Farmers Market fundraiser a success
The Board of Directors of the Mercer Island Farmers Market wants to say a big “Thank You” to everyone who supported our recent ‘Cultivating Taste’ event on May 17. With your support, we met fundraising goals and will be able to provide the types of Market day programs and services our community has come to expect each Sunday of the Market season. Our annual fundraising event celebrates our past success, and joyously “kicks off” the new season. We so appreciate our friends and supporters who help make this event a huge success.
Special appreciation goes to: the Almo Family, founders of Aljoya; Marla Becker, Executive Director of Aljoya; Lilet Cristobal, Director of Dining Services; and Jonathan Tiller, head chef, who created a wonderful meal for our guests with four-star service. Thank you for everything you do for MIFM!
Our Market vendors and local business supporters for their generous product and service donations. And National Charity League volunteers who helped with a variety of tasks onsite.
As a 501(c)3 organization supporting the greater Mercer Island community, we rely heavily on the annual celebration event to support our operating budget each year. It is truly rewarding for us to know that MIFM is in turn appreciated by so many people as a valuable community resource. Again, thanks to all those who were able to attend this year, and for those of you who couldn’t be with us, we look forward to seeing you at MIFM Opening Day, June 7, and most Sundays throughout the Summer!
Board of Directors
Mercer Island Farmers Market
Fair, appropriate decision to appoint Pottmeyer
I am writing in support of the City Council’s decision to appoint Terry Pottmeyer as caretaker for the vacant seat. The process chosen to fill the vacancy was fair and appropriate. Pottmeyer has a long history of serving our community, and her tenure on the council, however brief, will be a benefit to the citizens of Mercer Island.
Breck Longstreth
Re: Council vacancy, stick to standard procedure
When filling the vacancy created by Council Member Joel Wachs’ resignation came up at the May 18, 2015, council meeting, Mayor Bassett informed all he had contacted State Representative Tana Senn and asked her if she would serve Wachs’ remaining term. According to Bassett, Senn said, “Thanks, but no thanks.” As mayor, he should have known better. Holding dual positions such as state representative and council member are not allowed under the statute (Wash. Const. Art. 11, S.14).
Thereafter, other council members offered suggestions for filling the Wachs’ vacancy.
Bassett’s action deserves a big “thumbs down.” It demonstrates the necessity for council to follow a standard, consistent, legal, and written procedure for filling vacancies when council members cannot complete their terms.
Scott Majury
Allow home care workers a retirement
I’m proud to be a home care worker in Washington State, which means I provide care for some of the most vulnerable members of our community.
Last year, home care workers negotiated a contract that provided a modest retirement contribution so that home care workers would be able to save for retirement. But Senate Republicans are supporting a budget that says, “You can never retire!” by refusing the fund this retirement contribution.
This is wrong, and any budget agreement has to fund the retirement plan that was agreed to. For home care workers, who receive poverty-level wages and are often elderly themselves, this agreement is the only way to save for our own retirement.
Home care workers like me are holding up our end of the bargain, but the Legislature is threatening to go back on the state’s word. We negotiated our contract in good faith and reached a historic detail with the state without arbitration. Now it’s time for Olympia to live up to honor its agreement and help hard-working home care workers retire with dignity.
Richard Ross
Kirkland
