My wife and I have been residents of Mercer Island since 1979 and generally have not been concerned with the politics of the Island until recently. Our elected officials represented our interests and the Island evolved. However, in the past few years our local government has made peculiar decisions and proposed changes which do not seem to reflect the needs of our community.

The first was the change of Island Crest Way to accommodate bicycles at the expense of cars. I commute on ICW daily and have rarely seen bicycles on ICW but have had to wait behind slow drivers because of the inability to pass them. More recently, the City Council has supported tolling for I-90. The effect of this decision would probably support the greater Seattle community but be devastating for Islanders who commute to Seattle or the Eastside, for individuals such as teachers (and others) who work on the Island but do not live here, and for others, such as my patients, who would experience an additional cost for their treatment.

A second troubling issue relates to Sound Transit’s proposal to develop a bus barn on Mercer Island. This proposal was initially supported by our City Council, who seemingly were eager to turn over valuable parkland so that 20 or more buses could be parked on the Island. A related problem concerns the need for parking for commuters and for the proposed light rail. Again, the current City Council members seemed eager to turn over valuable property so that Eastside commuters could be accommodated.

I have known Tom Acker for more than 30 years. Tom has proven that he can stand up to regional interests and maintain the interest of Islanders. His election to the City Council would be a step in the right direction for our community.

David L. Dunner, MD