Political activity is alive and well in West Bellevue over the light rail line. At politics’ best, the ponderous EIS process has given citizens a chance to weigh issues, to discuss them, and make informed choices. Unfortunately, a few highly motivated persons who do not want to see the light rail have tried to dominate the decision.

It can be understood that a few of these persons live close to the proposed line and are afraid it might affect them and their properties. Some of them do not live close, but are still very negative. They have proclaimed that a light rail line on Bellevue Way and a station at the South Bellevue Park & Ride will have all sorts of dire effects not corroborated by the EIS.

They have ignored the idea that it will provide local residents convenient access to the best available public transportation. These persons advocate route B7 (east side of Mercer Slough), in spite of its having no advantages, solely because it keeps the light rail (and the nearest station) FAR away from them and their daily automobile commute.

These people need to understand that the City Council voted for the B3 Modified route because it makes a lot of sense and provides service to the greatest number of people, while providing a good deal of compromise to their lobby. The Bellevue City Council should be congratulated for their decision and the B7 advocates need to rest their case.

Martin Paquette, Bellevue