"I believe Mercer Island should be a place where children thrive, families flourish, and aging is met with dignity and care. This is the vision that unites us: building a stronger, more connected community for all Islanders. I'd be honored to earn your vote for Mercer Island City Council Position 7 - and to help make this vision a reality."
-Julie Hsieh, MD
Introducing Julie
I'm Julie Hsieh (pronounced "Shay"), and I'm running for Mercer Island City Council, Position 7. Throughout my life, I have been firmly committed to public service. As a family physician, I cared for patients for seven years at my clinic in Bellevue. As the owner of Yuan Ru Art Center, I’ve created spaces that bring our community together through art. And as an active volunteer in our schools and local organizations, I’ve worked alongside many of you to make Mercer Island a safe, vibrant community.
I would bring a balanced, practical approach to city government. I am collaborative, compassionate, and deeply committed to our community. My top priorities include supporting public health and safety, preserving our parks and open spaces, revitalizing our Town Center, strengthening community engagement, and championing policies that improve quality of life for Islanders of all ages.
I’m proud to be endorsed by four current City Councilmembers (Rosenbaum, Reynolds, Weiker, Weinberg), five former Mercer Island Mayors (Wong, Jarrett, Clibborn, Newman, Bertlin), current and past elected officials, and over 250 community members. Their support reflects my strong track record of serving our community. It would be an honor to continue my public service on our City Council.
I'd be grateful for your vote this November - let's build a stronger, more connected Mercer Island together.
Press: Articles and Podcasts
As we enter the last week of the campaign, I would like to thank everyone for your support!
Please vote by 11/4!
Here is a collection of articles and podcasts throughout my campaign.
Thanks for the opportunity to share my views with our community.
May 12, 2025 - Mercer Island Reporter - Announcing Julie's Candidacy
July 27, 2025 - Modaraka Podcast - Hosted by Islander Simon Okelo
August 27, 2025 - Endorsement by Eastside Business Alliance
October 14, 2025 - MI Reporter of City Council Candidates Statements
October 15, 2025 - League of Women Voters /
MI PTA Council / MIPA Forum - Mercer Island Reporter
October 23, 2025 - Mercer Matters Podcast - Hosted by Islander Ben Sharpe
October 24, 2025 - KMIH Podcast - Interviewed by Elan Baumgarten
MI Leaders Recognize that Julie is a Leader for OUR Future
Endorsed by:
Deputy Mayor Dave Rosenbaum
Councilmember Craig Reynolds
Councilmember Ted Weinberg
Councilmember Wendy Weiker
All Three 41st District State Legistlators
Fmr. WA State Senator, Mayor, & School Board Member Fred Jarrett
Fmr. Legislator & Mayor Judy Clibborn
Fmr. Mayor Benson Wong
Fmr. Mayor Deborah Bertlin
Fmr. Mayor Elliot Newman
School Board Member Maggie Tai Tucker
School Board Member Deborah Lurie
School Board Member Cristina Martinez
Fmr. MI School Board Director Charles "Chick" Hodge
Fmr. MI School Board Director Pat Braman
Fmr. MI School Board Director Ken Glass
Fmr. MI School Board Director Brian Emanuels
