After watching the Sept. 27 Bellevue City Council proceedings, I was struck by the truculent comments and the apparent conflict of interest of some council members. I have lived in Bellevue since 1959, and there have been many emotional issues arise such as school closures, redistricting, park support and others where there has been heated debate, but everyone has remained civil.

Now, some members of the council when confronted with facts and their own past statements, strike out with pejorative comments at other council members and at Bellevue residents who are providing input.

When residents voiced concern about council member Grant Degginger’s job as an attorney working for the Lane Powell law firm, which supported various Sound Transit actions, giving the impression of potential conflict of interest, he lashes out at the Build a Better Bellevue (BBB) group, questioning their membership. I belong to and support many groups and organizations, including the BBB, and don’t have/need a membership card.

Having Bellevue City Council member Claudia Balducci helping influence light rail decisions within Bellevue, and who also serves on the Sound Transit Board where she voted her own personal East Link route preference rather than the official Bellevue route preference, there also appears to be a conflict of interest. When confronted with this at a council meeting she stated she was not a representative of Bellevue, but of the region.

As a Bellevue resident I want to be fairly and impartially represented at Sound Transit with Bellevue interests being the top priority.

Dick Applestone, Bellevue