I am endorsing the district’s levies in the upcoming election. I am a strong proponent of limiting government and feel all government entities, with more focus on basic services, can do more with less. I am asking Islanders to approve the district’s levies so they may continue to focus on their fundamental task of education. We feel there is never a good time to increase taxes. But, time does not slow down for children; they continue to march closer to the challenges and opportunities of adulthood. I worry that without these levies and the anticipated state education cuts, Islanders risk not being in a position to answer President Obama’s Jan. 6, 2010, speech on education in which he tasked “all of us to seize the opportunities … of the 21st century … especially in math, science, technology and engineering (STEM).” Please support these local levies as our contribution in “reaffirming America’s role as the world’s engine of scientific discovery and technological innovation.”

Mike Cero

Councilmember

City of Mercer Island