With unwavering integrity, Joint Council of Teamsters No. 28 empowers and supports our Local Unions and their membership across Washington, Alaska, and Northern Idaho. Through organizing, education, and political action we will expand the rights, wages, and benefits of working families. Moving forward, united as one.
Depending on where you live, you may have the below county council races on your ballot.
Navy veteran and current council chair Barry Buchanan has served one term on the Bellingham City Council and two on the Whatcom County Council. Buchanan has been a solid vote on the county council, especially through the difficulties of last year. He is the chair of the Whatcom County Incarceration Reduction and Prevention Taskforce and is seeking to provide alternatives to booking people for low-level crimes through the LEAD program, which was established in 2019.
Buchanan supports both the Whatcom Crisis Stabilization Center and East Whatcom Regional Resource Center, which serve those experiencing mental health crises and hunger. He has also worked in previous terms in office to ban fracking and protect the environment. In this race, Buchanan is prioritizing public safety by investing in community alternatives to policing and by reducing the number of people who end up in the criminal justice system when having mental health crises. His platform is very progressive.
Kamal Bhachu works as a senior maintenance engineer at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center and as a firearms instructor. His platform states that he would address affordable housing and living wage jobs, but doesn't offer enough policy details to evaluate and his campaign has been spotlighted by a conservative publication. His solution for addressing mental health and addiction in regards to people experiencing homelessness is to bring back programs like D.A.R.E. in schools, which doesn't go nearly far enough to help those suffering now, and doesn't address those who are unsheltered for non-addiction reasons.
Buchanan is the best choice for Whatcom County Council, At-Large Position A.
Navy veteran and current council chair Barry Buchanan has served one term on the Bellingham City Council and two on the Whatcom County Council. Buchanan has been a solid vote on the county council, especially through the difficulties of last year. He is the chair of the Whatcom County Incarceration Reduction and Prevention Taskforce and is seeking to provide alternatives to booking people for low-level crimes through the LEAD program, which was established in 2019.
Buchanan supports both the Whatcom Crisis Stabilization Center and East Whatcom Regional Resource Center, which serve those experiencing mental health crises and hunger. He has also worked in previous terms in office to ban fracking and protect the environment. In this race, Buchanan is prioritizing public safety by investing in community alternatives to policing and by reducing the number of people who end up in the criminal justice system when having mental health crises. His platform is very progressive.
Kamal Bhachu works as a senior maintenance engineer at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center and as a firearms instructor. His platform states that he would address affordable housing and living wage jobs, but doesn't offer enough policy details to evaluate and his campaign has been spotlighted by a conservative publication. His solution for addressing mental health and addiction in regards to people experiencing homelessness is to bring back programs like D.A.R.E. in schools, which doesn't go nearly far enough to help those suffering now, and doesn't address those who are unsheltered for non-addiction reasons.
Buchanan is the best choice for Whatcom County Council, At-Large Position A.
Navy veteran and current council chair Barry Buchanan has served one term on the Bellingham City Council and two on the Whatcom County Council. Buchanan has been a solid vote on the county council, especially through the difficulties of last year. He is the chair of the Whatcom County Incarceration Reduction and Prevention Taskforce and is seeking to provide alternatives to booking people for low-level crimes through the LEAD program, which was established in 2019.
Buchanan supports both the Whatcom Crisis Stabilization Center and East Whatcom Regional Resource Center, which serve those experiencing mental health crises and hunger. He has also worked in previous terms in office to ban fracking and protect the environment. In this race, Buchanan is prioritizing public safety by investing in community alternatives to policing and by reducing the number of people who end up in the criminal justice system when having mental health crises. His platform is very progressive.
Kamal Bhachu works as a senior maintenance engineer at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center and as a firearms instructor. His platform states that he would address affordable housing and living wage jobs, but doesn't offer enough policy details to evaluate and his campaign has been spotlighted by a conservative publication. His solution for addressing mental health and addiction in regards to people experiencing homelessness is to bring back programs like D.A.R.E. in schools, which doesn't go nearly far enough to help those suffering now, and doesn't address those who are unsheltered for non-addiction reasons.
Buchanan is the best choice for Whatcom County Council, At-Large Position A.
Incumbent Rod Dembowski is an attorney who has represented District 1 since 2013. He has served in county affairs in several capacities, including as a pro bono counsel for the King County Superior Court, policy analyst in the county executive's office, and special prosecuting attorney.
If re-elected, Dembowski will continue working on sustainable human services funding, protecting the wild areas of the Puget Sound region, and looking for sustainable transit funding that improves transportation options. He also wants to expand housing with an eye on reducing commute times and increasing affordability for workers and families. While on the council, Dembowski has sponsored several progressive reforms, including giving grocery workers hazard pay in the pandemic and moving to make the sheriff an appointed position through the council and an advisory committee.
Challenging Dembowski is Kenmore resident and first-time candidate Sally Caverzan. According to her LinkedIn, she has worked as a long-term care social worker and is passionate about the environment. Her official voters' guide statement says that she would support instituting term limits for politicians, expanding mental health and addiction care with the creation of a King County regional treatment facility, and increasing supportive and permanent housing.
Dembowski has earned broad support from elected officials, reproductive health and environmental organizations, labor unions, and many more. We recommend Dembowski for King County Council in District 1 because of his proven track record of progressive leadership.
Incumbent Rod Dembowski is an attorney who has represented District 1 since 2013. He has served in county affairs in several capacities, including as a pro bono counsel for the King County Superior Court, policy analyst in the county executive's office, and special prosecuting attorney.
If re-elected, Dembowski will continue working on sustainable human services funding, protecting the wild areas of the Puget Sound region, and looking for sustainable transit funding that improves transportation options. He also wants to expand housing with an eye on reducing commute times and increasing affordability for workers and families. While on the council, Dembowski has sponsored several progressive reforms, including giving grocery workers hazard pay in the pandemic and moving to make the sheriff an appointed position through the council and an advisory committee.
Challenging Dembowski is Kenmore resident and first-time candidate Sally Caverzan. According to her LinkedIn, she has worked as a long-term care social worker and is passionate about the environment. Her official voters' guide statement says that she would support instituting term limits for politicians, expanding mental health and addiction care with the creation of a King County regional treatment facility, and increasing supportive and permanent housing.
Dembowski has earned broad support from elected officials, reproductive health and environmental organizations, labor unions, and many more. We recommend Dembowski for King County Council in District 1 because of his proven track record of progressive leadership.
Incumbent Rod Dembowski is an attorney who has represented District 1 since 2013. He has served in county affairs in several capacities, including as a pro bono counsel for the King County Superior Court, policy analyst in the county executive's office, and special prosecuting attorney.
If re-elected, Dembowski will continue working on sustainable human services funding, protecting the wild areas of the Puget Sound region, and looking for sustainable transit funding that improves transportation options. He also wants to expand housing with an eye on reducing commute times and increasing affordability for workers and families. While on the council, Dembowski has sponsored several progressive reforms, including giving grocery workers hazard pay in the pandemic and moving to make the sheriff an appointed position through the council and an advisory committee.
Challenging Dembowski is Kenmore resident and first-time candidate Sally Caverzan. According to her LinkedIn, she has worked as a long-term care social worker and is passionate about the environment. Her official voters' guide statement says that she would support instituting term limits for politicians, expanding mental health and addiction care with the creation of a King County regional treatment facility, and increasing supportive and permanent housing.
Dembowski has earned broad support from elected officials, reproductive health and environmental organizations, labor unions, and many more. We recommend Dembowski for King County Council in District 1 because of his proven track record of progressive leadership.
Incumbent Dave Upthegrove is running to bring his tri-part vision of King County to reality: health, jobs, and justice. He was the first openly gay state representative from outside Seattle in Washington history, and he went on to serve five terms in the Legislature before being elected to the King County Council in 2013.
Upthegrove has been a good council member and a solid advocate on several fronts in the county. He has been a leading voice on the council for environmental protections and climate action. As the chair of the King County Flood Control District Board of Supervisors, Upthegrove has worked to repair estuaries and has increased funding for repairing salmon habitats.
If re-elected, Upthegrove hopes to continue making progress on police accountability by strengthening civilian oversight of the sheriff's office. Overall, Upthegrove has been a reliable vote on many issues but has not been as ambitious on some priorities as Olow plans to be. In particular, he frustrated housing and human service advocates with his opposition to a more ambitious Vets, Seniors, and Human Services Levy in 2017. During our interview, he said he has learned in recent years the value of year-round public engagement, instead of just before a major vote, and this community input has made him more willing to support tax increases if they fund valuable services. He has earned support from both labor and environmental groups in this race.
Incumbent Dave Upthegrove is running to bring his tri-part vision of King County to reality: health, jobs, and justice. He was the first openly gay state representative from outside Seattle in Washington history, and he went on to serve five terms in the Legislature before being elected to the King County Council in 2013.
Upthegrove has been a good council member and a solid advocate on several fronts in the county. He has been a leading voice on the council for environmental protections and climate action. As the chair of the King County Flood Control District Board of Supervisors, Upthegrove has worked to repair estuaries and has increased funding for repairing salmon habitats.
If re-elected, Upthegrove hopes to continue making progress on police accountability by strengthening civilian oversight of the sheriff's office. Overall, Upthegrove has been a reliable vote on many issues but has not been as ambitious on some priorities as Olow plans to be. In particular, he frustrated housing and human service advocates with his opposition to a more ambitious Vets, Seniors, and Human Services Levy in 2017. During our interview, he said he has learned in recent years the value of year-round public engagement, instead of just before a major vote, and this community input has made him more willing to support tax increases if they fund valuable services. He has earned support from both labor and environmental groups in this race.
Incumbent Dave Upthegrove is running to bring his tri-part vision of King County to reality: health, jobs, and justice. He was the first openly gay state representative from outside Seattle in Washington history, and he went on to serve five terms in the Legislature before being elected to the King County Council in 2013.
Upthegrove has been a good council member and a solid advocate on several fronts in the county. He has been a leading voice on the council for environmental protections and climate action. As the chair of the King County Flood Control District Board of Supervisors, Upthegrove has worked to repair estuaries and has increased funding for repairing salmon habitats.
If re-elected, Upthegrove hopes to continue making progress on police accountability by strengthening civilian oversight of the sheriff's office. Overall, Upthegrove has been a reliable vote on many issues but has not been as ambitious on some priorities as Olow plans to be. In particular, he frustrated housing and human service advocates with his opposition to a more ambitious Vets, Seniors, and Human Services Levy in 2017. During our interview, he said he has learned in recent years the value of year-round public engagement, instead of just before a major vote, and this community input has made him more willing to support tax increases if they fund valuable services. He has earned support from both labor and environmental groups in this race.
Jared Mead is running to retain his seat on the Snohomish County Council in District 4. He previously served in the state Legislature and was appointed to the council in 2020 after Terry Ryan resigned, winning his election in 2020 for the final year of the term. Last year, Mead chaired the Regional Law & Justice and Human Services committee on the council.
Mead is a strong progressive who has worked to prohibit discrimination, fight the climate crisis, and secure an energy-independent state for future generations. His campaign priorities include reducing traffic and pollution through transit-oriented development and protecting the county's urban growth areas. In this race, he is supported by many local progressive leaders and our partner organizations.
Mead faces a challenge from Republican Brenda Carrington. She has a business background in construction and landscaping and lost to Mead in last year's election. Carrington opposes new funding for essential services and disagrees with efforts to redirect some funding to community safety and prevention.
Mead is the clear choice for Snohomish County Council in District 4.
Jared Mead is running to retain his seat on the Snohomish County Council in District 4. He previously served in the state Legislature and was appointed to the council in 2020 after Terry Ryan resigned, winning his election in 2020 for the final year of the term. Last year, Mead chaired the Regional Law & Justice and Human Services committee on the council.
Mead is a strong progressive who has worked to prohibit discrimination, fight the climate crisis, and secure an energy-independent state for future generations. His campaign priorities include reducing traffic and pollution through transit-oriented development and protecting the county's urban growth areas. In this race, he is supported by many local progressive leaders and our partner organizations.
Mead faces a challenge from Republican Brenda Carrington. She has a business background in construction and landscaping and lost to Mead in last year's election. Carrington opposes new funding for essential services and disagrees with efforts to redirect some funding to community safety and prevention.
Mead is the clear choice for Snohomish County Council in District 4.
Jared Mead is running to retain his seat on the Snohomish County Council in District 4. He previously served in the state Legislature and was appointed to the council in 2020 after Terry Ryan resigned, winning his election in 2020 for the final year of the term. Last year, Mead chaired the Regional Law & Justice and Human Services committee on the council.
Mead is a strong progressive who has worked to prohibit discrimination, fight the climate crisis, and secure an energy-independent state for future generations. His campaign priorities include reducing traffic and pollution through transit-oriented development and protecting the county's urban growth areas. In this race, he is supported by many local progressive leaders and our partner organizations.
Mead faces a challenge from Republican Brenda Carrington. She has a business background in construction and landscaping and lost to Mead in last year's election. Carrington opposes new funding for essential services and disagrees with efforts to redirect some funding to community safety and prevention.
Mead is the clear choice for Snohomish County Council in District 4.
Kaylee Galloway is running for Whatcom County Council to bring affordability and environmental considerations to the forefront. She is a member of the Whatcom County Climate Impact Advisory Committee. She has worked as a legislative assistant in the state House of Representatives, and as a staff assistant and community liaison in the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate.
If elected, Galloway will push forward on the county's critical affordable housing needs and focus on restoring water quality for both salmon populations and Whatcom communities, which includes supporting the reduction of pollution runoff. She wants to address sustainability in infrastructure, transit, and other public needs through the lens of climate justice, which to her means considering the needs of communities of color and those with lower incomes who are disproportionately impacted by pollution and health disparities.
Kaylee is a good choice if you're looking for someone who will prioritize affordable housing and environmental conservation.
Kaylee Galloway is running for Whatcom County Council to bring affordability and environmental considerations to the forefront. She is a member of the Whatcom County Climate Impact Advisory Committee. She has worked as a legislative assistant in the state House of Representatives, and as a staff assistant and community liaison in the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate.
If elected, Galloway will push forward on the county's critical affordable housing needs and focus on restoring water quality for both salmon populations and Whatcom communities, which includes supporting the reduction of pollution runoff. She wants to address sustainability in infrastructure, transit, and other public needs through the lens of climate justice, which to her means considering the needs of communities of color and those with lower incomes who are disproportionately impacted by pollution and health disparities.
Kaylee is a good choice if you're looking for someone who will prioritize affordable housing and environmental conservation.
Kaylee Galloway is running for Whatcom County Council to bring affordability and environmental considerations to the forefront. She is a member of the Whatcom County Climate Impact Advisory Committee. She has worked as a legislative assistant in the state House of Representatives, and as a staff assistant and community liaison in the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate.
If elected, Galloway will push forward on the county's critical affordable housing needs and focus on restoring water quality for both salmon populations and Whatcom communities, which includes supporting the reduction of pollution runoff. She wants to address sustainability in infrastructure, transit, and other public needs through the lens of climate justice, which to her means considering the needs of communities of color and those with lower incomes who are disproportionately impacted by pollution and health disparities.
Kaylee is a good choice if you're looking for someone who will prioritize affordable housing and environmental conservation.
Incumbent Todd Donovan is running for re-election to Whatcom County Council in District 2. Donovan is a professor of state and local government at Western Washington University. He first joined the county council in 2016 and currently chairs the Natural Resources Committee. Additionally, Donovan has served on the Columbia Neighborhood Association board, the Whatcom County Citizens Election Advisory Commission, and as both a member and board chair of the local Washington Conservation Voters chapter.
During his time on the council, Donovan’s top priorities have been protecting Lake Whatcom’s ecosystem and budgeting responsibly so that Whatcom can provide human services. If re-elected, he wants to address the housing crisis that hurts the Whatcom community and economy, combat climate change, reduce incarceration rates while investing in diversion and alternatives, and protect clean water coming from Lake Whatcom and other natural waterways.
Donovan is facing a challenge from Kelley O’Connor, a former first responder and a current health care management student. O’Connor advocates for affordable housing and mental health resources but has not released a detailed campaign to accomplish these goals.
Todd Donovan is the best choice to represent District 2 on the Whatcom County Council because of his progressive track record and strong support from our progressive partners.
Incumbent Todd Donovan is running for re-election to Whatcom County Council in District 2. Donovan is a professor of state and local government at Western Washington University. He first joined the county council in 2016 and currently chairs the Natural Resources Committee. Additionally, Donovan has served on the Columbia Neighborhood Association board, the Whatcom County Citizens Election Advisory Commission, and as both a member and board chair of the local Washington Conservation Voters chapter.
During his time on the council, Donovan’s top priorities have been protecting Lake Whatcom’s ecosystem and budgeting responsibly so that Whatcom can provide human services. If re-elected, he wants to address the housing crisis that hurts the Whatcom community and economy, combat climate change, reduce incarceration rates while investing in diversion and alternatives, and protect clean water coming from Lake Whatcom and other natural waterways.
Donovan is facing a challenge from Kelley O’Connor, a former first responder and a current health care management student. O’Connor advocates for affordable housing and mental health resources but has not released a detailed campaign to accomplish these goals.
Todd Donovan is the best choice to represent District 2 on the Whatcom County Council because of his progressive track record and strong support from our progressive partners.
Incumbent Todd Donovan is running for re-election to Whatcom County Council in District 2. Donovan is a professor of state and local government at Western Washington University. He first joined the county council in 2016 and currently chairs the Natural Resources Committee. Additionally, Donovan has served on the Columbia Neighborhood Association board, the Whatcom County Citizens Election Advisory Commission, and as both a member and board chair of the local Washington Conservation Voters chapter.
