The City Council re-elected Mercer Island Mayor Jim Pearman to serve a second term on Jan. 4. Deputy Mayor El Jahncke was also elected to retain his position. Both men will serve two-year terms.

“It’s been my pleasure to work with El as [deputy mayor]. I couldn’t think of a more capable and fine person to hold up the job for two more years,” Pearman said shortly before the two men were sworn into office.

Pearman has served on the City Council for eight years and as mayor for the past two years. Jahncke has served as a Councilmember for 10 years and as deputy mayor for the past two years.

The mayor presides at all Council meetings, votes as a Councilmember and does not have any veto power. The deputy mayor is second to the mayor and takes over in his absence.

Re-elected Councilmembers Dan Grausz and Mike Grady were also sworn in at the Jan. 4 meeting. Island citizens elected both men to serve four-year terms on the City Council during the November general election.

Grausz, who was the only candidate to run a contested election against citizen Ira Appelman, reiterated his goals for the coming term.

“I’ve enjoyed my time on the Council and look forward to four more years. The amazing thing about any public office is that it never gets easier,” Grausz said. “I think we’re at a critical juncture on the Town Center, and we need to focus on the drug and alcohol issue on Mercer Island. I’m also determined to strengthen the bond we have with the School District.”

The newly elected Councilmembers commenced their four-year terms at the Jan. 4 regular meeting.