Judge, Cero best for Council Pos. 3

On Aug. 21, voters will be asked to pick one of the four candidates running for Mercer Island City Council Pos. 3. The top two vote-getters will then run against each other in the general election on Nov. 6.

Reporter staff and Editorial Board members conducted extensive interviews with candidates in order to form our recommendation to voters (see story on page A8.) The Editorial board for the primary is Reporter editor Mary L. Grady and two Island citizens: Jason King, a government consultant and Le Xuan Hy, a Seattle University professor.

In the interviews, we listened for specific knowledge and expertise concerning the issues facing our community. As the Island and the region head into yet another phase of change, we feel it is crucial to have a City Council that not only represents Islanders but works together to make good decisions. We need them to be collaborators and leaders both here and in the region.

We recommend that voters send Mike Cero and Maureen Judge to the general election in November. Each have demonstrated that they are smart, passionate and motivated. Each have shown how their past experience and training would contribute to representing the interests of Islanders and would work well within the Council. Judge, while newest to the Island, has long ties here. She demonstrated a clear understanding of what is important to Islanders and how those interests will be tested by regional concerns regarding transportation and housing. Cero, with his technical training in engineering, military experience and local public service, brings a combination of skills too difficult to pass up. We were impressed by the experience both individuals have working with others to reach common but complex goals.

We cannot thank enough the individuals who have come forward to serve in these important roles. Above all, we urge voters to vote in the primary this month for whomever they support. That is what counts the most.

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