Keller Announces Candidacy for Sammamish City Council

Editor's note: This story has been updated to correct the name of Sammamish City Council Member Tom Vance.

Bob Keller announced his candidacy on Friday, April 19 for Sammamish City Council, Position 3, to be vacated by current city Councilman John Curley. 

Bob and his wife, Shannon, have lived in Sammamish for 17 years. During many years of public service, Bob served on the initial Planning Advisory Board which created the City’s first vision statement and Comprehensive Plan. He then served four years on the Sammamish Planning Commission, his final year as Chair. He continues his extensive community service as a volunteer with local community organizations. He serves local youth organizations as President of the Sammamish Kiwanis. Bob brings over 20 years of business experience as a document management and office automation consultant.

"Most of us moved to Sammamish because of the quality of life it offers: great schools, safe neighborhoods, a pristine natural environment, and parks and recreational opportunities," he said. "As we move into the future, we need a council that understands our vision, listens to our community, understands complex information, and makes reasoned decisions. We have a long track record of fiscal responsibility. We must continue to ensure the City’s long-term economic stability and avoid future tax increases."

Keller ran through a number of spending priorities that he wanted to focus on, including transportation needs such as transit, road infrastructure, sidewalks and bike trails, protection of lakes and the natural environment, park development recreational opportunities.

"Let’s continue to build upon the strong partnerships we have developed with our school districts, the Boys & Girls Club and YMCA to accomplish this," he said. "Also, let’s continue to create cultural and community activities for all ages, such as our Summer Concerts in the Park, Teen Fest, and 4th of July on the Commons."

City councilman Tom Vance, who was elected in 2011, said that Bob Keller is one of the city's most committed citizen volunteers.

"His work in our community, from the very beginning, has helped make Sammamish the great city it is today," he said. "I look forward to working with Bob next year on the council."

Lake Washington School District Board Member Doug Eglington said Keller also had his support. "Bob has a long history of service to our community," he said. His public service on the planning commission and active community service has prepared him for a city council position. Bob knows that great schools go with great cities. He will be a true advocate for our kids."

Keller also said he wanted to focus on the Town Center as an economic development project that would offer an opportunity for more diverse housing, for downsizing empty nesters, seniors, and new families, in addition to retail and office space, and new civic amenities.

"Over the last few years, Sammamish has been described as one of the ‘best places to live,’ as ‘America’s friendliest city,’ and as one of the safest cities in America," he said. "Back when I helped create our vision statement, to help make Sammamish a ‘family friendly community,’ this is exactly the result we sought. Let’s work together to make sure our vision reflects our city into the future. I ask for your support."