Welcome! I’m John Stokes, and I thank all of my great volunteers and the voters for supporting my successful campaign for Bellevue City Council, Position 1. 

I was sworn in today (Dec. 21) as a Member of the Bellevue City Council and will start my four year term on January 1, 2012. The public swearing in ceremony will be held in the Council Chambers at City Hall on January 3, 2012, at 6:00 o’clock pm right before the first City Council meeting of the New Year. You are cordially invited to join me in celebration of this big win for Bellevue.

Please see an Open Letter from Community Leaders about the campaign and Kemper Freeman’s attacks on John.

I have lived in Bellevue with my family since 1991. As a retired attorney who specialized in representing small businesses and ordinary people, I bring strong experience in conflict resolution and problem solving. An education advocate for the past 20 years, I served three terms as a Trustee on the Bellevue Schools Foundation, and Chaired the Bridging the Achievement Gap Committee. I am currently a member of the Bellevue School District’s fiscal advisory committee and the Bellevue Parks & Community Services Board. I was honored by the Washington State Parent Teacher Association as its “Outstanding Advocate” for 2009.

I’m committed to a strong, positive campaign that will focus on restoring civility, opening up government, and making sound decisions in a timely and cost-effective manner. Bellevue has a deserved reputation as an exceptional city, but that can’t continue unless we have the right leadership. I have the experience and vision that our city needs moving forward, and I want to work for you on the City Council.

My Focus for Bellevue:

• We need light rail now.  No more costly delays. Let’s work to get it done on time so that we improve our regional connectivity, support our local businesses and continue Bellevue as a great and livable city.
• Our schools are the backbone of our communities. They build better neighborhoods and a better quality of life for all, and although you’ll hear most candidates talk vaguely about “supporting schools,” I have actually done the work necessary to improve our schools. I’ll continue this passion for education by building a strong city and school district partnership.
• We love our Parks, and again, we often hear candidates talk about parks, but I have years of experience actually working to improve them and expand their reach for everyone.
• I will work to ensure we have excellent public safety and workable, responsible government.
• Last but not least, I will work to maximize resources and guide our human services investments so that everyone in our society can realize their full potential and contribute positively to our community.

Please join me in this campaign to ensure a sound and bright future for our great community and all of its citizens. I need your support, and I would be honored to receive your endorsement, donation, and/or volunteer efforts. Thank you!

John Stokes