Redmond Planning Commissioner Tom Flynn announced Tuesday that he has decided to run for city council.
Flynn, who also served on the arts commission from 2005 to 2010, said he would like to lead the city in a more strategic manner as it continues to grow.
“I’m really interested in making sure we’re preserving Redmond’s beautiful natural environment,” he said.
Flynn is vying for council position No. 5, which is currently occupied by Council President Richard Cole, who is planning to retire from the council this year. A second candidate, Joel L. Wright, has filed with the state's Public Disclosure Commission but has not publicly announced his intentions.
Cole said he is not ready to endorse one candidate over the other but is glad the position is contested.
"I’m happy to see two people running,” he said. "It better prepares people for being on the council."
Flynn, who works as a compliance consultant with Puget Sound Energy, has lived in Redmond since 1992. He plans to graduate this month from a three-year community leadership development program called Leadership Eastside, through which he has helped pilot a volunteer audit program at .
He has also served as vice president of the PTSA and was an officer in the U.S. Army in the 1980s.
Flynn said he agrees with the general direction the city council has taken regarding growth and development. One of his biggest concerns, he said, is how the city will provide an array of transportation options as growth continues.
“I think light rail is going to be really, really critical for Redmond, to have that brought out,” he said.
ABOUT TOM FLYNN
- Family: Wife, Kim; two college-age children
- Education: Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering, Montana State University; master's degree in public health, Tulane University; doctorate in mythological studies, Pacifica Graduate Institute
- Leadership positions: Redmond planning commissioner, Redmond arts commissioner, U.S. Army officer, Einstein Elementary PTSA vice president, youth soccer and softball coach
- Email: flynnforcouncil@live.com
