As most of you are aware the city council elections are fast approaching with mail in ballots arriving in mid October.

There are four of the seven council seats up for grabs and only two incumbents are running.

Given the past excesses of the city council this election promises to be the most contested election in our city.

The top issues of the community according to our local papers and politicians continue to be: transportation – specifically, but not limited to, East Lake Sammamish Parkway (ELSP) and 244th; teen/elderly facilities; fiscal responsibility and transparency; the shoreline plan.

I wanted to alert you and your Homeowners Associations that there will be three debate forums between the candidates:

Oct. 5, 7 p.m. – Beaver Lake Community Club, at the Beaver Lake Lodge.

Oct. 7, 7 p.m. – Kiwanis Candidate Forum, Sammamish Hills Lutheran Church.

Oct. 15, 11 a.m. – Sammamish Chamber of Commerce, Plateau Golf Club

I encourage you all to attend these and learn about the candidates and their positions and ensure there is accountability.

I also encourage you to let people know that the Sammamish Reporter has been running a series of questions to all the candidates — e.g. biggest waste of city funds was cited overwhelmingly as the East Lake Sammamish Parkway.

The Sammamish Review is also contrasting candidates contesting for each seat.

Given the increasing constraints on the city services and the need to prioritize and use resources carefully, I encourage that you make sure your friends and HOAs are aware of these events and sources of information.

This is a great time for all of us to make a real impact on the direction our city will be taking.

Ramiro Valderrama

Sammamish