Name: Betina Finley

Age: 42

Marital Status: Single

Number of Children: Three kids, ages 9, 11 and 13

Occupation: Business Owner; TurnKey Meetings, www.turnkey-meetings.com

Years in Bellevue: 35 years

Endorsements: Rep. Deb Eddy, 48th District; Business and Professional Women/BPW; Chris Marks, President, Bellevue School Board.

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

Traffic is a huge issue for Bellevue. If we want ongoing investment, we must ensure that people can work and shop here without worrying about getting stuck in traffic. We need to improve Bellevue’s transportation infrastructure.

How will I deliver that? I will fund well-maintained roads, good bus service, and light-rail routes that respect neighborhoods and serve the downtown business district.

I’ll work locally and regionally on increased capacity for I-405 and 520. I’ll focus on intersection improvements and better bike lanes. I’ll help neighborhoods that need them get speed bumps to calm traffic and prioritize safe, accessible sidewalks.

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

We talk about the same issues, but here’s what counts:

I’m very disciplined with money – I have to be because I run a business. I’m going to keep a tight lid on city budgets – and taxes.

I’ve lived here a long time – third generation actually – EVERY neighborhood in Bellevue has my ear.

I’m not subject to outside influence. Yet my opponent accepted a huge chunk of special interest cash to fund her campaign.

I’ve researched light-rail issues in-depth. My opponent wants citizens to walk blocks uphill to connect with transit and downtown. That’s not the right solution. Mine is.