Our Town Center needs some attention.  Even with all the recent random development, Mercer Island’s “downtown” is still a place where most people drive to, run some errands and go home.  As a small business owner who depends on local residents as our primary clientele, I believe we need a plan that encourages more people to spend time in town – meeting friends, dining, enjoying arts and entertainment and, yes, shopping.  We need a vision for our Town Center that is pedestrian friendly, attractive and accessible.  A Town Center that is the heart of our community.

Rich Erwin has that kind of vision and that is why I support him for City Council position #6.  Rich is planning a Town Center that attracts residents and allows small businesses to thrive.  And as the recently appointed Chair of the Mercer Island Design Commission, which approves all new development in the Town Center, he is well positioned and has the real world land use experience necessary to make it happen.

Rich has demonstrated out-of-the-box thinking and innovative ideas in a number of areas.  He was a strong proponent of locating a Performing Arts Center in town and has shown an interest in exploring synergies that can be shared with the Farmer’s Market, located nearby.  He has proposed more frequent and accessible bus lines to bring islanders easily into town and back home again, as part of his vision means to make our town more pedestrian-friendly.  He has recommended design modifications to downtown parking garages that will make them more user- and especially Senior-friendly.  Rich has a track record of balancing development with sustainability and community needs.  You can learn more about Rich and his ideas by going to www.voteforrich.org. I encourage you to take a look and consider casting your vote for Rich Erwin, City Council position #6.

Michele Tesler

Owner, Tatters