Thursday night’s Sound Transit/WSDOT listening session had an impressive turnout of Mercer Island residents concerned with loss of mobility for our island.

The impacts are clear and so are the issues – light rail is only effective if we can get to it, dedicated commuter parking is essential as is sufficient access to HOV lanes and access ramps.Stories highlighting the loss of mobility impacts on families, businesses and organizations, as well as our schools and the teachers, fire fighters and city employees we rely upon underscored the importance of getting our transportation solutions right and ensuring that light rail works for us.

There were frequent themes – our unique geography, honoring the 1976 contracts negotiated by Aubrey Davis and most of all, the urging of City Council to negotiate fiercely for Mercer Island while recognizing the importance of win/win solutions.

If you were unable to attend you can still share your ideas at drop in meetings scheduled over the next week or online at http://www.soundtransit.org/mercer‐island‐listening‐tour.

Your statements will provide the foundation for our negotiation with Sound Transit and WSDOT as we drive to maximize our mobility and strictly limit the disruptions to our community. Thank you for speaking out.

Bruce Bassett

Mercer Island Mayor