Mercer Island is a representative democracy: we elect councilmembers to make many tough decisions — including what is the best use of public property when faced with competing community interests. The looming decision before the City Council is whether to approve the lease for the proposed Mercer Island Center for the Arts (MICA).

To be clear, I strongly support MICA. MICA will provide much-needed space for youth to congregate, and for adult and youth arts programs. MICA will enhance Mercerdale Park, bringing new outdoor performances and visitors, without impairing the circular walkway or the skateboard park.

But that is beside the point. Mercer Island will be electing new councilmembers soon who will have to vote on the MICA lease. However, some candidates are calling for an advisory vote on MICA.

That is a mistake. Future councilmembers instead need to study the facts, listen the community, and make their views of MICA known to voters before election-day.

Holding an advisory votes over every contentious issue is an expensive, inefficient way to govern.

Advisory votes are not free. King County charges the city tens of thousands of dollars for each advisory measure — our tax dollars. Moreover, advisory votes don’t always resolve issues: consider Seattle’s multiple “no” votes on the viaduct.

I believe in representative democracy; it has served both our country and our city well.  I intend to vote for representatives who will make informed decisions for me on contentious issues without hiding behind costly advisory votes.

Suzanne Skinner