As a 20-year resident and a citizen living in the fastest growing part of Bothell, I’m happy to endorse Tim Ottersburg for Bothell City Council.

I first met Tim two weeks ago when he knocked on my door and my family invited him into our house to learn more about his campaign. Over the next hour, Tim shared his thoughts on the future of Bothell, listened to our concerns, and solicited input. It wasn’t difficult to see that he genuinely cared about our city and the challenges that it faces during this period of high growth. Tim is committed to keeping the character and small town feel that draws families here, while ensuring that the city grows and develops responsibly.

Tim is an effective communicator and brings a variety of leadership experience with him. He also recognizes that investments like the downtown revitalization are an asset to our community. The completion of those projects and the influx of new business will bring in additional tax revenue to fund the needs of our neighborhoods, rather than requiring the city to levy higher taxes against citizens. It will also draw more visitors to our city and help local entrepreneurs grow their businesses.

As a resident of Snohomish County, Tim would be the only council member to reside in the northern half of Bothell. North Bothell accounts for 40 percent of the city’s population and nearly 100 percent of future growth and annexation will occur in this area. While I recognize that the city council represents the entire city and that other council members do advocate for the northern part of the city, I believe that an elected official from north Bothell will be the best advocate for the area.

I hope that you will consider Tim as you complete your election ballots over the next few weeks and that you’ll reach out to him if you’d like additional information. I’m confident that you would enjoy the conversation.

Ben Mahnkey, Bothell