Mercer Island — The City Council appointed Daniel Becker to fill the vacant council position No. 7 on June 3 following a public interview process that included two finalists.

The council’s procedures followed Appendix C of the council rules for filling a vacancy. Two candidates were interviewed in public: Zachary McLean and Daniel Becker. Each candidate spoke for five minutes and answered questions from council members about priorities including infrastructure, budgeting and community services.

After questions and public remarks, councilmembers made nominations and then voted. The city clerk announced Daniel Becker received six votes; by council procedure the candidate receiving the required vote was appointed. The clerk indicated Becker will be scheduled to be sworn in shortly.

Why it matters: the appointment fills a temporary vacancy on the seven‑member council pending the regular election process. Becker, a Mercer Island graduate and local business owner who described experience in technology operations and small‑business management during his interview, told council he wanted to support the city’s financial stewardship and civic life.

How the process worked: nominees were selected by public council motion and nomination, nominations were closed and the clerk conducted a roll‑call vote for each nominee. Council recorded unanimous support for Becker among participating councilmembers and did not proceed to a vote on the alternate nominee after Becker reached the required votes.

Ending: Becker thanked the council and the candidates for the process; councilmembers thanked both applicants for applying. The city clerk said Becker will be contacted to arrange a swearing‑in date.