During the last year we have read in the press that the Bellevue City Council is becoming more contentious. I don’t like hearing that, but it doesn’t take much to find out why.

I often watch the council sessions and find that Claudia Balducci has an unnecessary jab or an insulting comment toward her colleagues and mayor as she becomes frustrated with those on the council who oppose her positions. On Oct. 17, as the council determined that they did not have the votes to issue an opinion on an upcoming initiative, it was reported that she “criticized fellow council members” and “blamed” others – “how far this council has drifted from being willing to be leaders on transportation.”

This has got to stop.

Please vote to replace Balducci with Patti Mann. Patti is rated “outstanding” and has the true abilities to “play well with others” and discuss critical, complex matters in a mature, non-threatening manner. Especially now, there are many important matters at stake to not reasonably discuss all issues openly and without condemnation. Please vote for Patti Mann and help restore the council to a more collegial environment.

Tricia Richards, Bellevue