Fmr. MI School Board Director Leslie Ferrell
Fmr. MI School Board Director Tracy Drinkwater
Fmr. MI School Board Director Tam Dinh
Planning Commissioner Anthony Perez
Planning Commissioner Kate Akyuz
Fmr. Planning Commissioner and Chair Bill Chapman
Fmr. Planning Commissioner Carolyn Boatsman
Fmr. Planning Commissioner Jordan Friedman
Fmr. Planning Commissioner Tiffin Goodman
Fmr. Planning Commissioner Lucia Pirzio-Biroli
Arts Council Chair Jonathan Harrington
Arts Councilor Suzanne Skone
Founder of Arts Council Sue Sherwood
Parks & Rec Commissioner Mar Brettmann
More than 270 Community Members Believe in Julie
Because Julie Believes in Our Community
Joanne Abelson
Cameron Ackley
Michele Agosti
Brooke Aldrich
Lauren Alexander
Becky Ardillo
Emily Arnsdorf
Connor Auld
Angela Bahng
Jeanne Ballot
Meghan Banta
Phil Banta
Ronald Barach
Steve Barclay
Micheal Beke
Johana Beresky
Ara Bernardi
Linda Bernardi
Nicole Bernardi
Marc Birtel
Jaimie Birtel
Julian Bradley
Heidi Bradley
Carol Branom
Carl Brettmann
Amy Brockmeyer
Jessi Biagi
Phil Borges
Sara Bowen
Steph Boyer
Tasha Brown
Alan Bunin, MD
Alyson Burks
Stephanie Burnett
Michelle Cabrera, MD
Jim Carlson
Stephanie Castle
Lily Chang
Bill Chapman
Winnie Che
Cathy Chen
Judy Chen
Irene Cheung
Jamie Childress
Yuchi Chou
Connie Clark-Redmond
Susan Conrad-Wang
Tim Conway
Theressa Cooper
Novelett Cotter
Dr. Audrey L Covner
Jennifer Crespi
Miri Cypers
Kate Daly
Paneen G Davidson
Julie Day
Bob Day
Paulette Denman
Zander Doroski
Jim Eanes
Ryan Erickson
Suzanne Erickson
Louise Farrell
John Farrell
Jason Farrish
David Figatner
Alice Finch
David Fishman
Donna Fishman
Jennifer Flood
Kimberly Florence
Bruce Flynn
Mary Ann Flynn
Sarah Ford
Brad Fowler
Kimberly Frank
Trey Frank
Candace Friedman
Liz Friedman
Amy Fujishige
Hilarie Galloway
Julia Geier
Debi Gerstel
Kate Gilham
Sandy Glass
Chris Goelz
Cindy Goh
Grace Go
Diane Gordon
Nancy Diner Gordon
Michael Gore
Margo Goyette
Vince Ha
John Hamer
Courtney Hampson
Hill Harper
Jill Hawkins
Louise Hankes
Jenny Harrington
Lisa Herzinger
Tammy Y Heydon
Arwa Hijazi
Virl Hill
Jessica Ho
William Hochberg
Kevin Hockley
Sarah Hollenbeck
Yijiao Hong
Anne Hritzay
Ronan Hsieh, MD
Robyn Hsu
Kay Huang
Mwa Hungwe
Samruddhi Hurkadli
Tricia Jaffe
Sara Yun Jordan
Grace Mariko Kalish, MD
Teresa Kang
Michael Kang
Sarah Karim
Abby Karp, Mosaic MI
Jerry Kavesh
Michelle Kavesh
Allison Kawano
Matt Kawano
Liam Kelly
Sara Kelly
Susan Kim
Doreen Kindred
Scott Kindred
Susan Kleiner, PhD
Motoko Kodera
Kouji Kodera
Erin Krawiec
Peter Krawiec
Pradeep Kumar
Lisa Lackland
Barbara Lahav
Eli Lahav
Rosanne Lapan
Elizabeth Laughlin
Eric Laughllin
Katharine Lamperti, MD
Thomas Lamperti, MD
Anna Lee
Cathy Lee
Nancy Lee
Kaitlyn Lee
Yen-Ling Lee
Diana Lein
Robin Li
Michael Lill
Mei-Jui Lin
June Lindsey
Toy Linus
Tin-Yuan Liu
Gwen Loosmore
Julie Love
Jaymee Lundin
David Lundin
Brian Lurie
Carrie Mackay
Paul Maritz
Yaffa Maritz
Terry Mark
Michele Marquardi
Lesley Malakoti
Dan Malakoti
Kelly Mann
Charlene Matukaitis
Lylan McCarthy
Kathy McDonald
Neil McDonald
Erin McGuire
Leslie Meagley
Krista Meeks
Marna Metcalf
Sheila Miller Rivera
Conner Millison
Kevin Millison
Terry Moreman
Denise Moriguchi
Dr. Paramita Mukherjee
Christine Nakano
Kaumudi Nivarthi
Deborah Nelson
Sam Nguyen
Nikki Norvell
