Tom Hodgson (incumbent) – Candidate for City Council Position 7

Candidate Bio

Name: Tom Hodgson
Age: 53
Family: Wife – Jean Hodgson, Daughters – Sonnet & Riley
Religion: member Holy Family Kirkland
Education: AAS, Creative Academy, SCCC
Resident of Kirkland since: 1976
Resident of King County since: 1955

Campaign Co-Chairs: Margaret Carnegie and Rich Miailovich
Campaign Treasurer: Richard DePosit
Campaign website: tbd
Contact information: tom@hodgson.net

Favorite movie: It’s a Wonderful Life

Currently reading: The Kite Runner

Hobbies: biking, sailing, and baseball with my family

Professional Experience: Creative Director

Political Experience: Kirkland City Council

Civic Involvement/Community Service: Neighborhood Chair, Park Board member, Planning Commission Chair, numerous city committees

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

I am supported by individuals from both major political parties.

How would you describe your political views?

Inclusive, Balanced, Moderate and Progressive

Why have you chosen to live in Kirkland?

I like our strong sense of community. Kirkland is a beautiful city with citizens who are engaged. There are different approaches to preserving the qualities that make Kirkland so desirable yet most agree that this is a special place that is worth contributing energy and effort to make even better.

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

I would like to see the Totem Lake Mall redevelopment project completed to improve our economic vitality and serve our citizens. We should add more bike lanes and complete the Cross Kirkland Trail on the BNSF corridor to provide options to getting around town while safely staying off the roads. I look forward to a plan for an indoor recreation center that serves our recreational needs year-round. And, develop a more sustainable city budget so we are not so vulnerable during economic down cycles.

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

I have deep experience at many levels in Kirkland including neighborhood chair, Park Board member, Planning Commission Chair and my current position on the City Council. I understand and respect the public process for making policy that represents the citizen’s interests rather than outside interests. We don’t need to look to other cities to imitate. Many in cities around the U.S. consider Kirkland a great place just as it is. We are fortunate to live in such a beautiful city and must be careful about how we grow.

Our Comprehensive Plan and zoning codes that are intended to keep our city from unmanaged growth are the product of countless hours of appointed board members, volunteers and concerned citizens. Once citizens are engaged in policy making, it is important to respect and enforce their effort.  I have worked hard to make local government more transparent and accountable. Decisions of the City Council should be made in public and be understandable to anyone following the process. That is what builds trust and makes citizens even more willing to participate in local government, making the process smoother, more credible, and more representative.

I have spent many years listening to the people who make up Kirkland: long-time residents, newcomers, business owners, teachers, school administrators and school children. One of my many fond memories is of my family’s participation with neighbors and businesses working to build a playground together that the neighborhood children had designed. We can extend that kind of cooperation throughout the city. My varied Kirkland experience and understanding of the issues facing the city prepares me well to continue to work to preserve the qualities that make Kirkland great.

For more information, visit our Voter Guide

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