Redmond council suspends speaker for 90 days after campaign remarks

The Redmond City Council voted 7-0 on March 4 to suspend Alex Zimmerman from attending council meetings for the next 90 days after he made remarks that the council said violated rules prohibiting public-comment advocacy for candidates.

Council President Kritzker opened the public-comment period and called the speakers in order. After Alex Zimmerman identified himself as "president of Stand Up America" and made statements supporting a candidate, the council noted the rules that bar public comments in support of or opposition to ballot propositions, measures, or candidates. A councilmember moved to suspend Zimmerman for 90 days; the motion was seconded and passed on a roll-call vote of seven "ayes" and no opposition. Council staff told Zimmerman he would receive a letter explaining the suspension and asked him to leave the chambers.

The move followed an on-the-record reminder at the start of the meeting that State law and the council's rules prohibit public comment endorsing candidates or ballot measures during council meetings. The council did not cite a specific ordinance during the motion; the action recorded was limited to the suspension from attendance at future council business meetings for the stated 90-day period.

No further formal sanctions were announced during the meeting. The council's roll-call vote recorded unanimous approval with no abstentions.