Michael Norvell
Laura Oberto
Simon Javan Okelo
Daniel Odievich
Amy Olsson
Anjana Pandey
Jeannie Pae
Justin Pae
Carin Parcel
Maki Park
Effie Parks
Mariana Parks
Stephanie Parmenter
Alpana Patel
Patricia Pelter
Sharon Perez
Lucia Pirzio-Biroli
Billy Poll
Ricca Poll
Donna Poppe
Nitya Pradeepkumar
Jane Reynolds
Karla Rimmer
Adam Rimmer
John Rivera-Dirks
Gene Robertson
Kyle Roeter
Melissa Ronaldson
Mark Ronaldson
Deborah Rosen
Aaron Rosenstein
Jane Rosenstein
Samantha Rubenfield
Stuart Scarff
Rachel Schindler
Jennifer Selby
Edie Shen
Steve Sheppard
Sue Sherwood
Christy Shiers
Monica Shih
Rahul Shinde
Floyd Short
Sharat Shroff
Bharath Siravara
Shuyi Situ
Steven Smith
Marco Speer
William Stafford
Jim Stanton
Ashley Sternberg
John Stewart
Dennis Su
Millie Su
Xiaoyuan Su
Hsiaolin Sun
Sandy Sun
Owen Sun
Ivy Suzuki-Jaecks
Jasmine Thapar
Brian Thomas
Denise Scarcello Thomas
Anne Hill Thomson
Aubrey Thomson
Diane Tien
Garutav Tiwari
Pat Turner
Pashmi Vaney
Susie Vannatter
Mina Krishna Velamoor
Lucie Vetrovsky
Sharon Walia
Ying Wang
MaryMargaret Welch
Sarah Weinberg, MD
Peter Weiss
Helen Weyant
Scott Whelan
Carol Whitaker
Ken Whitaker
Yvonne Willard
Sharon Woo-Tseng
Alexandra Wright
Tom Wright
Stephanie Wyss
Corrie Yackulic
Sophy Yang
Ron Yeh, MD
Ava Yeh
Andrew Yeh
Stephen Yu
Gerald Yuen
Oleksii Zakharenko
Hai Yan Zhang
Daquan Zhao
Vivian Zhou
Join your Neighbors and Local Leaders
VOTE for Dr. Julie Hsieh - Ballots due Nov 4th!
Chinese Seattle Radio
Issue Spotlight: Public Safety
I want all residents and visitors to feel safe living, working, and enjoying life on Mercer Island. I will collaborate closely with our Police and Fire Departments to improve traffic and pedestrian safety, update e-bike regulations, and strengthen emergency preparedness through CERT and "Map Your Neighborhood." I'm proud to endorse the City Bond for the Public Safety and Maintenance (PSM) Facility. Currently our police are working from trailers behind the old city hall that was condemned in 2023 due to asbestos in the ventilation. This PSM facility will house the police department, Emergency Operations Center, Customer Service Counter, IT and GIS teams, Public Works Maintenance Team and Yard to continue to provide the services and safety that residents expect. I'm also proud to be endorsed by the Alliance for Gun Responsibility. I am committed to advocate for responsible gun ownership and policies to prevent gun violence
Issue Spotlight: Support Senior Services
I’ve had many conversations with seniors on the Island, and I consistently hear how important senior services such as social programming at the Mercer Island Community and Event Center and easier transportation options are to this population. In addition to senior social programming, Mercer Island Youth & Family Services (MIYFS) also provides food and rental assistance programs so no Islander is left behind. If elected, I will champion funding for MIYFS to ensure strong support for senior services so aging Islanders can thrive with dignity, connection, and independence. I also will advocate for exploring streamlined transportation options to better connect seniors throughout the island. To foster a thriving community, we must prioritize the health and happiness of all Islanders.
