Big Endorsement in Bellevue
Prop. 1 wins major Bellevue endorsement:
Support grows among Eastside business, civic, and community leaders
Seattle—The Bellevue Downtown Association endorsed Proposition 1, becoming the latest in a long line of Eastside civic, political and community groups that support the mass transit expansion plan.
Later today, Mayor Greg Nickels, chair of Sound Transit, will debate transit-opponent Kemper Freeman, a Bellevue developer who has put $100,000 of his own money into the No On Prop 1 campaign. The support of Proposition 1 on the Eastside highlights the growing gap between Freeman and the business leaders, neighbors and representatives who recognize the immediate need for transit solutions.
The BDA said Proposition 1 was a necessary step in providing near and long-term transit solutions for the fast-growing number of downtown Bellevue workers, residents, and visitors.
“Our ability to grow and thrive as an urban center is linked to accessibility,” said BDA Board Chair Jill Ostrem. “We approached this decision asking, ‘What’s best for Downtown Bellevue?’ Connecting downtown with the region through safe and reliable mass transit is essential to our community’s future success.”
The measure will expand regional express bus service on I-405 next year and deliver light rail transit to Downtown Bellevue and Overlake Transit Center.
Ostrem said: “With this endorsement, the BDA pledges to work with Sound Transit, the City of Bellevue and the downtown community to ensure effective and efficient implementation of these investments. In addition, we will continue to engage at the local and regional level on high priority congestion relief projects and transit solutions.”
Other Eastside leaders who have publicly supported Proposition 1 include: Bellevue Mayor Grant Degginger, former Bellevue Mayor Connie Marshall, Issaquah Mayor Ava Frisinger, Issaquah Councilmember Fred Butler, Kirkland Councilmember Mary Alyce Burleigh, Redmond Mayor John Marchione, Redmond Councilmember Nancy McCormick, Mercer Island Councilmember Mike Grady, Mercer Island Mayor Jim Pearman, State Rep. Fred Jarrett, Aubrey Davis and Jim Ellis.
