Meet Les Rubstello, Candidate for Woodinville City Council

What is your full, legal name?
Lester Owen Rubstello

Where do you work and what is your job title?
City of Lynnwood, Deputy Public Works Director for Maintenance and Operations

Age?
54

Where do you live now and how long have you lived there?
Woodinville, since April 2002

Spouse or domestic partner if any:
Patty K. Rubstello

Children:
Jessica Hosler, 16; Tyler Hosler, 18; Aaron Rubstello, 27; James Rubstello, 30

Education (include graduation date(s), if any):
BS Civil Engineering Oregon State University, 1979

MS Civil Engineering University of Washington, 1991

Military Service (include year(s) of discharge, if any):
None

Memberships and affiliations with clubs and other organizations:
Wooden Cross Lutheran Church

International Transportation Engineers (ITE)

American Water Works Assoc. (AWWA)

Water Environment Federation (WEF)

Have you or a business you owned (or had principal interest in) ever filed bankruptcy?
No.

As an adult, have you been convicted or charged with a crime other than a minor traffic violation?
No

CAMPAIGN INFORMATION:

Web site:  www.RubstelloforWoodinville.com
Email address:  RubstelloCampaign@gmail.com
Phone number:  206-790-2496
Campaign manager:  Myself


PREVIOUS ELECTED OFFICE(S):

Elected:  None

Other campaigns for public office:  None


THIS CAMPAIGN:

What is the primary reason you are running for this office?
I will work to help Woodinville’s downtown combine the livability of a vibrant downtown with parks and ballfields for our families, and be a complement to our strong neighborhoods. Unfortunately, the existing Council has failed to constructively move that vision forward.


What will be your top three priorities if you get elected and why?
 1) Look for ways that the city can strategically invest in seed projects to jump start quality private development downtown.

2) Work with the vibrant wine and agri-tourism industry to brand Woodinville as a unique location to visit.

3) Continue to protect the character of all of the city’s neighborhoods.

What sets you apart from the other candidates and/or previous office holders?
My day job is with another city that is going through many of the struggles that Woodinville faces. That experience, combined with my seven years on the Planning Commission, allows me to hit the ground running as a council member. I understand city budgets, organization, operations, and economic development. Also, I have experience watching a number of different councils work together, or just sit and pick fights with one another. My idea of a successful councilmember is one who can find common ground with the other members to get things done. 

How much money do you expect your campaign to spend on this election?
$5-10,000

Official endorsements:

Michael Corning, Woodinville Planning Commissioner

Liz Aspen, Woodinville Councilmember

Scott Hageman, Woodinville Councilmember

Lucy DeYoung, Former Woodinville Mayor

Don Brocha, Former Woodinville Mayor

Louise Miller, former state legislator and King County Councilmember

Rick Chatterton

Toren Heald

Gina Leonard, former Woodinville Councilmember

Joe Leonard

Terry DePolo, former Woodinville Planning Commissioner

Maggie DePolo

Karen Steeb, Woodinville Water Commissioner

David Steeb

Deb Sternagel

Karen King

Tony Grasso

Jon Robinson

Patty Rubstello

Editor's Note: The candidate sent this information on Aug. 27 but Patch never recived it.The candidate was kind enough to resend the information Sept. 20.