Jim Wasnick, a Technology Executive, Declares Candidacy for Sammamish City Council

Editor's note: This story, originally published in June, is being reposted so that the Aug. 16 primary candidates are side by side.

The Sammamish City Council seat held by Nancy Whitten has two official candidates, John Galvin and Jim Wasnick. Wasnick filed his papers on Tuesday.

Wasnick, a technology executive who has lived in Sammamish since 2007, explained in a campaign statement released Wednesday that he plans to use his business management experience in a public role should he be elected to Council Position No.  4.

"I believe I can earn the trust and confidence of members of the community," he said in his statement.

"If given the opportunity to serve, I would represent the interests of neighbors, community residents and Sammamish as a whole."

The recent - which he lives near - taught him that listening and advocacy are important to public policy. Initially, he had questions about the barrier's removal.

Some residents supported its removal to improve the connectivity of city streets. Some neighbors near the barrier, though, wanted it to stay, citing safety concerns.

Wasnick met with city officials and neighbors and said he helped reach a resolution. The City Council voted to remove it but traffic safety measures, such as a sidewalk, will be implemented.

"Jim pursued the matter with conviction and worked closely with neighbors and City officials to reach a solution acceptable to all parties," according to his campaign statement.

He hopes that this can be a model for reaching a consensus on public policy issues. 

"Acknowledging that diverse views exist, Jim understands that a willingness to meld differing perspectives is critical for the community’s success," according to his campaign statement.

He also supports "effective fiscal stewardship" and added in his statement that he realizes the city is facing growth, development and a "challenging" economy.

Editor's note: Wasnick's full campaign statement is attached. He is running against John Galvin and Ramiro Valderrama. To learn more about the candidates, read one-on-one Sammamish Patch interviews with each person: , and . You also can go directly to each candidate's campaign website. Valderrama's campaign website is www.valderrama4council.com. Wasnick's campaign website is www.wasnickforsammamish.org. To learn more about Galvin, visit www.voteforgalvin.com. Primary ballots need to be postmarked or turned in at designated locations by Tuesday, Aug. 16.