During his time on the council, Donovan’s top priorities have been protecting Lake Whatcom’s ecosystem and budgeting responsibly so that Whatcom can provide human services. If re-elected, he wants to address the housing crisis that hurts the Whatcom community and economy, combat climate change, reduce incarceration rates while investing in diversion and alternatives, and protect clean water coming from Lake Whatcom and other natural waterways.
Donovan is facing a challenge from Kelley O’Connor, a former first responder and a current health care management student. O’Connor advocates for affordable housing and mental health resources but has not released a detailed campaign to accomplish these goals.
Todd Donovan is the best choice to represent District 2 on the Whatcom County Council because of his progressive track record and strong support from our progressive partners.
Incumbent Michael Shepard is running to continue representing District 1 as a Port of Bellingham commissioner. Shepard first joined the port in 2018 and serves on a number of committees including the Whatcom County Homeless Strategies Workgroup and the Small Cities Partnership. In addition, Shepard teaches graduate and undergraduate courses on anthropology and environmental studies online at Goucher College and Western Washington University.
During his first term, Shepard has focused on community- and environment-centered policymaking. His campaign priorities include revitalizing the waterfront, increasing tourism and commerce, and protecting the port’s ecosystem. He also wants to expand broadband access, affordable housing options, renewable energy production, and family-wage jobs.
CEO of Mills Electric, John Huntley, is challenging Shepard for the port commissioner seat. The lion's share of Huntley's campaign focus is on attracting industries to the port. He mentions the port using natural gas for "green energy", but the Shepard and the rest of the commission are already leading on the issue. The port is already using 100% renewable energy through wind power purchases and partnering with a local solar panel manufacturer to increase the generation of clean energy. Huntley is also featured in a local conservative newsletter where he shares that he is running to prioritize business and corporate interests.
Shepard has earned an impressive number of endorsements from progressive organizations and elected leaders and will continue bringing much-needed progressive leadership to the port as a commissioner. He deserves your vote for Port of Bellingham in District 1.
Incumbent Michael Shepard is running to continue representing District 1 as a Port of Bellingham commissioner. Shepard first joined the port in 2018 and serves on a number of committees including the Whatcom County Homeless Strategies Workgroup and the Small Cities Partnership. In addition, Shepard teaches graduate and undergraduate courses on anthropology and environmental studies online at Goucher College and Western Washington University.
During his first term, Shepard has focused on community- and environment-centered policymaking. His campaign priorities include revitalizing the waterfront, increasing tourism and commerce, and protecting the port’s ecosystem. He also wants to expand broadband access, affordable housing options, renewable energy production, and family-wage jobs.
CEO of Mills Electric, John Huntley, is challenging Shepard for the port commissioner seat. The lion's share of Huntley's campaign focus is on attracting industries to the port. He mentions the port using natural gas for "green energy", but the Shepard and the rest of the commission are already leading on the issue. The port is already using 100% renewable energy through wind power purchases and partnering with a local solar panel manufacturer to increase the generation of clean energy. Huntley is also featured in a local conservative newsletter where he shares that he is running to prioritize business and corporate interests.
Shepard has earned an impressive number of endorsements from progressive organizations and elected leaders and will continue bringing much-needed progressive leadership to the port as a commissioner. He deserves your vote for Port of Bellingham in District 1.
Incumbent Michael Shepard is running to continue representing District 1 as a Port of Bellingham commissioner. Shepard first joined the port in 2018 and serves on a number of committees including the Whatcom County Homeless Strategies Workgroup and the Small Cities Partnership. In addition, Shepard teaches graduate and undergraduate courses on anthropology and environmental studies online at Goucher College and Western Washington University.
During his first term, Shepard has focused on community- and environment-centered policymaking. His campaign priorities include revitalizing the waterfront, increasing tourism and commerce, and protecting the port’s ecosystem. He also wants to expand broadband access, affordable housing options, renewable energy production, and family-wage jobs.
CEO of Mills Electric, John Huntley, is challenging Shepard for the port commissioner seat. The lion's share of Huntley's campaign focus is on attracting industries to the port. He mentions the port using natural gas for "green energy", but the Shepard and the rest of the commission are already leading on the issue. The port is already using 100% renewable energy through wind power purchases and partnering with a local solar panel manufacturer to increase the generation of clean energy. Huntley is also featured in a local conservative newsletter where he shares that he is running to prioritize business and corporate interests.
Shepard has earned an impressive number of endorsements from progressive organizations and elected leaders and will continue bringing much-needed progressive leadership to the port as a commissioner. He deserves your vote for Port of Bellingham in District 1.
Small business owner Kelly Krieger is running for Port of Bellingham Commissioner in District 2. Krieger is active with the Whatcom County Democrats and has a professional background in business and marketing. She also served on the board of directors for the Puget Consumers Cooperative.
Krieger's campaign is focused on climate-friendly economic development, municipal broadband, affordable workforce housing, and aviation innovation. She wants to make the port a place for job creation and clean energy leadership.
Krieger is challenging incumbent Commissioner Ken Bell in District 2. Bell is a former Whatcom County planning commissioner and Whatcom County charter review commissioner, and he also currently serves as the president of a private company that cleans up contaminated soil. Unfortunately, Bell is involved with the Whatcom Republicans and played a role in a police-led sweep of a homeless encampment on port property earlier this year. He is not a progressive candidate.
We recommend Krieger for the Port of Bellingham in District 2 because of her progressive values and broad partner support.
Small business owner Kelly Krieger is running for Port of Bellingham Commissioner in District 2. Krieger is active with the Whatcom County Democrats and has a professional background in business and marketing. She also served on the board of directors for the Puget Consumers Cooperative.
Krieger's campaign is focused on climate-friendly economic development, municipal broadband, affordable workforce housing, and aviation innovation. She wants to make the port a place for job creation and clean energy leadership.
Krieger is challenging incumbent Commissioner Ken Bell in District 2. Bell is a former Whatcom County planning commissioner and Whatcom County charter review commissioner, and he also currently serves as the president of a private company that cleans up contaminated soil. Unfortunately, Bell is involved with the Whatcom Republicans and played a role in a police-led sweep of a homeless encampment on port property earlier this year. He is not a progressive candidate.
We recommend Krieger for the Port of Bellingham in District 2 because of her progressive values and broad partner support.
Small business owner Kelly Krieger is running for Port of Bellingham Commissioner in District 2. Krieger is active with the Whatcom County Democrats and has a professional background in business and marketing. She also served on the board of directors for the Puget Consumers Cooperative.
Krieger's campaign is focused on climate-friendly economic development, municipal broadband, affordable workforce housing, and aviation innovation. She wants to make the port a place for job creation and clean energy leadership.
Krieger is challenging incumbent Commissioner Ken Bell in District 2. Bell is a former Whatcom County planning commissioner and Whatcom County charter review commissioner, and he also currently serves as the president of a private company that cleans up contaminated soil. Unfortunately, Bell is involved with the Whatcom Republicans and played a role in a police-led sweep of a homeless encampment on port property earlier this year. He is not a progressive candidate.
We recommend Krieger for the Port of Bellingham in District 2 because of her progressive values and broad partner support.
Incumbent David Simpson is running to retain his seat as Commissioner of District 1 for the Port of Everett, which he was elected to in 2019 to fill an unexpired term. Simpson also works as a member of the Committee for Housing and Community Development. He has an extensive record in public service, having served as an Everett City Council member, a Washington state representative for the 38th Legislative District, and a member of the Snohomish County Charter Review Commission representing county council District 2. Simpson has also worked in the aviation industry as a manufacturing engineer and aviation mechanic.
Simpson's campaign platform prioritizes economic development, protecting the environment, and living wages. He has a slate of projects underway, including the Waterfront Place Central Development, that he believes will help Everett and the port recover from the community and economic impact of the pandemic.
Simpson faces a challenge from Scott Murphy, an Everett City Council member since 2013. Murphy strongly emphasizes his business background and has previously boasted of expanding Everett’s police budget during his time as a council member despite public support to reallocate some of those funds to community alternatives. If elected, he would push the port in a more politically conservative direction.
Snohomish County has benefitted from Simpson's commitment to bringing community-minded leadership to the port. David Simpson is the clear choice for Port of Everett Commissioner in District 1.
Incumbent David Simpson is running to retain his seat as Commissioner of District 1 for the Port of Everett, which he was elected to in 2019 to fill an unexpired term. Simpson also works as a member of the Committee for Housing and Community Development. He has an extensive record in public service, having served as an Everett City Council member, a Washington state representative for the 38th Legislative District, and a member of the Snohomish County Charter Review Commission representing county council District 2. Simpson has also worked in the aviation industry as a manufacturing engineer and aviation mechanic.
Simpson's campaign platform prioritizes economic development, protecting the environment, and living wages. He has a slate of projects underway, including the Waterfront Place Central Development, that he believes will help Everett and the port recover from the community and economic impact of the pandemic.
Simpson faces a challenge from Scott Murphy, an Everett City Council member since 2013. Murphy strongly emphasizes his business background and has previously boasted of expanding Everett’s police budget during his time as a council member despite public support to reallocate some of those funds to community alternatives. If elected, he would push the port in a more politically conservative direction.
Snohomish County has benefitted from Simpson's commitment to bringing community-minded leadership to the port. David Simpson is the clear choice for Port of Everett Commissioner in District 1.
Incumbent David Simpson is running to retain his seat as Commissioner of District 1 for the Port of Everett, which he was elected to in 2019 to fill an unexpired term. Simpson also works as a member of the Committee for Housing and Community Development. He has an extensive record in public service, having served as an Everett City Council member, a Washington state representative for the 38th Legislative District, and a member of the Snohomish County Charter Review Commission representing county council District 2. Simpson has also worked in the aviation industry as a manufacturing engineer and aviation mechanic.
Simpson's campaign platform prioritizes economic development, protecting the environment, and living wages. He has a slate of projects underway, including the Waterfront Place Central Development, that he believes will help Everett and the port recover from the community and economic impact of the pandemic.
Simpson faces a challenge from Scott Murphy, an Everett City Council member since 2013. Murphy strongly emphasizes his business background and has previously boasted of expanding Everett’s police budget during his time as a council member despite public support to reallocate some of those funds to community alternatives. If elected, he would push the port in a more politically conservative direction.
Snohomish County has benefitted from Simpson's commitment to bringing community-minded leadership to the port. David Simpson is the clear choice for Port of Everett Commissioner in District 1.
Incumbent and businesses consultant Ryan Calkins has successfully pushed the port in a more progressive direction during his first term. The current Port of Seattle commissioners have enacted several crucial reforms over the last few years, including ensuring at least a $15 minimum wage for airline catering workers and starting an accelerator mentorship program aimed at increasing access to contracting jobs for women- and minority-owned businesses.
If re-elected, Calkins states that he will continue to lead on mitigating the environmental impacts of the airport and port operations, promoting living wage jobs, improving immigration policy, and more. He has earned broad support from progressive and Democratic Party organizations.
His opponent is Norman Sigler, the owner of a consulting firm that focuses on finding diverse executive leadership. He serves as a precinct committee officer and is on the executive board of the King County Democrats Central Committee. Sigler wants to focus the port on environmental and economic justice, stating that he would invest port profits into improving neighboring communities. He states that he would promote a green economy, work to end systemic racism and keep the port honest, but does not have as detailed of a policy agenda. For example, in a forum for Port of Seattle candidates, Sigler stated that he would seek "putting mandates" on cruises and airlines, while Calkins specifically stated that he would support electric aviation, cleaner fuels, and high-speed ground transportation over short flights.
Calkins has an excellent record on the port and broad support from the progressive community. Calkins is the best choice for Port of Seattle, Position #1.
Incumbent and businesses consultant Ryan Calkins has successfully pushed the port in a more progressive direction during his first term. The current Port of Seattle commissioners have enacted several crucial reforms over the last few years, including ensuring at least a $15 minimum wage for airline catering workers and starting an accelerator mentorship program aimed at increasing access to contracting jobs for women- and minority-owned businesses.
If re-elected, Calkins states that he will continue to lead on mitigating the environmental impacts of the airport and port operations, promoting living wage jobs, improving immigration policy, and more. He has earned broad support from progressive and Democratic Party organizations.
His opponent is Norman Sigler, the owner of a consulting firm that focuses on finding diverse executive leadership. He serves as a precinct committee officer and is on the executive board of the King County Democrats Central Committee. Sigler wants to focus the port on environmental and economic justice, stating that he would invest port profits into improving neighboring communities. He states that he would promote a green economy, work to end systemic racism and keep the port honest, but does not have as detailed of a policy agenda. For example, in a forum for Port of Seattle candidates, Sigler stated that he would seek "putting mandates" on cruises and airlines, while Calkins specifically stated that he would support electric aviation, cleaner fuels, and high-speed ground transportation over short flights.
Calkins has an excellent record on the port and broad support from the progressive community. Calkins is the best choice for Port of Seattle, Position #1.
Incumbent and businesses consultant Ryan Calkins has successfully pushed the port in a more progressive direction during his first term. The current Port of Seattle commissioners have enacted several crucial reforms over the last few years, including ensuring at least a $15 minimum wage for airline catering workers and starting an accelerator mentorship program aimed at increasing access to contracting jobs for women- and minority-owned businesses.
If re-elected, Calkins states that he will continue to lead on mitigating the environmental impacts of the airport and port operations, promoting living wage jobs, improving immigration policy, and more. He has earned broad support from progressive and Democratic Party organizations.
His opponent is Norman Sigler, the owner of a consulting firm that focuses on finding diverse executive leadership. He serves as a precinct committee officer and is on the executive board of the King County Democrats Central Committee. Sigler wants to focus the port on environmental and economic justice, stating that he would invest port profits into improving neighboring communities. He states that he would promote a green economy, work to end systemic racism and keep the port honest, but does not have as detailed of a policy agenda. For example, in a forum for Port of Seattle candidates, Sigler stated that he would seek "putting mandates" on cruises and airlines, while Calkins specifically stated that he would support electric aviation, cleaner fuels, and high-speed ground transportation over short flights.
Calkins has an excellent record on the port and broad support from the progressive community. Calkins is the best choice for Port of Seattle, Position #1.
Hamdi Mohamed is running for Seattle Port Commissioner, Position 3 with a visionary agenda for the port that centers the needs of the workers, the environment, and the broader community. Mohamed's family fled Somalia and settled in the SeaTac region when she was 5 years old, with her mother working in the airport. Mohamed now works in the King County Office of Equity and Social Justice as a policy advisor and has helped manage the millions of dollars in COVID-19 relief funds that went to community-based organizations in King County.
As a resident of SeaTac, Mohamed lives in one of the communities most affected by airport pollution. Given that none of the current commissioners live in South King County, she seeks to bridge the gap between port policy and lived experience. She wants to expand the port's efforts to transition from fossil fuels to clean energy and restore habitats for salmon and orcas. Through greater direct partnership with workers, Mohamed wants to protect unions, provide pandemic relief, and prioritize workplace health.
In our interview with Mohamed, we were incredibly impressed by her drive to improve the lives of those who work and live near the port. One recent example of her accomplishment was her work with Beyoncé and Tina Knowles to provide free coronavirus testing and supplies to local organizations and working with the King County Immigrant and Refugee Commission to center language access in COVID-19 relief.
Mohamed is running against incumbent Stephanie Bowman, who has served on the commission since 2013. Bowman is proud of the port commission's progress on many fronts, including expanding youth job training opportunities in partnership with Seattle Public Schools, making stormwater improvements, and developing a noise insulation program for homes close to the airport. She states that one of her most important accomplishments was tripling the number of interns, many of which were youth of color from marginalized communities. If re-elected, Bowman would focus on improving economic opportunity at the port for all, including union members, women-owned businesses, lower-income workers, and more.
However, we were extremely disappointed when Bowman voted in 2015 to allow Shell Oil to base its arctic drilling operations in Seattle. In addition, she voted to use taxpayer money to file a legal challenge against SeaTac's $15 per hour minimum wage. In our interview with Bowman this year, she stated that she had been on the commission for less than six months before the wage increase vote, and believed that the council did not have the regulatory authority to make the change. On the Shell vote, she said that the commission was not transparent enough about it and that she would rather have ships come to Seattle ports where the environmental standards are the highest.
We believe Mohamed would be a stronger leader for progress at the port and would bring much-needed representation to the commission for South King County communities. We strongly support Hamdi Mohamed for her dedication to the community, her progressive agenda, and her backing by progressive organizations.
Hamdi Mohamed is running for Seattle Port Commissioner, Position 3 with a visionary agenda for the port that centers the needs of the workers, the environment, and the broader community. Mohamed's family fled Somalia and settled in the SeaTac region when she was 5 years old, with her mother working in the airport. Mohamed now works in the King County Office of Equity and Social Justice as a policy advisor and has helped manage the millions of dollars in COVID-19 relief funds that went to community-based organizations in King County.
As a resident of SeaTac, Mohamed lives in one of the communities most affected by airport pollution. Given that none of the current commissioners live in South King County, she seeks to bridge the gap between port policy and lived experience. She wants to expand the port's efforts to transition from fossil fuels to clean energy and restore habitats for salmon and orcas. Through greater direct partnership with workers, Mohamed wants to protect unions, provide pandemic relief, and prioritize workplace health.
In our interview with Mohamed, we were incredibly impressed by her drive to improve the lives of those who work and live near the port. One recent example of her accomplishment was her work with Beyoncé and Tina Knowles to provide free coronavirus testing and supplies to local organizations and working with the King County Immigrant and Refugee Commission to center language access in COVID-19 relief.
Mohamed is running against incumbent Stephanie Bowman, who has served on the commission since 2013. Bowman is proud of the port commission's progress on many fronts, including expanding youth job training opportunities in partnership with Seattle Public Schools, making stormwater improvements, and developing a noise insulation program for homes close to the airport. She states that one of her most important accomplishments was tripling the number of interns, many of which were youth of color from marginalized communities. If re-elected, Bowman would focus on improving economic opportunity at the port for all, including union members, women-owned businesses, lower-income workers, and more.
