Mayor Nice chooses not to file for re-election

After more than eight years of service to Mercer Island as a councilmember, former deputy mayor and two-term mayor, I chose not to file for re-election.

When I first ran for City Council, it was to give back to a community that has given my family and me so much. It has been an extraordinary privilege to help lead Mercer Island through both challenges and accomplishments. During my time in office, we strengthened the city’s financial outlook by generating consistent surpluses, building robust reserves, enhancing public safety, preserving our treasured parks and open spaces and helping maintain the quality of life that makes Mercer Island such a special place to live. I’m also proud to have helped guide the development and adoption of a Comprehensive Plan that reflects our community’s values and charts a clear vision for Mercer Island’s future over the next twenty years and beyond.

Looking ahead, I have chosen to dedicate my attention to passing the Public Safety and Maintenance (PSM) Facility bond. Following the unexpected closure of City Hall, our police officers have been working from temporary portable buildings, while Public Works staff remain in an aging, deteriorating facility with failing critical systems. Staff have continued to serve our community effectively despite these conditions, but a permanent, purpose-built PSM facility would significantly improve their ability to provide essential services. Equally important, Island residents deserve dependable access to the essential services that keep our community safe and functioning.

This project is a generational investment in Mercer Island’s safety, preparedness and operational capacity. It will provide a modern, secure base for our police officers, public works team, Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and vital city services. Because the bond measure is likely to appear on this November’s General Election ballot, the same ballot on which my re-election would have appeared, I decided to focus my efforts on supporting its success. This will allow the next council to begin its work with this critical foundation in place.

Serving the people of Mercer Island has been one of the greatest honors of my life. While I will miss being directly involved in shaping city policy, I look forward to continuing to support the community and helping move this important project forward. I am deeply grateful to our community for the trust, support and partnership you’ve given me during my time in office.

Mayor Salim Nice