City Council Seeks Candidates for Pearman's Seat

The is accepting applications from residents of Mercer Island to fill a vacancy on the City Council. (#4) as Councilmember effective Jan. 31, according to a city press release.

The term of this position will commence once a candidate is appointed by a majority vote of the City Council, and will expire after the results of the general election to be held Nov. 5, 2013 have been certified.

The process for filling the council vacancy will be similar to last year's appointment of , with the exception of allowing city councilmembers the opportunity to recieve application at the time they are submitted.

The timeline for filling the Council vacancy is as follows:

• Wednesday, Jan. 18:  Applications due to City Clerk by 5 p.m.
• Monday, Jan. 23:        Candidate speeches (Special Meeting, 7 p.m.)
• Thursday, Jan. 26:      Council vote (Special Meeting, 7 p.m.)
• Fri, Jan 27 to Sun, Jan. 26:          Council Planning Session
• Monday, February 6:         Swearing-in of new Councilmember (Regular Meeting, 7 p.m.)

The candidate selected at the Jan. 26 meeting will be expected to attend the 2012 Council Planning Session at the Community Center, Jan. 27-29 (Friday evening, all day Saturday and Sunday morning).

Residents interested in applying must have resided within the City of Mercer Island for one year and must be a registered voter. Interested residents may pick up application forms at or may have them mailed by contacting City Clerk Ali Spietz at 206-275-7793 or ali.spietz@mercergov.org.

Applications must be received by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2012.  Applications received after 5 p.m. will not be accepted.

Click here to download the application for appointment to Mercer Island City Council Position #4.

The City operates under a Council-Manager form of government. The seven-member City Council serves as the legislative body of the City. The Council is responsible for setting policy, adopting the annual budget, adopting laws, determining the services to be provided and the funding levels for those services, and appointing citizens to its advisory boards and commissions.

Click here for Washington State Law (RCWs) regarding Council vacancies.

Click here to view the legal notice published in the Mercer Island Reporter on 1/11/2012.