However, we were extremely disappointed when Bowman voted in 2015 to allow Shell Oil to base its arctic drilling operations in Seattle. In addition, she voted to use taxpayer money to file a legal challenge against SeaTac's $15 per hour minimum wage. In our interview with Bowman this year, she stated that she had been on the commission for less than six months before the wage increase vote, and believed that the council did not have the regulatory authority to make the change. On the Shell vote, she said that the commission was not transparent enough about it and that she would rather have ships come to Seattle ports where the environmental standards are the highest.
We believe Mohamed would be a stronger leader for progress at the port and would bring much-needed representation to the commission for South King County communities. We strongly support Hamdi Mohamed for her dedication to the community, her progressive agenda, and her backing by progressive organizations.
Hamdi Mohamed is running for Seattle Port Commissioner, Position 3 with a visionary agenda for the port that centers the needs of the workers, the environment, and the broader community. Mohamed's family fled Somalia and settled in the SeaTac region when she was 5 years old, with her mother working in the airport. Mohamed now works in the King County Office of Equity and Social Justice as a policy advisor and has helped manage the millions of dollars in COVID-19 relief funds that went to community-based organizations in King County.
As a resident of SeaTac, Mohamed lives in one of the communities most affected by airport pollution. Given that none of the current commissioners live in South King County, she seeks to bridge the gap between port policy and lived experience. She wants to expand the port's efforts to transition from fossil fuels to clean energy and restore habitats for salmon and orcas. Through greater direct partnership with workers, Mohamed wants to protect unions, provide pandemic relief, and prioritize workplace health.
In our interview with Mohamed, we were incredibly impressed by her drive to improve the lives of those who work and live near the port. One recent example of her accomplishment was her work with Beyoncé and Tina Knowles to provide free coronavirus testing and supplies to local organizations and working with the King County Immigrant and Refugee Commission to center language access in COVID-19 relief.
Mohamed is running against incumbent Stephanie Bowman, who has served on the commission since 2013. Bowman is proud of the port commission's progress on many fronts, including expanding youth job training opportunities in partnership with Seattle Public Schools, making stormwater improvements, and developing a noise insulation program for homes close to the airport. She states that one of her most important accomplishments was tripling the number of interns, many of which were youth of color from marginalized communities. If re-elected, Bowman would focus on improving economic opportunity at the port for all, including union members, women-owned businesses, lower-income workers, and more.
However, we were extremely disappointed when Bowman voted in 2015 to allow Shell Oil to base its arctic drilling operations in Seattle. In addition, she voted to use taxpayer money to file a legal challenge against SeaTac's $15 per hour minimum wage. In our interview with Bowman this year, she stated that she had been on the commission for less than six months before the wage increase vote, and believed that the council did not have the regulatory authority to make the change. On the Shell vote, she said that the commission was not transparent enough about it and that she would rather have ships come to Seattle ports where the environmental standards are the highest.
We believe Mohamed would be a stronger leader for progress at the port and would bring much-needed representation to the commission for South King County communities. We strongly support Hamdi Mohamed for her dedication to the community, her progressive agenda, and her backing by progressive organizations.
Toshiko Hasegawa is running for Port of Seattle, Position 4 to center the experiences of port workers and nearby communities in building a more equitable future for the port. She is the executive director of the Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs (CAPAA), which advises the governor, state agencies, and the state legislature on issues affecting Asian American communities. If either she or fellow candidate Hamdi Mohamed are elected, it will be the first time a woman of color has ever served on the Seattle Port Commission.
As executive director of CAPAA, Hasegawa and the rest of the commission helped support small businesses during the pandemic, provide relief to community-based organizations, and create a language access plan so that residents could access critical information. In our interview, Hasegawa spoke to how she wanted to expand and apply those equity processes to the port. She supports mental health care and paid family leave for workers, ongoing training, and apprenticeships programs, especially for women and people of color, who have been historically underrepresented in port employment. Hasegawa also wants to see an airport cities advisory group permanently established as the economy continues to rebuild and recover from the pandemic.
On environmental issues, Hasegawa would be an advocate for the port assisting in the construction of high-speed rail to cut down on short flights to nearby cities like Portland or Bellingham. She also wants to meaningfully engage the community in climate justice, including the tribes, and explore the possibility of using solar and wind at the port.
We join a compelling majority of progressive organizations in recommending Hasegawa to help usher in a new generation of leadership and for her inclusive vision for the future of the port.
Toshiko Hasegawa is running for Port of Seattle, Position 4 to center the experiences of port workers and nearby communities in building a more equitable future for the port. She is the executive director of the Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs (CAPAA), which advises the governor, state agencies, and the state legislature on issues affecting Asian American communities. If either she or fellow candidate Hamdi Mohamed are elected, it will be the first time a woman of color has ever served on the Seattle Port Commission.
As executive director of CAPAA, Hasegawa and the rest of the commission helped support small businesses during the pandemic, provide relief to community-based organizations, and create a language access plan so that residents could access critical information. In our interview, Hasegawa spoke to how she wanted to expand and apply those equity processes to the port. She supports mental health care and paid family leave for workers, ongoing training, and apprenticeships programs, especially for women and people of color, who have been historically underrepresented in port employment. Hasegawa also wants to see an airport cities advisory group permanently established as the economy continues to rebuild and recover from the pandemic.
On environmental issues, Hasegawa would be an advocate for the port assisting in the construction of high-speed rail to cut down on short flights to nearby cities like Portland or Bellingham. She also wants to meaningfully engage the community in climate justice, including the tribes, and explore the possibility of using solar and wind at the port.
We join a compelling majority of progressive organizations in recommending Hasegawa to help usher in a new generation of leadership and for her inclusive vision for the future of the port.
Toshiko Hasegawa is running for Port of Seattle, Position 4 to center the experiences of port workers and nearby communities in building a more equitable future for the port. She is the executive director of the Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs (CAPAA), which advises the governor, state agencies, and the state legislature on issues affecting Asian American communities. If either she or fellow candidate Hamdi Mohamed are elected, it will be the first time a woman of color has ever served on the Seattle Port Commission.
As executive director of CAPAA, Hasegawa and the rest of the commission helped support small businesses during the pandemic, provide relief to community-based organizations, and create a language access plan so that residents could access critical information. In our interview, Hasegawa spoke to how she wanted to expand and apply those equity processes to the port. She supports mental health care and paid family leave for workers, ongoing training, and apprenticeships programs, especially for women and people of color, who have been historically underrepresented in port employment. Hasegawa also wants to see an airport cities advisory group permanently established as the economy continues to rebuild and recover from the pandemic.
On environmental issues, Hasegawa would be an advocate for the port assisting in the construction of high-speed rail to cut down on short flights to nearby cities like Portland or Bellingham. She also wants to meaningfully engage the community in climate justice, including the tribes, and explore the possibility of using solar and wind at the port.
We join a compelling majority of progressive organizations in recommending Hasegawa to help usher in a new generation of leadership and for her inclusive vision for the future of the port.
Incumbent Commissioner Dick Marzano is running to retain Port of Tacoma, Position 2. Marzano was first elected commissioner in 1995 and serves on the executive committee for the Puget Sound Regional Council. Before his career in public service, Marzano spent 52 years working in Tacoma as a longshoreman and was also the president of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 23.
If re-elected, Marzano wants to prioritize environmental protections and job creation. With his background as a longshoreman, Marzano knows that the two issues are connected and that those who live and work near the port are directly affected by its environmental impact. However, Marzano has not been supportive of protecting our communities from pollution from the proposed LNG facility.
Incumbent Commissioner Dick Marzano is running to retain Port of Tacoma, Position 2. Marzano was first elected commissioner in 1995 and serves on the executive committee for the Puget Sound Regional Council. Before his career in public service, Marzano spent 52 years working in Tacoma as a longshoreman and was also the president of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 23.
If re-elected, Marzano wants to prioritize environmental protections and job creation. With his background as a longshoreman, Marzano knows that the two issues are connected and that those who live and work near the port are directly affected by its environmental impact. However, Marzano has not been supportive of protecting our communities from pollution from the proposed LNG facility.
Incumbent Commissioner Dick Marzano is running to retain Port of Tacoma, Position 2. Marzano was first elected commissioner in 1995 and serves on the executive committee for the Puget Sound Regional Council. Before his career in public service, Marzano spent 52 years working in Tacoma as a longshoreman and was also the president of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 23.
If re-elected, Marzano wants to prioritize environmental protections and job creation. With his background as a longshoreman, Marzano knows that the two issues are connected and that those who live and work near the port are directly affected by its environmental impact. However, Marzano has not been supportive of protecting our communities from pollution from the proposed LNG facility.
City Councilmember Ryan Walters is running for mayor of Anacortes. Walters has been on the city council since 2012 and served as the mayor pro tem from 2016 to 2017. Outside of his work on the council, Walters is the planning and community development director for the Samish Nation and works with the Skagit Land Trust.
Walters' platform includes affordable housing, high-quality public services and infrastructure, and making Anacortes an inclusive town for all that maintains its unique charm. During his time on the council, Walters helped to develop the Anacortes municipal fiber network, which is now under construction. He also started the council’s first committee on housing and community services. Despite serving a city with two large oil refineries, Walters understands the importance of environmental protections for the natural ecosystem and Anacortes residents alike. If elected mayor, Walters will use his experience in office to implement a community-focused agenda.
Walters is running against fellow council member Matt Miller. Miller is in his second term on the council and served as the mayor pro tem from 2018 to 2020. He is a veteran and business owner running on a more conservative platform including criminalizing Anacortes residents experiencing homelessness and prioritizing business interests above community needs.
Walters is the best choice for mayor of Anacortes because of his progressive vision and his support from partner organizations.
City Councilmember Ryan Walters is running for mayor of Anacortes. Walters has been on the city council since 2012 and served as the mayor pro tem from 2016 to 2017. Outside of his work on the council, Walters is the planning and community development director for the Samish Nation and works with the Skagit Land Trust.
Walters' platform includes affordable housing, high-quality public services and infrastructure, and making Anacortes an inclusive town for all that maintains its unique charm. During his time on the council, Walters helped to develop the Anacortes municipal fiber network, which is now under construction. He also started the council’s first committee on housing and community services. Despite serving a city with two large oil refineries, Walters understands the importance of environmental protections for the natural ecosystem and Anacortes residents alike. If elected mayor, Walters will use his experience in office to implement a community-focused agenda.
Walters is running against fellow council member Matt Miller. Miller is in his second term on the council and served as the mayor pro tem from 2018 to 2020. He is a veteran and business owner running on a more conservative platform including criminalizing Anacortes residents experiencing homelessness and prioritizing business interests above community needs.
Walters is the best choice for mayor of Anacortes because of his progressive vision and his support from partner organizations.
City Councilmember Ryan Walters is running for mayor of Anacortes. Walters has been on the city council since 2012 and served as the mayor pro tem from 2016 to 2017. Outside of his work on the council, Walters is the planning and community development director for the Samish Nation and works with the Skagit Land Trust.
Walters' platform includes affordable housing, high-quality public services and infrastructure, and making Anacortes an inclusive town for all that maintains its unique charm. During his time on the council, Walters helped to develop the Anacortes municipal fiber network, which is now under construction. He also started the council’s first committee on housing and community services. Despite serving a city with two large oil refineries, Walters understands the importance of environmental protections for the natural ecosystem and Anacortes residents alike. If elected mayor, Walters will use his experience in office to implement a community-focused agenda.
Walters is running against fellow council member Matt Miller. Miller is in his second term on the council and served as the mayor pro tem from 2018 to 2020. He is a veteran and business owner running on a more conservative platform including criminalizing Anacortes residents experiencing homelessness and prioritizing business interests above community needs.
Walters is the best choice for mayor of Anacortes because of his progressive vision and his support from partner organizations.
Amanda Hubik is running for Position 4 on the Anacortes City Council. She currently works as a legislative assistant to Democratic state Representative Alex Ramel and was recently appointed a commissioner of the Anacortes Housing Authority. Previously, she was the director of marketing and promotions for the Anacortes Chamber of Commerce.
Hubik is running on a progressive platform focused on building affordable, workforce housing, establishing environmental protections, and supporting small businesses, especially through COVID recovery. She wants to bring Anacortes residents together to make community-minded policies and shape council decisions. In this race, Hubik has earned the endorsement of the local Democrats as well as many progressive elected officials.
Her opponent is Jeff Graf, a Navy veteran who now works for a local aerospace manufacturing company. He has served on the Planning Commission since being appointed in 2017. Graf’s platform includes cutting government services apart from policing, prioritizing business interests, and increasing funding for police.
Amanda Hubik is the most progressive choice in this race and deserves your vote for Anacortes City Council, Position 4.
Amanda Hubik is running for Position 4 on the Anacortes City Council. She currently works as a legislative assistant to Democratic state Representative Alex Ramel and was recently appointed a commissioner of the Anacortes Housing Authority. Previously, she was the director of marketing and promotions for the Anacortes Chamber of Commerce.
Hubik is running on a progressive platform focused on building affordable, workforce housing, establishing environmental protections, and supporting small businesses, especially through COVID recovery. She wants to bring Anacortes residents together to make community-minded policies and shape council decisions. In this race, Hubik has earned the endorsement of the local Democrats as well as many progressive elected officials.
Her opponent is Jeff Graf, a Navy veteran who now works for a local aerospace manufacturing company. He has served on the Planning Commission since being appointed in 2017. Graf’s platform includes cutting government services apart from policing, prioritizing business interests, and increasing funding for police.
Amanda Hubik is the most progressive choice in this race and deserves your vote for Anacortes City Council, Position 4.
Amanda Hubik is running for Position 4 on the Anacortes City Council. She currently works as a legislative assistant to Democratic state Representative Alex Ramel and was recently appointed a commissioner of the Anacortes Housing Authority. Previously, she was the director of marketing and promotions for the Anacortes Chamber of Commerce.
Hubik is running on a progressive platform focused on building affordable, workforce housing, establishing environmental protections, and supporting small businesses, especially through COVID recovery. She wants to bring Anacortes residents together to make community-minded policies and shape council decisions. In this race, Hubik has earned the endorsement of the local Democrats as well as many progressive elected officials.
Her opponent is Jeff Graf, a Navy veteran who now works for a local aerospace manufacturing company. He has served on the Planning Commission since being appointed in 2017. Graf’s platform includes cutting government services apart from policing, prioritizing business interests, and increasing funding for police.
Amanda Hubik is the most progressive choice in this race and deserves your vote for Anacortes City Council, Position 4.
Nancy Backus is running unopposed for re-election to be mayor of Auburn. She was first elected in 2014 and previously served on the city council and as deputy mayor. In her time as mayor, Backus has assisted in awarding $200,000 in grants to local businesses and increasing the number of good-paying jobs in Auburn. She is promoting bringing jobs to the area, reducing traffic congestion, and expanding transportation options in her re-election campaign.
Backus is unopposed in the race for mayor of Auburn and deserves your vote.
Nancy Backus is running unopposed for re-election to be mayor of Auburn. She was first elected in 2014 and previously served on the city council and as deputy mayor. In her time as mayor, Backus has assisted in awarding $200,000 in grants to local businesses and increasing the number of good-paying jobs in Auburn. She is promoting bringing jobs to the area, reducing traffic congestion, and expanding transportation options in her re-election campaign.
Backus is unopposed in the race for mayor of Auburn and deserves your vote.
Nancy Backus is running unopposed for re-election to be mayor of Auburn. She was first elected in 2014 and previously served on the city council and as deputy mayor. In her time as mayor, Backus has assisted in awarding $200,000 in grants to local businesses and increasing the number of good-paying jobs in Auburn. She is promoting bringing jobs to the area, reducing traffic congestion, and expanding transportation options in her re-election campaign.
Backus is unopposed in the race for mayor of Auburn and deserves your vote.
Kate Baldwin is running for Auburn City Council, Position 2. She works with IT departments for companies and public entities including REI and the City of Tacoma.
Baldwin's top campaign priorities include leading on a housing-first approach for people experiencing homelessness, supporting a sustainable growth plan, promoting economic development, and ensuring Auburn is a diverse community that brings safety for all, including safety from police violence.
Baldwin faces Wendee Odell, an army veteran, and former correctional officer with the Arizona Department of Corrections. Her platform contains conservative language stoking fear about crime and local public safety.
Baldwin is the best choice in this race for Auburn City Council, Position 2.
Kate Baldwin is running for Auburn City Council, Position 2. She works with IT departments for companies and public entities including REI and the City of Tacoma.
Baldwin's top campaign priorities include leading on a housing-first approach for people experiencing homelessness, supporting a sustainable growth plan, promoting economic development, and ensuring Auburn is a diverse community that brings safety for all, including safety from police violence.
Baldwin faces Wendee Odell, an army veteran, and former correctional officer with the Arizona Department of Corrections. Her platform contains conservative language stoking fear about crime and local public safety.
Baldwin is the best choice in this race for Auburn City Council, Position 2.
Kate Baldwin is running for Auburn City Council, Position 2. She works with IT departments for companies and public entities including REI and the City of Tacoma.
Baldwin's top campaign priorities include leading on a housing-first approach for people experiencing homelessness, supporting a sustainable growth plan, promoting economic development, and ensuring Auburn is a diverse community that brings safety for all, including safety from police violence.
Baldwin faces Wendee Odell, an army veteran, and former correctional officer with the Arizona Department of Corrections. Her platform contains conservative language stoking fear about crime and local public safety.
Baldwin is the best choice in this race for Auburn City Council, Position 2.
