KemperWatch 2011: Freeman and Wallace Back Candidates Seeking to Oust Pro-Rail Incumbents
So as not to ignore our neighbors to the east, and because we are fascinated by Kemper Freeman, Jr.'s presence as a sort of malevolent King of Bellevue*, we have decided to debut a new column on Seattlest: KemperWatch 2011.
Two candidates announced Bellevue City Council runs back in February: Aaron Laing and Patti Mann. Both seemingly well-established around Bellevue, Laing is a land-use litigation attorney making his first run for public office. Mann is a Bellevue resident and Seattle firefighter and paramedic, and a former School Board candidate. They also both have their eye on a very specific half of the City Council.
There is a schism between the seven Bellevue City Councilmembers: three of them want Bellevue's light rail, part of 2008's Sound Transit 2, to run along Bellevue Way Southeast. Four of them want it to run along an abandoned rail line along I-405. One of these four is Kevin Wallace, Duke of Bellevue**. Over the course of this debate, Wallace has been closely, if not identically, aligned with the interests of fellow-developer Freeman -- and, apparently, their interests also match up with both Laing and Mann. The Seattle Times reported yesterday that the new candidates, although neither have announced exactly which seat they'll target, will run for positions currently held by those that disagree with the developers on the Light Rail alignment, which leaves Claudia Balducci, John Chelminiak (if you don't pay attention to Bellevue city politics, you may remember him from the bear mauling) and Grant Degginger. Freeman is a notorious light rail opponent, having sued more than once to keep the Eastside light rail at bay. Wallace is currently under investigation for conflicts of interest in his business deals, including some business concerning his preferred light rail alignment.
According to the Washington State Public Disclosure Commission, as of last night, Mann has raised $14,952; $1600 from Freeman, and around $2000 the Wallace family (Kevin and his parents) and business. Laing has raised $24,090, also with $1600 coming from Freeman and $1500 from the Wallaces. Last election, Freeman threw his money behind his side of the light rail debate, but gave a similar justification:just a coincidence. Freeman has also sued more than once to keep the Eastside light rail at bay.
* Not actually king. That's not a real thing. Just, as of a year ago, his company Kemper Holdings owns 8% of Downtown Bellevue. We also recognize that just because we do not agree with him, he is not malevolent. Jeez!
** Not actually duke. That's not a real thing. The Wallaces just also own a lot of stuff, but don't focus solely on the Eastside.
