Meet the candidates: Bellevue City Council, Position 7 | Jennifer Robertson

Published 11:36 am Saturday, October 24, 2009

Name: Jennifer Robertson

Age: 41

Marital status: Married (13 years)

Number of children: 3 daughters: Kate(11), Maddie (7), and Abby (4).

Occupation: Municipal and Land Use Attorney; Bellevue Planning Commissioner since 2003

Years in Bellevue: 7; lifelong Eastsider

Top three endorsements: The Seattle Times, Eastside Business Alliance and Women’s Political Caucus

What is the most pressing issue in Bellevue, and how would you deal with it?

Bellevue faces two major issues: first, the budgetary challenges and second, ensuring East Link light rail works for Bellevue and the region. On the budget, we need to set priorities in government and trim non-essential services while avoiding raising taxes. I will protect public safety and needed transportation funding. On East Link, the routing and design must be “built right the first time.” This means routing so that our neighborhoods, parks and businesses are protected while the trains move through Bellevue in a safe and efficient manner. As Co-Chair of the Light Rail Committee, I can help facilitate East Link’s success.

What makes you the better choice for the council than your opponents?

I am the only candidate for Position 7 who has both current and relevant experience on all the critical issues facing Bellevue. As Co-Chair of the Light Rail Committee and a Planning Commissioner, I have helped shape every major issue since 2003. This, coupled with my expertise in cities law, means that I can spend the next two years working on the important issues instead of catching-up or learning anew. I am also the only candidate who: (1) has pledged to fight against tax increases, and (2) favors the use of the BNSF rail corridor for Eastlink light rail.