In the upcoming election, I am actively supporting Rich Erwin for City Council Position #6 because he has a history of working hard on behalf of the Mercer Island community and understands that good leaders are stewards of all we treasure. Rich has proposed several comprehensive and resourceful solutions to Mercer Island’s transportation and parking problems.  Most of us who commute are familiar with the problem of finding a parking space during workdays at the North-end Park and Ride.  One of Rich’s proposals establishes a circular transportation system which would create a convenient series of Park and Rides exclusive to Mercer Island residents along Island Crest Way.  The current system for distributing Mercer Island parking permits could easily be expanded to include these lots, utilizing parking available at the faith communities along Island Crest Way.  And, if the plan for the Light Rail station over I-90 includes sufficient additional parking for Islanders, then the shuttle bus program can be easily scaled back or totally stopped with nominal costs.

This is just one of Rich’s ideas which is sparking interest among Island residents and in the faith community and it illustrates his approach to problem-solving that balances practicality, cost savings and minimal bureaucracy.  We should applaud and support this spirit of innovation, frugality and dedication to practical problem-solving that he offers.  That kind of thinking serves our community well.

Leslie Meagley