Meet Tom Flynn, Candidate for Redmond City Council

Editor's note: What follows is part of a series of candidate profiles Patch will be bringing you for the 2011 elections. Redmond planning commissioner Tom Flynn is running against Joel L. Wright for the seat of Richard Cole, who will retire from the council at the end of the year.

Full name: Thomas Matthew Flynn
Age: 48
Employer and occupation: Puget Sound Energy, compliance consultant in energy operations
Place of birth: Helena, Mont.
Where do you live now, and how long have you lived there? I currently live on Education Hill in a home that I moved into eight years ago. I moved to Redmond in 1992.
Spouse or domestic partner if any: My wife Kim and I have been married for six years.
Children: Son, Brendan (22) and daughter, Riley (19)
Education: Doctorate, Pacifica Graduate Institute, 2005; Master of Public Health, Tulane University, 1988; Bachelor of Science, Chemical Engineering, Montana State University, 1985.
Military Service: U.S. Army, Active Duty, 1985-1989. Inactive Reserves, 1989-1993. Honorable Discharge, Captain, 1993.
Memberships and affiliations with clubs and other organizations: Commissioner, Redmond Planning Commission (August 2010–present); Former Chair, Redmond Arts Commission (2005-2010); Leadership Eastside Graduate 2011; Lake Washington Youth Soccer Association (coach 1998-2006); Redmond West Little League (coach 2002–2006)
Have you or a business you owned (or had principal interest in) ever filed bankruptcy? No
As an adult, have you been convicted or charged with a crime other than a minor traffic violation? No

CAMPAIGN INFORMATION

Website: www.tomflynnforcouncil.com
Email address: flynnforcouncil@live.com
Phone number: 425-497-2002
Campaign manager: myself

PREVIOUS ELECTED OFFICE(S)

Elected: none
Other campaigns for public office: none

THIS CAMPAIGN

What is the primary reason you are running for this office? I want to keep Redmond a livable community for generations to come. To do this, I support preserving the city’s natural environment, a strong local economy, and well-connected neighborhoods.

What will be your top three priorities if you get elected and why? My three top priorities are (1) to preserve the city’s streams, parks, and trails, (2) to promote functional and attractive urban centers in the Downtown and Overlake with efficient transportation options and a mix of local businesses, and (3) to keep our community connected with unique and friendly neighborhoods.

What sets you apart from the other candidates and/or previous office holders? My many years of community leadership experience, including the Redmond Planning Commission, Chair of the Redmond Arts Commission, Leadership Eastside Graduate, soccer and softball coach, and prior military service.

How much money do you expect your campaign to spend on this election? $14,000

OFFICIAL ENDORSEMENTS

Hank Margeson, Redmond City Council
John Stilin, Redmond City Council
Kim Allen, Redmond City Council
Pat Vache, Redmond City Council
Nancy McCormick, former President Redmond City Council
Tom Hinman, Chair Redmond Planning Commission
Passion Julinsey, Redmond Planning Commission
Robert O’Hara, Redmond Planning Commission
Scott Biethan, Redmond Planning Commission
Clint McCune, Chair, Redmond Arts Commission
Pat T. Pattabhiraman, Redmond Arts Commission
Rob Leavitt, Redmond Arts Commission
Seema Chaudry, Redmond Arts Commission
Peter McDonald, past Chair Redmond Parks and Trails Commission
King County Municipal League Rated “VERY GOOD”
King County Conservation Voters
Seattle King County REALTORS
And many others listed on my campaign website