- The City’s video of the City Council Candidates Forum will be played on the Sammamish website and YouTube channel after processing today.
By Scott Hamilton
There were no break-out candidates during the only Candidates Forum for the Sammamish City Council last night, although there were a few minor rookie mistakes.
Given today’s national political environment and the bitter City Council elections two years ago, last night’s forum was a marked contrast for its civility and friendly nature.
A standing room crowd was here to listen to the nine candidates for the three of four Positions that are contested in the Aug. 1 primary: 3, 5 and 7.
- Position 3 candidates are Minal Ghassemieh, Karen Howe and Karen Moran.
- Position 5 candidates are Ryika Hooshangi, Rituja Indapure and Chris Ross.
- Position 7 candidates are Melanie Curtright, John Robinson and Pamela Stuart.
The candidates said traffic and development were the issues they most heard from resident during their campaigning.
Ross (Position 5) was the only candidate to hit hard on City finances, carving out a position that his professional finance background for Boeing will be needed as the City approaches the so-called cross-over point (operating deficits) in a few years. Others including Moran (Position 3), touched more lightly on finances.
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