Thoughtful. Compassionate. Experienced. Leadership.
I’m running for re-election because our work is not done. Now, more than ever, we need thoughtful and compassionate leadership from experienced leaders who understand Kirkland’s success, what it has taken to achieve that success, and the work that still needs to be done. Together, we’ve accomplished a lot, but there are still a lot of challenges and opportunities.
I’ve also learned a lot about what governance requires. It takes leaders who are compassionate, responsive, and curious. Who are willing to listen and collaborate. Who don’t shy away from hard conversations. And who thoughtfully reach out to the communities they serve.
I will remain focused on sound governance, thoughtful decision making, compassionate leadership, and measurable results.
Thank you, and I look forward to serving you again!
Get to know Neal
Neal has called Kirkland home for almost 30 years. He’s a proud dad, an experienced lawyer, and a dedicated public servant. He’s a former adjunct professor of law and a leader in our region’s legal community. He has served in classrooms, courtrooms, and boardrooms. He has experience in the for-profit sector, non-profit sector, and public sector, and his knowledge and expertise extend to business, law, and government. He also knows baseball! He coached Little League in Kirkland for ten years.
Fostering a Complete Community
Neal is dedicated to a vibrant Kirkland that is affordable and welcoming. His vision for Kirkland is a complete community, where everyone who is a part of the community – including teachers, health-care workers, first-responders, small-business owners, long-time residents wanting to age in place, and young adults wanting to return – can afford to call Kirkland home. Neal wants more people living where they work and working where they live – in vibrant, sustainable, and walkable neighborhoods.
Carefully Planning for Growth
Neal understands that a complete community in Kirkland requires careful, responsible planning. He will continue to emphasize growth in and near Kirkland’s existing neighborhood centers, where people can walk, bike, and roll to nearby services, jobs, and amenities. He also understands that, as Kirkland grows, it has to commit to new and improved infrastructure that keeps up with its growth, including parks, trails, open space, recreation facilities, schools, and transportation options that are cleaner, greener, and reduce congestion.
Ensuring a Community that is Safe for All
Neal will remain dedicated to a community that is safe for all. He’s proud to have helped launch the region’s first multi-jurisdictional Community Responder Agency, lay the groundwork for the opening of the region’s first 24/7 no-wrong-door Crisis Care Clinic, invest in Washington’s finest Police Officers, Fire Fighters, and EMTs, approve one of the region’s first Gun Buy-Back programs, increase Human Services Funding for community partners, create Kirkland’s first Community Court, and fund Kirkland’s first Homelessness Outreach Coordinator.