Bob Gelb has lived on Mercer Island for 10+ years.

Why am I running?

• I love living on Mercer Island, and want to preserve the quality of life and community we all enjoy.

What do I stand for?

• I have an extensive business background with over 25 years of business management experience. I have always been involved with the community, and want to help mold where Mercer Island goes in the future. I care about our schools, our housing, open spaces and community facilities. I am concerned about the environment and traffic growth.
• I care about both the property owners and renters on the Island, as well as the business owners that depend on our community for their survival. Mercer Island plays a very important role in the communities that surround us as well.

Where do I want to get involved?

• Anywhere where the citizens want to have a voice. I want to know if a Mercer Islander has a concern with the environment, housing, parking in the business district, traffic, community services, land use, a new community center or our cities leadership. The people's opinions are important, and if the city council, or any of the members does not have an agenda, there should be some concern.
• The new Town Center project will not only drastically change the complexion of the north end of the Island, it will also help our population swell to close to 25,000, as well as bring in more business revenue.
• I plan to be out into the neighborhoods meeting the voters in the coming weeks and hope to have an opportunity to discuss their concerns. I will also be planning some open forums where we can discuss issues.

What is my background?

• I come from a family of volunteers. We all like to be involved, and help in any way we can; my wife Cindy was PTA President At West Mercer, and involved in PTA at both the Middle and High Schools. My daughter Nicole, an MIHS Grad in 2002 who is attending college in California, volunteered with the Boys & Girls Club and was their Mercer Island youth of the year in 2002. She also started blood drives for the Red Cross and promoted awareness for students drinking and driving at the high school. My son Josh, a MIHS grad in 1997, volunteers annually to help with the Beat the Bridge/Juvenile Diabetes fund raiser. Even my fourteen-year-old daughter spent a recent Saturday and Sunday volunteering at the Humane Society helping to bathe dogs. I enjoy being involved, and hope to have the opportunity to serve the community.

What is my campaign focus?

• My focus will be on Schools, Affordable Housing, Traffic and Parking, Community Services, and the Environment.