Grausz for City Council

Published 12:15 pm Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Dan Grausz has earned another term on our City Council. I am continuing to support Dan because I have known him and worked with him for 15 years, both on Mercer Island matters and matters before our U.S. Congress. Dan faces a different opponent this time — Ira Appelman. I do not know Mr. Appelman, but between his voluminous and intrusive mass mailings and his non-stop appearances before the Council, I have some very serious concerns about his misrepresentations.

Mr. Appelman criticizes Dan (and the entire City Council) for making decisions regarding traffic on Island Crest Way. He claims he has better solutions, but does not provide all the facts regarding the solution he proposes. He claims that the narrowing of our main artery, for dedicated lanes, will slow traffic unreasonably. Appelman’s counter solution, which can’t be found in the mailings he sends, is to add a traffic light at Merrimount. Another traffic light on Island Crest will really slow down traffic. On top of that, Appelman’s proposal could cost us anywhere from $1.5 to $3 million! I could not find the cost information in his mailings either. That seems deceptive to me. We simply can’t afford a Councilmember who does not tell us all the facts.

Dan Grausz is the opposite. I have worked with him on some very difficult issues and learned that he is not afraid to make tough decisions. Dan tells you his position, and he explains all the facts surrounding the reasons he makes his decision.

Dan is the type of Councilmember we need. I hope you agree.

John Iani