Issue Highlight: Support Our Schools
For the past several years, I have had extensive experience volunteering in our public schools on the Island. From chairing PTA Reflections Art Program and Fine Arts Advisory Council (Fine Art Showcase) to serving on the board of the Mercer Island Schools Foundation, I have seen firsthand that our Island’s greatest asset is our schools. It is consistently cited as the number one reason people move to Mercer Island.
The Mercer Island School District is our Island’s largest employer. Further, there is significant overlap between facilities owned and used by either MISD or the City–Mary Wayte Pool, Island Crest Park, Homestead Park and South Mercer Fields are a few examples. City government, residents, and the school district are intertwined in a way that most communities don’t experience. For example, the Mercer Island Youth and Family Services provides 8 mental health counselors to our schools every year, a service that is paid for in part by city funding. This unique model provides essential services to our schools, and as a councilmember, I will work hard to keep these vital services available for our students.
As a champion of closer collaboration between the City and MISD, I will push to increase the frequency of meetings between city council and the school board. Only one sitting council member has children enrolled in MISD schools. As a parent and active volunteer, I will bring my experience with the school district to help bridge the gap between the city and its number one employer. Greater collaboration between the City and District benefits not only families with children currently enrolled in school, but all Islanders who gain from having a top-performing school district in its city. I will also support collaboration with the private schools on our Island, also vital partners in our community.
Issue Spotlight: Energize Town Center
Energizing Mercer Island’s Town Center isn’t just a priority—it’s a plan in motion. I’m committed to creating a thriving hub where residents can gather, shop, dine, and enjoy community life.
To achieve this, my plan is to:
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Streamline permitting to make it easier for local businesses to open, expand, and innovate.
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Improve parking access and flow so that visiting Town Center is convenient for everyone.
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Foster retail diversity by working with property owners and the Mercer Island Chamber of Commerce to attract a wider range of shops and services.
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Collaborate with local businesses to ensure their needs are heard and addressed as the Town Center evolves.
A vibrant, accessible Town Center will boost our local economy, support small businesses, and enhance the quality of life for all Islanders.
I’m proud to have the endorsement of the Eastside Business Alliance. As a small business owner, I know what it takes to build a strong local economy—and as your councilmember, I will ensure Mercer Island remains well-managed, fiscally responsible, and future-ready.
Issue Spotlight: Middle Housing & Community Solutions
Washington State law requires Mercer Island to expand middle housing options. For many in our community, this challenge is also a chance to respond to real needs. Seniors on MI have told me they want to stay on the Island close to family and friends, but they can’t find a home that fits their stage of life. Young families want to return for our excellent schools and vibrant community, but 2 million-dollar starter homes are out of reach. If elected, I will work with the community to ensure new housing keeps our Island character and preserves MI values. I support concentrating middle housing in the Town Center near light rail station. I support complying with state mandates to avoid state regulations superseding the City's authority and subject to existing development standards, including environmental regulations (such as Critical Areas Ordinance, Shoreline Master Program, State Environmental Policy Act), ensuring new development is compatible with the Island's character and natural environment.
By listening to residents and shaping thoughtful and creative solutions, we can welcome the next generation of Islanders while supporting those who built this community.
In February and March 2025, the Mercer Island City Council enacted a series of interim development regulations intended to comply with several new state legislative requirements related to bills adopted in 2023. These interim regulations were adopted to comply with state-mandated deadlines to avoid state regulations superseding the City's authority. The interim development regulations permit middle housing (HB1110) and expand allowances for ADUs (HB 1337), subject to the existing development standards for single-family development in the Residential zones as well as the Unit Density standards. The City plans to adopt permanent regulations and will undertake additional public outreach and analysis, beginning in 2026. More details in City link below. https://letstalk.mercergov.org/middle-housing-adus
Ignoring the state mandate by not complying with the law will cost us increased taxes in lawsuits and risk of state regulations superseding the City's authority. Think back at Mercer Island's failed strategy fighting Sound Transit which cost us increased taxes, a multi-million-dollar settlement with ST, and legal fees. We need to invest our time and resources thoughtfully and creatively to keep our Island character and preserving MI values. We need to work with our state legislators, King County, and regional partners to make sure we have a voice at the table on decisions affecting Mercer Island.
