If anyone wondered about the love and support people around here have for the Seattle Seahawks, they only had to see the crowds lining Fourth Avenue in downtown Seattle for the team’s Super Bowl victory parade. Police estimated the crowd at 700,000.

Wow.

Like most people we’re surprised at the number, but not because the team isn’t worth the outpouring. It is, having brought the most important championship in American sports to the area. No, we’re just surprised that so many people could find a way to skip work. And, well, we’re envious, too.

It was quite a day for the Seahawks — and the 12th Man that has supported them so passionately.

Schools need your support, too

There are five days left to make a difference in the lives of children in the Bellevue School District. The district is asking voters to OK two critical levies and a bond measure.

The levies provide everything from day-to-day operating funds to money to upgrade technology in the classroom and repairs to school buildings.

The bond will provide the money to complete the district’s rebuilding of its aging school and also build two new elementary schools to meet population growth in the district.

We know that no one likes spending money, but there’s no better way to invest our dollars than in the education of our children. Even if you don’t have kids in school, these students will be the leaders of tomorrow, making decisions that will affect us all.

If you haven’t mailed in your ballot yet, get it out, fill in the circles next to the “yes” option and mail it to the King County Elections Department. The Tuesday, Feb. 11 deadline is fast approaching.

– Craig Groshart, Bellevue Reporter