Bellevue ushers in a new era of leadership this week.
After serving two terms as the mayor of Bellevue, John Barton will pass on the executive duties to Councilman Jon Anderson at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 12, at Bellevue City Hall.
The meeting will serve as a forum for Barton to offer a state-of-the-city presentation and for city staff to offer reports on their departments. At the meeting, the city will induct Anderson as mayor and Tammy Eaton, Chris Koch and Shaun Mahoney as newly elected members of the City Council.
The city's recently enacted building moratorium will not be discussed.
According to City Administrator Tom Blanchard, after Anderson is sworn in as mayor he will recommend to the council that Vivian Ivie fill the council seat he will have just vacated. Ivie currently holds a seat on the council but is scheduled to step down this week because she was not re-elected.
"I really believe participation is a civic duty," Barton said, reflecting both on his civic involvement and hope for Bellevue citizens to participate in city government.
Having served as mayor for four years, Barton is passing on his civic duties after deciding not to seek re-election. Prior to his election as mayor, he served from 1999 to 2001 on the Bellevue Planning and Zoning Commission.
In an interview with the Idaho Mountain Express Tuesday, May 10, Barton said that despite his passion for politics he desires time away from the political arena.
Barton's road to mayor began after his interest in regulating cell towers prompted his involvement with the City Council.
"My goal when I was started out was to improve the institution and to provide for challenges (the city) might face, such as growth," he said.
During his tenure as mayor, he oversaw the institution of city committees with a dual purpose—to improve the municipality and to involve citizens in government. Under Barton's leadership, the Bellevue Tree Committee, the Bellevue Park Committee and a reinvigoration of the Bellevue Library Board began.
Barton also worked to increase the city's net worth and to create an environment conducive to tackling future issues. He credits city staff with providing a strong network of support.
Going forward, Barton stands in support of the city's levy.
"One of the first things I learned was the city doesn't have a lot of money to work with," he commented.
As he departs, Barton also stresses the need for Bellevue residents to improve upon their participation in government. He points specifically to the low voter turnout at the city election in April.
"I expected better of the people of Bellevue. I hope going forward that we don't see numbers that low. I hope people understand that issues are better dealt with, with greater participation," he said.
In the election, Anderson ran unopposed for mayor but the council seats were contested.
Barton believes participation on a local and regional level will be necessary for the city to sort out the building moratorium placed on large-scale structures that was enacted last month by the council.
"Participation is everything. Don't let the decision be made by a few people," he advised.
