Meet Jason Gardiner, Candidate for Kirkland City Council

Editor's note: Here's another in a series of candidate profiles Patch is bringing to you for the 2011 elections. Jason Gardiner is challenging incumbent Bob Sternoff for the Kirkland City Council position 2 seat. Also on the Aug. 16 primary ballot will be Chuck Hinson, who has withdrawn from the race but did not do so in time to officially remove his name.

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Full legal name:

Jason James Gardiner

Occupation and job title:

Oracle Corporation, Senior Wide Area Network Architect

When and Where Were You Born?

August 1973 / Ogden Utah

Where do you live now and how long have you lived there?

The newly annexed area of Kingsgate / 6 years

Spouse or domestic partner if any:

None

Children:

Aubrey, 4

Education:

 Foothill College 1998 - 2004

Military Service:

US Navy 1991 -1997; Honorably discharged as a Machinist Mate Second Class Petty Officer

Memberships with clubs and other organizations:

Sierra Club

Have you or a business you owned ever filed bankruptcy?

No

As an adult, have you been convicted or charged with a crime other than a minor traffic violation?

No

CAMPAIGN INFORMATION:

Web site: www.gardiner4kcc2.com

Email address: Jason@gardiner4kcc2.com

Phone number: 425-283-9348

Campaign manager: Self

Previous elected office(s): None

Other campaigns for office: None


THIS CAMPAIGN

What is the primary reason you are running for this office?

With the annexation and the addition of over 35,000 people into Kirkland, I want to be able to help the newly annexed areas, from Kingsgate to Finn Hill and North Juanita, participate fully in the city’s government decision-making process.  I am concerned that with this massive population and land growth and the current economic recession, services such as police, fire and medic coverage will be cut in either the newly annexed area or within the old boundaries of Kirkland or both. I want to ensure that city services are available to every citizen of Kirkland equally. I want to be your open door into the city council allowing residents to ask questions and suggest ideas along with providing timely feedback on issues. I am committed to ensuring Kirkland maintains a sustainable budget as we work through the transition to becoming the 12th largest city in the state.

What will be your top three priorities if you get elected and why? 

1. Integrate the newly annexed neighborhoods of Kirkland with the old neighborhoods and create a greater Kirkland.
2. Bring new ideas and perspectives in order to do more with less in Kirkland’s budget.
3. I want to improve the quality of life in Kirkland, from park restrooms staying open to adding more Kirkland/resident sponsored events.

What sets you apart from the other candidates and/or previous office holders?

 I am young and fresh with new ideas. I want to streamline and cut redundancy of council processes and procedures and bring new and creative ideas to the table.

How much money do you expect your campaign to spend on this election?

I have a current budget of $5000.