Thank you, MI Reporter | Letters to the editor
Published 1:30 pm Monday, December 15, 2025
Thank you, MI Reporter
For many years, and especially over the last four years of my service as mayor, the Mercer Island Reporter has played an indispensable role in our community. Local journalism is not easy work, but it is essential work, and Mercer Island has been well served by consistent, thoughtful, and responsible coverage of the issues that matter most to our residents.
Throughout my time in public service, I have seen firsthand how critical accurate and timely reporting is to a functioning local government. The Mercer Island Reporter has not simply covered meetings or headlines, it has provided context, continuity, and clarity around complex and often emergent issues facing our city. That work is a true public service.
This was especially evident during moments of real urgency. During the SPU pipeline emergency, the Reporter helped ensure that important and evolving information reached the community quickly and clearly. Earlier, during the water supply emergency when SPU valves were stuck closed and Mercer Island was without water for several days, the Reporter played a vital role in helping the city communicate critical updates, public safety guidance, and next steps to residents. In moments like those, reliable local reporting is not optional, it is essential.
The Mercer Island Reporter has also consistently helped amplify important city messaging, from infrastructure challenges to public safety, governance decisions, and community impacts. That partnership between local government and local journalism, grounded in independence and professionalism, strengthens public trust and civic engagement.
I also want to offer a personal note of thanks to Andy Hobbs and Andy Nystrom. Your professionalism, responsiveness, and commitment to covering Mercer Island fairly and thoroughly has not gone unnoticed. You have both demonstrated what strong local reporting looks like, especially when it matters most.
As I close this chapter of public service, I do so with deep appreciation for the role the Mercer Island Reporter has played in informing our community and supporting transparent local governance. Mercer Island is better for it.
Thank you for your continued service to our city.
Salim Nice, Mayor, City of Mercer Island
