Mayor Grant Degginger on Monday was re-elected to a second two-year term by his fellow council members, while Council member Claudia Balducci was chosen deputy mayor.

Degginger, a Bellevue resident since 1982, became a council member in 1999 after serving on the Planning Commission, including a term as chair. He served as deputy mayor in 2002 and 2003 and, in 2006, was elected mayor.

A partner with the law firm Lane Powell PC, Degginger has  been active in numerous regional issues, and presently serves as chair of the Cascade Water Alliance.

His  current City Council assignments include the Growth Management Planning Council; the 520 Mediator Panel; the Jail Advisory Task Force; Planning Commission liaison, the Bellevue  Economic Partnership and the Regional Issues Committee.

As mayor, Degginger will be responsible for presiding over council meetings and study sessions, representing the city in local and regional forums, and serving as the chief spokesperson for the council.

"I am honored to have the opportunity to continue to serve as mayor," Degginger said. "I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance the Council agenda and maintain the excellent quality of life in Bellevue."

Balducci also is  a lawyer by profession and presently serves as the Regional Jail Coordinator for King County. She was re-elected last fall to a second term on the council.

Balducci's current council assignments and appointments include the Association of Washington Cities Legislative Committee; the Eastside Transportation Partnership; the Disability Board; the Youth Link Board Liaison; and the Puget Sound Regional Council Transportation Policy Board.

Bellevue's seven City Council members are elected at large, and serve staggered four-year terms. The Council is responsible for adopting the general policies for the city, which are then implemented by the city manager and staff.

The City Council meets Monday nights in public session at City Hall. The meetings can be viewed on Bellevue Television 21 (BTV 21) or on the city's webpage where they are video streamed live.

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