Small Town News

Fred Butler announces re-election campaign

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Longtime Councilman Fred Butler, a respected authority on regional transit issues, announced plans March 29 to run for a fourth term.

The incumbent candidate, a Squak Mountain resident and a retired U.S. Army colonel, joined the City Council more than a decade ago, and served on the board as Issaquah experienced a population boom.

"I want to continue to serve the citizens of Issaquah and the region with my enthusiasm, energy and experience to make Issaquah a better place," he said in a statement. "I am committed to working collaboratively to solve problems. I pledge to work hard, listen and help when I can."

Butler, a Sound Transit board member, served last year on a regional effort to guide King County Metro Transit service in the decades ahead. In addition, County Executive-elect Dow Constantine tapped Butler to serve on the transition team as Constantine shifted from the County Council to the top county office in 2009.

On the Issaquah council, Butler serves as deputy council president, the No. 2 position on the board.

In the campaign announcement, he referenced the accomplishments the council achieved in the past year, as well as upcoming milestones for the city, including the scheduled opening of a Swedish Medical Center campus in the Issaquah Highlands.

"While I want to continue to focus on transit, there are a number of other significant issues where I can help shape the vision and future of Issaquah," he continued. "Several that come to mind are the Central Issaquah Plan, the preservation of Park Pointe, and facilitating the integration of Swedish hospital and Bellevue College into our community."

Butler filed as a candidate with the state Public Disclosure Commission last month and announced intentions to run for reelection at the Kiwanis Club of Issaquah meeting March 23. So far, he has $2,037 in his campaign account.

In addition to Butler's seat, the council seats held by Council President John Traeger, Councilman

Joshua Schaer and appointed Councilwoman Stacy Goodman appear on the November ballot. Schaer announced plans last

month to run for re-election, but no other candidate has stepped forward.

Candidates must file to run in Issaquah and other races by June 10.

The electorate chose Butler for the council in 1999, and he cruised to re-election in 2003 and 2007.

Butler outpaced then-Planning Policy Commission member Bryan Weinstein in a landslide in the November 2007 council election. State Public Disclosure

Commission records show Butler raised $6,524 in the race, compared to the $1,640 raised by Weinstein.

Warren Kagarise: 392-6434, ext. 234, or wkagarise@isspress.com. Comment at www.issaquahpress. com.



Copyright 2011 The Issaquah Press, Issaquah, Washington. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from SmallTownPapers, Inc.

© 2011 The Issaquah Press Issaquah, Washington. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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