Pearman becomes new MI mayor

Formerly the mayor’s deputy, Jim Pearman is now the Mercer Island city mayor.

Councilmembers unanimously approved the new mayor at their first meeting of the year on Monday. Pearman has served the past two years as deputy mayor under former mayor Bryan Cairns, and was re-elected to his second term in 2005. Recently re-electedCouncilmember El Jahncke was subsequently selected as the new deputy mayor. Pearman and Jahncke were originally elected in 2001 and have been re-elected twice.

Councilmember Mike Grady immediately nominated Pearman, who accepted the gesture.

Grady said he wanted Pearman because he had the professional and personal qualifications required for the position.

“I would like to nominate Jim Pearman, knowing that we have significant challenges this year, from the sewer lake to the PEAK,” Grady said. “[Pearman] has the background experience and temperament to deal with both the hard and the fun stuff.”

Just moments after he was sworn into office for his first term, recently elected Councilmember Mike Cero nominated Steve Litzow, who declined the nomination. Litzow announced last week that he is running for state representative this year and said he would continue serving on the Council until he is elected.

The Mercer Island mayor earns $400 a month while Councilmembers and the deputy mayor earn a $200 monthly stipend. The Council selects a new mayor every two years, after elections for the positions take place. Prior to Cairns, Alan Merkle served as mayor.

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