Incumbent Larry Brown is running unopposed for re-election to Auburn City Council, Position 6. He is the president of the Washington State Labor Council and serves on the Valley Regional Fire Authority governing board. Brown has been a strong advocate for workers and supports increasing wages in Washington. In his second term, he will advocate for more public transit, transitional housing for people experiencing homelessness, and growing the local manufacturing sector.
Brown deserves your vote for Auburn City Council, Position 6.
Incumbent Larry Brown is running unopposed for re-election to Auburn City Council, Position 6. He is the president of the Washington State Labor Council and serves on the Valley Regional Fire Authority governing board. Brown has been a strong advocate for workers and supports increasing wages in Washington. In his second term, he will advocate for more public transit, transitional housing for people experiencing homelessness, and growing the local manufacturing sector.
Brown deserves your vote for Auburn City Council, Position 6.
Incumbent Larry Brown is running unopposed for re-election to Auburn City Council, Position 6. He is the president of the Washington State Labor Council and serves on the Valley Regional Fire Authority governing board. Brown has been a strong advocate for workers and supports increasing wages in Washington. In his second term, he will advocate for more public transit, transitional housing for people experiencing homelessness, and growing the local manufacturing sector.
Brown deserves your vote for Auburn City Council, Position 6.
Retired software engineer and philanthropist Ruth Lipscomb is running for Bellevue City Council, Position 4. She has served on the boards of many nonprofit organizations, including Fuse Washington, the Progress Alliance of Washington, Washington Women For Choice PAC, and others.
Her vision for Bellevue includes protecting the environment by reducing the city's greenhouse gas emissions and prioritizing bringing stronger public transit, walkable neighborhoods, and safe biking routes to Bellevue. Lipscomb wants to use her background in technology to increase transparency in government and will work to improve affordability and safety for all Bellevue families.
Lipscomb is facing conservative deputy mayor Jared Nieuwenhuis. Nieuwenhuis recently voted against important housing affordability legislation because he wanted yet another taxpayer-funded study that would kick the can down the road. Nieuwenhuis has also displayed a disappointing lack of leadership on the issue of police accountability and racial justice during council meetings over the last year.
The Bellevue City Council is currently narrowly divided along political and ideological lines. Electing Lipscomb is the key to creating a progressive governing majority that could pursue a more ambitious agenda on issues like housing affordability, climate change, and reducing traffic congestion.
Lipscomb’s track record of community engagement, progressive values, and strong support from our partner organizations make her the clear choice for Bellevue City Council, Position 4.
Retired software engineer and philanthropist Ruth Lipscomb is running for Bellevue City Council, Position 4. She has served on the boards of many nonprofit organizations, including Fuse Washington, the Progress Alliance of Washington, Washington Women For Choice PAC, and others.
Her vision for Bellevue includes protecting the environment by reducing the city's greenhouse gas emissions and prioritizing bringing stronger public transit, walkable neighborhoods, and safe biking routes to Bellevue. Lipscomb wants to use her background in technology to increase transparency in government and will work to improve affordability and safety for all Bellevue families.
Lipscomb is facing conservative deputy mayor Jared Nieuwenhuis. Nieuwenhuis recently voted against important housing affordability legislation because he wanted yet another taxpayer-funded study that would kick the can down the road. Nieuwenhuis has also displayed a disappointing lack of leadership on the issue of police accountability and racial justice during council meetings over the last year.
The Bellevue City Council is currently narrowly divided along political and ideological lines. Electing Lipscomb is the key to creating a progressive governing majority that could pursue a more ambitious agenda on issues like housing affordability, climate change, and reducing traffic congestion.
Lipscomb’s track record of community engagement, progressive values, and strong support from our partner organizations make her the clear choice for Bellevue City Council, Position 4.
Retired software engineer and philanthropist Ruth Lipscomb is running for Bellevue City Council, Position 4. She has served on the boards of many nonprofit organizations, including Fuse Washington, the Progress Alliance of Washington, Washington Women For Choice PAC, and others.
Her vision for Bellevue includes protecting the environment by reducing the city's greenhouse gas emissions and prioritizing bringing stronger public transit, walkable neighborhoods, and safe biking routes to Bellevue. Lipscomb wants to use her background in technology to increase transparency in government and will work to improve affordability and safety for all Bellevue families.
Lipscomb is facing conservative deputy mayor Jared Nieuwenhuis. Nieuwenhuis recently voted against important housing affordability legislation because he wanted yet another taxpayer-funded study that would kick the can down the road. Nieuwenhuis has also displayed a disappointing lack of leadership on the issue of police accountability and racial justice during council meetings over the last year.
The Bellevue City Council is currently narrowly divided along political and ideological lines. Electing Lipscomb is the key to creating a progressive governing majority that could pursue a more ambitious agenda on issues like housing affordability, climate change, and reducing traffic congestion.
Lipscomb’s track record of community engagement, progressive values, and strong support from our partner organizations make her the clear choice for Bellevue City Council, Position 4.
Kristina Michele Martens is a real estate agent, local activist, and former radio host who is running to bring the needs of the community, especially historically underserved communities, to the forefront of policy. If elected, she states that she would be the first Black person to serve on the Bellingham City Council.
In our interview with Martens, she emphasized the need for the city to fortify outreach from city hall, whether it be to struggling local businesses or residents having a difficult time. One of her top priorities would be to address homelessness in the city by making strong investments in rapid re-housing, easy access shelters, and permanent shelters. She supports Councilmember Hammill's proposed 0.1% sales tax for housing because it will save the city money by reducing unnecessary jail time and emergency responses. On police reform, Martens supports shifting police away from responding to jobs they aren't trained to do, like dealing with mental health crises, and investing more in diversion programs.
Martens is one of the people working to found the Whatcom Racial Equity Commission, a joint effort between city and county to hold policy conversations and propose solutions to the challenges that Black, Indigenous, and other community members face. If elected, she is dedicated to continuing to hold conversations to build trust between residents and city hall.
Her opponent is financial advisor Russ Whidbee, who states that he will take a moderate approach to policymaking on the council. On housing, Whidbee would not go as far as Martin's approach to updating zoning and allowing for more housing types. Instead, he states that his focus would be on seeking out grants and public and private partnerships with banks and developers to increase affordable housing. Whidbee would seek to increase the transparency of the police department with the use of body cameras, create a citizen-led oversight panel with police membership, and encourage more de-escalation training.
Martens' bold vision and backing from progressive organizations make her the best choice in this race.
Kristina Michele Martens is a real estate agent, local activist, and former radio host who is running to bring the needs of the community, especially historically underserved communities, to the forefront of policy. If elected, she states that she would be the first Black person to serve on the Bellingham City Council.
In our interview with Martens, she emphasized the need for the city to fortify outreach from city hall, whether it be to struggling local businesses or residents having a difficult time. One of her top priorities would be to address homelessness in the city by making strong investments in rapid re-housing, easy access shelters, and permanent shelters. She supports Councilmember Hammill's proposed 0.1% sales tax for housing because it will save the city money by reducing unnecessary jail time and emergency responses. On police reform, Martens supports shifting police away from responding to jobs they aren't trained to do, like dealing with mental health crises, and investing more in diversion programs.
Martens is one of the people working to found the Whatcom Racial Equity Commission, a joint effort between city and county to hold policy conversations and propose solutions to the challenges that Black, Indigenous, and other community members face. If elected, she is dedicated to continuing to hold conversations to build trust between residents and city hall.
Her opponent is financial advisor Russ Whidbee, who states that he will take a moderate approach to policymaking on the council. On housing, Whidbee would not go as far as Martin's approach to updating zoning and allowing for more housing types. Instead, he states that his focus would be on seeking out grants and public and private partnerships with banks and developers to increase affordable housing. Whidbee would seek to increase the transparency of the police department with the use of body cameras, create a citizen-led oversight panel with police membership, and encourage more de-escalation training.
Martens' bold vision and backing from progressive organizations make her the best choice in this race.
Kristina Michele Martens is a real estate agent, local activist, and former radio host who is running to bring the needs of the community, especially historically underserved communities, to the forefront of policy. If elected, she states that she would be the first Black person to serve on the Bellingham City Council.
In our interview with Martens, she emphasized the need for the city to fortify outreach from city hall, whether it be to struggling local businesses or residents having a difficult time. One of her top priorities would be to address homelessness in the city by making strong investments in rapid re-housing, easy access shelters, and permanent shelters. She supports Councilmember Hammill's proposed 0.1% sales tax for housing because it will save the city money by reducing unnecessary jail time and emergency responses. On police reform, Martens supports shifting police away from responding to jobs they aren't trained to do, like dealing with mental health crises, and investing more in diversion programs.
Martens is one of the people working to found the Whatcom Racial Equity Commission, a joint effort between city and county to hold policy conversations and propose solutions to the challenges that Black, Indigenous, and other community members face. If elected, she is dedicated to continuing to hold conversations to build trust between residents and city hall.
Her opponent is financial advisor Russ Whidbee, who states that he will take a moderate approach to policymaking on the council. On housing, Whidbee would not go as far as Martin's approach to updating zoning and allowing for more housing types. Instead, he states that his focus would be on seeking out grants and public and private partnerships with banks and developers to increase affordable housing. Whidbee would seek to increase the transparency of the police department with the use of body cameras, create a citizen-led oversight panel with police membership, and encourage more de-escalation training.
Martens' bold vision and backing from progressive organizations make her the best choice in this race.
Incumbent Michael Lilliquist is running for a fourth term on the Bellingham City Council. Outside the council, Lilliquist has been active with the local PTA and other nonprofits, especially focusing on protecting Lake Whatcom.
During his 12 years on the council, Lilliquist has been a consistent voice for the environment and workers' rights. He is known for his careful attention to detail and thorough approach to policymaking that pushes the council in the right direction. In particular, he worked closely with the Sierra Club to move Puget Sound Energy away from coal power. He also supported a crisis response program to connect 911 calls with mental health professions instead of law enforcement. Unfortunately, Lilliquist opposed the four People First Bellingham ballot measures this year that activists organized to lead the city in a more progressive direction.
Lilliquist is a good choice if you're looking for experienced leadership to help the city navigate a path forward on multiple challenging issues.
Incumbent Michael Lilliquist is running for a fourth term on the Bellingham City Council. Outside the council, Lilliquist has been active with the local PTA and other nonprofits, especially focusing on protecting Lake Whatcom.
During his 12 years on the council, Lilliquist has been a consistent voice for the environment and workers' rights. He is known for his careful attention to detail and thorough approach to policymaking that pushes the council in the right direction. In particular, he worked closely with the Sierra Club to move Puget Sound Energy away from coal power. He also supported a crisis response program to connect 911 calls with mental health professions instead of law enforcement. Unfortunately, Lilliquist opposed the four People First Bellingham ballot measures this year that activists organized to lead the city in a more progressive direction.
Lilliquist is a good choice if you're looking for experienced leadership to help the city navigate a path forward on multiple challenging issues.
Incumbent Michael Lilliquist is running for a fourth term on the Bellingham City Council. Outside the council, Lilliquist has been active with the local PTA and other nonprofits, especially focusing on protecting Lake Whatcom.
During his 12 years on the council, Lilliquist has been a consistent voice for the environment and workers' rights. He is known for his careful attention to detail and thorough approach to policymaking that pushes the council in the right direction. In particular, he worked closely with the Sierra Club to move Puget Sound Energy away from coal power. He also supported a crisis response program to connect 911 calls with mental health professions instead of law enforcement. Unfortunately, Lilliquist opposed the four People First Bellingham ballot measures this year that activists organized to lead the city in a more progressive direction.
Lilliquist is a good choice if you're looking for experienced leadership to help the city navigate a path forward on multiple challenging issues.
Han Tran is running for Position 1 on the Bothell City Council. Tran works in tech product development and has a background in community advocacy. Currently, she works as a co-chair on Bothell’s Anti-Racist Communities team and is a parent member of the Northshore School District's Ethnic Studies pilot program. As a Harvard Business School graduate and a Vietnamese American from an immigrant family, Tran wants to bring her unique perspective to create community-driven solutions that make Bothell a more equitable place.
Tran believes housing and food are human rights and would work on policies to address housing and food insecurity in Bothell. She wants to expand the RADAR program, a de-escalation initiative with Bothell police that seeks to avoid the use of force when responding to people with behavioral health issues or developmental disabilities. She would also look into investing in other community-based public safety initiatives. Tran is committed to supporting Bothell’s small business community and wants to provide grants and career pathways for business owners who are people of color, women, veterans, and LGBTQ+.
Tran is challenging incumbent council member and current deputy mayor Jeanne Zornes, a moderate Republican who has been in office since 2017. Zornes is also a substitute teacher for Northshore public schools and a freelance photographer. She is campaigning to build up Bothell's business sector and increase law enforcement funding rather than invest in community alternatives. Despite claiming to run a completely nonpartisan race, Zornes has endorsed other conservatives this year.
Tran will bring strong, progressive leadership to the council. She deserves your vote for Bothell City Council, Position 1.
Han Tran is running for Position 1 on the Bothell City Council. Tran works in tech product development and has a background in community advocacy. Currently, she works as a co-chair on Bothell’s Anti-Racist Communities team and is a parent member of the Northshore School District's Ethnic Studies pilot program. As a Harvard Business School graduate and a Vietnamese American from an immigrant family, Tran wants to bring her unique perspective to create community-driven solutions that make Bothell a more equitable place.
Tran believes housing and food are human rights and would work on policies to address housing and food insecurity in Bothell. She wants to expand the RADAR program, a de-escalation initiative with Bothell police that seeks to avoid the use of force when responding to people with behavioral health issues or developmental disabilities. She would also look into investing in other community-based public safety initiatives. Tran is committed to supporting Bothell’s small business community and wants to provide grants and career pathways for business owners who are people of color, women, veterans, and LGBTQ+.
Tran is challenging incumbent council member and current deputy mayor Jeanne Zornes, a moderate Republican who has been in office since 2017. Zornes is also a substitute teacher for Northshore public schools and a freelance photographer. She is campaigning to build up Bothell's business sector and increase law enforcement funding rather than invest in community alternatives. Despite claiming to run a completely nonpartisan race, Zornes has endorsed other conservatives this year.
Tran will bring strong, progressive leadership to the council. She deserves your vote for Bothell City Council, Position 1.
Han Tran is running for Position 1 on the Bothell City Council. Tran works in tech product development and has a background in community advocacy. Currently, she works as a co-chair on Bothell’s Anti-Racist Communities team and is a parent member of the Northshore School District's Ethnic Studies pilot program. As a Harvard Business School graduate and a Vietnamese American from an immigrant family, Tran wants to bring her unique perspective to create community-driven solutions that make Bothell a more equitable place.
Tran believes housing and food are human rights and would work on policies to address housing and food insecurity in Bothell. She wants to expand the RADAR program, a de-escalation initiative with Bothell police that seeks to avoid the use of force when responding to people with behavioral health issues or developmental disabilities. She would also look into investing in other community-based public safety initiatives. Tran is committed to supporting Bothell’s small business community and wants to provide grants and career pathways for business owners who are people of color, women, veterans, and LGBTQ+.
Tran is challenging incumbent council member and current deputy mayor Jeanne Zornes, a moderate Republican who has been in office since 2017. Zornes is also a substitute teacher for Northshore public schools and a freelance photographer. She is campaigning to build up Bothell's business sector and increase law enforcement funding rather than invest in community alternatives. Despite claiming to run a completely nonpartisan race, Zornes has endorsed other conservatives this year.
Tran will bring strong, progressive leadership to the council. She deserves your vote for Bothell City Council, Position 1.
Hugo Garcia is running for Burien City Council, Position 1. Garcia, whose family immigrated from Mexico more than 30 years ago, states that he learned the values of resilience and tenacity at an early age by watching his father wait tables to support their family of five. If elected, he intends to bring the experience of working families to the forefront.
Garcia is a member of the Burien Planning Commission and chair of the Burien Economic Development Partnership (BEDP). His platform includes housing for all and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic that will equitably and sustainably lift up all Burien residents and help local businesses come back stronger. In addition, Garcia is committed to keeping Burien affordable so that working families can continue to live in the community and thrive.
Garcia is facing Martin Barrett, who owns a corporate gift supplier. Barrett is vilifying community members who want to discuss community-based alternatives to public safety. He states that he wants Burien to be a “wealth generator" without providing details. While Barrett's platform does address the need for more affordable housing, he wants to rely on developers to solve the problem rather than making changes to zoning laws and seeking other innovative solutions.
Garcia is the clear choice for Burien City Council, Position 1.
Hugo Garcia is running for Burien City Council, Position 1. Garcia, whose family immigrated from Mexico more than 30 years ago, states that he learned the values of resilience and tenacity at an early age by watching his father wait tables to support their family of five. If elected, he intends to bring the experience of working families to the forefront.
Garcia is a member of the Burien Planning Commission and chair of the Burien Economic Development Partnership (BEDP). His platform includes housing for all and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic that will equitably and sustainably lift up all Burien residents and help local businesses come back stronger. In addition, Garcia is committed to keeping Burien affordable so that working families can continue to live in the community and thrive.
Garcia is facing Martin Barrett, who owns a corporate gift supplier. Barrett is vilifying community members who want to discuss community-based alternatives to public safety. He states that he wants Burien to be a “wealth generator" without providing details. While Barrett's platform does address the need for more affordable housing, he wants to rely on developers to solve the problem rather than making changes to zoning laws and seeking other innovative solutions.
Garcia is the clear choice for Burien City Council, Position 1.
Hugo Garcia is running for Burien City Council, Position 1. Garcia, whose family immigrated from Mexico more than 30 years ago, states that he learned the values of resilience and tenacity at an early age by watching his father wait tables to support their family of five. If elected, he intends to bring the experience of working families to the forefront.
Garcia is a member of the Burien Planning Commission and chair of the Burien Economic Development Partnership (BEDP). His platform includes housing for all and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic that will equitably and sustainably lift up all Burien residents and help local businesses come back stronger. In addition, Garcia is committed to keeping Burien affordable so that working families can continue to live in the community and thrive.
