Wendy Weiker is running unopposed for re-election to the Mercer Island City Council in the Nov. 7 general election. King County Elections mailed out ballots on Oct. 18.

She is one of four Mercer Island City Councilmembers who are traversing the re-election path for the upcoming election. Weiker has served on council for the last eight years, including holding the deputy mayor position from 2020-21. She’s running for re-election because she cares about the community, reads her website.

* Why are you running for Mercer Island City Council?

I’m running for a third term on the Mercer Island City Council because I love this community. My husband and I raised our now-adult children on Mercer Island and are so grateful for the quality of life we all enjoyed while they grew up here. It is my privilege to pay it forward and work with my council colleagues, city staff, and Islanders to sustain our beloved island life while navigating the changes and challenges ahead — both here on MI and beyond.

* What do you feel are three of the most critical issues on Mercer Island and how do you hope to address them?

There are many transportation, land use, equity, environmental, and economic challenges and opportunities in the years ahead. Mercer Island is fortunate to have a dedicated, experienced, effective city staff team that is second to none.

While there are many challenging issues our professional and elected leadership are planning to work on in the in the years ahead in addition to the unexpected ones, I think the three most critical ones are: 1) our aging infrastructure/closed city hall, 2) planning for growth, and 3) taking care of Islanders.

Infrastructure/rebuild city hall: In addition to our aging public utility systems like water, sewer, streets, etc, I think the closure of our city hall (asbestos) provides Islanders a once-in-a-generation opportunity to design and build a new civic center that we can be proud of and serve Islanders well for decades to come.

Growth Management: I think the Growth Management Law, current and potential state legislation regarding local zoning laws, limited mobility on our roads, and the lack of housing affordability on Mercer Island and the region requires our professional and elected city leadership to collaborate on multiple fronts with a variety of organizations to manage change while sustaining our quality of life on MI. I will advocate for local control and reasonable timelines and deliverables for implementation on key elements of these changes. Managing growth right rather than fast is essential.

Taking Care of our People: The pandemic was devastating for so many people and businesses. Personal, political, and economic pressures still persist for many. While our local leaders and resources can’t solve all the challengers many Islanders are struggling with, I think we can and must continue to support our people and places, especially ones that bring us together. I will continue to advocate for: MI Youth and Family Services programs, equity and inclusion programs, school district-city partnerships, parks and open space enhancements (thank you Islanders for passing last year’s parks levy!), and community building and placemaking like Summer Celebration and Holiday Lights. All these programs, proclamations, and projects build on our legacy of community and make Mercer Island feel like home for all of us.

* What’s your life philosophy and how can you apply that to council matters?

One of my new favorite quotes is one novelist Barbara Kingsolver said at a recent lecture: “Hope is something you can put on every morning, just like your shoes — it’s a renewable resource.”

I believe in collaboration and partnerships with the expectation that our elected leaders should prioritize good policy over partisanship. I think we should work through differences with respect and the best available data to address the challenges of our time. Working together, I know we can have safe and beautiful public places, mobility, effective human service support systems, and a revitalized town center as we continue to rebuild from the pandemic and prepare for the future. This is complicated, interconnected work that requires balancing limited staff and financial resources while partnering on regional and state issues.

My approach to public service is to listen, learn, and lead so we can optimize outcomes for all our people, services, and public places here on MI and beyond. Our families, children and community deserve nothing less. Thank you for the privilege of serving you on our city council. And for your vote. GoMI!