Clifford Evelyn

I’ve been sitting here contemplating if should address the ridiculous spectacle that took place at our March 28 city council meeting and I decided I would.

As you are well aware, it was you the citizens that elected the mayor and city councilors for the city of Redmond. It’s obvious there are some who are not happy with the results of that election, but that’s what happens in elections. It doesn’t authorize anyone to be rude and disrespectful for those in office. (See: Romans 13:1 and Thessalonians 5:12).

It’s amazing when you hear those who consistently want to tout freedom of speech, but they only want it for themselves and exclude others from that same freedom.

Mayor Fitch has been an excellent leader, negotiator, critical thinker and mayor. He is focused on doing what’s best for the city of Redmond and with the excellent councilors and city staff supporting him, we will be successful.

There appears to be some that are hoping that we fail, but that’s not going to happen.

You have to ask yourselves, why would people who live and work in a city want to see their leaders fail? I believe it’s because they do not understand the meaning of true leadership and do not realize that when the city is successful, we are all successful.

Attaching a title to your name means nothing if you don’t understand the true meaning of leadership. To be a leader, you must develop your core.

That core consist of character, honesty, integrity, humility, stewardship andcourage.

In life I learned to never be pressured or bullied by anyone and I live by that. We should always respect ourselves and others.

True respect starts with the way you treat others, and it is earned over a lifetime of acting with kindness, honor and dignity.

In closing, I want the citizens of Redmond to know that Mayor Fitch and this city council will not be backed into a corner by anyone or any special interest groups and we will continue to perform our duties in a professional and competent manner.

Our city manager and his team will continue to work diligently to help accomplish our mission and we ask for your support as citizens of Redmond.

We appreciate you attending our meetings and I hope you will continue to do so.

Read about what got done at the meeting, including increase in parking fees at Redmond Airport.