Dan Grausz has helped keep our local politics above the ugly fray that has gripped national politics. His is the only City Council seat being contested in the November election, and he is the obvious candidate to vote for.

Dan’s passion for and belief in the glory of our tight-knit community has been evident during his two terms on the City Council. Committed to considering all perspectives of complicated issues, Dan has been finding solutions that work for all groups involved. To name only a few accomplishments achieved during Dan’s tenure, the city has remained fiscally sound, has no need for layoffs, has upgraded and maintained its safety measures and equipment, has built a state-of-the-art Community Center, and has improved and preserved our precious parks. Dan continues to suggest ideas; one is to create a town gathering place amidst the new construction downtown.

Dan’s opponent, Ira Appelman, does not seem open to working with others. He sends letters to residents criticizing the City Council, and most disconcertingly spews out bizarre accusations. For example, in his Sept. 2 letter, he claims that the City Council is trying to force Mercer Islanders to abandon their cars for bikes.

This November, we are lucky to be presented with a simple election and an easy choice: re-elect Dan Grausz to the Mercer Island City Council.

Barbara Winkelman

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