Politics & Government

In Their Own Words: Meet Sammamish City Council Candidate Tom Vance

Vance is running against Jesse Bornfreund for City Council Position No. 6. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 8.

Full name: Thomas E. Vance.

Age: 61

Place of Birth: Dos Palos, California (means “two sticks”).

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Occupation: I took early retirement from the publishing/communications industry.

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

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Have lived in Sammamish since 1994.

Spouse or domestic partner if any: Wife, Mary Lynn Vance.

Children: None.

Education: BA, MA, University of California, Santa Barbara, 1973, 1975.

Military Service: None.

Memberships and affiliations with clubs and other organizations:

Good Samaritan Episcopal Church, Bishop’s Committee.

Have you or a business you owned (or had principal interest in) 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.tomvanceforcouncil.com

Email address: tevance@gmail.com

Phone number: 425 836-8700

Campaign manager: none

PREVIOUS ELECTED OFFICE(S):

Elected: none

Other campaigns for public office: 2009, Sammamish City Council.

THIS CAMPAIGN:

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

My campaign is about our quality of life. We are an award-winning, livable city. But we must work to preserve what we love about Sammamish as we take on the challenges to come. We are going to need a committed, effective, and thoughtful City Council.

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

Continue our record of financial responsibility and hold the line on taxes. Protect our beautiful natural environment and preserve open space for future generations. Continue our pay-as-we-go financing and local partnerships to build our recreation and parks.

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

Can’t really say much about my opponent, since I’ve only recently met him. I have volunteered in Sammamish for the past several years. 2006-2007, I chaired an advisory board on parks and recreation. In 2008, I began a term on the Planning Commission – two years as Chair – and worked on a variety of challenging issues, including the zoning, design, and development regulations for the Town Center.

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

$6000 - $7000.


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