In the early 2000s the Port of Seattle (Sea-Tac) was considering a proposal to divert northbound flights over Mercer Island at very low altitudes. Mercer Island responded with, among other responses, a citizens committee, the Aircraft Noise Abatement Committee. Dan Grausz was a presenter with us in successfully stating our case to the Port of Seattle. He was effective, accessible and pragmatic.

He was great to work with and helped us win for Mercer Island.

Today the I-90 tolling issue has similarities to the routing of planes over Mercer Island — both are regional issues with outside government bodies making the decision with a huge potential impact to Mercer Island.

I welcome Dan Grausz’s pragmatic, long-term, big picture approach to protect our interests once again.

Jim Gilchrist