I-90 Undercrossing

Community Issues

 

Guiding Principle:

 

Joshua Schaer will continue to shape a positive future for Issaquah, so that his children - and your children - will grow up in a safe community, enjoy recreation opportunities, receive a quality education, and benefit from our natural surroundings.

 

Transportation:

 

* Chair of the Council Transportation Committee, and served as a city delegate to the Eastside Transportation Partnership, since 2008.

 

* Encouraged development of the I-90 Undercrossing at 4th Ave. N.W., adding cameras to monitor traffic conditions and reduce commute times, and making "Complete Streets" improvements for bicyclists and pedestrians.

 

* Called for the study of structured parking options in the downtown core; this recommendation has become a top priority for the City in 2012.

 

* Working to begin important discussions with WSDOT and property owners concerning an I-90 overcrossing, a project recommended by the Central Area Plan Taskforce.

 

Environment:

 

* Drafted and sponsored the Eastside's first food packaging ordinance, which requires recyclable and compostable ware, minimizes waste to benefit the community's future, and reduces the cost of garbage pickup for businesses today. Also currently working with elected officials in nearby cities to encourage similar legislation in the region.

 

The ordinance can be viewed here.
You can also read about the positive impact a reduction in packaging waste has made, as mentioned in this article.

 

* Actively supported the Transfer of Development Rights Agreement that will preserve open space on Tiger Mountain in perpetuity.

 

* Currently promoting incentives for environmentally-friendly, and technology-focused, development. Businesses that emphasize commute trip reduction programs to reduce carbon emissions should also be rewarded.

 

Finances:

 

* Consistently advocating for fiscal responsibility and eliminating wasteful spending.

 

* Acted multiple times to keep property taxes on Issaquah homeowners from increasing, and recently voted against the Council's decision to raise cable rates.

 

Other Items:

 

* Committed to preserving the character of Issaquah, and ensuring that our Central Area Plan contains realistic and cost-effective projects as we move towards implementing our shared vision of connectivity and re-development.

 

* Advocating for increases to government transparency and public participation in the legislative process by bringing meetings to different locations in the city, and encouraging our youth to become involved with civic issues.