Name: Don Davidson

Age:70

Marital status: Married

Number of children: 3 children, 4 grandchildren

Occupation: Dentist

Years lived in Bellevue: 42

Top three endorsements: Sarah Langton, Bill Ruckelshaus and Eastside Business Alliance

What is the most pressing issue in Bellevue, and how would you deal with it?

The most pressing issue in Bellevue is managing the budget during the economic downturn. If there is a silver lining it is that the Operating and Maintenance Budget is only down 4 percent ($13.9 million of a $338 million budget) allowing us to continue a high level of service. This budget is not sustainable into the future. The city manager has managed the budget shortfall by instituting several measures that would not affect service levels on a short-term basis.

The Capital Budget is a different matter; it is projected to be 28 percent below budgeted amount (2009 – 2016). This will take deliberation by the council to set criteria to enable prioritization of the total Capitol Budget (parks, regular CIP, supplemental CIP, and the mobility initiative).

What makes you the better choice for the council than your opponent?

Experience!

I have served the city of Bellevue 22 out the last 25 years as a city council member. I have fortunately been elected to several leadership roles – President of the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce, President of the Associating of Washington Cities, and Mayor of Bellevue. On the regional basis I am currently the Chairman of the Lake Washington, Lake Sammamish, and Cedar River Salmon Recovery Council, and Vice-Chairman of the Regional Water Quality Committee.

My opponent has lived in Bellevue only seven years, has not involved himself in any of Bellevue issues, and wants to take Bellevue in a different direction.