Vote for Rachel Long

Klahanie has been my home for over 33 years, where my husband Scott and I raised our family. Now that our children are successfully launched, I have the time, energy, and enthusiasm to make a meaningful contribution to our community.

The Board’s top priority should be regaining the trust of all homeowners and fostering a stronger sense of unity among neighbors. It’s essential that the Board listens to differing opinions and makes decisions that reflect the collective desires of the community. Increasing` transparency and improving communication will be key areas of focus for me.

We should pause the current plan to spend between $9,000,000 and $12,000,000+ for an expanded pool, HOA office, and community room and first obtain homeowner input via a vote or survey with estimated costs attached. Homeowners’ interest alone should dictate the direction that the board takes to address the aging Mountainview Pool and HOA office. The Bylaw that was changed in 2023 - without homeowner approval - to grant full authority to the Board to spend millions of dollars must be modified to restrict the power of the Board and return power to the homeowners.

The Board must prioritize maintaining Klahanie’s aging amenities—such as landscaping, trails, open spaces, and sports facilities—while ensuring that costs for homeowners are controlled. As an aging community, some of Klahanie’s amenities will require updating, repairs, or replacements. The Board should approach this task with the goal of preserving Klahanie as the premier community on the plateau while ensuring that these improvements are made in a fiscally responsible and transparent way. Additionally, it is important that the Board engages homeowners throughout this process.

I would also like the Board to focus on finding innovative ways to reconnect homeowners and revive a true sense of neighborhood. Klahanie was originally designed in the 1980s as a “small town community” where residents would feel welcomed and at home. While we do a great job organizing large community events, I’d love to see more small-scale, neighbor-focused activities. This could include promoting programs such as Neighborhood Watch, block parties, or other “get to know your neighbors” initiatives.

I am highly organized, driven, and a strong communicator. I excel at staying calm in stressful situations and have a deep respect for differing opinions. I believe that everyone has something valuable to contribute, and I am committed to fostering an open line of communication and compromise to resolve conflicts. My goal is to help bridge divides and alleviate the stress currently affecting our community.

I have degrees in Economics and Computer Science and spent the first few years of my career working in Economic Research at the Federal Reserve. I then enjoyed a successful career in Sales Management at AT&T before moving to AT&T Wireless, where I was a Senior Director in Offer Development. Throughout my business career, I was recognized for my leadership skills and was able to hone those skills through training and special projects. A notable achievement was when I was selected to work with the executive team to facilitate a complex company merger. This involved uniting diverse groups in a collaborative environment to ensure a smooth transition with minimal turnover.

Eventually, I left the corporate world to focus on our family. During this time, I volunteered in Issaquah schools and with my children’s sports clubs, and I organized parent groups to advocate for students’ interests.

In summary, I believe my collaborative approach, leadership experience, and community involvement make me a strong candidate for the Klahanie Board. I look forward to the opportunity to serve and contribute to our home community.