By Jeff and Lara Sanderson
Jeff: Last Monday, I was sworn into office as a Mercer Island City Councilmember. Though I’ve received praise for this, much credit goes to Lara, my wife, Chief Inspiration Officer and leadership role model.
Last May, community members asked Lara to run for the Council. We had heated discussions as to why she would not leave her Design Commission seat prior to completing her full term. She feels committed to her colleagues in building a highly functioning, responsible body. I respect that she would not leave a job before it was finished and knowing there is a talent pool to fill seats turning over.
I am not the public servant of our household! I left that up to Lara. But the more I’ve observed the work required from dedicated citizens to make for a functioning democracy, I know we can’t leave the work for the many up to the few. For years, I erringly thought I needed a public service background to do public service. Who else thinks this way?
Different issues need different skills in finding solutions to complex problems. Over extensive discussions, I understood how my background in business and economics, running Stopsky’s Delicatessen, and teaching could be put to service.
Lara: My adult life’s passion has been focused on creating a “greater good” for a greater number. This has involved a lot of campaigning, advocacy work, and raising money for issues that affect those not born into a life of privilege. Six years ago, after 10 years of fighting what I like to call the ‘good fight’, I took a welcome hiatus from anything political. Politics – I have always said – are a necessary evil to perform a critical good.
Two years ago, State Representative Tana Senn asked me to join the Design Commission. I responded, “Only if I can make a difference”. From operating Stopsky’s (which I designed), I knew the concerns of many residents about the new downtown buildings. They questioned why they couldn’t be aesthetically appealing. Today’s Commission is having an impact: this year alone we’ve turned down two major developments, the first time in history. Our work is based on a strict interpretation of well-studied code.
When Jeff talked of running, I was very surprised. I had trepidation about us volunteering simultaneously for public service roles. That’s a lot of policy talk under one roof, especially when we do not always agree! Then I reflected on our pressing need to fill the volunteer public service pipeline if we are to improve our city and the bodies that govern it. Too many people do not believe they possess the right background to serve, as Jeff stated.
Jeff and Lara: What do we do? Is it wise to ask so few to shoulder the burden of leading the many? Or could each of us recruit two people we know with civic awareness, ethical decision-making, and a concern for our community to consider a commission appointment or elected position when our terms are up? This math is exponential and assures a robust public service pipeline for our future. Representative Senn has recruited a lot of our younger volunteers, but we’re each responsible in recruiting the next generation.
Lara has one done: Jeff now sits on the City Council! Who can you think of? Is it you? Maybe you are a parent that has an issue you’re passionate about solving. Maybe you serve on the PTA, but haven’t yet entertained running for the School Board? Don’t underestimate your ability to effect change. In order to build the kind of safe, beautiful, and exciting community we’ll be proud of passing on, it will take a new generation of public servants.
We are certain that you can make a difference if you want to. If you have questions, call us.
We’ve learned a lot in the last two years and would be happy to help bring you aboard.
In Service,
Councilmember Jeff Sanderson (425) 749-6130
Commissioner Lara Sanderson (206) 930-4176
