I support John Stokes for City Council.

I was the Parks Board Chair who brought John onto the board and I was the Chair of the Parks levy in 2008 who invited him to join us. I personally know he is the right man for this job.

John is a man who works with the people of Bellevue – he gets it. While his opponent talks about his community concerns, John has actually been involved and got things accomplished.

He has served three terms as a trustee on the Bellevue Schools Foundation, is a member of the Bellevue School District’s fiscal advisory committee and is a member the Bellevue Parks & Community Services Board. John understands what it means to work in the community to accomplish important goals and stay within a budget. He understands the importance of listening to all sides before making a decision.

Aaron Laing seems to have a single interest — his and that of the special interest group that funded his campaign.

Finally, I noticed Laing’s political ad says he has the “highest rating in the race” from the Municipal League, when in fact he and John have the exact same rating. I find Mr. Laing’s statements at best misleading and at worst dishonest. It is indicative of the kind of political spin we can look forward to with Aaron Laing on the council.

I encourage the voters to elect John Stokes, who isn’t interested in political spin – he is only interested in serving the citizens of Bellevue.

Merle Keeney, Bellevue