Of all the candidates running for City Council, Lynne Robinson may be the most knowledgeable about Bellevue’s issues and needs. That’s no surprise. On top of various civic affairs, her involvement includes service on both the city’s parks board and Network on Aging. On the campaign trail, she has demonstrated a deep understanding of ongoing Bellevue issues, including light rail, the Meydenbauer Bay Park Plan, Bellevue Youth Theatre, and more.

While opponent Vandana Slatter has an impressive record of involvement in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries, her local civic resume pales in comparison to Robinson’s. None of her service has been with Bellevue-specific organizations. I was also deeply disappointed by Slatter’s negative labeling of Robinson as “partisan” and a political “insider.” During the primary, she was similarly critical of councilmember Davidson’s support from “conservative interests,” the very ones which are ironically backing her now.

Robinson, meanwhile, is boasting endorsements from an extensive list of known Bellevue leaders, many of whom are familiar with her longstanding involvement in the community. Few candidates get that magnitude of local support. I urge Bellevue residents to vote for Lynne Robinson, a proven civic leader who knows Bellevue best.

Sherwin Lee, Bellevue