Mercer Matters

In this episode of Mercer Matters, I sit down with Rep. Janice Zahn, the Democrat who has held the 41st Legislative District (Position 1) seat since January 2025. She faces Republican Elle Nguyen in the November 3 general election. Janice immigrated from Hong Kong to Federal Way at 10, earned her engineering degrees at the University of Washington, and designed bridges before joining the Port of S...

In this episode of Mercer Matters, I sit down with Rep. My-Linh Thai, the Democrat who has represented the 41st Legislative District (Position 2) since 2019. She faces independent Michael Rosen in the November 3 general election. My-Linh came to Washington from Vietnam as a refugee at 15, graduated from the University of Washington School of Pharmacy, and served on the Bellevue School Board before...

In this episode of Mercer Matters, I sit down with Elle Nguyen, a Mercer Island resident running as a Republican for State Representative in the 41st Legislative District (Position 1). She faces incumbent Democrat Janice Zahn in the November 3 general election. Elle talks about her background, including degrees in theology and divinity and a law degree, and how her father, who served as legal coun...

In this episode of Mercer Matters, I sit down with Michael Rosen, who is running as an independent for State Representative in the 41st Legislative District (Position 2), which covers Mercer Island and parts of Bellevue, Newcastle, Issaquah, and Renton. He faces incumbent Democrat My-Linh Thai in the November 3 general election. Michael grew up on Mercer Island and went through the island's public...

In this episode of Mercer Matters, I sit down with longtime Mercer Island resident Jim Stanton, a member of the steering committee for Neighbors in Motion, a group that’s spent more than a decade advocating for safer cycling infrastructure on the island. We dig into the Parks Department’s recent proposal to restrict e-bikes in parks and open spaces — what was proposed, why a number of residents (m...

In this episode of Mercer Matters , I sit down with Superintendent Dr. Fred Rundle to break down the upcoming EP&O (Enrichment Programs and Operations) levy on the ballot for February 10. We cover the basics—what the levy funds, how it fits into school financing in Washington state, and the differences between levies and bonds. Dr. Rundle shares a fact-based overview from his perspective as di...

In this episode of the Mercer Matters Podcast , I speak with Julie Hsieh , candidate for Mercer Island City Council (Position 7). Julie discusses her journey as a physician, small-business owner, and community volunteer, and outlines her priorities: ensuring fiscal responsibility while maintaining core city services and infrastructure, supporting a vibrant town center and local businesses, fosteri...

I sit down with Stephanie Burnett , longtime Mercer Island resident and MISD alum, to discuss her path from systems engineer on the F-35 program to aviation attorney and school volunteer (room parent, PTA president at Lakeridge, and most recently IMS PTSA president). With three children—one MIHS grad, one at IMS, and one at Hamlin Robinson—Stephanie outlines priorities shaped by both parent and bo...

I sit down with Julian Bradley , unopposed candidate for Mercer Island School Board (Position 2), to discuss his decade of volunteering in the district—from classroom reading programs to serving on the PTA and PTA Council. Julian talks about his personal journey to Mercer Island, his experience raising two children (one in high school, one in middle school), and how his involvement has shaped his...

I speak with Rob O’Callahan , candidate for Mercer Island School Board (Position 4), about his background in software engineering and AI, his family’s experience at Island Park, and the issues he sees in the district. We discuss his concerns about curriculum rigor (including math and heavy iPad use), student-safety governance following the Twombly case, and financial transparency. Rob outlines why...

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...

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,...

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...

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 finan...

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...

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 t...

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...

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.

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