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Issues
Education, Environment, and Economic Development
Families choose to
live in Bellevue for three main reasons: education, the
environment, and the economy.
Education
We have an education system among the best in the state. Our
high schools are national models for excellence.
The City of Bellevue supports education in many ways. The
wrap-around services program at Lake Hills Elementary
supports young people in one of our city’s most diverse
schools. Our school resource officers build important links
between young people and the police throughout the school
system. I remain involved in education by serving on the
board of directors at Seattle’s O’Dea High School. And I'm
involved in my daughters activities at Bellevue High School
and Medina Elementary.
Bellevue also provides direct education through numerous
programs. One of the best is the Mercer Slough Environmental
Education Center. Thousands of young children get hands-on
environmental education in a 3,000-acre classroom. The new
center, now under construction, will expand the education
program. And we’re leading by example with a LEED’s
certified building.
Environment
Bellevue has a strong environmental ethic. I call it
“practical environmentalism.” We used that philosophy on the
city council in crafting the new critical areas ordinance.
It combines regulations with rewards. Rather than a don’t do
anything wrong approach, it rewards development for doing
what’s right.
The environment includes the structures we build. Bellevue
maintains what we build and we build to high standards. We
expect the same from the private sector.
Our Parks system plays an important role in keeping the city
green and maintaining tree canopy. I’m liaison to the Parks
Board and we’ve made important open space acquisitions the
past four years. We’ve opened new parks, the South Bellevue
Community Center, acquired land for a waterfront park, and
are planning for the future. And we continue to be
recognized by the Audubon Society as a Tree City USA.
We also provide a
“safe environment.” Bellevue is one of the safest large
cities in the country. I know public safety is the most
important job of local government. This year, we are adding
a new paramedic unit to make certain our success rate
remains high.
Economic Development
“Quality of life begins with a job.” I believe in that
philosophy and I’ve made economic development a priority.
For the first time the city has established an economic
development office, attracting new business and assisting
our small businesses. I work with the Bellevue Economic
Partnership, a link between the private and public sectors
to promote Bellevue business. I’m endorsed by the Eastside
Business Alliance because I know a strong economy leads to
an excellent city and a high quality of life.
It was five short years ago that downtown vacancy rates were
in double digits and new buildings were just holes in the
ground. A shrink-wrapped condominium was the gateway to
downtown. In the last four years, each one of those projects
has been re-born, re-built, and are now important elements
of our city.
Education, Environment, and Economic Development all lead to
Excellence!
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