Issue spotlight: Climate & Environment
As your councilmember, I will work to make climate action a part of everyday life on Mercer Island. We need local leadership that connects sustainability to the choices we make at home, in transit, and in our neighborhoods. I’ll advocate for safe bike and pedestrian infrastructure and protecting our green spaces to strengthen resilience and well-being. As a physician, I also view climate policy as health policy—I’ll champion efforts that reduce pollution and improve indoor air quality. I’m committed to implementing practical, climate-smart solutions like EV charging infrastructure, solar energy, and heat pumps—while preserving our tree canopy and natural spaces for future generations. I'm proud to be endorsed by The Sierra Club.
Issue Highlight: Homelessness
Homelessness affects our entire region. While it may be less visible here, some neighbors face housing instability and financial struggles. I believe we must address this issue with compassion, coordination, and practical solutions.
1. Support and strengthen Mercer Island Youth & Family Services (MIYFS), which provides rental assistance, food programs, and mental health support to prevent homelessness. I will advocate for stable funding to keep these vital services accessible.
2. Focus on early intervention by supporting programs that identify residents at risk of eviction and connect them to resources before crises occur, working closely with schools, faith groups, and nonprofits.
3. Collaborate with King County and partners who have more resources to support those experiencing homelessness. Our city does not have the resources to build or operate shelters. I do not support low barrier shelters on Mercer Island.
I'm committed to working thoughtfully to support all Islanders, and focus on prevention of homelessness on Mercer Island.
Issue Spotlight: Responsibly Invest in Infrastructure that Supports Our Future
The Island’s aging infrastructure affects essential services that touch daily life — from water and sewer systems to public facilities and transportation networks. To ensure long-term sustainability and reliability, we must make responsible, forward-thinking investments in our roads, utilities, and public facilities.
A pressing example is our water system. Many of the pipes that deliver water to and from homes and businesses are 70 to 80 years old. Replacing this aging infrastructure must be a top priority. A proactive approach not only prevents costly emergencies but also safeguards families, businesses, and entire neighborhoods from disruptive service failures.
I fully support continuing — and strengthening — our investment in modernizing utility infrastructure. For every pipe that breaks, there are four more we've already replaced proactively. That kind of foresight prevents costly emergencies and keeps our communities running smoothly. At a minimum, we must maintain that pace — ideally, we should accelerate it.
I applaud the City for recently completing a comprehensive program of improvements to its water storage and distribution system which included; replacing the reservoir's pumping infrastructure, construction of a chlorination booster station, replacement of emergency power generator and associated electrical panels.
Why I am running for city council
I'm running for City Council to give back to the community that my family and I have been proud to call home. My commitment to Mercer Island shows in how I lead — not just with words, but through action. I’ve been an active volunteer with the Mercer Island PTA, Mercer Island Schools Foundation, Rotary Club, Farmers Market, and more. I also serve as chair of the Mercer Island Fine Arts Advisory Council (FAAC), am a member of the Mercer Island Visual Arts League (MIVAL), and support MI Youth and Family Services.
Through my gallery, Yuan Ru Art Center in Bellevue, I’ve hosted many exhibitions and events for Islanders, creating spaces that celebrate creativity and connection. I dedicate my time because I care deeply about this community — its vibrancy, its people, and the unique quality of life that makes Mercer Island so special.
