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.