I want to thank the Mercer Island community for your active participation in the recent City Council election.  Through these past months, I had the opportunity to meet many of you and engage in active and often passionate conversations about the future of our Town Center, transportation issues, our schools, our seniors, and many other issues.  I am proud to live in a place where we all care a great deal about this community and am honored by the many citizens who supported my candidacy.

Last Wednesday, I had the chance to speak with Benson Wong and congratulate him on winning the race for Position 6. I am proud of the conversations and debates that he and I shared.  We both are dedicated to building and maintaining the best this Island has to offer.  I have the utmost respect for him and look forward to opportunities for us to work together.

I also look forward to staying in touch with many of you and to continuing to collaborate with City Council members.  Mercer Island’s Design Commission is actively shaping the future of our community.  As Chair, I look to you for guidance and support and to opportunities for many more energetic conversations.

Again, thank you for the opportunity to participate in our City Council election and for all of your support.

Rich Erwin

Chair, City of Mercer Island Design Commission, former candidate for City Council