Jane Hague has represented the Bellevue area on the King County Council since 1994. The county has endured ups and downs, good times and bad, but a constant strong point has been Hague’s leadership.

She deserves reelection to her District 6 position.

Time in service counts in government and politics, especially in such a complex organization as King County. It’s also important for the person representing the residents to really know them, their issues and concerns.

Hague meets those requirements and more.

She first served on the Bellevue City Council before moving on to the County Council and has has long been a member of many Eastside organizations including the Boys & Girls Clubs, Bellevue College Foundation and the Bellevue Rotary Club.

She’s also been a consistent leader in county government from the start, chairing the council two years after first being elected.

Her opponent, Richard Mitchell, a former counsel for Gov. Christine Gregoire, brings far less to the race. He criticizes Hague for first opposing, then supporting a $20 car-tab fee for Metro Transit. Mitchell doesn’t seem to be against the fee, just Hague’s change of heart.

In fact, Hague used her position to wring more efficiencies from Metro Transit including the elimination of an unneeded and costly free bus route in downtown Seattle.

Hague, a Republican, also has strong support across political lines, drawing endorsements from Democratic Reps. Larry Springer and Deb Eddy, both of Kirkland. Both cities are part of Hague’s district.

King County still faces a rocky financial future because of the economic downturn. The 6th District will be best served by returning Jane Hague, with her experience and leadership, to the King County Council.

– Craig Groshart, Bellevue Reporter