Sammamish Councilman John James Decides Against Re-Election Bid

Another elected official representing Sammamish has decided to step down at the end of 2013, offering voters new choices for this November's general election.

Former Sammamish Deputy Mayor John James announced Monday that he will not run again for the Sammamish City Council and will step down at the end of 2013. James, who was elected in 2009, said that he is considering running for the Port of Seattle Commission, but has not made a formal announcement.

"It is an honor serving the citizens of Sammamish, and I look forward to the remainder of my term and finishing the multiple tasks still ahead," he said in a press release. "Hopefully, someone with similar mainstream views will step-up to fill the position I currently represent."

James currently serves on Sammamish City Council in the position no. 1 seat. Four city council seats are up for election this year, and only two candidates have announced their intentions to run this fall: Sammamish Kiwanis president Bob Keller and current Sammamish Mayor Tom Odell. Councilman Don Gerend, who is up for re-election in the position 5 seat, has yet to announce his intentions, while position 3 Councilman John Curley announced he'd be stepping down at the end of the year.

James said his extensive business background would be an asset to the region as he considers running for a countywide elected office to influence policy on regional transportation and economic development issues, and filed paperwork with the state in April that signals his intent to run for office this year.

According to the news release, the one-term councilman has managed and run regional and national real estate companies doing business in the area. He is currently employed as an Executive Business Consultant with Coldwell Banker Real Estate responsible for Washington and the Northwest. 

James also touted his work on city council and accomplishments in the news release, including upholding a pledge to not increase taxes, his work in establishing partnerships with the Boys & Girls Club to open the Teen Center and work on creating more parks — including a multi-use turf ball field for local youth.  

He lamented one area of unfinished work, a planned Community and Aquatic Center in partnership with the YMCA. James said was not the facility he envisioned when he first got involved with the project in 2006, but he was proud of the work done thus far and confidently predicted a swimming facility would be soon built.

James currently serves on the Community and Economic Development Committee focusing on launching the long planned Town Center, the Eastside Transportation Partnership, and recently was a Board Member for the Seattle King County Economic Development Council (formerly enterpriseSeattle).

"My goal continues to be focused on maintaining our appeal and charm as well as lay the foundation to create more amenities both public and private to enhance the quality of life for our citizens"