Jason Gardiner will challenge incumbent Bob Sternoff for the Kirkland City Council position No. 2 in the primary election on Aug. 16. Gardiner seeks to represent the recently annexed region of Kirkland.

“I knew that they weren’t adding seats, even though we’re doubling in size,” he said, “I felt this was an opportunity to make an area representative.”

The annexation figures strongly in his plans for Kirkland, if elected. He views the addition of Finn Hill, North Juanita and Kingsgate neighborhoods as the top issue facing the city.

Gardiner intends to make the continued merging of the old and new neighborhoods into a new Kirkland his top priority.

“Really, it’s going to be about a lot of communication and explanation,” he said. “Making sure that services are equally split between old Kirkland and new Kirkland and letting people know why Kirkland does things the way it does.”

He explained that the newest neighborhoods are used to operating on their own. Now, they are under Kirkland regulations, and Gardiner hopes to soothe any “chaffing,” as he calls the difficulties associated with the transition.

The budget is his second priority. “I want to do more with less,” he said.

Finally, Gardiner wants to improve the quality of life in Kirkland. Despite budget cutbacks, he wants to get creative with city-sponsored services and events. He offered the example of moving the firework barge further into the lake this Independence Day.

“That way, people in Juanita could see it, too,” he said.

In addition to addressing the annexation, budget and living quality of Kirkland, Gardiner will bring a younger approach to the council table.

“One idea is increasing the green energy development here in Kirkland,” he said. For example, Gardiner suggested installing solar panels on the roof of the new police headquarters at the old Costco building.

Paired with this younger approach is a fresh perspective on council operations.

“People are used to doing things a certain way because that’s the way they’ve always been,” he said. If elected, Gardiner aims to streamline and cut redundancy of council processes and procedures.

Gardiner’s greatest challenge could come with his freshman status if elected.

“I haven’t been involved in city government in the last 20 years,” he said. “I don’t have all the contacts and background knowledge that Bob has. Nobody knows who I am.”

Still, Gardiner will fight to stake a claim in city council for the newly annexed areas.

“I bring honesty, integrity and a fresh perceptive to council, and I want to represent the people of Kirkland,” said Gardiner.

Contact Jason Gardiner at jason@gardiner4kcc2.com or 425-283-9348. Visit www.gardiner4kcc2.com for more information.