News about the Campaign

School, city issues fill voter's forum - October 16, 2003

Mercer lsland City Council race, position 7 - October 2, 2003

New voter registration deadline coming up - August 14, 2003

Only four contested races on ballot - August 7, 2003

It's filing week for candidates - July 31, 2003

Bob Gelb seeking City Council seat

July 30, 2003
by Stephen Weigand
Mercer Island Reporter
Reprinted by permission from the Mercer Island Reporter.

Bob Gelb, a 10-year Island resident, will make a bid for the Mercer Island City Council.

Gelb announced Monday that he will file to run for council member El Jahncke's seat, Position 7. Jahncke recently announced his intention to seek reelection.

With more than 25 years of experience in business management in both wholesale and retail apparel, Gelb said he will bring his budget and management skills as a purchaser of men's apparel for Nordstrom to the council.

Gelb said he thinks the City Council has always done a good job, but it needs to be open-minded to changes for the future.

``I want to bring a fresh perspective (to the council),'' he said. ``I care about where we live, the schools, the environment, the growth, community services, the fire and police departments.''

Gelb is running for the council to preserve the lifestyle his family is accustomed to and to maintain a sense of community while the Island continues to grow, he said.

Once the downtown projects are completed, the Island's population will swell to well over 25,000.

``We need to be aware of that and for it to be well thought-out and for us to be methodical in our planning,'' said Gelb.

Gelb plans to focus on schools, affordable housing, traffic and parking issues, community services and the environment.

He would like the city to plan for Mercer Island's future and growth.

Gelb said he would like for Mercer Island's diverse population -- ranging from renters to property owners, from Boeing engineers and riveters to educators, mechanics and company executives -- to have their opinions expressed on the council.

``Our local businesses depend on us for their survival,'' he said.

Politically, Gelb said he's not as liberal as he was in his youth but has liberal ideas with a conservative touch.

Gelb and his family have been involved in volunteer and community services. He was a volunteer police officer with the Los Angeles Police Department and has coached youth sports on the Island. His wife, Cindy, was president of the West Mercer Elementary School PTA and has been involved with PTAs at both the high school and middle school. Their three children have volunteered for the Boys & Girls Club, the Red Cross and the Humane Society.

``I guess you can say I come from a family of volunteers,'' he said.

Originally from Southern California, Gelb said his family ``fell in love with the Island'' upon arriving here from the Washington, D.C. area.

He plans on meeting with voters to discuss their concerns in open forums in upcoming weeks.

Campaign info: Web site: www.BobGelbCampaign.com.

Address: Bob Gelb, P.O. Box 511, Mercer Island, WA 98040-0511

e-mail: BobGelbCampaign@aol.com

phone: 206-240-5423