Garcia is facing Martin Barrett, who owns a corporate gift supplier. Barrett is vilifying community members who want to discuss community-based alternatives to public safety. He states that he wants Burien to be a “wealth generator" without providing details. While Barrett's platform does address the need for more affordable housing, he wants to rely on developers to solve the problem rather than making changes to zoning laws and seeking other innovative solutions.
Garcia is the clear choice for Burien City Council, Position 1.
Mayor Jimmy Matta is running for re-election to Burien City Council, Position 3. Matta is the founder of Ahora Construction and serves on the Burien Airport Committee, Soundside Alliance Policy Committee, and Latino Civic Alliance Board. He was first elected in 2018 and has a deep understanding of the struggles that working families face. His family immigrated to the U.S. from Guatemala, and by the time he was a teenager, Matta had dropped out of high school to support his family. He later started his construction business and went on to become a representative for the Carpenters Union for over 20 years.
As mayor, Matta worked during the early years of the Trump administration to pass a resolution making sure immigrant communities know they are welcome in Burien. Recently, Matta joined a majority of the council voting in favor of expanding affordable housing in downtown Burien. The new building will include units set aside for Burien residents and veterans.
Matta is facing a challenge from Mark Dorsey. Dorsey is running on a divisive and conservative platform that scapegoats homeless residents. He opposes the downtown affordable housing project and uses a campaign slogan of "Burien first," which echos the worst of our recent political leadership.
Matta is the clear choice for Burien City Council, Position 3.
Mayor Jimmy Matta is running for re-election to Burien City Council, Position 3. Matta is the founder of Ahora Construction and serves on the Burien Airport Committee, Soundside Alliance Policy Committee, and Latino Civic Alliance Board. He was first elected in 2018 and has a deep understanding of the struggles that working families face. His family immigrated to the U.S. from Guatemala, and by the time he was a teenager, Matta had dropped out of high school to support his family. He later started his construction business and went on to become a representative for the Carpenters Union for over 20 years.
As mayor, Matta worked during the early years of the Trump administration to pass a resolution making sure immigrant communities know they are welcome in Burien. Recently, Matta joined a majority of the council voting in favor of expanding affordable housing in downtown Burien. The new building will include units set aside for Burien residents and veterans.
Matta is facing a challenge from Mark Dorsey. Dorsey is running on a divisive and conservative platform that scapegoats homeless residents. He opposes the downtown affordable housing project and uses a campaign slogan of "Burien first," which echos the worst of our recent political leadership.
Matta is the clear choice for Burien City Council, Position 3.
Mayor Jimmy Matta is running for re-election to Burien City Council, Position 3. Matta is the founder of Ahora Construction and serves on the Burien Airport Committee, Soundside Alliance Policy Committee, and Latino Civic Alliance Board. He was first elected in 2018 and has a deep understanding of the struggles that working families face. His family immigrated to the U.S. from Guatemala, and by the time he was a teenager, Matta had dropped out of high school to support his family. He later started his construction business and went on to become a representative for the Carpenters Union for over 20 years.
As mayor, Matta worked during the early years of the Trump administration to pass a resolution making sure immigrant communities know they are welcome in Burien. Recently, Matta joined a majority of the council voting in favor of expanding affordable housing in downtown Burien. The new building will include units set aside for Burien residents and veterans.
Matta is facing a challenge from Mark Dorsey. Dorsey is running on a divisive and conservative platform that scapegoats homeless residents. He opposes the downtown affordable housing project and uses a campaign slogan of "Burien first," which echos the worst of our recent political leadership.
Matta is the clear choice for Burien City Council, Position 3.
Sarah Moore is running for Burien City Council, Position 5. Moore serves as vice-chair of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and co-founded ACLU Burien People Power. Her work experience includes more than 20 years at the Pacific Science Center and managing a quarantine site with King County during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Moore's platform includes ensuring affordable housing for everyone through partnerships with other cities, state and county agencies, and nonprofit organizations and addressing causes of crime through distributing much-needed resources to Burien's communities. She also wants to prioritize environmental issues, including reducing polluted stormwater that runs into Puget Sound and providing lots of outdoor, walkable spaces.
Moore is facing small business owner Alex Simkus. He's running for city council to ensure entities like the Port of Seattle, the Department of Transportation, and King County Metro are held accountable for what he perceives as poor taxing and spending decisions. While his platform mentions increasing access to affordable housing and making utilities more affordable, Simkus does not bring the same level of detail to the campaign as Moore.
Moore is the best choice for Burien City Council, Position 5.
Sarah Moore is running for Burien City Council, Position 5. Moore serves as vice-chair of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and co-founded ACLU Burien People Power. Her work experience includes more than 20 years at the Pacific Science Center and managing a quarantine site with King County during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Moore's platform includes ensuring affordable housing for everyone through partnerships with other cities, state and county agencies, and nonprofit organizations and addressing causes of crime through distributing much-needed resources to Burien's communities. She also wants to prioritize environmental issues, including reducing polluted stormwater that runs into Puget Sound and providing lots of outdoor, walkable spaces.
Moore is facing small business owner Alex Simkus. He's running for city council to ensure entities like the Port of Seattle, the Department of Transportation, and King County Metro are held accountable for what he perceives as poor taxing and spending decisions. While his platform mentions increasing access to affordable housing and making utilities more affordable, Simkus does not bring the same level of detail to the campaign as Moore.
Moore is the best choice for Burien City Council, Position 5.
Sarah Moore is running for Burien City Council, Position 5. Moore serves as vice-chair of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and co-founded ACLU Burien People Power. Her work experience includes more than 20 years at the Pacific Science Center and managing a quarantine site with King County during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Moore's platform includes ensuring affordable housing for everyone through partnerships with other cities, state and county agencies, and nonprofit organizations and addressing causes of crime through distributing much-needed resources to Burien's communities. She also wants to prioritize environmental issues, including reducing polluted stormwater that runs into Puget Sound and providing lots of outdoor, walkable spaces.
Moore is facing small business owner Alex Simkus. He's running for city council to ensure entities like the Port of Seattle, the Department of Transportation, and King County Metro are held accountable for what he perceives as poor taxing and spending decisions. While his platform mentions increasing access to affordable housing and making utilities more affordable, Simkus does not bring the same level of detail to the campaign as Moore.
Moore is the best choice for Burien City Council, Position 5.
Deputy Mayor Krystal Marx is running for re-election to Burien City Council, Position 7. She is currently the executive director of Seattle Pride and previously worked for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Washington.
First elected in 2017, Marx has been a consistent progressive voice on the council. She takes a housing-first approach to homelessness, which prioritizes getting people in crisis into stable housing, and has worked to pass a range of tenant protections to keep people in their homes. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Marx voted in favor of $5 per hour hazard pay for front-line workers like grocery store employees. Recently, she joined her colleagues supporting an expansion of affordable housing in downtown Burien that includes units designated for Burien residents and veterans.
Marx faces sales associate Stephanie Mora. Her platform is conservative and she blames outsiders and nearby cities for local problems rather than offering solutions for Burien. Mora is also running to repeal the local ordinance allowing critical social services to be built in the city, leaving residents in need to fend for themselves.
Marx is the best choice in the race for Burien City Council, Position 7.
Deputy Mayor Krystal Marx is running for re-election to Burien City Council, Position 7. She is currently the executive director of Seattle Pride and previously worked for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Washington.
First elected in 2017, Marx has been a consistent progressive voice on the council. She takes a housing-first approach to homelessness, which prioritizes getting people in crisis into stable housing, and has worked to pass a range of tenant protections to keep people in their homes. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Marx voted in favor of $5 per hour hazard pay for front-line workers like grocery store employees. Recently, she joined her colleagues supporting an expansion of affordable housing in downtown Burien that includes units designated for Burien residents and veterans.
Marx faces sales associate Stephanie Mora. Her platform is conservative and she blames outsiders and nearby cities for local problems rather than offering solutions for Burien. Mora is also running to repeal the local ordinance allowing critical social services to be built in the city, leaving residents in need to fend for themselves.
Marx is the best choice in the race for Burien City Council, Position 7.
Deputy Mayor Krystal Marx is running for re-election to Burien City Council, Position 7. She is currently the executive director of Seattle Pride and previously worked for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Washington.
First elected in 2017, Marx has been a consistent progressive voice on the council. She takes a housing-first approach to homelessness, which prioritizes getting people in crisis into stable housing, and has worked to pass a range of tenant protections to keep people in their homes. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Marx voted in favor of $5 per hour hazard pay for front-line workers like grocery store employees. Recently, she joined her colleagues supporting an expansion of affordable housing in downtown Burien that includes units designated for Burien residents and veterans.
Marx faces sales associate Stephanie Mora. Her platform is conservative and she blames outsiders and nearby cities for local problems rather than offering solutions for Burien. Mora is also running to repeal the local ordinance allowing critical social services to be built in the city, leaving residents in need to fend for themselves.
Marx is the best choice in the race for Burien City Council, Position 7.
Soleil Lewis is a special education teacher and community leader running for Des Moines City Council, Position 7. Her campaign priorities include increasing government transparency, promoting civic engagement and education, expanding employment opportunities for youth, and improving neighborhood infrastructure. She wants to see the city expand online access to public meetings and improve language resources, alongside greater participation by the city in regional government.
If elected, Lewis also wants to create an airport committee, which would evaluate the impact of the Sea-Tac Airport on Des Moines residents. Additionally, Lewis works with Seattle King County and Vancouver NAACP on issues of diversity and inclusion and is excited to represent new voices on the city council as an African- and Haitian-American woman.
Lewis is challenging incumbent council member and deputy mayor Matt Mahoney. First elected in 2017, Mahoney has worked on a number of council committees including Municipal Facilities, Public Safety/Emergency Management, and Transportation. He is running for re-election on a more conservative platform of increased development and funding for law enforcement.
We recommend Lewis for Position 7 because of her progressive values and strong support from our partners and local leaders.
Soleil Lewis is a special education teacher and community leader running for Des Moines City Council, Position 7. Her campaign priorities include increasing government transparency, promoting civic engagement and education, expanding employment opportunities for youth, and improving neighborhood infrastructure. She wants to see the city expand online access to public meetings and improve language resources, alongside greater participation by the city in regional government.
If elected, Lewis also wants to create an airport committee, which would evaluate the impact of the Sea-Tac Airport on Des Moines residents. Additionally, Lewis works with Seattle King County and Vancouver NAACP on issues of diversity and inclusion and is excited to represent new voices on the city council as an African- and Haitian-American woman.
Lewis is challenging incumbent council member and deputy mayor Matt Mahoney. First elected in 2017, Mahoney has worked on a number of council committees including Municipal Facilities, Public Safety/Emergency Management, and Transportation. He is running for re-election on a more conservative platform of increased development and funding for law enforcement.
We recommend Lewis for Position 7 because of her progressive values and strong support from our partners and local leaders.
Soleil Lewis is a special education teacher and community leader running for Des Moines City Council, Position 7. Her campaign priorities include increasing government transparency, promoting civic engagement and education, expanding employment opportunities for youth, and improving neighborhood infrastructure. She wants to see the city expand online access to public meetings and improve language resources, alongside greater participation by the city in regional government.
If elected, Lewis also wants to create an airport committee, which would evaluate the impact of the Sea-Tac Airport on Des Moines residents. Additionally, Lewis works with Seattle King County and Vancouver NAACP on issues of diversity and inclusion and is excited to represent new voices on the city council as an African- and Haitian-American woman.
Lewis is challenging incumbent council member and deputy mayor Matt Mahoney. First elected in 2017, Mahoney has worked on a number of council committees including Municipal Facilities, Public Safety/Emergency Management, and Transportation. He is running for re-election on a more conservative platform of increased development and funding for law enforcement.
We recommend Lewis for Position 7 because of her progressive values and strong support from our partners and local leaders.
Incumbent Cassie Franklin was the first woman ever to be elected mayor of Everett. Before becoming mayor, Franklin was an Everett City Council member and served in a number of organizations and programs addressing homelessness.
Her tenure as mayor, which began in 2017, came at a difficult moment in the city's financial history. Washington cities are required by law to produce a balanced budget. With a deficit of $18 million for the city, up from $15 million inherited before her term due to pandemic-related causes, Franklin and the city council cut costs to balance the budget. Their budget closed service locations like the Carl Gipson Senior Center and the Forest Park Swim Center, reduced library hours, and eliminated city-sponsored events like fireworks, the animal farm, and flower festival, along with laying off or voluntary separating from over 130 employees. Disappointingly, despite calls by Black activists to reduce or move funds from the police department budget into more community services, the police budget was not cut like most other departments. Franklin states that the department's body camera program and training efforts are meeting the changes demanded by activists.
Budget aside, Franklin has worked hard in the pandemic to administer pandemic relief funds and issued a stay-home directive in the early days of the COVID crisis.
Franklin's opponent is Steve Oss, president of the Everett Transit Union. Oss does not have a website or detailed policy proposals as of mid-October. He states in a local interview that he believes businesses need support and the city's deficit needs to be addressed.
While Franklin is fairly moderate, her endorsements on both the conservative and progressive ends of the spectrum represent local faith in her second run, and she is the only viable choice in this race.
Incumbent Cassie Franklin was the first woman ever to be elected mayor of Everett. Before becoming mayor, Franklin was an Everett City Council member and served in a number of organizations and programs addressing homelessness.
Her tenure as mayor, which began in 2017, came at a difficult moment in the city's financial history. Washington cities are required by law to produce a balanced budget. With a deficit of $18 million for the city, up from $15 million inherited before her term due to pandemic-related causes, Franklin and the city council cut costs to balance the budget. Their budget closed service locations like the Carl Gipson Senior Center and the Forest Park Swim Center, reduced library hours, and eliminated city-sponsored events like fireworks, the animal farm, and flower festival, along with laying off or voluntary separating from over 130 employees. Disappointingly, despite calls by Black activists to reduce or move funds from the police department budget into more community services, the police budget was not cut like most other departments. Franklin states that the department's body camera program and training efforts are meeting the changes demanded by activists.
Budget aside, Franklin has worked hard in the pandemic to administer pandemic relief funds and issued a stay-home directive in the early days of the COVID crisis.
Franklin's opponent is Steve Oss, president of the Everett Transit Union. Oss does not have a website or detailed policy proposals as of mid-October. He states in a local interview that he believes businesses need support and the city's deficit needs to be addressed.
While Franklin is fairly moderate, her endorsements on both the conservative and progressive ends of the spectrum represent local faith in her second run, and she is the only viable choice in this race.
Incumbent Cassie Franklin was the first woman ever to be elected mayor of Everett. Before becoming mayor, Franklin was an Everett City Council member and served in a number of organizations and programs addressing homelessness.
Her tenure as mayor, which began in 2017, came at a difficult moment in the city's financial history. Washington cities are required by law to produce a balanced budget. With a deficit of $18 million for the city, up from $15 million inherited before her term due to pandemic-related causes, Franklin and the city council cut costs to balance the budget. Their budget closed service locations like the Carl Gipson Senior Center and the Forest Park Swim Center, reduced library hours, and eliminated city-sponsored events like fireworks, the animal farm, and flower festival, along with laying off or voluntary separating from over 130 employees. Disappointingly, despite calls by Black activists to reduce or move funds from the police department budget into more community services, the police budget was not cut like most other departments. Franklin states that the department's body camera program and training efforts are meeting the changes demanded by activists.
Budget aside, Franklin has worked hard in the pandemic to administer pandemic relief funds and issued a stay-home directive in the early days of the COVID crisis.
Franklin's opponent is Steve Oss, president of the Everett Transit Union. Oss does not have a website or detailed policy proposals as of mid-October. He states in a local interview that he believes businesses need support and the city's deficit needs to be addressed.
While Franklin is fairly moderate, her endorsements on both the conservative and progressive ends of the spectrum represent local faith in her second run, and she is the only viable choice in this race.
Mary Fosse works as a legislative aide to state Rep. Emily Wicks and is on the Everett Public Schools Fiscal Advisory Council. She is a former member of the Everett Districting Commission and has served as chair of the Delta Neighborhood Association.
Fosse has accomplished much in the community and beyond, especially for environmental causes. She led neighbor volunteers in an education campaign about toxic soil from the Asparco copper smelter, and was awarded $5 million from the Department of Ecology for the environmental justice cleanup of the Delta neighborhood. She was also awarded as Conservation Leader of the Year in 2020 from the Snohomish Conservation District for her work in promoting organic gardening and green pest management.
Fosse wants to harness her environmental experience into a campaign that centers the wellness and quality of life of Everett residents. Her priorities include working on equitable COVID recovery, pushing the city forward on sustainability, and leading on housing solutions.
We lean towards Fosse for Everett City Council, District 1.
Mary Fosse works as a legislative aide to state Rep. Emily Wicks and is on the Everett Public Schools Fiscal Advisory Council. She is a former member of the Everett Districting Commission and has served as chair of the Delta Neighborhood Association.
Fosse has accomplished much in the community and beyond, especially for environmental causes. She led neighbor volunteers in an education campaign about toxic soil from the Asparco copper smelter, and was awarded $5 million from the Department of Ecology for the environmental justice cleanup of the Delta neighborhood. She was also awarded as Conservation Leader of the Year in 2020 from the Snohomish Conservation District for her work in promoting organic gardening and green pest management.
Fosse wants to harness her environmental experience into a campaign that centers the wellness and quality of life of Everett residents. Her priorities include working on equitable COVID recovery, pushing the city forward on sustainability, and leading on housing solutions.
We lean towards Fosse for Everett City Council, District 1.
