Rob Wotton is a results-driven leader with three decades of business management experience, leading teams, balancing budgets, and bringing diverse groups together.
For over a decade, Rob has worked tirelessly for community initiatives around jobs, housing, and small business growth. As a Snoqualmie City Councilmember, he’s championed public safety improvements, fiscally responsible budgeting, and innovative solutions like increasing public safety staffing within existing budgets.
As our next District 3 Councilmember, Rob will bring a new community-driven policy approach, serve as a voice for ALL of the district, and focus on preserving and enhancing what makes us a unique part of King County for today and generations to come.
Rob Wotton on the Issues
Public Safety is the top priority of county government, yet it is funded as if it were the last. Rob will advocate for prioritizing public safety funding to increase the number of police officers, jail beds, prosecutors, public defenders, and treatment options. He will also fight to restore social services within our jails to provide individuals with access to drug, alcohol, and mental health treatment. Additionally, he will oppose efforts to house youth and adults serving time in our neighborhoods. Most importantly, Rob will work tirelessly to reverse the proposed cuts to police presence in unincorporated areas.
Accountability begins with a community-driven mindset that listens, responds, and puts people first. Rob believes that agencies and district staff should be accessible, responsive, and focused on serving the needs of every resident. . A Councilmember’s role is to ensure that constituent concerns are heard, addressed, and reflected in decisions that shape our future.
Fiscal Responsibility is urgently needed in the county government. With King County facing a significant budget shortfall due to poor budgeting practices and the use of one-time funds for ongoing expenses, we need leaders willing to make tough choices. Rob believes taxes should be a last resort, not the first option. King County must allocate funds based on a priority basis for our most critical needs first, rather than adopting a feel-good approach.
Our Housing Crisis is well documented and one of the most pressing issues in our region. Rob has devoted over a decade to addressing this issue and is a recognized leader throughout the Snoqualmie Valley, collaborating with local and county officials. He has organized and brought together diverse voices to secure much-needed housing units for our community. His efforts are reflected in the progress achieved in the cities of North Bend and Snoqualmie. There is still much work to be done to enhance local determination. Rob is committed to finding a better way forward.
Support for Small Businesses and Farmers is a critical need, and Rob understands this incredibly well from his role as a community banker. For the past 16 years, he has listened to the concerns of business owners and recognizes their challenges, especially when policy does not align with fostering a conducive environment for business. Rob is also the founder of the nonprofit SnoValley Innovation Center. Every week, aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners seeking to grow their businesses gather for “Innovation Fridays” to receive technical assistance from local mentors. Rob will ensure that entrepreneurs receive both the support and policies they need to succeed across King County.
Creating Jobs and Strengthening Our Local Economy is a passion for Rob. He initially organized the first community job fairs, and then, when COVID shifted in-person events online, he created SnoValleyJobs.com to help employers find local talent. When employees live and work in the same community, it increases economic activity and reduces commutes, allowing them more time for friends, family, and community involvement. 12,000 job seekers and 100 businesses have used this website annually since Rob launched it in 2021.
Coordinated Economic Development efforts strengthen our entire region and Rob has been a driving force behind it. Rob brought together the historic Snoqualmie Valley Economic Alliance, including the cities of Carnation, Duvall, North Bend, and Snoqualmie, along with the Snoqualmie Tribeand the King County Department of Local Services to foster collaboration across the valley, including unincorporated areas.. As your Councilmember, Rob will build on this success and expand regional coordination to include the cities of Issaquah, Sammamish, Redmond, Skykomish, and Woodinville.
Rob is committed to being the servant leader who will make our county the best place to work, live, and thrive!
