By TJ MARTINELL

Kirkland Reporter

Mayors from across the Eastside helped welcome the incoming Leadership Eastside classes during a luncheon at Cascade Community College in Bothell on Friday, Sept. 11.

During the luncheon, the mayors discussed their respective cities and those of other neighboring communities as well as possible ways to improve both.

Elected officials who attended the luncheon  included Snoqualmie Mayor Matt Larson, Bothell Mayor Josh Freed, Bellevue Mayor Claudia Balducci, Mercer Island Mayor Bruce Bassett, Issaquah Mayor Fred Butler, Duvall Mayor Will Ibershof, Redmond Mayor John Marchione, Sammamish Mayor Tom Vance and Kirkland Mayor Amy Walen.

Participants discussed issues, both internal and external, affecting their communities during the luncheon.

The Leadership Eastside leadership enrichment program is a two-year program in which participants develop and exercise skills to meet the needs of business, non-profit, and government leaders and help improve their organizations and their communities.

Candidates for the program can be nominated by anyone in the community who lives, works or volunteers on the Eastside, albeit the ideal candidates have experience in leadership or management through their work or community service and have passion for their communities.

The first year of the program involves 10 full business days during a nine-month period in which participants learn the concept of adaptive leadership. The sessions are designed for participants to better connect with their communities.

Year two has them create their own regional sustainable projects intended to put skills learned into action.

The group also allows the Eastside mayors a chance to  discuss issues that affect the cities east of Lake Washington.

“The most pressing issues on the Eastside are managing growth, building infrastructure and addressing homelessness,” Marchione said. “These are all regional issues and not confined to one city. We need participants who can see the big picture and Leadership Eastside produces those graduates.”

“Leadership Eastside is an organization that brings together professionals from around East King County to explore ways to build stronger communities and advance their leadership skills,” said Snoqualmie Mayor Matt Larson. “I have the pleasure of being on the Mayor’s Board. I believe there is unlimited potential for positive change and Leadership Eastside is making it happen.”

For more information, visit http://www.leadershipeastside.com.