A Powerful Start: Our Campaign Kickoff Recap

May 23

We officially launched the campaign this week—and what an unforgettable start it was!

On Monday evening, some 65 friends, neighbors, and supporters gathered at Central Tavern in downtown Kirkland for our Campaign Kickoff Celebration. The tavern’s vintage Kirkland vibe made it the perfect place to connect, reflect, and energize for the journey ahead.

Highlights from the Night

My wife, Nicole, opened the evening by welcoming guests and introducing our speakers. She set a warm and personal tone that carried through the entire night.

Kira Krimkevich spoke passionately about getting involved in local politics as a parent of four young kids, motivated by concerns around the 2044 Comprehensive Plan. She shared how she found her voice, is one of the leaders of Cherish Kirkland, and emphasized the importance of leaders who truly listen to residents, hold city staff accountable, and bring transparency to decision-making.

Toby Nixon, former State Representative and Kirkland City Councilmember, offered a powerful endorsement. He reminded us that good governance requires independent thinking and rigorous vetting—not just going along with the crowd. He praised my commitment to asking hard questions and standing up for what’s right.

Nicole then spoke about the many ways I’ve served our community over the past 16 years, from civic involvement to small business advocacy. Her words were a powerful reminder that this campaign isn’t about politics as usual—it’s about putting Kirkland residents and businesses first.

I took the stage to share our campaign’s vision and announce our theme: “Change for Better.” I spoke about the growing disconnect between City Hall and the people it serves. Holding up a vintage Baltimore Colts bobblehead as a symbol of passive leadership, I pledged to be the kind of Councilmember who actively engages, challenges assumptions, and leads with integrity.

Bill Blanchard closed the evening with a call to action, emphasizing the stakes of this race. With my opponent already holding over $30,000 in campaign funds, we have to work hard—and smart—to get our message out.

What Comes Next

We have a lot of work ahead, and your help is critical. Here’s how you can get involved:

✅ Talk to your neighbors
✅ Join us for doorbelling or canvassing
✅ Host or display a yard sign
✅ Help place signs around the city
✅ Organize or host a small fundraiser
✅ Make a donation to support outreach and voter engagement

Every effort matters. Every voice counts. Click here to sign up.

If you weren’t able to attend Monday’s event or haven’t donated yet, there’s still time to be part of this movement. Your support helps us reach more voters and build a Kirkland that reflects our shared values.