Thomas (Tom) Acker filed to run for City Council Position No. 5, which is currently held by Bruce Bassett. Acker said he will not accept any campaign funds from Political Action Committees or those who have not lived on Mercer Island.

According to his campaign statement, released to the media on Sept. 4, Acker and his wife Anne Swofford grew up on Mercer Island and moved back to the Island to raise their three boys. The parks, sense of privacy, ability to commute to their off-Island jobs and public schools were critical factors in their decision, he said.

Earlier this year, Acker pulled together a grass roots initiative and formed Save Our Suburbs (SOS) to encourage public input on the proposed Park and Ride at Luther Burbank. He then turned his focus to other City Council initiatives requiring community engagement, like growth in the Town Center.

“Major initiatives need input, management and guidance. Islanders have a right to guide the development of their community and demand meaningful compensation for their part in regional initiatives (like loss of the center lane on I-90),” he said. “The lack of analytical research and impact studies combined with the inclination to fast-track projects like paving Luther Burbank, supporting major density developments, and encouraging Sound Transit to locate a bus station and turn-around on the North End convinced me to run for City Council.”

He said his goal is “to preserve the character of the Island while encouraging local businesses, services and the arts to flourish,” and put resident’s needs before regional interests, which “will require strong leadership and negotiation skills going forward.”

He also said that, “the stewards of the Island have not done a good job of looking out for Islander’s interests over the last eight years.”

Acker said he has a long history of leadership and community involvement. In addition to SOS, he received Seattle’s “Outstanding Citizen of the Year Award” for initiating Project 4S (Safer Streets for South Seattle), was the elected President of Lakewood/Seward Park Community Center.

Acker has worked in the Aerospace Industry where he is currently a Senior Leader of Human Resources. He started his career on Mercer Island working for various local companies including The Mercer Island Reporter (delivering papers), John T. Dunney Real Estate (maintaining yards), and Pay “n” Save. He also helped start a small Island business (DJ’s Sports Cards and Comics) and understands how challenging running a small business can be.

More information on Acker’s campaign, his positions and his endorsements can be found on the web site www.ackerforislanders.org or www.facebook.com/ackerforislanders.