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:

•Streamline permitting to make it easier for local businesses to open, expand, and innovate.

•Improve parking access and flow so that visiting Town Center is convenient for everyone.

•Foster retail diversity by working with property owners and the Mercer Island Chamber of Commerce to attract a wider range of shops and services.

•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 FutureThe 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.