Proponents on Charter Have Their Say

Renay Bennett

Renay Bennett, Chairperson of the Bellevue Charter Now-Yes movement, was given some equal time to take the other side of remarks make a week earlier from the Glendale podium. Last fall, 4,300 petition signers got the Charter issue on the ballot. The day chosen by the City Council to vote on the issue is May 20 — next week. Bennett said those who signed the petitions chose an “independent process to make changes in our government. We share a commitment to community service. We have served on neighborhood committees and feel that the current system of government could be improved.”

Bennett noted that Bellevue is the only large city in Washington without a Charter. “A yes vote will authorize a study on improvements. Our group favors a direct election of mayor and election of council members by district. If the vote is favorable, 15 freeholders will be elected next Tuesday to form the committee that will produce a Charter that will be voted upon by the people. The committee has six months in order to design the document and hold public hearings.”

A good repartee of questions, with Renay fielding the answers, followed her brief presentation. The questions focused on costs of the charter commission, the election itself and the council district plan. Rick Klobucher introduced Ms. Bennett.