Politics & Government

Scheid Running for Mercer Island City Council to Oppose Tolling

Retired Coast Guard Capt. Kevin Scheid says tolling on I-90 is bad policy for Mercer Island and he can help defeat it as a city council member.

Editor’s Note: The following is a press release from Kevin Scheid, who is running against Deputy Mayor Dan Grausz for Mercer Island City Council Position 2 in the Aug. 6 primary election.


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SCHEID RUNS FOR CITY COUNCIL TO OPPOSE TOLLING

Kevin Scheid, retired Coast Guard Captain and 19 year Mercer Island resident, is running for City Council position 2 in order to prevent tolling.

“No one should have to pay a toll on one road to finance another road,” stated Scheid. “I believe this election will determine the future of tolling on I-90. Tolling is bad policy and can be defeated with committed council leadership. There are convincing legal, environmental and economic reasons I-90 should not be tolled. In contrast, my opponent has testified in Olympia on the best way to toll Mercer Islanders and argued against the strong legal action the city council took. I believe his strategy will result in tolling for everyone."

City Councilmember Mike Grady and citizen Eva Zemplenyi both endorse Scheid. Eva stated “This council race is essential to keeping I-90 toll free.  I’m concerned that the city council will revert to its prior efforts to look for a compromise.  Kevin understands the big picture and will be a strong, unwavering voice in keeping I-90 toll free for everyone.”

Scheid believes he has the skills and experience to meet other challenges facing Islanders including transportation and infrastructure issues. “A fresh perspective will help maintain transportation options, the strengths and the character of our city. These issues are especially important since the idea of expanding the Central Business District to the North was introduced in a City Council session.”

In his 26 years in the Coast Guard, Scheid worked in a variety of jobs, including four years in Washington D.C. managing a $140M budget for all of Coast Guard aviation maintenance. His operational experience included environmental protection, law enforcement and search and rescue. He finished his career as the Chief of Coast Guard Search and Rescue for Washington and Oregon, managing more than 1,000 men and women at coastal boat and air stations.

Scheid said, “My experience in a variety of areas will enable wise stewardship of tax dollars and prevent seniors from being taxed off the island."

Former Mercer Island Mayor and State Senator Jim Horn stated, "I endorse Kevin and believe he has the experience, skills and values to make an excellent councilmember."

Scheid has been involved in a variety of community activities over the years including coaching the Boys and Girls Club sports, Chair of his church board, Chair of the M.I. Girls Lacrosse Board, the High School Site Council, and the interview committee for the High School principal.

Presently, Scheid is Vice President of a Mercer Island based firm specializing in leadership and management consulting.

Kathy Holmgren, wife of former Seahawk coach Mike Holmgren, endorsed Scheid with the following statement, “You would make a wonderful councilman. I enjoyed our time working together at Mercer Island Covenant Church.  You were always organized and prepared and followed through, taking seriously the responsibility of your job.”

Kevin Scheid lives on the Island with his wife Bobette. All four of their children graduated from Mercer Island High School. He has a B.S. in Engineering from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and an MBA from Purdue University.


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