Elliot Newman, Former Mayor, Endorses Bruce Bassett for MI City Council, Adds Comment

Elliot Newman, Mercer Island Mayor from 1990 to 1993 and City Council member from 1988 to 1995, has endorsed Bruce Bassett for Mercer Island City Council.

“I am very impressed with Bruce’s performance as a City Council member.  He has excelled in demonstrating his leadership skills on issues of import to our community.  Examples include his role in founding the Green Ribbon Commission and its current island-wide carbon footprint reduction program called “22 Ways to Be Green,”  the sailing program at Luther Burbank Park,  the Healthy Ways to School Program and the state funding to improve both road and sidewalks near Lakeridge School.  Bruce addresses issues that are on the Council’s agenda after careful study to be able to make knowledgeable decisions.

For over 3 years, Bruce has continually addressed issues in a fiscally responsible manner while balancing them with the Island’s value system.  He has been steadfast in working with the School Board to find ways to reduce redundant spending by both bodies and to maximize the resulting service to ourIsland’s residents.  In addition, these interactions have led to an improvement of the working relationship of the Council and the School Board.  I am pleased to support Bruce’s re-election to our City Council.”

Youth Theatre Northwest Exec Director Manuel Cawaling Endorses Bassett

Manuel Cawaling, Executive Director of Youth Theatre Northwest, has endorsed Bruce Bassett for Mercer Island City Council.

Cawaling has served as Executive Director since May 2008. A Seattle native, he has worked professionally as an artist and arts administrator for more than 20 years.

Youth Theatre Northwest, located on Mercer Island, nurtures the intellectual, artistic, and personal development of children and youth through drama education, performing opportunities, and live theatre experiences.

Cawaling added,

“Through his voting, support (both as an individual and as a Councilmember) and leadership, Bruce Bassett has demonstrated his commitment to Mercer Island’s children and families. At Youth Theatre Northwest, we trust in his  insight, dedication and passion to get the job done and strengthen our community through sound civic policy that is balanced with creative and visionary thinking.”

For a complete listing of testimonials and endorsements, visit here.

Becki Snellenberg, Mercer Island Resident, Endorses Bruce Bassett, Adds Comment

“I am proud to endorse Bruce Bassett in his re-election bid for City Council.  His collaborative approach to governance has served us well.  He will continue to bring his wealth of experience and integrity to issues important to this community and we will all be the better for it.”

Brian Emanuels, MI School Board Director, Endorses Bruce Bassett

Brian Emanuels, Mercer Island School Board Director, has endorsed Bruce Bassett for reelection to the Mercer Island City Council.

Emanuels was recently appointed to fill a vacancy on the Board.

Bassett has served as part of a liaison team between the City Council and School Board and has striven to improve the working relationship between the two bodies.

Elizabeth Cross Nichol, Mercer Island Resident, Endorses Bruce Bassett, Adds Comment

“It has been a great privilege to work with Bruce.  Bruce listens and takes action with a determined focus to represent his community with integrity. His voice at the table demonstrates an in-depth knowledge and true commitment to municipal issues.  Bruce has built a strong network of resources and relationships and demonstrated an immense capability of resolving issues with great care and sensitivity. The community has been and will continue to be well served by his work ethic and leadership skills.”

Janet Frohnmayer, MI School Board Director, Endorses Bruce Bassett

Janet Frohnmayer, Mercer Island School Board Director, has endorsed Bruce Bassett for reelection to the Mercer Island City Council.

Frohnmayer has served in leadership roles on the Mel Levine Planning Committee, the Parent Ed Team and the PTA Council.  She has worked as a management consultant for Bain & Company, in both San Francisco and Boston. She is active in Washington Women’s Foundation and the Seattle Public Theater.  Janet has lived on Mercer Island for 13 years. Her daughter attends Islander Middle School and her son attends Puget Sound Community School.

Bassett has served as part of a liaison team between the City Council and School Board and has striven to improve the working relationship between the two bodies.

Pat Braman, MI School Board Vice President, Endorses Bruce Bassett

Pat Braman, Mercer Island School Board Vice President, has endorsed Bruce Bassett for reelection to the Mercer Island City Council.

Elected in 2003, Braman served as President of the board in 2004-05 and as Legislative Rep since 2003. She has worked and lived in the community for more than 30 years, most of it as English teacher and department chair at Mercer Island High School, retiring in 1994. Pat has been involved in Mercer Island and broader community activities involving youth, the Chamber of Commerce, and education. Her sons graduated from MIHS in 1987 and 1990. Her grandchildren are in the classes of 2016, 2019, and 2020.

Bassett has served as part of a liaison team between the City Council and School Board and has striven to improve the working relationship between the two bodies.

Adair Dingle, MI School Board Director, Endorses Bruce Bassett

Adair Dingle, Mercer Island School Board Director, has endorsed Bruce Bassett for reelection to the Mercer Island City Council.

Dingle is a professor of Computer Science and the Thomas J. Bannan chair of Engineering and Computer Science at Seattle University, where she has taught for over 12 years.  Her four children attend University of Washington, Mercer Island High School, Islander Middle School and West Mercer Elementary.

Bassett has served as part of a liaison team between the City Council and School Board and has striven to improve the working relationship between the two bodies.

State and County Leaders Endorse Bruce Bassett, Lend Bipartisan Support

Three elected leaders representing Mercer Island in the State Legislature, and in the office of the King County Executive, have endorsed Bruce Bassett, bridging party lines to lend support for Bassett’s reelection to the non-partisan City Council.

