Mercer Matters

On the November ballot, Proposition 1 would authorize $103.16 million in bonds to build a new Public Safety & Maintenance Facility — replacing aging, scattered, and often failing public works, police, and emergency operations infrastructure. 

In this episode, I sit down with Deputy Mayor Dave Rosenbaum, longtime Mercer Island Councilmember, parent, and community advocate, for a deep dive into why he supports a “Yes” vote. We talk about:

• the structural and operational risks of existing facilities
• how new design standards (e.g. seismic resilience, efficient layouts) protect public safety and civic services
• the long-term cost vs. repair trade-offs
• how this project fits into Mercer Island’s vision for sustainable growth and resilient infrastructure

To read more about the bond measure and facility plan, see the City’s project page here:
https://letstalk.mercergov.org/21665/widgets/94539/documents/73809

On the ballot this November: Proposition 1, a proposed $103 million Public Safety & Maintenance Building  intended to house both the city’s public works and police operations. In this episode, I sit down with Mike Cero, Mercer Island resident, former City Council member, and spokesperson for the Vote No campaign.

Listen in for Mike’s view on the project’s costs, its impact on taxpayers, and how he thinks Mercer Island should approach public investment.

🔗 Learn more about the Vote No campaign here: https://www.miforss.com

In this episode of the Mercer Matters podcast, Ben interviews Adam Ragheb who is running for for Mercer Island City Council Position 7.  In this discussion, we talk about issues facing Mercer Island residents including Proposition 1 for the construction of a new Public Safety and Maintenance Building, Adam's extensive experience on the planning commission, housing density on Mercer Island and his concerns about public safety on Mercer Island.

You can learn more about Adam Rahheb on his website https://www.adam-ragheb.com/

In this episode of the Mercer Matters podcast, Ben interviews Lisa Anderl who is running for re-election for Mercer Island City Council.  In this discussion, we talk about issues facing Mercer Island residents including Proposition 1 for the construction of a new Public Safety and Maintenance Building, Lisa's vision for the future of the Town Center, public safety and an overview of the financial situation of the City of Mercer Island.

You can learn more about Lisa Anderl at her website https://www.lisaformi.com/

In the final episode of our three-part series on the $165 million Mercer Island School Bond Measure, we sit down with Jennifer McLellan from the Vote Yes campaign. With the April 2025 vote fast approaching, Jennifer breaks down the bond’s potential impact.

Mercer Matters delivers what you need: no-nonsense discussions with key players on both sides of this critical issue. Our goal? To arm you with the facts for an informed decision.

Missed the earlier episodes? Check out Dr. Fred Rundle’s perspective as Superintendent and Mike Cero’s Vote No take to get the complete story. Subscribe now and join us as we close out this deep dive into what’s next for Mercer Island’s schools!

In this second installment of our three-part series on the $165 million Mercer Island School Bond Measure, we’re joined by Superintendent Dr. Fred Rundle.

Mercer Matters is committed to bringing you unfiltered, unbiased conversations with stakeholders on all sides of this issue. This episode digs into the details—costs, benefits, and what’s at stake—so you can decide for yourself.

Please be sure to catch the other two episodes from this series, including Mike Cero from the Vote No campaign and Jennifer McLellan with the Vote Yes campaign. Subscribe today and get the full picture before you cast your ballot!

Welcome to the first of a three-part series diving into the $165 million Mercer Island School Bond Measure, set to hit ballots in April 2025. In this episode, we sit down with Mike Cero from the Vote No campaign for a candid conversation about why he is voting no for the upcoming bond measure. Our mission? To cut through the noise and bring you unbiased insights from key stakeholders on both sides of this pivotal issue.

This series is all about equipping the Mercer Island community with the facts they need to make an informed decision. No spin, no agenda—just straight talk.

Don’t miss our upcoming episodes featuring Dr. Fred Rundle and Jennifer McLellan from the Vote Yes campaign, offering their perspectives to round out the discussion. Subscribe now and join us as we unpack what this bond means for our schools, our kids, and our future.

In this episode of the Mercer Matters podcast Ben interviews Mercer Island School District School Board Candidate Ananta Gudipaty who is running for Position 1 in the November 2023 election.

In this episode of the Mercer Matters podcast Ben interviews Mercer Island School District School Board Candidate Christina Martinez who is running for Position 1 in the November 2023 election.

In this episode of the Mercer Matters podcast Ben interviews Mercer Island School District School Board Candidate Jody Lee who is running for Position 5 in the November 2023 election.