA – Child Advocate

Kirkland City Council is a non-partisan position. Are you a member of a political party – if so, with which party are you registered?

This is a nonpartisan position and my support is not limited by party affiliation. I am committed to serving all citizens, respecting their input, and making decisions with due care for all.

How would you describe your political views?

Fiscally conservative, socially liberal/moderate

Why have you chosen to live in Kirkland?

I loved Kirkland from the moment I first saw it. Since I moved here, I have enjoyed being involved in civic activities; i.e., decorating downtown for different holidays, cleaning streets. It isn’t often that you can be as involved in a city, on as many different levels, as you can in Kirkland.

What do you hope to achieve, if elected to the City Council in 2009?

Running for Kirkland City Council is a natural progression of my positive community activism and leadership. We face many issues which require critical attention, including the budget, public safety, and annexation, to name a few.

The city must become better practiced at recognizing trends early and adjusting to a changing environment. My experience as a business owner gives me the skills to be able to address the budget process within the city and to communicate with other council members the need for the city to live within its means. If annexation is approved by the voters of the PAA, this will become even more crucial; my ability to listen, think strategically, and work with neighborhoods, zoning and finance, are exactly what the City Council needs. I look forward to working with all Council members and staff of this city which we have chosen as our home.

You are asking the people of Kirkland for our vote. Why should we vote for you?

I am the candidate that citizens and neighborhoods can trust to represent them well and advocate on their behalf. I have the experience and commitment to Kirkland and its citizens. I am a demonstrated leader who understands that communication must include listening, as well as speaking up. I will keep an open mind and consider all of the information. I will ask the hard questions and will insist on complete answers. I recognize that hearing all points of view improves the decision process and the value of the outcomes.