Mary Fosse works as a legislative aide to state Rep. Emily Wicks and is on the Everett Public Schools Fiscal Advisory Council. She is a former member of the Everett Districting Commission and has served as chair of the Delta Neighborhood Association.
Fosse has accomplished much in the community and beyond, especially for environmental causes. She led neighbor volunteers in an education campaign about toxic soil from the Asparco copper smelter, and was awarded $5 million from the Department of Ecology for the environmental justice cleanup of the Delta neighborhood. She was also awarded as Conservation Leader of the Year in 2020 from the Snohomish Conservation District for her work in promoting organic gardening and green pest management.
Fosse wants to harness her environmental experience into a campaign that centers the wellness and quality of life of Everett residents. Her priorities include working on equitable COVID recovery, pushing the city forward on sustainability, and leading on housing solutions.
We lean towards Fosse for Everett City Council, District 1.
Paula Rhyne is currently working as a legislative aide for Snohomish County Council member Megan Dunn. She has also worked on the King County Council for Rod Dembowski and then-council member Bob Ferguson. Her campaign is driven by a desire to pilot the city towards more affordable housing, stronger environmental protections, and an economic recovery that leaves no one behind.
Rhyne says that she will focus on supporting business owners through this phase of the pandemic, including preparing for more remote work and online shopping. She states that when the eviction moratorium ends, the city will need greater access to affordable and middle-income housing, and wants the council to incentivize the development of more moderate multi-family housing developments. She is a staunch supporter of investing in the community before punitive law enforcement measures. On one hand, that means providing police officers with more support staff to respond to nonviolent calls. That also means preventing crime, including nonviolent crimes caused by poverty, before they happen. Education and a focus on housing those without homes are two other core components of her campaign. Rhyne is committed to instituting equity-driven decision making and has centered her campaign around working together to improve the city.
Voters in District 2 have two good choices when it comes to picking a council member this year. We lean towards Rhyne for her progressive agenda and her support from our partners.
Paula Rhyne is currently working as a legislative aide for Snohomish County Council member Megan Dunn. She has also worked on the King County Council for Rod Dembowski and then-council member Bob Ferguson. Her campaign is driven by a desire to pilot the city towards more affordable housing, stronger environmental protections, and an economic recovery that leaves no one behind.
Rhyne says that she will focus on supporting business owners through this phase of the pandemic, including preparing for more remote work and online shopping. She states that when the eviction moratorium ends, the city will need greater access to affordable and middle-income housing, and wants the council to incentivize the development of more moderate multi-family housing developments. She is a staunch supporter of investing in the community before punitive law enforcement measures. On one hand, that means providing police officers with more support staff to respond to nonviolent calls. That also means preventing crime, including nonviolent crimes caused by poverty, before they happen. Education and a focus on housing those without homes are two other core components of her campaign. Rhyne is committed to instituting equity-driven decision making and has centered her campaign around working together to improve the city.
Voters in District 2 have two good choices when it comes to picking a council member this year. We lean towards Rhyne for her progressive agenda and her support from our partners.
Paula Rhyne is currently working as a legislative aide for Snohomish County Council member Megan Dunn. She has also worked on the King County Council for Rod Dembowski and then-council member Bob Ferguson. Her campaign is driven by a desire to pilot the city towards more affordable housing, stronger environmental protections, and an economic recovery that leaves no one behind.
Rhyne says that she will focus on supporting business owners through this phase of the pandemic, including preparing for more remote work and online shopping. She states that when the eviction moratorium ends, the city will need greater access to affordable and middle-income housing, and wants the council to incentivize the development of more moderate multi-family housing developments. She is a staunch supporter of investing in the community before punitive law enforcement measures. On one hand, that means providing police officers with more support staff to respond to nonviolent calls. That also means preventing crime, including nonviolent crimes caused by poverty, before they happen. Education and a focus on housing those without homes are two other core components of her campaign. Rhyne is committed to instituting equity-driven decision making and has centered her campaign around working together to improve the city.
Voters in District 2 have two good choices when it comes to picking a council member this year. We lean towards Rhyne for her progressive agenda and her support from our partners.
Retired firefighter Don Schwab is running for Everett City Council in District 3. He worked as a firefighter for more than three decades and has served on various boards in the community and at the state level, including as a board member of the Snohomish County Red Cross and on Washington's Council of Fire Fighters. He currently works for Snohomish County Treasurer Brian Sullivan and as an associate faculty member at Everett Community College.
Schwab states that the police and fire departments should be fully staffed and funded. He notes that Everett has one of the highest rates of COVID infections in the state, and supports expanding paid sick leave and family leave. He also supports fast-tracking the light rail system to stimulate economic development downtown and along Evergreen Way, promoting housing density, and improving citywide energy efficiency among other considerations.
Schwab is running against Lacey Sauvageau, a 911 dispatcher for Snohomish County. She previously ran as a Democrat against now Rep. Emily Wicks in the 38th Legislative District. Her campaign website is not accessible as of mid-October and detailed policy proposals are not available. Sauvageau's official voters' guide statement outlines her priorities as securing affordable housing, empowering the police, eliminating "wasteful spending," and supporting mental health for people experiencing homelessness.
Given that the city cut nearly every department aside from law enforcement in the last few months, we would like to see Schwab's policies on law enforcement evolve into a model that prioritizes investing more into human services. Nevertheless, Schwab is the best candidate in this race.
A note for Everett voters: this is the first election using the new redistricted map adopted last year. District 3 includes all of Boulevard Bluffs, Harborview Seahurst Glenhaven, View Ridge-Madison, Evergreen, and the southernmost tip of South Forest Park.
Retired firefighter Don Schwab is running for Everett City Council in District 3. He worked as a firefighter for more than three decades and has served on various boards in the community and at the state level, including as a board member of the Snohomish County Red Cross and on Washington's Council of Fire Fighters. He currently works for Snohomish County Treasurer Brian Sullivan and as an associate faculty member at Everett Community College.
Schwab states that the police and fire departments should be fully staffed and funded. He notes that Everett has one of the highest rates of COVID infections in the state, and supports expanding paid sick leave and family leave. He also supports fast-tracking the light rail system to stimulate economic development downtown and along Evergreen Way, promoting housing density, and improving citywide energy efficiency among other considerations.
Schwab is running against Lacey Sauvageau, a 911 dispatcher for Snohomish County. She previously ran as a Democrat against now Rep. Emily Wicks in the 38th Legislative District. Her campaign website is not accessible as of mid-October and detailed policy proposals are not available. Sauvageau's official voters' guide statement outlines her priorities as securing affordable housing, empowering the police, eliminating "wasteful spending," and supporting mental health for people experiencing homelessness.
Given that the city cut nearly every department aside from law enforcement in the last few months, we would like to see Schwab's policies on law enforcement evolve into a model that prioritizes investing more into human services. Nevertheless, Schwab is the best candidate in this race.
A note for Everett voters: this is the first election using the new redistricted map adopted last year. District 3 includes all of Boulevard Bluffs, Harborview Seahurst Glenhaven, View Ridge-Madison, Evergreen, and the southernmost tip of South Forest Park.
Retired firefighter Don Schwab is running for Everett City Council in District 3. He worked as a firefighter for more than three decades and has served on various boards in the community and at the state level, including as a board member of the Snohomish County Red Cross and on Washington's Council of Fire Fighters. He currently works for Snohomish County Treasurer Brian Sullivan and as an associate faculty member at Everett Community College.
Schwab states that the police and fire departments should be fully staffed and funded. He notes that Everett has one of the highest rates of COVID infections in the state, and supports expanding paid sick leave and family leave. He also supports fast-tracking the light rail system to stimulate economic development downtown and along Evergreen Way, promoting housing density, and improving citywide energy efficiency among other considerations.
Schwab is running against Lacey Sauvageau, a 911 dispatcher for Snohomish County. She previously ran as a Democrat against now Rep. Emily Wicks in the 38th Legislative District. Her campaign website is not accessible as of mid-October and detailed policy proposals are not available. Sauvageau's official voters' guide statement outlines her priorities as securing affordable housing, empowering the police, eliminating "wasteful spending," and supporting mental health for people experiencing homelessness.
Given that the city cut nearly every department aside from law enforcement in the last few months, we would like to see Schwab's policies on law enforcement evolve into a model that prioritizes investing more into human services. Nevertheless, Schwab is the best candidate in this race.
A note for Everett voters: this is the first election using the new redistricted map adopted last year. District 3 includes all of Boulevard Bluffs, Harborview Seahurst Glenhaven, View Ridge-Madison, Evergreen, and the southernmost tip of South Forest Park.
Incumbent Liz Vogeli has been a dedicated and passionate advocate for the residents of Everett since her election to the council in 2018. She is one of the most progressive members of the council, and sometimes the sole vote on important proposals. She was the lone no-vote for the "no-sit, no-lie" ordinance that passed this February, which criminalizes sitting or laying on the sidewalk in a roughly 10-block area, a policy which national legal advocacy organizations called "cruel and unusual punishment" for those who will be fined or jailed because they can't afford shelter. She has also voted to provide supportive housing for homeless students.
If re-elected, Vogeli aims to incentivize more affordable and climate-friendly housing, support much-needed access to the library, advocate for de-escalation and mental health experts to work alongside law enforcement, and push for more sustainable transit. She enjoys strong support from a wide breadth of progressive advocacy organizations, including health care workers, environmental organizations, and labor unions.
Challenging Vogeli is Tommie Rubatino, a teacher and pastor. His top campaign priorities are addressing homelessness, neighborhood safety, and supporting businesses. However, as of mid-October he does not have detailed policy proposals available on his website, and there is nothing that particularly points to a progressive agenda. His endorsements by Republican elected officials imply that Rubatino would lead from a more conservative angle if elected.
Vogeli has served the people of Everett well with her progressive vision for the city. We strongly recommend a vote to re-elect Liz Vogeli for Everett City Council in District 4.
A note for Everett voters: this is the first election using the new redistricted map adopted last year. District 4 includes the neighborhoods of Westmont and Holly.
Incumbent Liz Vogeli has been a dedicated and passionate advocate for the residents of Everett since her election to the council in 2018. She is one of the most progressive members of the council, and sometimes the sole vote on important proposals. She was the lone no-vote for the "no-sit, no-lie" ordinance that passed this February, which criminalizes sitting or laying on the sidewalk in a roughly 10-block area, a policy which national legal advocacy organizations called "cruel and unusual punishment" for those who will be fined or jailed because they can't afford shelter. She has also voted to provide supportive housing for homeless students.
If re-elected, Vogeli aims to incentivize more affordable and climate-friendly housing, support much-needed access to the library, advocate for de-escalation and mental health experts to work alongside law enforcement, and push for more sustainable transit. She enjoys strong support from a wide breadth of progressive advocacy organizations, including health care workers, environmental organizations, and labor unions.
Challenging Vogeli is Tommie Rubatino, a teacher and pastor. His top campaign priorities are addressing homelessness, neighborhood safety, and supporting businesses. However, as of mid-October he does not have detailed policy proposals available on his website, and there is nothing that particularly points to a progressive agenda. His endorsements by Republican elected officials imply that Rubatino would lead from a more conservative angle if elected.
Vogeli has served the people of Everett well with her progressive vision for the city. We strongly recommend a vote to re-elect Liz Vogeli for Everett City Council in District 4.
A note for Everett voters: this is the first election using the new redistricted map adopted last year. District 4 includes the neighborhoods of Westmont and Holly.
Incumbent Liz Vogeli has been a dedicated and passionate advocate for the residents of Everett since her election to the council in 2018. She is one of the most progressive members of the council, and sometimes the sole vote on important proposals. She was the lone no-vote for the "no-sit, no-lie" ordinance that passed this February, which criminalizes sitting or laying on the sidewalk in a roughly 10-block area, a policy which national legal advocacy organizations called "cruel and unusual punishment" for those who will be fined or jailed because they can't afford shelter. She has also voted to provide supportive housing for homeless students.
If re-elected, Vogeli aims to incentivize more affordable and climate-friendly housing, support much-needed access to the library, advocate for de-escalation and mental health experts to work alongside law enforcement, and push for more sustainable transit. She enjoys strong support from a wide breadth of progressive advocacy organizations, including health care workers, environmental organizations, and labor unions.
Challenging Vogeli is Tommie Rubatino, a teacher and pastor. His top campaign priorities are addressing homelessness, neighborhood safety, and supporting businesses. However, as of mid-October he does not have detailed policy proposals available on his website, and there is nothing that particularly points to a progressive agenda. His endorsements by Republican elected officials imply that Rubatino would lead from a more conservative angle if elected.
Vogeli has served the people of Everett well with her progressive vision for the city. We strongly recommend a vote to re-elect Liz Vogeli for Everett City Council in District 4.
A note for Everett voters: this is the first election using the new redistricted map adopted last year. District 4 includes the neighborhoods of Westmont and Holly.
Jim Ferrell is running for re-election to mayor of Federal Way. Before becoming mayor, he served on the city council from 2003 to 2013 and as a senior deputy prosecutor for King County. Ferrell's priorities for another term include protecting the environment, investing in working families, and supporting local businesses. He has worked to support moving people experiencing homelessness into shelters and housing and hopes to enhance the city's parks as Federal Way prepares for Light Rail.
Also in this race is Mark Greene, a perennial candidate who has previously run for the Washington state House of Representatives, Congress, lieutenant governor, and elections director of King County. He does not have a coherent campaign platform or relevant experience. Greene states he does not support reproductive justice and does not appear to believe in COVID-19.
Ferrell is the better choice in the race for mayor of Federal Way.
Jim Ferrell is running for re-election to mayor of Federal Way. Before becoming mayor, he served on the city council from 2003 to 2013 and as a senior deputy prosecutor for King County. Ferrell's priorities for another term include protecting the environment, investing in working families, and supporting local businesses. He has worked to support moving people experiencing homelessness into shelters and housing and hopes to enhance the city's parks as Federal Way prepares for Light Rail.
Also in this race is Mark Greene, a perennial candidate who has previously run for the Washington state House of Representatives, Congress, lieutenant governor, and elections director of King County. He does not have a coherent campaign platform or relevant experience. Greene states he does not support reproductive justice and does not appear to believe in COVID-19.
Ferrell is the better choice in the race for mayor of Federal Way.
Jim Ferrell is running for re-election to mayor of Federal Way. Before becoming mayor, he served on the city council from 2003 to 2013 and as a senior deputy prosecutor for King County. Ferrell's priorities for another term include protecting the environment, investing in working families, and supporting local businesses. He has worked to support moving people experiencing homelessness into shelters and housing and hopes to enhance the city's parks as Federal Way prepares for Light Rail.
Also in this race is Mark Greene, a perennial candidate who has previously run for the Washington state House of Representatives, Congress, lieutenant governor, and elections director of King County. He does not have a coherent campaign platform or relevant experience. Greene states he does not support reproductive justice and does not appear to believe in COVID-19.
Ferrell is the better choice in the race for mayor of Federal Way.
Gregory Baruso is running for re-election to Federal Way City Council, Position 2. Baruso is a firefighter and the president of the Citizens for Federal Way Schools. He also served on the city's Diversity Commission for 12 years.
Baruso was appointed to the city council in March 2020 and serves as the chair of the Land Use and Transportation Committee. He has worked to balance the city's budget, support local recovery from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and sponsored several initiatives to help end racial discrimination. Baruso is emphasizing helping both people and local businesses recover from the impacts of COVID-19 in his re-election campaign.
Baruso is facing Erica Norton, a local business owner. She previously served as chairperson for the Pierce County Corrections Committee as well as the Federal Way Homelessness Coalition. Her platform is not progressive and emphasizes funding for the police instead of looking at investing in community services that would be more effective at keeping our community safe. Norton's campaign website includes complaints about the state's COVID-19 safety measures, which were instrumental in saving countless lives.
Baruso is the best choice for Federal Way City Council, Position 2.
Gregory Baruso is running for re-election to Federal Way City Council, Position 2. Baruso is a firefighter and the president of the Citizens for Federal Way Schools. He also served on the city's Diversity Commission for 12 years.
Baruso was appointed to the city council in March 2020 and serves as the chair of the Land Use and Transportation Committee. He has worked to balance the city's budget, support local recovery from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and sponsored several initiatives to help end racial discrimination. Baruso is emphasizing helping both people and local businesses recover from the impacts of COVID-19 in his re-election campaign.
Baruso is facing Erica Norton, a local business owner. She previously served as chairperson for the Pierce County Corrections Committee as well as the Federal Way Homelessness Coalition. Her platform is not progressive and emphasizes funding for the police instead of looking at investing in community services that would be more effective at keeping our community safe. Norton's campaign website includes complaints about the state's COVID-19 safety measures, which were instrumental in saving countless lives.
Baruso is the best choice for Federal Way City Council, Position 2.
Gregory Baruso is running for re-election to Federal Way City Council, Position 2. Baruso is a firefighter and the president of the Citizens for Federal Way Schools. He also served on the city's Diversity Commission for 12 years.
Baruso was appointed to the city council in March 2020 and serves as the chair of the Land Use and Transportation Committee. He has worked to balance the city's budget, support local recovery from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and sponsored several initiatives to help end racial discrimination. Baruso is emphasizing helping both people and local businesses recover from the impacts of COVID-19 in his re-election campaign.
Baruso is facing Erica Norton, a local business owner. She previously served as chairperson for the Pierce County Corrections Committee as well as the Federal Way Homelessness Coalition. Her platform is not progressive and emphasizes funding for the police instead of looking at investing in community services that would be more effective at keeping our community safe. Norton's campaign website includes complaints about the state's COVID-19 safety measures, which were instrumental in saving countless lives.
Baruso is the best choice for Federal Way City Council, Position 2.
