I have been asked many times why I endorsed Ben Schimmoller for Redmond mayor. Ben is young, smart, dedicated and experienced. He is Redmond’s future. He has the contacts the mayor needs to help Redmond progress.

Ben is focused on where Redmond is headed. He talks about the projects we need to support the growth we are experiencing. He discusses the methods we need to attract living wage businesses to Redmond while supporting those who are currently here. His opponents are both legacies of the past — one a mayor from decades ago, and the other serving on council for many, many years.

If you look at my tenure, you find that I discovered being mayor cannot be focused completely on local issues and decision making. The mayor must make contacts and “friends” with legislators and decision makers at the higher levels of government. The old saying, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know” is true, and the higher you go in government, the truer that statement becomes. Add to that, elected officials like to interface with other elected officials. Ben knows all of those officials. Look at who endorsed him.

One of Ben’s opponents stated that he will send staff to make the contacts. It won’t work. His other opponent says that it’s what you know; contacts don’t mean so much. Also, not true.

Ben has what it takes to be mayor.

George Endicott

Mayor, Redmond