Politics & Government

Jahncke Draws Two Challengers in City Council Race

Mercer Island Open Space Conservancy Chair Debbie Bertlin and Rich Erwin have both filed to run against Deputy Mayor El Jahncke.

Two candidates jumped into the race Friday for Mercer Island City Council, just hours before the for candidates in November's General Election.

Challengers Rich Erwin and Debbie Bertlin announced their intention to challenge Deputy Mayor El Jahncke for his Position 7 seat on the city council. Erwin is a condo resident near the Town Center area and Bertlin is a First Hill resident and current chair of the Open Space Conservancy Trust. She also applied seat , but was passed over in favor of Jane Meyer Brahm.

"I have a huge respect to El and his dedication to the community," she said. "It's a chance to offer a different perspective."

Find out what's happening in Mercer Islandwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

One previously announced candidate for Mercer Island School Board also bowed out of the race after failing to file for the ballot. said she had second thoughts about running for the school board after she realized she wouldn't have time to help lead community efforts such as the Bridge the Gap campaign. 

"Frankly, it was reassessing what my skill set is and how I can contribute," she said. "I think at this point (appointed Director) Brian (Emanuels) is unchallenged. He's an excellent candidate. He's well connected in the school district. I think he'll do a lovely job."

Find out what's happening in Mercer Islandwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Metropolitan King County Councilwoman Jane Hague is also facing re-election with three challengers. She faces a field that includes Richard E. Mitchell of Mercer Island, John Creighton of Kirkland and Former Bellevue City Councilwoman Patsy Bonincontri.

The deadline for candidates to withdraw is Thursday, June 16 at 4:30 p.m. An updated list of candidates will be posted on Mercer Island Patch after the withdrawal deadline. Here are the candidates and the positions they've filed for:

Mercer Island City Council

Position 1

Position 3

Position 5

Position 7

  • El Jahncke
  • Debbie Bertlin
  • Rich Erwin

Mercer Island School District

Director Position 1

  • Pat Braman

Director Position 3

  • Brian Emanuels

Director District 5

  • Janet Frohnmayer 

Metropolitan King County Council

District 6

  • Jane Hague
  • Patsy Bonicontri
  • John Creighton
  • Richard E. Mitchell

Mercer Island positions that are up for election this year are:

Mercer Island City Council positions 1, 3, 5 and 7; Mercer Island School Board director positions 1, 3 and 5; and Metropolitan King, County Council District No. 6

Important upcoming dates and deadlines:

  • Monday, July 18 - Deadline to register to vote online or by mail, or to update a registration
  • Wednesday, July 27 - Primary election ballots mailed to all King County voters
  • Tuesday, August 16 - Election Day deadline to return primary ballots


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