Former Mayor Pearman Honored by City Council

Attending his final public meeting as an elected city councilman, former Mayor Jim Pearman was honored for over ten years of public service to the city of Mercer Island by the City Council at its Jan. 17 public meeting in .

Pearman was formally recognized for his contributions to the City by , as he read into public record a resolution detailing Pearman's contributions as Mayor and Councilmember since January 2002. The list of achievements included his efforts to help build the Community and Events Center, securing city ownership of Luther Burbank Park, construction of a new North End fire station and improved partnership with the Mercer Island School District, along with dozens of other notable commitments.

Pearman was commended for his fairness, even-handedness, and openness to hearing all sides of an issue, according to the city resolution.

Councilmembers all commended Pearman for his service, subtly referring to "turbulent waters" the former mayor faced while in office. Some of those unmentioned challenges include the and accompanying settlement and , opposition to construction of the facility and a last year.

Pearman was also commended by two members of the Union, Corporal John Pritchard and Officer John Kramp, who thanked him for his tireless work on behalf of the community, the union, and the respect he has shown for all employees of the City of Mercer Island.

He acknowledged facing a number of challenges in his role as a council member and Mayor, but maintained that public service was a worthwhile and honorable service to the community. 

"I believe very strongly that public service is noble," he said.

To that end, he recognized outstanding contributions to Mercer Island and King County made by other public servants with whom he has worked in past years in his farewell remarks: Bob Drewel (PSRC Executive Director), Joni Earl (Sound Transit CEO), Dr. Gary Plano (Mercer Island School District Superintendent), and Fred Jarrett (Deputy King County Executive).

Pearman ended with a thank you to Mercer Island City Clerk, Ali Spietz, and gifted her with his last Mercer Island lapel pin.

"Councilmember Pearman will be missed by his peers on the council, city staff, and community members for his exceptional facilitation and mediation skills, his outstanding work on behalf of Islanders, and his genuine goodwill and respect toward all people," said Youth and Family Services Director Cynthia Goodwin.

According to City Manager Rich Conrad, "Jim has proven himself to be a true Mercer Island native son. He poured himself into his job as Councilmember and Mayor. It's obvious how much he loves his home town. I will remember him most for his friendship, his support, and his unwavering optimism. All of us at City Hall wish him the very best in the future." 

— This story was partially compiled from a city of Mercer Island press release