Leandra Craft is running to retain her seat on Federal Way City Council in Position 5. She was appointed to the council in October 2020 and is a King County deputy prosecuting attorney. Craft focuses her work as an attorney on alternatives to incarceration and prosecuting hate crimes. In her time on the council, she has been a voice for all members of the community and worked to prioritize housing affordability as well as economic development and recovery in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Also in this race is Jack Walsh, a former newspaper reporter who currently owns a local ice cream business. Walsh led advisory vote campaigns to keep marijuana businesses out of Federal Way. His campaign platform includes a refusal to consider investing in community safety alternatives as well as damaging misinformation about people experiencing homelessness.
Craft is the obvious choice in the race for Federal Way City Council, Position 5.
Leandra Craft is running to retain her seat on Federal Way City Council in Position 5. She was appointed to the council in October 2020 and is a King County deputy prosecuting attorney. Craft focuses her work as an attorney on alternatives to incarceration and prosecuting hate crimes. In her time on the council, she has been a voice for all members of the community and worked to prioritize housing affordability as well as economic development and recovery in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Also in this race is Jack Walsh, a former newspaper reporter who currently owns a local ice cream business. Walsh led advisory vote campaigns to keep marijuana businesses out of Federal Way. His campaign platform includes a refusal to consider investing in community safety alternatives as well as damaging misinformation about people experiencing homelessness.
Craft is the obvious choice in the race for Federal Way City Council, Position 5.
Leandra Craft is running to retain her seat on Federal Way City Council in Position 5. She was appointed to the council in October 2020 and is a King County deputy prosecuting attorney. Craft focuses her work as an attorney on alternatives to incarceration and prosecuting hate crimes. In her time on the council, she has been a voice for all members of the community and worked to prioritize housing affordability as well as economic development and recovery in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Also in this race is Jack Walsh, a former newspaper reporter who currently owns a local ice cream business. Walsh led advisory vote campaigns to keep marijuana businesses out of Federal Way. His campaign platform includes a refusal to consider investing in community safety alternatives as well as damaging misinformation about people experiencing homelessness.
Craft is the obvious choice in the race for Federal Way City Council, Position 5.
Incumbent Kate Bishop is running to retain her seat in Position 6 on the Ferndale City Council. First elected in 2017, Bishop is the current mayor pro tem and chairs the Finance and Administration committee. She has also worked as a social worker for over a decade. Bishop serves as a board member for the Ferndale Community Service Cooperative and helped to establish the Ferndale Utilities Fund there.
On the council, Bishop created the Equity Advisory Board as well as the North Whatcom Poverty Task Force, which works to assess the needs of the community in the areas of housing and food insecurity, housing affordability, and income inequality. If re-elected, she wants to continue working to keep Ferndale affordable and she would invest in social services, business support, and infrastructure updates. Bishop has been endorsed by the Whatcom County Democrats in this race.
Bishop faces a challenge from Robert Pinkley, who owns a restaurant in downtown Ferndale. Pinkley previously worked for the U.S. Department of Commerce and ran unsuccessfully for Ferndale mayor in 2019. Now, he is campaigning on a more Republican platform to represent downtown and prioritize business interests above community needs.
Kate Bishop will continue fighting for community solutions. She deserves your vote for Ferndale City Council, Position 6.
Incumbent Kate Bishop is running to retain her seat in Position 6 on the Ferndale City Council. First elected in 2017, Bishop is the current mayor pro tem and chairs the Finance and Administration committee. She has also worked as a social worker for over a decade. Bishop serves as a board member for the Ferndale Community Service Cooperative and helped to establish the Ferndale Utilities Fund there.
On the council, Bishop created the Equity Advisory Board as well as the North Whatcom Poverty Task Force, which works to assess the needs of the community in the areas of housing and food insecurity, housing affordability, and income inequality. If re-elected, she wants to continue working to keep Ferndale affordable and she would invest in social services, business support, and infrastructure updates. Bishop has been endorsed by the Whatcom County Democrats in this race.
Bishop faces a challenge from Robert Pinkley, who owns a restaurant in downtown Ferndale. Pinkley previously worked for the U.S. Department of Commerce and ran unsuccessfully for Ferndale mayor in 2019. Now, he is campaigning on a more Republican platform to represent downtown and prioritize business interests above community needs.
Kate Bishop will continue fighting for community solutions. She deserves your vote for Ferndale City Council, Position 6.
Incumbent Kate Bishop is running to retain her seat in Position 6 on the Ferndale City Council. First elected in 2017, Bishop is the current mayor pro tem and chairs the Finance and Administration committee. She has also worked as a social worker for over a decade. Bishop serves as a board member for the Ferndale Community Service Cooperative and helped to establish the Ferndale Utilities Fund there.
On the council, Bishop created the Equity Advisory Board as well as the North Whatcom Poverty Task Force, which works to assess the needs of the community in the areas of housing and food insecurity, housing affordability, and income inequality. If re-elected, she wants to continue working to keep Ferndale affordable and she would invest in social services, business support, and infrastructure updates. Bishop has been endorsed by the Whatcom County Democrats in this race.
Bishop faces a challenge from Robert Pinkley, who owns a restaurant in downtown Ferndale. Pinkley previously worked for the U.S. Department of Commerce and ran unsuccessfully for Ferndale mayor in 2019. Now, he is campaigning on a more Republican platform to represent downtown and prioritize business interests above community needs.
Kate Bishop will continue fighting for community solutions. She deserves your vote for Ferndale City Council, Position 6.
Maralise Fegan is running to retain her seat in Position 7 on the Ferndale City Council. Fegan first joined the council in January of this year when she was appointed to fill the vacancy left by Ramon Llanos. She works as an immigration paralegal with Boundary Bay Law and serves as an adjunct faculty and advisor in paralegal studies at Whatcom Community College.
If retained, Fegan wants to center the community's needs by making Ferndale more affordable while attracting new businesses and creating new jobs. Fegan would also seek to handle growth responsibly and invest in infrastructure updates to keep the community safe. She supports bold action on affordable housing, especially as the eviction moratorium lifts, as well as accessible broadband access. In this race, Fegan has earned endorsements from local progressive organizations.
Former mayor and pastor Jon Mutchler is challenging Fegan for Position 7. He served on the city council himself from 2010 to 2015 and then served one term as mayor from 2016 to 2019. In 2019, Mutchler was found guilty of an ethics violation when he displayed personal campaign materials at City Hall. He is running a more conservative campaign to advocate for cutting social services and promoting fear-based public safety ideas. Mutchler lists affordability as a top priority, but unfortunately, his solution is just to decrease costs for developers instead of addressing the roots of the housing crisis.
Fegan is the best choice in this race. She deserves your vote for Ferndale City Council, Position 7.
Maralise Fegan is running to retain her seat in Position 7 on the Ferndale City Council. Fegan first joined the council in January of this year when she was appointed to fill the vacancy left by Ramon Llanos. She works as an immigration paralegal with Boundary Bay Law and serves as an adjunct faculty and advisor in paralegal studies at Whatcom Community College.
If retained, Fegan wants to center the community's needs by making Ferndale more affordable while attracting new businesses and creating new jobs. Fegan would also seek to handle growth responsibly and invest in infrastructure updates to keep the community safe. She supports bold action on affordable housing, especially as the eviction moratorium lifts, as well as accessible broadband access. In this race, Fegan has earned endorsements from local progressive organizations.
Former mayor and pastor Jon Mutchler is challenging Fegan for Position 7. He served on the city council himself from 2010 to 2015 and then served one term as mayor from 2016 to 2019. In 2019, Mutchler was found guilty of an ethics violation when he displayed personal campaign materials at City Hall. He is running a more conservative campaign to advocate for cutting social services and promoting fear-based public safety ideas. Mutchler lists affordability as a top priority, but unfortunately, his solution is just to decrease costs for developers instead of addressing the roots of the housing crisis.
Fegan is the best choice in this race. She deserves your vote for Ferndale City Council, Position 7.
Maralise Fegan is running to retain her seat in Position 7 on the Ferndale City Council. Fegan first joined the council in January of this year when she was appointed to fill the vacancy left by Ramon Llanos. She works as an immigration paralegal with Boundary Bay Law and serves as an adjunct faculty and advisor in paralegal studies at Whatcom Community College.
If retained, Fegan wants to center the community's needs by making Ferndale more affordable while attracting new businesses and creating new jobs. Fegan would also seek to handle growth responsibly and invest in infrastructure updates to keep the community safe. She supports bold action on affordable housing, especially as the eviction moratorium lifts, as well as accessible broadband access. In this race, Fegan has earned endorsements from local progressive organizations.
Former mayor and pastor Jon Mutchler is challenging Fegan for Position 7. He served on the city council himself from 2010 to 2015 and then served one term as mayor from 2016 to 2019. In 2019, Mutchler was found guilty of an ethics violation when he displayed personal campaign materials at City Hall. He is running a more conservative campaign to advocate for cutting social services and promoting fear-based public safety ideas. Mutchler lists affordability as a top priority, but unfortunately, his solution is just to decrease costs for developers instead of addressing the roots of the housing crisis.
Fegan is the best choice in this race. She deserves your vote for Ferndale City Council, Position 7.
Incumbent Jeni Woock has served on the Gig Harbor City Council since 2018. She has a long volunteer record, especially around the environment, as one of the co-founders of Citizens for the Preservation of Gig Harbor and chair of the Gig Harbor Sustainability Coalition.
Woock ran for council in 2017 on a promise of slower growth. She advocated for developers to pay their share of traffic impact fees in 2019 and voted for a six-month moratorium on residential development in 2018. Woock is also an advocate for switching from a strong mayor form of government to a council form after tumultuous leadership by Mayor Kit Kuhn.
Also in this race is real estate agent and former commercial fisherman Robert Wiles. According to his candidate statement, he wants to see less development in the city and more historical preservation, but he does not have any concrete policy proposals or wider campaign plans available as of mid-October.
While Woock isn't very progressive overall, she is an environmentalist and the only viable choice in this race.
Incumbent Jeni Woock has served on the Gig Harbor City Council since 2018. She has a long volunteer record, especially around the environment, as one of the co-founders of Citizens for the Preservation of Gig Harbor and chair of the Gig Harbor Sustainability Coalition.
Woock ran for council in 2017 on a promise of slower growth. She advocated for developers to pay their share of traffic impact fees in 2019 and voted for a six-month moratorium on residential development in 2018. Woock is also an advocate for switching from a strong mayor form of government to a council form after tumultuous leadership by Mayor Kit Kuhn.
Also in this race is real estate agent and former commercial fisherman Robert Wiles. According to his candidate statement, he wants to see less development in the city and more historical preservation, but he does not have any concrete policy proposals or wider campaign plans available as of mid-October.
While Woock isn't very progressive overall, she is an environmentalist and the only viable choice in this race.
Incumbent Jeni Woock has served on the Gig Harbor City Council since 2018. She has a long volunteer record, especially around the environment, as one of the co-founders of Citizens for the Preservation of Gig Harbor and chair of the Gig Harbor Sustainability Coalition.
Woock ran for council in 2017 on a promise of slower growth. She advocated for developers to pay their share of traffic impact fees in 2019 and voted for a six-month moratorium on residential development in 2018. Woock is also an advocate for switching from a strong mayor form of government to a council form after tumultuous leadership by Mayor Kit Kuhn.
Also in this race is real estate agent and former commercial fisherman Robert Wiles. According to his candidate statement, he wants to see less development in the city and more historical preservation, but he does not have any concrete policy proposals or wider campaign plans available as of mid-October.
While Woock isn't very progressive overall, she is an environmentalist and the only viable choice in this race.
Incumbent Satwinder Kaur is running unopposed for her current seat on the Kent City Council in Position 2. Kaur serves in many community and advocacy organizations, including the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency Advisory Council, King County Domestic Violence Regional Task Force, and the Kentwood PTSA. Since her election in 2018, Kaur has pushed for racial justice trainings and a strategic plan on equity for the city as well as more funding for human services.
Kaur has earned another term on the Kent City Council.
Incumbent Satwinder Kaur is running unopposed for her current seat on the Kent City Council in Position 2. Kaur serves in many community and advocacy organizations, including the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency Advisory Council, King County Domestic Violence Regional Task Force, and the Kentwood PTSA. Since her election in 2018, Kaur has pushed for racial justice trainings and a strategic plan on equity for the city as well as more funding for human services.
Kaur has earned another term on the Kent City Council.
Incumbent Satwinder Kaur is running unopposed for her current seat on the Kent City Council in Position 2. Kaur serves in many community and advocacy organizations, including the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency Advisory Council, King County Domestic Violence Regional Task Force, and the Kentwood PTSA. Since her election in 2018, Kaur has pushed for racial justice trainings and a strategic plan on equity for the city as well as more funding for human services.
Kaur has earned another term on the Kent City Council.
Clifford Cawthon is an activist, educator, and freelance journalist who has advocated for years for progressive causes. He works as an adjunct professor at Bellevue College and as the pro-housing coalition strategy manager at the Sightline Institute. In line with his history as a social justice advocate, Cawthon has organized and led campaigns for low-wage workers and for funding the Kent-Des Moines light rail station. He has also served on the Renters Commission in Seattle.
Cawthon wants to bring his years of experience to city hall to improve life for everyone in Kent. He wants to start by strengthening renter protections and expanding low-income and "missing middle" housing options. He also wants to provide more security for residents by expanding the city's food banks and creating year-round farmers markets. Cawthon believes the city could do more to develop its infrastructure and would advocate for public broadband and transit centers in each neighborhood. He rounds out his progressive vision for the city by promising that residents, especially those from communities of color who are often left out of planning decisions, will be able to provide more input in city issues, including the creation of a civilian oversight committee for law enforcement.
Cawthon is challenging incumbent Toni Troutner, who also serves as chair of the Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority Governance board. Troutner was also elected council president in 2019.
One of the biggest differences between the candidates is in the handling of the budget and law enforcement. Troutner supported the 2018 proposal to increase utility taxes to hire more police officers, which voters solidly rejected. In addition, she was satisfied with this year's budgeting process, which devoted 60 percent of the city budget to law enforcement. Cawthon, on the other hand, believes that the city needs to invest more in community needs rather than reactive and punitive policing. Cawthon wants to fund more mental health and behavioral specialists to help address mental crises and domestic violence incidents, while Troutner falsely stated that crime happens because there isn't enough prosecution.
We recommend Cawthon for a progressive vision for Kent.
Clifford Cawthon is an activist, educator, and freelance journalist who has advocated for years for progressive causes. He works as an adjunct professor at Bellevue College and as the pro-housing coalition strategy manager at the Sightline Institute. In line with his history as a social justice advocate, Cawthon has organized and led campaigns for low-wage workers and for funding the Kent-Des Moines light rail station. He has also served on the Renters Commission in Seattle.
Cawthon wants to bring his years of experience to city hall to improve life for everyone in Kent. He wants to start by strengthening renter protections and expanding low-income and "missing middle" housing options. He also wants to provide more security for residents by expanding the city's food banks and creating year-round farmers markets. Cawthon believes the city could do more to develop its infrastructure and would advocate for public broadband and transit centers in each neighborhood. He rounds out his progressive vision for the city by promising that residents, especially those from communities of color who are often left out of planning decisions, will be able to provide more input in city issues, including the creation of a civilian oversight committee for law enforcement.
Cawthon is challenging incumbent Toni Troutner, who also serves as chair of the Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority Governance board. Troutner was also elected council president in 2019.
One of the biggest differences between the candidates is in the handling of the budget and law enforcement. Troutner supported the 2018 proposal to increase utility taxes to hire more police officers, which voters solidly rejected. In addition, she was satisfied with this year's budgeting process, which devoted 60 percent of the city budget to law enforcement. Cawthon, on the other hand, believes that the city needs to invest more in community needs rather than reactive and punitive policing. Cawthon wants to fund more mental health and behavioral specialists to help address mental crises and domestic violence incidents, while Troutner falsely stated that crime happens because there isn't enough prosecution.
We recommend Cawthon for a progressive vision for Kent.
Clifford Cawthon is an activist, educator, and freelance journalist who has advocated for years for progressive causes. He works as an adjunct professor at Bellevue College and as the pro-housing coalition strategy manager at the Sightline Institute. In line with his history as a social justice advocate, Cawthon has organized and led campaigns for low-wage workers and for funding the Kent-Des Moines light rail station. He has also served on the Renters Commission in Seattle.
Cawthon wants to bring his years of experience to city hall to improve life for everyone in Kent. He wants to start by strengthening renter protections and expanding low-income and "missing middle" housing options. He also wants to provide more security for residents by expanding the city's food banks and creating year-round farmers markets. Cawthon believes the city could do more to develop its infrastructure and would advocate for public broadband and transit centers in each neighborhood. He rounds out his progressive vision for the city by promising that residents, especially those from communities of color who are often left out of planning decisions, will be able to provide more input in city issues, including the creation of a civilian oversight committee for law enforcement.
Cawthon is challenging incumbent Toni Troutner, who also serves as chair of the Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority Governance board. Troutner was also elected council president in 2019.
One of the biggest differences between the candidates is in the handling of the budget and law enforcement. Troutner supported the 2018 proposal to increase utility taxes to hire more police officers, which voters solidly rejected. In addition, she was satisfied with this year's budgeting process, which devoted 60 percent of the city budget to law enforcement. Cawthon, on the other hand, believes that the city needs to invest more in community needs rather than reactive and punitive policing. Cawthon wants to fund more mental health and behavioral specialists to help address mental crises and domestic violence incidents, while Troutner falsely stated that crime happens because there isn't enough prosecution.
We recommend Cawthon for a progressive vision for Kent.
Incumbent Richard Brocksmith is running for Mount Vernon City Council in the At-Large Position. Brocksmith first joined the council in 2018, having served on the city’s planning commission before that. He was appointed to the Skagit Environmental Endowment Commission in 2020 and serves on the board of the Mount Vernon Public Schools Foundation. Brocksmith is also the executive director of the Skagit Watershed Council.
