Steinbrueck believes that the best city officials are the ones that listen to the citizens, and it?s the best way to reach office. He didn?t seek re-election this fall, so he?ll be out in January. But he?s still all ears for neighborhoods from Delridge to Queen Anne.West Seattleites feel like it shouldn?t take over an hour to get to the north side. Why should they get the shaft while South Lake Union sees massive financial windfalls in development, investment, and um, transit (the S.L.U.T.)? And what, horror of horrors, will happen when work on the viaduct begins, whenever that might be? Steinbrueck assuaged fears with empathy, blaming the problem of transit around the city on a ridership to service formula that King County created in 80s, putting 20 percent of Metro?s service hours in Seattle, the location of 80 percent of their riders. It would be hard for him to give any guarantees as he?ll be out of office in January. ?It?s a huge political problem right now and most people aren?t aware of it,? Steinbrueck says.The southeast neighborhoods feel they were hoodwinked by an action agenda, which they say was put together without any input from the community. Rainier needs more consistent policing and everyone is concerned about adequate housing as apartments are converted into condos and low income residents are shifted around the city.Steinbrueck listened to concerns, nodding thoughtfully and reminiscing about his legislative actions over the last four years. He might not have been able to give the neighborhood reps any assurances of dramatic action–although he did pass out a climate change ordinance he?s planning to introduce before the end–but his listening ear was therapeutic none-the-less. Seattle Neighborhood Council Chair Chris Leman says applause isn?t really appropriate for city councilor visits to the meetings, but he led the group in a round anyway.And like the best therapy, listening works both ways. Steinbrueck was asked what he plans to do next. He?s not really sure, maybe look into teaching, perhaps a non-profit, or something in the private sector. He doesn?t plan to seek higher office, he says, at least not now, but maybe later. Still he has to come up with something when bills show up in January. ?I kind of look forward to getting back to some normalcy in life.?The Neighborhood Council will reconvene for venting and listening at the end of January 2008.