In 2013, Bellevue voters gave Lynne Robinson her first shot at a seat on the City Council. It was a good decision that paid dividends in enduring community connection and impressive leadership.
Her council colleagues three times have elevated her to represent the city as mayor, in 2020, 2022 and 2024. Voters should return her to her fourth term in Position 6.
A retired physical therapist and business owner, Robinson helped guide the city through the pandemic, reviewing police use of force, developing an affordable housing plan and rewriting the city’s comprehensive plan. She was long a committed supporter of the Bellevue men’s shelter, which divided the council a few years ago. She was able to gain enough support and the 100-bed permanent men’s shelter opened in 2023.
Three people are challenging Robinson this cycle, but only one seems to be running a serious campaign. Nicole Myers, an engineer and graduate of Bellevue Essentials, a city-sponsored leadership program, is critical of the city’s rollout of its response to the Legislature’s new middle housing policy. She feels the city didn’t reach out enough to residents to fine-tune the plan. She has been paying attention to the process but her criticisms fall short of the big-picture task at hand.
Allen Chongtai Huang said he was not seeking The Times editorial board endorsement and Alex Tsimerman is a perennial candidate.
Robinson’s strength is a spectrum. She has deep knowledge of the wonky, often mundane tasks of municipality governance, having served on the Parks & Community Services Board from 2008-2013. As the only council member who has regular office hours for constituents, she is committed to improving the city’s quality of life and a place to do business.
Bellevue continues to grow in relevance and influence in the region.
Bellevue voters have a good thing going with Robinson. They should elect her again.
