We need elected officials who will thoroughly understand and aggressively pursue, through public policy and support, rational solutions for more affordable housing.

El Jahncke, candidate for re-election to the Mercer Island City Council, has proven to be such an official by studying those issues and supporting the work of ARCH and their strategies to meet those needs, such as with Ellsworth House on the Island.

ARCH (A Regional Coalition for Housing) is a consortium of 16 Eastside cities addressing affordable housing issues. Mercer Island has been a member of ARCH since the early 1990s.

The need for affordable housing options escalates as veterans from two long wars return to our Eastside communities to a slowed and stagnant economy. Jobs are scarce, low-paying and inadequate to meet housing costs. Public funds for housing have dried to a trickle from federal, state and local jurisdictions.

A 2009 study by King County Housing Authority [“A Quiet Crisis: Age Wave Maxes Out Affordable Housing”] indicates a need to create 900 units of affordable senior housing per year in order to meet demand.

We require thoughtful, dedicated, compassionate thinking to build strategies to meet the rising tide of demand for affordable housing for seniors, veterans and their families.

El Jahncke has demonstrated interest, intelligence and dedication by delving into the complexities of public policy, attending ARCH meetings and learning and embracing the collective wisdom of Eastside cities in striving to meet this growing need. The high degree of consciousness and dedication he has brought to this issue is unique among our Council members, and I recommend keeping El on our City Council to continue this good work.

El has my vote and I encourage you to support his campaign for re-election.

Susan Blake

Former Mercer Island City Council Member