I am writing about the Bellevue City Council race between Conrad Lee and Vicki Orrico (Position 2). While both candidates seemingly make compelling arguments about their qualifications for the council, only one has an established track record of real achievement on the council.

Under the watchful eye of Councilmember Conrad Lee, the city of Bellevue has enjoyed great prosperity and one of the highest qualities of life and most favorable business climates in the nation. From the outstanding Bellevue School District to its established reputation as a major hub on the global technology highway, Bellevue has excelled and become one of the best places to live and work in the country.

At a time when we as a nation are facing our worst recession since the 1930s, with a national “real” unemployment rate of almost 18 percent, Ms. Orrico’s priorities should be focused on more immediate public needs, like maintenance of governmental fiscal responsibility. Instead, she has chosen to focus on “bring[ing] light rail light rail affordably, on time . . . for Bellevue”.

Councilmember Lee also has this as a goal, but he sees the broader picture and prioritizes accordingly. His fiscally responsible policies have helped Bellevue continue to enjoy a vibrant business community, quality neighborhoods and excellent services.

I am not willing to exchange Councilmember Lee’s proven track record for untested rosy promises.

Councilmember Lee listens. He understands the challenges of his constituency and responds to them. He has consistently delivered and, in these critical economic times, I am not about to exchange established performance for promises that are neither popular nor proven.

Hossein Khorram, Bellevue