As a long-time Mercer Island resident and former mayor, I have seen a lot of council members come and go. I know how critical it is that we have council members who are interested in the needs of all Islanders, not just a small constituency.

That’s why I am so enthusiastic about my support for Joy Langley in position No. 4.

I have spent time getting to know Joy and can confirm that her reputation for being open to all ideas, knowledgeable about our community and capable of sound and thorough reasoning have been well earned. She really gets our public safety concerns, the wishes of our small business owners, frustration of commuters and is driven to guide our public discourse to solutions for these challenges.

Her professional experience is a bonus, but what I am most impressed by is her character of integrity, openness and passion for this community. I hope you all have the opportunity to get to know Joy as I have and will join me in supporting her for City Council.

Elliot Newman

Former mayor