Ward 4 To See Three-Way City Council Race

By Ellen Putnam

This November, residents of Ward 4 (which stretches from Ell Pond over to the Bellevue Golf Club) will select among three candidates, each of whom holds different views and represents a different approach to city government: current city councilor Ward Hamilton, current park commissioner Bradley Freeman, and longtime resident Philip Gindi.

Ward 4 became a contested City Council seat relatively late in the process: in late August, current Ward 4 councilor Mark Garipay announced that he would not be running for reelection, sparking interest in the suddenly open seat. Hamilton shifted from the At Large race (the capacity in which he currently serves on the City Council) to the Ward 4 race, and Freeman and Gindi announced their candidacies soon after.

The three Ward 4 candidates would each have different approaches to governing, and they have distinct views on a number of issues, including city finances and the upcoming override vote; how the city should improve communication with residents; and the role of the City Council in managing development.

We spoke with each candidate about their background, experience, approach, and goals. You can read our profiles of each candidate below.