Rich Erwin currently chairs the Mercer Island Design Commission, where he has proven to be an effective and thoughtful urban planner. As a 20-year resident of Mercer Island, I have witnessed much growth and development on our Island. The City Council serves a vital role in planning for growth while taking into consideration the interests of Island residents. We need City Council members who will engage the community in an open process as they make decisions affecting our public spaces. Rich has demonstrated his commitment to including the community in important issues.  He is a good listener and knows how to engage key players in the decision-making process.

One of the current hot topics is the development of our Town Center. But the protection of the surrounding open spaces is equally important. Balancing development with sustainability and open spaces is something Rich Erwin knows how to do. He was instrumental in several Eastside development projects that required meeting demands of growth while protecting wetlands and salmon habitat. This ability to reconcile development with sustainability in the same project is just part of what marks Rich Erwin as an experienced and constructive land use planner. Mercer Island needs someone with Rich’s background and experience on the City Council. That is why I support Rich Erwin for City Council Position 6. With his integrity, experience and dogged commitment to public service, we can count on him to listen to our community and get things done.

Kari Fisher