Values and Vision
Put Islanders’ Health and Safety First
As a trained medical professional, I’ve put my patient’s health and safety first. It is critical that our city prioritizes resources to ensure our community is safe as we anticipate increased traffic from the light rail, as well as emergence of more e-mobility devices across the Island. I also believe that we must ensure every resident - from youth to seniors - has access to care they need by strengthening MI Youth and Family Services to provide mental health resources, address food insecurity, and offer rental assistance so no Islander is left behind. I will prioritize both physical and mental well-being as the foundation of a safe, resilient community.
Building Stronger Island-Wide Partnerships
Building a healthy community is my passion. Our Island is deeply connected by a network of organizations, including the city, nonprofits, businesses, schools, and community groups. I firmly believe that there is opportunity for these organizations to collaborate more closely together to achieve a healthier Island ecosystem. Over the last several years, I have devoted my time and energy to volunteering at a diverse set of organizations across the Island including Mercer Island Schools PTA, Schools Foundation, Fine Arts Advisory Council, The Rotary Club, MIVAL, and the Farmer’s Market. I will champion deeper collaboration among these groups and more to address shared challenges and expand opportunities. When these organizations work together with the City, all Islanders benefit.
Energize Town Center
I’m passionate about revitalizing our Town Center. I will work in partnership with local retail business owners, the Mercer Island Chamber of Commerce, and my fellow councilmembers to find practical solutions for challenges like parking, permitting, and retail variety. A vibrant, accessible Town Center can greatly enhance quality of life for all Islanders. I am proud to be endorsed by Eastside Business Alliance. As a small business owner myself, I am a pro-business candidate. I am committed to ensuring that Mercer Island remains a well-managed, fiscally responsible city. My collaborative approach to community building and problem solving has prepared me well for addressing Mercer Island’s challenges and opportunities in the years ahead.
Giving Community a Voice
As an elected official, I would actively seek input from fellow Islanders—honoring the voices of those who have shaped our community’s rich history and welcoming those who are new to Mercer Island.
I see myself—and all of us—as stewards of this special Island. It would be an honor to represent you and uphold the shared values that make our island such a vibrant and connected community.
Testimonials
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"Julie brings a blend of heart, hustle, intelligence, and creativity to everything she touches on Mercer Island. Her commitment to our community shows up not in words, but in action—again and again. When something needs doing, Julie doesn’t wait—she steps up, rallies others, and gets it done with energy, optimism, and thoughtfulness. From leading in the PTA to serving on the boards of the Schools Foundation and the Rotary Club of MI, she’s been a steady force for good. She also brings a uniquely well-rounded perspective as a small business owner, physician, and parent. I’m proud to support her for City Council."
-Jennifer Flood
"Mercer Island would be lucky to have Julie representing us on the City Council. She listens, shows up, and works well with a wide range of people. Julie has been a strong advocate and leader for our schools and our community. Most importantly, Julie is smart and creative and she gets things done."
- Kathy Moffett McDonald
"If I was asked to describe the qualities of good governance I would say collaborative, responsible, solution-oriented, and aligned with the values of the community. This also describes Julie Hsieh. I have seen Julie work with diverse people and organizations to improve good things to make them great and to envision new strategies to address unmet needs. She understands the important role of the school district in Mercer Island life, as our largest single employer, primary city partner on fields, parks and community health, and driver of local real estate values. Julie knows how to forge productive partnerships, pay attention to details and assess impact. She has a proven track record of effective cooperation and positive leadership and I heartily endorse Julie Hsieh for Mercer Island City Council."
-Robin Li
"Julie Hsieh has demonstrated her commitment to the MI community by being an active parent volunteer in our school district, organizing community events supporting music and the arts, giving her time and energy to foundations that support students academically and the mental health of Islanders of all ages. I have never met anybody more involved in the MI community! I'm thrilled that she plans to make an even bigger impact on the Island by running for City Council. She embodies the qualities I wish to see in a representative for the people of MI. Julie is a smart, passionate advocate, who brings with her a strong work ethic, love of community, global perspective, desire for betterment, and who will always listen and help out- with a big smile on her face. Julie is the type of person who always says "Yes" when asked. Mercer Island voters should say "YES" to Julie being on the City Council."
