AWB Statement on Proposal to Eliminate Bipartisan Tax Preferences

The Association of Washington Business, Washington state’s largest business association representing small, medium and large employers, issued the following statement today from AWB President Kris Johnson regarding the House Democrats’ proposal to eliminate bipartisan tax incentives:

Bellevue City Councilmember John Stokes Announces Re-Election Campaign

Bellevue City Council member John Stokes has announced he will run for re-election to the Bellevue City Council.   The former Bellevue Parks and Community Services Board Member, award-winning education advocate, and retired attorney kicks off his re-election with the support of Mayor Claudia Balducci, Council members Lynne Robinson and John Chelminiak and State Senator Cyrus Habib, plus many others in the community.

“I am so grateful for the opportunity to have served this community for the last four years,” said Stokes.  “As your Council member, I will continue to work every day to ensure Bellevue remains the “City in a Park” as it continues its journey to be the urban and cultural center of the Eastside.”

Four years ago, Stokes ran on a platform to bring balanced, bipartisan leadership to the Council.  Since his election to the Council, Stokes has helped move Light Rail forward on time and within budget while incorporating the best elements for the route. He also helped the Council reach a fiscally responsible budget that invests in the city’s needs now and for the future. This meant supporting investments in infrastructure and public safety while encouraging sound, responsible development and embracing the diversity and strength of the City’s vibrant neighborhoods.

Bellevue Mayor Claudia Balducci said, “"John brings a great deal of positive energy and creativity to the council and has pushed is to think and dream big.  He has also been someone who works well across philosophical and political lines to get good things done."

As a strong education advocate and outdoorsman, Stokes has remained committed to Bellevue’s kids including supporting our great public schools and promoting resources including the new Boys and Girls Club and Kids Quest facilities, the Downtown Park and Meydenbauer Bay Park, plus the trails and neighborhood parks that keep Bellevue a great community.

“Since my family and I moved to Bellevue over 20 years ago,” said Stokes, “I have been committed to the people, places and community that make this city great.  With your support, I will work every day to keep Bellevue the best place to live.”

In addition to his work on the Council, Stokes has been serving Bellevue on the boards of Eastside Pathways (a co-founder), Bellevue Schools Foundation, Friends of the Cedar River Watershed, Bellevue and Washington State PTA, and numerous city and regional boards and commissions.  As a practicing attorney for many years, Stokes specialized in representing small businesses and ordinary people, after doing complex litigation and business representation early on in his career.  He lives with his wife Bettina in the Woodridge neighborhood.

For more information, visit www.JohnStokes.org.

Bellevue Mayor Claudia Balducci to Run Against Incumbent Jane Hague for King County Council

Bellevue Mayor Claudia Balducci, a Sound Transit Board member and former director of the King County Jails, has announced that she will run for the King County Council.  She will seek the District 6 seat currently held by 20-year incumbent Jane Hague. As reported on February 10, 2015 by Rob Butcher of Kirkland Views, Hague is planning to run for re-election which will make for an interesting race here on the Eastside.  The district includes the cities of Bellevue, Mercer Island, Redmond and Kirkland among others.  In the first few days of the campaign, Balducci reports $15,000 raised.

“We live in a dynamic, diverse, and growing region.  It’s time for new leaders who reflect the priorities and potential of the Eastside,” said Balducci. “In my experience as a local official, transit leader and mom, I’ll bring new ideas and energy to the Council, helping to make sure our voices and values are reflected in critical areas of policy and planning.”

A proven problem solver and consensus builder, Balducci has helped lead Bellevue through contentious land use and transportation planning efforts to ensure planned light rail construction and continued downtown development.  In her former role as Director of King County Jails, she helped to preserve public safety and streamlined spending to address revenue shortfalls after the recession, maintaining needed staffing levels while improving safety and conditions for the mentally ill.

Reflecting this track record of building strong, constructive partnerships, Balducci enters the race with endorsements from U.S. Representative Adam Smith, State Senator Cyrus Habib, State Representatives Tana Senn and Ross Hunter, along with Bellevue Councilmembers Lynne Robinson and John Stokes, and former Mayor Connie Marshall.

“Claudia Balducci has a proven record bringing people together to get things done for Eastside families,” said State Representative and former Mercer Island Councilmember Tana Senn.  “Her style of leadership will be an asset on the County Council.”

“From assuring light rail expansion to protecting great neighborhoods for our families, Claudia has the track record and vision we need,” said Representative Ross Hunter. “She has earned my vote and support in this important race.”

State Senator Cyrus Habib said, "I have immense respect for Mayor Balducci's track record of leadership on the Eastside. She has consistently worked to enhance public safety throughout our community, support a thriving business climate, and develop a transportation system that works for everyone."

Balducci lives in the Lake Hills neighborhood with her husband and 9 year-old son, a student at Puesta Del Sol Elementary School.  In addition to the Bellevue City Council and Sound Transit, she has served on the boards of the Puget Sound Regional Council, Eastside Transportation Partnership, Bellevue’s Wraparound Services Program, and Youth Link.

“I’m excited for this campaign and the tremendous support I have received so far,” said Balducci. “I look forward to meeting voters throughout the district over the next several months to help me be an effective County Council member for all Eastside families.”

For more information, please visit www.ClaudiaBalducci.com.