Citing a need to work in collaboration with regional regulators and decision makers on behalf of all Islanders, Joy Langley, government affairs manager for Expedia, Inc. recently announced her candidacy for Mercer Island City Council.

She told the Reporter that she has “the professional skills and personal commitment to deliver for the Island.”

“Mercer Island is an amazing place. We need to keep the special character of the Island. We also deserve a leader who understands the moving pieces of government, business and infrastructure development around the region,” Langley said in a press release. “I’ve spent my career delivering exceptional results in these spaces. I’d be honored for the people of Mercer Island to entrust me with leadership.”

Langley has also served in various roles with the Mercer Island Preschool Association and Mercer Island Football Club, and is the community relations chair of the Mercer Island Arts Council and the co-vice president of Advocacy for the West Mercer Elementary PTSA.

Born and raised in Washington State, Langley relocated her family to Mercer Island to take on the Executive Director position for Cultural Access Washington — an organization dedicated to increasing funding for the state’s cultural treasures like the Pacific Science Center, the Seattle Art Museum, Seattle Symphony and Seattle Opera.

Langley’s husband, a former Olympic-level swimmer, works as Aquatics Director at the Mercer Island Stroum Jewish Community Center. They have two young children.

“We love Mercer Island, and we can’t think of a better place to raise a family,” she stated.

While her dedication to public service began before relocating back to Washington, it was heightened by the recent bomb threat called into the SJCC on Feb. 28 that compelled her to seek public office.

“My whole family was there [at the JCC] when the threat was called in,” she stated. “That was a catalyzing moment for me. Political apathy is no longer a luxury I can afford. I can’t wait on the sidelines to stand up for Mercer Island families and I can’t wait to dig into the work at hand.”

Langley said she is interested in exploring how, on the council level, she can contribute to finding solutions for school funding, mobility and other issues.

“Joy brings enthusiasm and optimism that we need on the Mercer Island City Council,” said campaign spokesman and former Mercer Island Mayor Elliot Newman. “Anyone who sits down with her leaves the conversation more informed about current events and developments on the Island and in the region, energized to get involved, and with a real sense of community.”