Priorities

John remains as committed to balanced, bipartisan leadership as he did when he first ran for City Council. Since his election to the Council, he has helped guide Bellevue through new plans and projects with focus and stability. Read more about his experience and ongoing priorities below:

 

Environment

Committed to preserving our environment, John consistently supports investments in public green spaces, including the Downtown Park and Meydenbauer Bay Park, plus the trails and neighborhood parks that keep Bellevue a great community.

Current and Past Council Appointments

  • Cascade Water Alliance Board Chair (Cascade is Bellevue’s water supplier)
  • Cascade Water Alliance Resource Management, Finance, Public Affairs and Management Committees
  • King Conservation District Advisory Committee Chair and Founders member
  • Lake Washington Watershed Resource Inventory Area 8 Salmon Recovery Council Chair
  • Parks & Community Services Board Liaison
  • King County Flood Control District Advisory Committee
  • Metropolitan Water Pollution Abatement Advisory Group (alternate)
  • Environmental Services Commission Liaison

Community Service

  • Parks and Community Services Board Member, 2008-2011
  • Bellevue Parks Yes! Levy Steering Committee, 2007
  • Bellevue Parks 2022 Levy Steering Committee Lead
  • Friends of the Cedar River Watershed Board Member & President

 

Transportation

John is a key advocate for multi-modal transportation, aiming to build a Bellevue connected by transit options, including development of Bellevue’s Grand Connection and the Eastside Rail Corridor. He has helped move Light Rail forward on time and within budget while incorporating the best elements for the route.

Current and Past Council Appointments

  • King County Eastrail Regional Advisory Council
  • King County Eastside Transportation Partnership Steering Committee
  • Eastside Transportation Partnership Steering Committee
  • Puget Sound Regional Council Regional Transit-Oriented Development Advisory Committee
  • Sound Transit East Link Collaborative Design Leadership Team

Community Service

  • Eastgate/I-90 Citizen Advisory Committee Member, 2010-2011

 

Education

A strong education advocate, John has remained committed to Bellevue’s kids, including supporting our great public schools since he came to Bellevue in 1991. He has lead and supported the city’s promotion of resources, including new Boys and Girls Club and Kids Quest facilities as well as YES (Youth Eastside Services), Jubilee Reach and Kindering.

Current Council Appointment

  • Bellevue School Board Liaison

Community Service

  • Bellevue Schools Foundation (BSF) Trustee, 2001-2012
  • BSF Bridging the Achievement Gap Grant Committee Chair, 2002-2012
  • BSF Grant Making and Resource Development Committees, 2003-2012
  • Bellevue School District (BSD) Fiscal Advisory Committee Member, 2010 -2012
  • BSD Instructional Materials Committee, 2003 – 2006
  • BSD Disciplinary Appeals Committee, 2005 – 2011
  • BSD Program Delivery Committee Revision and Oversight Team, 1995-2005
  • Bellevue PTSA (BPTSA) Council President, 1999 – 2001
  • BPTSA Officer Positions and Council Board Member, 1999-2010
  • Woodridge Elementary PTSA President, 1993 – 1994
  • Chinook Middle School & Bellevue High School PTSA Offices
  • Washington State PTA (WSPTA) Legislative Director, 2001 – 2003
  • WSPTA Finance Officer, 2005
  • WSPTA Legislative Focus Day Co-Chair, 2009
  • WSPTA Region 6 Service Delivery Team, 2002 – 2008
  • National PTA Legislative and Field Service Committees, 2001 – 2007
  • National PTA Trainer, 2003 – 2007

 

Community

John led the passage of the Downtown Livability Initiative, better preparing Bellevue to respond to growth and build density without sacrificing the character of its neighborhoods. He has also been a leading voice for affordability, pushing Bellevue to offer additional services to support those experiencing homelessness and housing instability. As the Council’s liaison to the City Planning Commission, John has also supported taking proactive measures to address growth.

Current and Past Council Appointments

  • King County Regional Policy Committee
  • King County Kokanee Interlocal Agreement Management Committee
  • Bellevue Arts Commission Liaison
  • King County Regional Affordable Housing Task Force
  • Sound Cities Association
  • Tateuchi Center Process Liaison
  • Sound Cities Association Public Issues Committee
  • Leadership Committee for Wrap-Around Services Program
  • Economic Development Council of Seattle and King County Board and Executive Committee
  • Puget Sound Regional Council Growth Management Policy Board (alternate)
  • Puget Sound Regional Council Executive Board
  • King County Regional Policy Committee
  • Sound Cities Public Issues Committee
  • Disability Board Liaison
  • Jail Administration Elected Assembly

Community Service

  • Eastside Pathways Co-Founder and Board Member, 2010 – 2016
  • Eastside Heritage Center Board Member, Secretary 2009, Treasurer, 2010 – 2012