I am a first generation Asian-American, born and raised in Michigan.

I was a stay-at-home mom for 9 years before returning to the corporate world. As a single parent, I balanced my career with caring for young children and tending to aging parents.

I am not career politician and have not joined the “correct” organizations or sought endorsements. Instead, I am committed to truth, collaboration, and inclusion. Sammamish is diverse and our leadership should reflect those demographics. I am committed to ensuring that all voices are represented and respected. I have lived in Sammamish for 26 years. Since moving here, I have watched Sammamish nearly double its population to 65,000 (2019 Census), and with that, rampant development. The top issues facing Sammamish are sustainable infrastructure and managed growth. I am running for common sense initiatives so that we continue to rank as one of the “best small cities in America.”

I moved to Sammamish for its schools, neighborhoods, and parks. But we are facing challenges: traffic has increased substantially and brought pollution and safety concerns; our local economy is struggling. We need a community driven, sustainable growth plan.

I will advocate for accountability and transparency with active community engagement. As a business owner, I will propose solutions, informed by data and community input; solutions like reducing traffic pollution by increasing electrification infrastructure, promoting safety by installing bike lanes on major roads, and strengthening our economy by encouraging local businesses.

The fiscal responsibility of our government is front and center for me. I’m running because I take seriously the great responsibility to preserve our city and help it grow sustainably, and safely, into a future – into a community – we can continue to be proud to call home.  Endorsed by the King County Democrats and 41st Legislative District Democrats.

Josh will manage growth, stop the overdevelopment of our city, ensure a sustainable budget, improve public safety, advocate for senior services, increase youth mental health support, and build the roads and infrastructure we need while protecting our environment. Read the details: JoshForSammamish.com/Priorities.

As a Planning Commissioner, Josh champions stricter development regulations to protect our community's character and real penalties for developers who break the rules. As a board member for the Progressive Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), he knows we must preserve our environment for wildlife and future generations. As a small business owner, Josh must be fiscally responsible to be successful — a trait he will bring to City Hall to be a good steward of your tax dollars.

“My pledge to you is to work hard, be accessible and transparent, and protect the natural beauty and high quality of life that drew us all to Sammamish.” – Josh Amato