Four will put Islanders’ interests first

In this upcoming almost unprecedented election, the three most important issues, for me, are growth, transit and transparency. And that is why I am voting for Tom Acker, Salim Nice, Traci Granbois and Dave Wisenteiner.

They know that there will be many great challenges ahead but, while they’re negotiating on our behalf, they will understand the nature of the impacts and they will put Islanders’ interests first, ahead of outside developers and Sound Transit, and this is worth my vote.

Deborah Ehlers

Bassett understands benefit of city-school board association

I recently concluded nearly eight years as a director on the Mercer Island School Board, four serving in the role of board president. During my tenure on the board, I was fortunate to work very closely with Bruce Bassett.

The relationship between the school district and city council is vital because the city and the school district share the same constituents. Bruce not only understood the importance of the city council and school district relationship, but he also contributed significantly to improving and strengthening that relationship through his collaborative, thoughtful, respectful approach. He is a great thinker when it comes to complex problems and has a knack for finding the win/win.

Bruce was one of the Island leaders I would turn to if I had a difficult problem I needed help thinking through. But the quality I appreciated most about Bruce is that he is humble. He doesn’t think he knows it all or that he has all the answers. He’s a great listener and learner and believes in both the wisdom and power of community.

Recent successes of the collaborative relationship between the City Council and School Board include Mary Waite pool; new school construction; MIYFS counselors in the schools; and the playfield, batting cages and new field turf at South Mercer. In the coming months, both bodies will be considering development fees for new construction and continued collaboration on Mary Waite pool, just to name two.

Bruce will continue to serve both our community and schools well, as he has already demonstrated.

Janet Frohnmayer

Challengers’ policies best for Island

I endorse and wholeheartedly support: Position No. 1:  Dave Wisenteiner; Position No. 3:  Salim Nice; Position No. 5:  Thomas Acker;  Position No. 7:  Traci Granbois.

These candidates are providing a great service to the community in committing time, energy and money promoting their campaigns and policies.  Policies that I feel best for the Island.  There are true differences between these candidates and the incumbents.  Differences in policy that will play out in the running of the city and the look and feel of the Island that we hand over to future generations.

Mike Cero, Mercer Island City Councilmember