Conrad Lee

1. What area should the City focus more on and why?

Each person has different priorities and focus at different times. The City Council is doing a great job in representing the people and balancing priorities. Over 90 percent of Bellevue residents say the city is moving in the right direction. At this time, with inevitable growth, the city should focus more on managing growth. It is time to have a community check-in to get community consensus on the long-term vision and on what we want the city to become and how to get there. Uncontrolled growth is worrisome because we may lose our quality of life that has brought us here to live, work and raise family.

2. What social services do you think are lacking in the city and how would you work to bring them here?

Our needs are many and great, and, are growing. There is not enough to meet all the needs. Many social services are lacking. We depend on community nonprofit organizations and volunteers who are doing wonderful jobs for the young and old, rich and poor. One of the needs is the lack of housing because of high land costs. Bellevue has done an admirable job in providing affordable housing through ARCH (A Regional Coalition on Housing). We need to do more. Council is working with public and private partners to bring more affordable housing and other social services.

3. How has your involvement with the city prepared you to serve on the city council?

I have served on the council for almost 20 years, with 1 year 10 months as the mayor. I have dealt with simple and complex issues in politics and business. Bellevue has prospered during my tenure on the council. Prior to that, I served on the Transportation Commission and as its chair. I have volunteered in numerous community activities in various capacities such as Cub Scout Master, Little League soccer and baseball coach and referee, school volunteer (VIBE) and many civic, professional and local, regional and national political organizations and activities. I have served in different capacities in neighborhood and community associations. I operate my own small real estate business. I have a degree in engineering from University of Michigan and MBA in finance and international business from University of Washington. I served as the regional administrator of U.S. Small Business Administration. I am an American by choice, bringing different and multi-cultural perspectives to add to the richness of our American culture. My record speaks for itself.