After Bob Sternoff resigned from his Position 2 seat on the Kirkland City Council in March, the council was forced to make a quick decision to appoint a new council member by April 16. Jason

Gardiner is one of 17 candidates vying for the seat.

Background: Gardiner lives in the Evergreen Hill neighborhood, formerly known as the Kingsgate area, and has lived in Kirkland for seven years. He joined the Navy and spent six years as a machinist mate, or mechanical engineer, and earned the rank of Petty Officer Second Class before he was honorably discharged. He works as a wide area network architect for Oracle USA.

Gardiner ran against former Councilman Bob Sternoff in 2011 and received 48 percent of the Kirkland community’s vote.

Experience: In 2011, he said he has attended the Kirkland’s Police Department Citizen’s Academy, has taken numerous classes form the Kirkland Community Center and stayed involved in the Kirkland community by participating in Kirkland events. Gardiner is a Sierra Club guide and mentor and is alternate for the Kirkland Library Board as well.

Reason for running: Gardiner initially ran in 2011 to represent the people of the annexed areas, but after his campaign, he now believes the entire city needs someone to listen to their concerns and work in their interest.

Top issues facing the city: Gardiner thinks the city should be looking at different ways to utilize the Cross Kirkland Corridor, per the pending lawsuit.

General communication with residents and clarification on where the park and road levy funds are going is also a top concern.

“The people of Kirkland should not feel the need to bring lawsuits against the city in order for their voices to be heard,” he said on his application. “As a council member, I want to develop communications with our residents … “