-Ly-Lan McCarthy
I’ve worked with Julie Hsieh through the PTA Reflections art program, and she consistently makes a difference through her hard work and positive energy. She generously offered her gallery to showcase student artwork, creating a meaningful experience for young artists. Julie is reliable, community-minded, and solution-oriented. Her dedication and attitude will make her a strong asset to the City Council. I fully endorse her for this role.
-Suzanne Vannatter
Julie Hsieh is an exceptional advocate for our community's young artists, exemplified by her exemplary leadership of The Reflections Art program and the generous opening of her own art gallery to nurture emerging talent. Julie's due diligence as a PTA member is unparalleled, and she consistently seeks out every opportunity to bring artistic skills into the limelight. Beyond fostering creativity, I've seen Julie courageously stand up for causes she believes in and firmly defend her positions. Julie is a net positive contributor to our community and will undoubtedly be an invaluable asset to our City Council, bringing both passionate advocacy and unwavering principles.
-Pradeepkumar
When I think of Julie, I think of a Connector and Gatherer who deeply cares about our city, and in a way that invites in and includes multiple and diverse groups of people. The embodiment of this, to me, is how she invited talented students that she knows through her incredible volunteering in the school district, to showcase their musical abilities at an art gallery walk at Sotheby's. We need more on MI of what Julie did with this event: bringing together and celebrating youth, their families and seniors at a business on the island. I am honored to endorse Julie's run for City Council and the endless possibilities of what that can mean in gathering us all together.
-Sarah Karim
Julie brings together the rare combination of bounds of positive energy with critical thinking and problem solving. She is a collaborator who cares deeply about every individual, family, business, and school in the Mercer Island Community. She exemplifies what it means to put community first. She exudes optimism while maintaining pragmatism, is a natural humble leader and will make a wonderful addition to our Mercer Island City Council. It is my honor to endorse Julie Hsieh.
-Laura Oberto
From the testimonials and endorsements, you can see that I have a broad coalition of support. I represent all communities on our Island. Let's work together to build a welcoming community for all rooted in dignity, respect, and justice - where every individual is free to live openly and safely.
-Julie Hsieh
Julie in the community
I love my community and I show it through countless hours serving and volunteering to help make Mercer Island a better place to live for everyone. Here are beautiful memories from chairing Fine Arts Showcase to being a table captain as a board member of MI Schools Foundation, to sponsoring ice cream at Community Day, to serving on the board of Rotary Club of Mercer Island, to creating leaf art at Rotary Park, to advocating for increased school funding at Eastside Town Hall, to being a table captain for MI Youth and Family Services' Annual Fundraiser, to hosting art exhibitions and events for Islanders at my gallery, to supporting the MI Tree Lot to help fund MIYFS, to supporting Orchestra, Band, and Drama boosters, to participating in Art Uncorked with MIVAL, to participating in MI Art Walk at the Town Center, to supporting local causes, I am with my community, my neighbors and my friends. So grateful to all of you.
About Julie Hsieh
Islander Julie Hsieh has lived on Mercer Island for 10 years, from 2008 to 2014, and since 2021. She grew up in Texas, and lived in California before relocating to the Pacific Northwest when her husband got a job at Microsoft. She is an artist and CEO/Founder of Yuan Ru Art Center in Bellevue. Prior to pursuing a career in the arts, she was a family physician with her own private practice from 2007-2014 in Bellevue. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Human Biology from Stanford University, Medical Doctorate from Baylor College of Medicine, and completed her family medicine residency at UC Irvine.
In 2014, Julie and her family moved to Taipei, where she discovered her passion for visual arts as an artist. Back on Mercer Island since 2021, Julie is grateful to have the chance to give back to the wonderful community of Mercer Island through serving our community. She hopes to continue her stewardship as a member of Mercer Island City Council, Position 7.
