Special to the Reporter

Julie Hsieh, a trained family physician and Stanford alumna who followed her passion into medicine, entrepreneurship, art and civic involvement, is running for Mercer Island City Council, Position No. 7, to give back to and work hard for the community she loves.

“I show my love for this community by being a doer and a helper. I am an avid volunteer in the Mercer Island School District and a board member of the Mercer Island Schools Foundation, our local Rotary Club and our Farmers Market. I’m also the chair of Mercer Island Fine Arts Advisory Council,” she said.

With more than two decades of entrepreneurial experience, she brings a dynamic and diverse background that spans medicine, real estate, the arts and civic leadership. Over the years, through her private medical practice, establishing two international art galleries, maintaining commercial properties and hosting countless community events, she’s come to see not only the challenges we face, but the opportunities, strength, generosity and spirit that define our community.

“I want to maintain and improve the health of our island’s ecosystem. Strong communities are also built through collaboration and teamwork. As part of this effort, I would leverage my existing relationships mentioned above, and my relationships with island realtors, Youth and Family Services (MIYFS), Visual Arts League (MIVAL), and more to increase collaboration and partnership between the city and the institutions at the heart of our island,” she said.

Hsieh wants to see our Town Center revitalized and would work alongside retail business owners, Chamber of Commerce and fellow council members to prioritize solutions for concerns about parking, lighting and retail options to increase the quality of life on the island. She also realizes the need to maintain and upgrade our island’s infrastructure to ensure safe water, working sewage, electricity, roads and parks.

Hsieh wants to ensure that Island residents and visitors feel safe to live, work and play here. She will partner with our local police and Emergency Fire & Rescue to address such issues as traffic and pedestrian safety, as well as public safety within our neighborhoods.

“As an elected official, I will actively seek feedback from fellow Islanders — embracing those who have been part of our community’s rich history and welcoming those who have recently moved here for all that our island has to offer. I see myself, and all of us, as stewards of this community, and I would be honored to represent you and our shared values on the Mercer Island City Council,” she said.

Hsieh is endorsed by State Representatives My-Linh Thai and Janice Zahn. She is endorsed by MI City Councilmembers Dave Rosenbaum, Wendy Weiker, Craig Reynolds and Ted Weinberg. She’s also endorsed by former legislator Judy Clibborn, former mayor Benson Wong and more than 130 Islanders.