Mercer Island Council’s poor personnel decision | Letter

Last week, I witnessed Steve Marshall speak to the council in his typical articulate, measured manner, that one expects from a Harvard trained attorney.

I’m fond of saying that we go to bat with the team we’re dealt. For a council, that is the team that voters decide. But, the council had three opportunities to put personal agendas aside and appoint Marshall, a transportation expert, to fill the Litzow (January 2011), the Senn (January 2015) and the Wachs (June 2015) vacancies. Although the Islanders chosen were capable and dedicated, their passion and expertise was not in transportation.

Their selection was akin to football coach Pete Carroll drafting baseball player Felix Hernandez.

This poor personnel decision by the council forfeited them the benefit of Marshall’s thoughtful strategy and innovative ideas. Marshall is the executive director of the Center for Advanced Transportation, has an impressive rolodex of state and national leaders on both side of the aisle. He is a long-time Islander volunteer who offered his time and expertise to fill council vacancies not once but three times. Marshall’s transportation credentials are extensive.

I’m certain the city’s paid consultants do not have Marshall’s passion and strategic understanding of state and national transportation policy. “People are Policy,” that the council did not take advantage of the opportunity to appoint Marshall back in 2011 and 2015 when Eastlink/Center Lane policy was being shaped is an example where council decisions and priorities were mistaken.

Sound Transit, Metro, WSDOT and the Federal Highway Administration has out-maneuvered the council at critical junctures. I’m anticipating a disastrous outcome for Island transportation not only in June when the center lane is closed, but even when Eastlink opens in 2023.

Going forward, a council majority needs to 1) pull the shoreline permit, 2) change the conciliatory narrative and FAQ’s, 3) lobby to have Sound Transit pay WSDOT full replacement value to purchase the center lanes and 4) listen to Mr. Marshall.

Mike Cero

Council member 2008-2016