Firefighters of the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) are politically active on all levels: local, state and national. Our goal is to ensure that communities we serve are provided with the best service possible while still maintaining firefighter safety. That often involves engaging elected officials. It is refreshing to find someone, like Councilman Grausz, as informed and concerned about those same issues.

The Mercer Island Firefighters Union, IAFF Local 1762, is proud to endorse Dan Grausz in his bid for re-election to Mercer Island City Council. We do not give our endorsement lightly, but we do so because he has been a very effective part of our city government and our strong advocate. Councilman Grausz realizes the high importance of our training and equipment as well as some of the unique requirements and demands that are put on us, the firefighters. An excellent example of his support was the strong leadership he showed in the recent replacement of our aging fire apparatus fleet. By working to provide the firefighters with some needed equipment, his actions helped to make the residents of Mercer Island safer. Councilman Grausz’s ability to find a balance with the issues, while still keeping public safety at the top of the priority list, demonstrates what an asset he is as an elected official. His long-term experience and ability to build relationships adds to his skill in finding common ground and agreement. It has been our pleasure to work with Councilman Grausz during his time as a part of the City Council over the past 12 years, and our organization has been impressed with his ability to deal successfully with all of the diverse issues that city government can be faced with.

The Firefighters of Mercer Island value the leadership of Councilman Grausz, and we look forward to working with him in the future.

Sincerely,

Ray Austin

President, Mercer Island Firefighters, IAFF Local 1762