Daniel Becker is the newest Mercer Island City Councilmember after he was appointed to serve on the seven-person council at its June 3 regular meeting.

Becker was one of three Island residents who submitted applications to fill the vacant Position No. 7. The seat was held by Daniel “Jake” Jacobson, who passed away peacefully at the age of 82 on March 30 following a medical emergency.

Other Islanders who submitted applications by the May 28 deadline were Zachary MacLean and Adam Ragheb (Ragheb withdrew his application prior to the meeting, according to the city). Council interviewed Becker and MacLean at the meeting. According to the city, residents interested in applying must have resided within the city of Mercer Island for one year and must be a registered voter.

Becker’s term commenced following a 6-0 council majority vote, and will expire after the results of the Nov. 4, 2025, general election have been certified.

In that upcoming election, Becker will run unopposed for Position No. 2 and Ragheb and Julie Hsieh will compete for Position No. 7. Current councilmember Ted Weinberg will run unopposed for Position No. 4 and current councilmember Lisa Anderl will face off with Johana Beresky for Position No. 6.

Becker served as vice chair of the Mercer Island Arts Council and was a city council candidate in 2021.

The Reporter asked Becker the following questions the day after he was appointed to council.

How does it feel to join council?

I am honored and humbled at council’s decision to select me for this appointment. Being on council means a responsibility to work hard for our residents and that’s exactly what I intend to do.

Why did you choose to apply for the seat?

I am already running in November because I have extensive roots on Mercer Island, and I believe my technology and finance background is well suited to help address the issues facing our city. In the campaign I’m spending significant time meeting with residents and staying current on council topics, so it made sense to apply for the vacancy to start working right away. I hope to provide continuity through this six-month appointment and into the next term.

What will your goals be after joining council?

My goal on council is to ensure Mercer Island remains a high-quality city. We’ll face several important issues in the coming years, including the critical Public Safety & Maintenance Facility; the impacts on Town Center from new developments and light rail; and the effects of inflation on our finances. It promises to be challenging, but also an opportunity to preserve and enhance what makes Mercer Island a great place to live.