Redfield wants to stay in council seat

Current Councilmember Donald Redfield, who brings with him experience in law enforcement and on various clubs and committees, wants to keep his seat on the Electric City council. 

After being appointed to a vacant seat in June, Donald Redfield wants to stay in Council Position #1, which is up for election in November. 

Redfield first lived in Electric City in 2002, then after some time in Grand Coulee, moved back to Electric City in 2013.

His wife Lynette Redfield owns Changes Salon in Electric City.

"I believe all who desire to be of service, and can do so, should work for the benefit of the community we live in by being a part of the process," Redfield told The Star in an email about why he wants to continue to serve on the council. "In Electric City, I've been inspired by some positive changes occurring in city government and wanted to step up and do my part, with the personal goal of fostering continued good representation for the citizens." 

"A few years ago there were some issues with City Hall's communication with the public on local projects that caused me to attend council meetings," he continued. "As I watched the members of council and mayor at that time, I saw what I perceived was a lack of concern with comments and concerns of citizens who presented at the meetings. After the next election I saw a more responsive group in office. This inspired me to want to be a part of continuing with moving the city in that direction. Being a part of the process, I recognize the role as one where I can help give a voice to the desires and concerns of citizens and be a good steward of the community resources."

Redfield went on to elaborate on issues he sees facing the city. His current concerns include  "infrastructure, growth and public feedback."

"The city sewer system is in need of maintenance and repair," he said. "This is being addressed currently and progress is being made toward that end."

"The potential for growth with anticipated projects in the region, as well as the development of city services in areas now incorporated into the city limits are ongoing," he continued. "A revision to the city codes with public input for accessory dwelling units and short- and long-term [RV] camp areas is underway."

"Solutions include making appropriate use of city resources and seeking grants and inter-local agreements to keep progress moving forward for the benefit of the community," he said. "In response to my personal inquiries, I mainly hear people's concerns on weed abatement, particularly with puncture vine. This is a matter where local public education and resources, such as the services of the county Noxious Weed Control Board, can be utilized to address the problem."

On building a pathway along SR-155 between Electric City and North Dam Park and lowering the speed limit there, Redfield said that "as proposed, both the path and speed limit reduction serve to enhance pedestrian and cyclist safety along the proposed route."

Redfield also listed some of the many hats he has worn over the years, both professionally and as a citizen.

"In the years I lived in Chelan," he said, "I was a member of the Lake Chelan Sportsman's Association and I created and was Chairman of the Lake Chelan Mountain Bike Club, a not-for-profit corporation. These organizations helped bring activities to that valley to support the local economy."

"Locally," he continued, "I served as part of a committee to develop a memorandum of understanding between the State of Washington Adult Protection Services and the Colville Tribes. I continued from there by serving on the 21st Century Learning Grant committee that developed the SHARP Kids program in the Lake Roosevelt School district. I volunteered for a couple years as a local Boy Scout Committee member. For several years I have been part of the Order of Eastern Star which raises funds for a variety of charities. In that organization I have served as Session Chairperson and currently serve as a member of the Appeals and Grievances committee, as well as holding leadership roles in three different chapters. In 2019 I was selected as part of the reestablished Electric City Planning Commission and I served as chairperson until I was given the opportunity to fill Council Position #1 that had been vacated." 

"I have been primarily working in public service since I graduated High School," he said about his professional life, working in law enforcement since 1986 and citing law enforcement roles for the Chelan County Sheriff's Office, police departments in Wenatchee, Chelan, and Twisp, and currently the Colville Tribal Police Department where he has worked as a detective, field training officer, supervisor, and is currently a full-time police officer.  

Redfield said he has also worked as a hazard control officer at the Wenatchee Fire Department, a juvenile detention worker at Chelan County Juvenile Detention Services, a juvenile rehabilitation worker at Canyon View Group Home for Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, an EMT with Lake Chelan Community Hospital, and a motel owner. 

Redfield also operates Excelsior Concepts Company, a real estate investment corporation.

Redfield is running against Birdie Hensley for Council Position #1 in the Nov. 2 election.