I-594 signs stolen or blocked

This past weekend, a handful of volunteers who are interested in the safety of Washington State’s citizens placed signs reminding Islanders to vote YES on I-594, the firearms safety initiative. We chose to place the signs where they would be visible while being careful not to obstruct any political signs, be they the opposition’s or others’.

Unfortunately some of the signs were up for only two days. During the night, some folks took it upon themselves to remove at least 9 of the I-594 signs (which were paid for out of our own pockets). Over the same night, proponents of I-591, the opposing initiative, chose to place their signs throughout the Island either right in front of the remaining I-594 signs or to “sandwich” two I-591 signs on either side of a I-594 sign, rendering it impossible to see the 594 sign.

Those of us who volunteered to place the I-594 signs trust in the ability of Islanders to make well-informed, intelligent decisions. The 594 campaign is about using common sense measures to keep guns out of the hands of criminals and the severely mentally ill. We ask that those who disagree with this initiative respect our property and our efforts so that Islanders can decide for themselves.

Linda Geffen, Hilary Benson,  Kim Comstock, Mary Anne Eng, Linda Floyd,  Lynne Thomas Fruehling, Tammy Heydon, Lori Hughes, Anne Marie Krivens, Jenny Michaels, Stephanie Parmenter,  Carla Richards, Heather Staples, Alayne Sulkin, Ivy Suzuki-Jaecks and Sophy Yang

Former Island mayors endorse Tana Senn

As former Mercer Island Mayors, we look for candidates who have a strong grasp of local issues. As current grandparents, we only support candidates advocating policies that will yield long-term results benefiting our grandchildren.  That’s why we are voting to retain Tana Senn as our State Representative this November and we urge our fellow Mercer Island residents to do the same.

Rep. Senn has served on the Mercer Island City Council since 2012 and was appointed to the State Legislature last fall.  In that time, her thoughtful and collaborative approach to policy conversations has been a great asset to both bodies.  On the City Council, she worked diligently to make our roads safer and fight tolling on I-90, to expand sustainability efforts and preserve our parks and open spaces, and to focus attention on improving Town Center.  At the state level, she has been a champion in advocating for quality early learning, protecting our safety net and helping small businesses.  She clearly knows her way around a City’s budget and she brings that perspective to the state legislature, which is why seven current Eastside Mayors have also endorsed her campaign.

Many of us met Rep. Senn well before she held elected office. She has been active in the Mercer Island Youth and Family Services Foundation, the Island Park Elementary PTA and the Jewish community and helped with community efforts to pass our fire station and school bonds.

We trust Rep. Senn to promote practical solutions to the core issues facing our State, City and families and we ask you to join us in supporting her this November.

Elliot Newman, Fred Jarrett, Bryan Carnes, and Judy Clibborn

Paying it forward

My date, Sophie Hankes and I would like to thank the woman who paid for our homecoming dinner at the Islander restaurant  It was very helpful, and very kind. Thank you.

Braden McGee