State Senator Steve Litzow (R), 41st District, is a Mercer Island resident and former City Council member who served with Bassett over a period of three years.

State Representative Judy Clibborn (D), 41st District, is also a Mercer Island resident and is joined by State Representative Marcie Maxwell (D), 41st District, in endorsing Bassett’s bid for reelection.

Deputy King County Executive Fred Jarrett, a Mercer Island resident, has also lent his name in support of Bassett’s reelection to City Council.

These endorsements from county and state leaders familiar with Bassett’s work on the Council are a reflection of their regard for his first term achievements and style of working with Council colleagues.

Jane Meyer Brahm, City Council Member, Endorses Bruce Bassett for MI City Council

Jane Meyer Brahm, Mercer Island City Council member, has endorsed Bruce Bassett for Mercer Island City Council.

Council member Brahm joins Council member Grausz and Mayor Pearman in endorsing Bassett, an indication of Bassett’s ability to work effectively on Council to move the public agenda forward.

 

King County Conservation Voters Endorses Bruce Bassett

The King County chapter of Washington Conservation Voters, the statewide political voice for the environment, has endorsed Bruce Bassett for Mercer Island City Council.

The Seattle-based organization is focused on supporting and electing environmentally responsible candidates for public office.

Myra Lupton, Mercer Island Citizen of the Year 2003, Endorses Bruce Bassett

Myra Lupton, 2003 Mercer Island Citizen of the Year, has endorsed Bruce Bassett for City Council.

“Citizens considering a fellow citizen for serving on the Mercer Island City Council want someone interested in using the resources in the city which can be used for residents’ education and recreation.  Bruce Bassett exemplified this with his advocacy for and support of the Youth Sailing program for our Parks Department several years ago.  Youngsters living in our island can learn to sail on our waterfront in our Luther Burbank Park”

Jim Pearman, Mercer Island Mayor, Endorses Bruce Bassett

Jim Pearman, Mayor of Mercer Island, has endorsed Bruce Bassett for re-election to the Mercer Island City Council.

Mayor Pearman was elected to the Mercer Island City Council in 2001 and has served as mayor since 2008.

Callie Rudolfi, Founding Director of MI Farmer’s Market, on Bruce

Callie Ridolfi, Founding Director of the Mercer Island Farmer’s Market, has endorsed Bruce Bassett for Mercer Island City Council.

“Bruce was instrumental in getting our Mercer Island Farmer’s Market off the ground.  He assisted in garnering City support for the event permit and tangibles to bring this important asset to our community.”

To see all testimonials to Bruce’s leadership, click here.

Senator Steve Litzow endorses Bruce Bassett

State Senator Steve Litzow, 41st District, has endorsed Bruce Bassett for Mercer Island City Council.

Litzow serves on the Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee as the Ranking Minority Member, the Senate Transportation Committee and Senate Financial Institutions, Housing & Insurance Committees as member.

A former Mercer Island City Council member, Litzow is a resident of Mercer Island.

Lisa Strauch Eggers, Former School Board Director, on Bruce Bassett

Former Mercer Island School District Director Lisa Strauch Eggers has endorsed Bruce for Mercer Island City Council and adds these comments:

“As a school board director, I had the pleasure of working with Bruce Bassett during the past 4 years on issues of joint interest to the city and the school district.  Bruce did much to improve relations between the two entities.  He understands that our unique geography presents special joint working opportunities – and he worked hard to that ensure all joint issues, from fields to school counselors, were handled professionally, objectively and to the benefit of all Mercer Island citizens. When it came to taking care of kids I knew I could count on Bruce.”

To see all testimonials to Bruce’s leadership, click here.

Patrick Daugherty Endorses Bruce Bassett, Adds Comment

Patrick Daugherty, Mercer Island resident, has endorsed Bruce Bassett for City Council and adds these comments:

“Bruce Bassett’s leadership skills, integrity and unflappable demeanor make him an excellent member of the Mercer Island City Council.  We’re fortunate to have a smart and creative individual like Bruce working to preserve what is best about the island while ensuring that we make the necessary improvements for the future.”

Dan Grausz, MI City Council Member, Endorses Bruce Bassett

Dan Grausz, Mercer Island City Council Member, has endorsed Bruce Bassett’s re-election to the Mercer Island City Council.

Grausz serves on the Parks & Recreation and Public Safety Committees, and on the Open Space Conservancy Trust.

Grausz, first elected to the City Council in 1999, has lived on Mercer Island with his wife and family since 1989.

Rep. Marcie Maxwell, 41st District, Endorses Bruce Bassett

State Representative Marcie Maxwell, 41st District, has endorsed Bruce Bassett for Mercer Island City Council.

Maxwell sits as member on the House Community Development & Housing Committee, the House Education Committee, the House Education Appropriations & Oversight Committee, and the Rules Committee.

To see a full list of endorsements, click here.

Dpty County Executive Fred Jarrett Endorses Bruce Bassett

Deputy County Executive Fred Jarrett has endorsed Bruce Bassett for Mercer Island City Council.

Jarrett oversees the work of the executive branch of County government, implements executive policy, and chairs the Executive Leadership Team. His responsibilities include implementing a single management system focused on improved performance and transparency for citizens and stakeholders.  Previously a state senator, Jarrett also served four terms in the state House of Representatives, after stints as Mercer Island Mayor and as a city council member. Prior to that, Mr. Jarrett had a 35-year career at The Boeing Company.

To see all endorsements for Bruce, click here.