Brocksmith is running on a platform that emphasizes housing, infrastructure, economic development, and public green space. He has a 2- to 3-year plan to expand housing options for multiple income levels in order to address housing insecurity that many Mount Vernon residents face. Brocksmith wants to invest in community development including the Library Commons project, street and wastewater treatment plant enhancements, and utilizing the Local Fiscal Recovery for local parks and trails.
Challenging Brocksmith in this race is Larry Carpenter, a retired business owner. Carpenter previously served as president of the Master Marine Services and is a current commissioner with the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission. His campaign has been backed by the county Republicans and he doesn’t have a campaign platform or website as of mid-October, including being unresponsive to local requests for interviews.
We recommend Richard Brocksmith for the at-large position on the Mount Vernon City Council because of his community-centered platform and his progressive support in this race from elected officials and local organizations.
Incumbent Richard Brocksmith is running for Mount Vernon City Council in the At-Large Position. Brocksmith first joined the council in 2018, having served on the city’s planning commission before that. He was appointed to the Skagit Environmental Endowment Commission in 2020 and serves on the board of the Mount Vernon Public Schools Foundation. Brocksmith is also the executive director of the Skagit Watershed Council.
Brocksmith is running on a platform that emphasizes housing, infrastructure, economic development, and public green space. He has a 2- to 3-year plan to expand housing options for multiple income levels in order to address housing insecurity that many Mount Vernon residents face. Brocksmith wants to invest in community development including the Library Commons project, street and wastewater treatment plant enhancements, and utilizing the Local Fiscal Recovery for local parks and trails.
Challenging Brocksmith in this race is Larry Carpenter, a retired business owner. Carpenter previously served as president of the Master Marine Services and is a current commissioner with the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission. His campaign has been backed by the county Republicans and he doesn’t have a campaign platform or website as of mid-October, including being unresponsive to local requests for interviews.
We recommend Richard Brocksmith for the at-large position on the Mount Vernon City Council because of his community-centered platform and his progressive support in this race from elected officials and local organizations.
Incumbent Richard Brocksmith is running for Mount Vernon City Council in the At-Large Position. Brocksmith first joined the council in 2018, having served on the city’s planning commission before that. He was appointed to the Skagit Environmental Endowment Commission in 2020 and serves on the board of the Mount Vernon Public Schools Foundation. Brocksmith is also the executive director of the Skagit Watershed Council.
Brocksmith is running on a platform that emphasizes housing, infrastructure, economic development, and public green space. He has a 2- to 3-year plan to expand housing options for multiple income levels in order to address housing insecurity that many Mount Vernon residents face. Brocksmith wants to invest in community development including the Library Commons project, street and wastewater treatment plant enhancements, and utilizing the Local Fiscal Recovery for local parks and trails.
Challenging Brocksmith in this race is Larry Carpenter, a retired business owner. Carpenter previously served as president of the Master Marine Services and is a current commissioner with the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission. His campaign has been backed by the county Republicans and he doesn’t have a campaign platform or website as of mid-October, including being unresponsive to local requests for interviews.
We recommend Richard Brocksmith for the at-large position on the Mount Vernon City Council because of his community-centered platform and his progressive support in this race from elected officials and local organizations.
Incumbent mayor Jennifer Gregerson is running for re-election for mayor of Mukilteo. Gregerson was first elected mayor in 2013 at which time she became Mukilteo’s first female mayor. Before that, Gregerson served as a city council member from 2004 until 2013. Outside of public service, she owns her own small business and volunteers as a member of the Domestic Violence Services of Snohomish County board.
Gregerson is running a very progressive campaign based on economic recovery, community growth, and safety for all. If re-elected, she wants to continue the public investment in the local economy following the more than $400,000 previously distributed in small business grants. Gregerson also wants to improve the waterfront promenade and upgrade the Harbour Reach Corridor, for which she has secured state funding. She has earned the support of many local organizations and progressive elected officials.
Former mayor Joe Marine is challenging Gregerson on a more conservative platform that emphasizes exclusionary housing policy and cutting community services. Marine was mayor from 2006 until 2012, and served on the city council from 1998 to 2000 and again from 2020 until the present.
Jennifer Gregerson is the obvious choice in this race for Mukilteo mayor and she deserves your vote to keep bringing progressive values to city hall.
Incumbent mayor Jennifer Gregerson is running for re-election for mayor of Mukilteo. Gregerson was first elected mayor in 2013 at which time she became Mukilteo’s first female mayor. Before that, Gregerson served as a city council member from 2004 until 2013. Outside of public service, she owns her own small business and volunteers as a member of the Domestic Violence Services of Snohomish County board.
Gregerson is running a very progressive campaign based on economic recovery, community growth, and safety for all. If re-elected, she wants to continue the public investment in the local economy following the more than $400,000 previously distributed in small business grants. Gregerson also wants to improve the waterfront promenade and upgrade the Harbour Reach Corridor, for which she has secured state funding. She has earned the support of many local organizations and progressive elected officials.
Former mayor Joe Marine is challenging Gregerson on a more conservative platform that emphasizes exclusionary housing policy and cutting community services. Marine was mayor from 2006 until 2012, and served on the city council from 1998 to 2000 and again from 2020 until the present.
Jennifer Gregerson is the obvious choice in this race for Mukilteo mayor and she deserves your vote to keep bringing progressive values to city hall.
Incumbent mayor Jennifer Gregerson is running for re-election for mayor of Mukilteo. Gregerson was first elected mayor in 2013 at which time she became Mukilteo’s first female mayor. Before that, Gregerson served as a city council member from 2004 until 2013. Outside of public service, she owns her own small business and volunteers as a member of the Domestic Violence Services of Snohomish County board.
Gregerson is running a very progressive campaign based on economic recovery, community growth, and safety for all. If re-elected, she wants to continue the public investment in the local economy following the more than $400,000 previously distributed in small business grants. Gregerson also wants to improve the waterfront promenade and upgrade the Harbour Reach Corridor, for which she has secured state funding. She has earned the support of many local organizations and progressive elected officials.
Former mayor Joe Marine is challenging Gregerson on a more conservative platform that emphasizes exclusionary housing policy and cutting community services. Marine was mayor from 2006 until 2012, and served on the city council from 1998 to 2000 and again from 2020 until the present.
Jennifer Gregerson is the obvious choice in this race for Mukilteo mayor and she deserves your vote to keep bringing progressive values to city hall.
Incumbent Yến Huỳnh was appointed to the Position 2 seat in January 2021 after Jessica Bateman left the council to join the state Legislature. She is a former equity and social justice coordinator at the Washington State Department of Corrections, where she aimed to reduce recidivism and is a former Olympia planning commissioner. She is the only person of color currently serving on the council as well as the youngest member of the council.
Huỳnh's priorities include helping small businesses recover from the pandemic, working with local arts organizations, expanding affordable housing, and improving transportation for all. The council member wants to see public safety reimagined through the input of the community, and wants to see first responders and diverse community members included as part of the city's public safety decision-making process. She is endorsed by a wide slate of state senators, elected officials, city council members, unions, and other progressive organizations.
She is running against Robbi Kesler, the former general counsel for the Confederated Tribes of Chehalis, and a member of the Skokomish Tribe in Mason County. In the primary, Kesler's initial answers on homelessness in local interviews did not point to an effective strategy, with an overemphasis on private property. Kesler has since significantly expanded her platform, providing more details on her plans to address homelessness, handle waterfront development, and support collective bargaining. However, Huynh's solid track record on the council and support from the progressive community still makes her the best choice in this race.
Incumbent Yến Huỳnh was appointed to the Position 2 seat in January 2021 after Jessica Bateman left the council to join the state Legislature. She is a former equity and social justice coordinator at the Washington State Department of Corrections, where she aimed to reduce recidivism and is a former Olympia planning commissioner. She is the only person of color currently serving on the council as well as the youngest member of the council.
Huỳnh's priorities include helping small businesses recover from the pandemic, working with local arts organizations, expanding affordable housing, and improving transportation for all. The council member wants to see public safety reimagined through the input of the community, and wants to see first responders and diverse community members included as part of the city's public safety decision-making process. She is endorsed by a wide slate of state senators, elected officials, city council members, unions, and other progressive organizations.
She is running against Robbi Kesler, the former general counsel for the Confederated Tribes of Chehalis, and a member of the Skokomish Tribe in Mason County. In the primary, Kesler's initial answers on homelessness in local interviews did not point to an effective strategy, with an overemphasis on private property. Kesler has since significantly expanded her platform, providing more details on her plans to address homelessness, handle waterfront development, and support collective bargaining. However, Huynh's solid track record on the council and support from the progressive community still makes her the best choice in this race.
Incumbent Yến Huỳnh was appointed to the Position 2 seat in January 2021 after Jessica Bateman left the council to join the state Legislature. She is a former equity and social justice coordinator at the Washington State Department of Corrections, where she aimed to reduce recidivism and is a former Olympia planning commissioner. She is the only person of color currently serving on the council as well as the youngest member of the council.
Huỳnh's priorities include helping small businesses recover from the pandemic, working with local arts organizations, expanding affordable housing, and improving transportation for all. The council member wants to see public safety reimagined through the input of the community, and wants to see first responders and diverse community members included as part of the city's public safety decision-making process. She is endorsed by a wide slate of state senators, elected officials, city council members, unions, and other progressive organizations.
She is running against Robbi Kesler, the former general counsel for the Confederated Tribes of Chehalis, and a member of the Skokomish Tribe in Mason County. In the primary, Kesler's initial answers on homelessness in local interviews did not point to an effective strategy, with an overemphasis on private property. Kesler has since significantly expanded her platform, providing more details on her plans to address homelessness, handle waterfront development, and support collective bargaining. However, Huynh's solid track record on the council and support from the progressive community still makes her the best choice in this race.
Incumbent mayor pro tem Clark Gilman is running for re-election to his seat on the Olympia City Council, where he has served since January 2016. Previously, Gilman worked as a clean energy advocate at Climate Solutions and an organizer for the carpenters union. Currently, he works as a paraeducator at South Sound High School.
Gilman's top three campaign priorities are protecting the city's environment and natural spaces, engaging residents in city planning, and encouraging a sense of cooperation in the community. While on the council, Gilman has been an advocate for affordability requirements on tax-incentivized development, which keeps more homes and apartments affordable for all. He also worked to pass renter protections for people falling behind on payments due to COVID. Gilman and the council have also supported reverting Capitol Lake back to an estuary to support salmon populations.
His opponent is Candace Mercer, who says that she is a 'progressive' who voted for Donald Trump. Much of her writing focuses on her decision to embrace right-wing advocates and ideals. Her secondary focus is on homelessness and addiction, with a stronger focus on the latter, though the measures she suggests are largely punitive. Mercer states that the city should aggressively prosecute drug dealing and sex work, build privatized urban campsites, and push for substance abstinence.
Gilman's agenda is far more comprehensive and actually progressive, addressing the city's biggest issues at the source with services that help struggling families and prevent people from falling into poverty in the first place. Clark Gilman is the best choice for Olympia City Council, Position 4.
Incumbent mayor pro tem Clark Gilman is running for re-election to his seat on the Olympia City Council, where he has served since January 2016. Previously, Gilman worked as a clean energy advocate at Climate Solutions and an organizer for the carpenters union. Currently, he works as a paraeducator at South Sound High School.
Gilman's top three campaign priorities are protecting the city's environment and natural spaces, engaging residents in city planning, and encouraging a sense of cooperation in the community. While on the council, Gilman has been an advocate for affordability requirements on tax-incentivized development, which keeps more homes and apartments affordable for all. He also worked to pass renter protections for people falling behind on payments due to COVID. Gilman and the council have also supported reverting Capitol Lake back to an estuary to support salmon populations.
His opponent is Candace Mercer, who says that she is a 'progressive' who voted for Donald Trump. Much of her writing focuses on her decision to embrace right-wing advocates and ideals. Her secondary focus is on homelessness and addiction, with a stronger focus on the latter, though the measures she suggests are largely punitive. Mercer states that the city should aggressively prosecute drug dealing and sex work, build privatized urban campsites, and push for substance abstinence.
Gilman's agenda is far more comprehensive and actually progressive, addressing the city's biggest issues at the source with services that help struggling families and prevent people from falling into poverty in the first place. Clark Gilman is the best choice for Olympia City Council, Position 4.
Incumbent mayor pro tem Clark Gilman is running for re-election to his seat on the Olympia City Council, where he has served since January 2016. Previously, Gilman worked as a clean energy advocate at Climate Solutions and an organizer for the carpenters union. Currently, he works as a paraeducator at South Sound High School.
Gilman's top three campaign priorities are protecting the city's environment and natural spaces, engaging residents in city planning, and encouraging a sense of cooperation in the community. While on the council, Gilman has been an advocate for affordability requirements on tax-incentivized development, which keeps more homes and apartments affordable for all. He also worked to pass renter protections for people falling behind on payments due to COVID. Gilman and the council have also supported reverting Capitol Lake back to an estuary to support salmon populations.
His opponent is Candace Mercer, who says that she is a 'progressive' who voted for Donald Trump. Much of her writing focuses on her decision to embrace right-wing advocates and ideals. Her secondary focus is on homelessness and addiction, with a stronger focus on the latter, though the measures she suggests are largely punitive. Mercer states that the city should aggressively prosecute drug dealing and sex work, build privatized urban campsites, and push for substance abstinence.
Gilman's agenda is far more comprehensive and actually progressive, addressing the city's biggest issues at the source with services that help struggling families and prevent people from falling into poverty in the first place. Clark Gilman is the best choice for Olympia City Council, Position 4.
Elected in 2017, incumbent and veterinary oncologist Lisa Parshley is running for re-election to Olympia City Council, Position 2.
Parshley is seeking a second term on the council to continue her work on climate, economic recovery, and more. During her time on the council, Parshley has supported the council's vote for grocery stores with more than 250 employees to provide hazard pay to workers during the pandemic. Parshley sponsored an ordinance banning the retail sale of dogs and cats in the city limits. She also joined the unanimous vote of her colleagues on the council banning the use of chemical weapons on demonstrators last summer.
The two candidates in this race represent a philosophical divide in local and national politics on the left. Parshley has led a steady response to community demands that some activists have decried as incrementalism. On the other side, Reed feels a serious urgency to shake up the council and address issues like police violence immediately that some leaders have called unrealistic.
Parshley has won endorsements from current members of the city council and other elected officials, as well as several Democratic groups and unions.
Elected in 2017, incumbent and veterinary oncologist Lisa Parshley is running for re-election to Olympia City Council, Position 2.
Parshley is seeking a second term on the council to continue her work on climate, economic recovery, and more. During her time on the council, Parshley has supported the council's vote for grocery stores with more than 250 employees to provide hazard pay to workers during the pandemic. Parshley sponsored an ordinance banning the retail sale of dogs and cats in the city limits. She also joined the unanimous vote of her colleagues on the council banning the use of chemical weapons on demonstrators last summer.
The two candidates in this race represent a philosophical divide in local and national politics on the left. Parshley has led a steady response to community demands that some activists have decried as incrementalism. On the other side, Reed feels a serious urgency to shake up the council and address issues like police violence immediately that some leaders have called unrealistic.
Parshley has won endorsements from current members of the city council and other elected officials, as well as several Democratic groups and unions.
Elected in 2017, incumbent and veterinary oncologist Lisa Parshley is running for re-election to Olympia City Council, Position 2.
Parshley is seeking a second term on the council to continue her work on climate, economic recovery, and more. During her time on the council, Parshley has supported the council's vote for grocery stores with more than 250 employees to provide hazard pay to workers during the pandemic. Parshley sponsored an ordinance banning the retail sale of dogs and cats in the city limits. She also joined the unanimous vote of her colleagues on the council banning the use of chemical weapons on demonstrators last summer.
The two candidates in this race represent a philosophical divide in local and national politics on the left. Parshley has led a steady response to community demands that some activists have decried as incrementalism. On the other side, Reed feels a serious urgency to shake up the council and address issues like police violence immediately that some leaders have called unrealistic.
Parshley has won endorsements from current members of the city council and other elected officials, as well as several Democratic groups and unions.
Incumbent Jim Cooper is a veteran and the CEO of United Ways of the Pacific Northwest. He is also deeply involved in the community as president of the Olympia Metropolitan Parks District, chair of the Olympic Region Clean Air Agency Board, and chair of the Regional Housing Council.
Cooper and the city council have passed several significant pieces of legislation that benefit the community. Notably, he supported the Olympia Home Fund to build new supportive permanent housing, provided funding for struggling businesses and families during the pandemic, and created a regional climate plan with neighboring cities. If re-elected, Cooper states that he will focus on housing and economic recovery, twin crises that affect everyone in the community, as well as continuing conversations on criminal justice reform.
Cooper faces a challenge from conservative Spence Weigand, an Olympia-based realtor. His three listed campaign priorities include addressing homelessness, housing, and improving the business climate. While his site doesn't go into specifics on these as of mid-October, he repeats false and misleading claims about people experiencing homelessness in Thurston County. He also criticizes efforts to clean up and supply sanitation at encampments and wants to see increased law enforcement presence and new mental health facilities. On the matter of affordable housing, he is a supporter of zoning reform on single-family zoning, as well as projects like the 478-unit West Bay Yards project, while disclosing that his real estate firm is involved in the Hardel property.
Cooper is backed by a significant number of unions, including the Lacey and Olympia firefighters' unions and United Food and Commercial Workers Local 367, as well as by Lt. Gov. Denny Heck and a large number of county and city elected officials. His track record on the council and strong support from our partners and local leaders make him the best choice in this race.
Incumbent Jim Cooper is a veteran and the CEO of United Ways of the Pacific Northwest. He is also deeply involved in the community as president of the Olympia Metropolitan Parks District, chair of the Olympic Region Clean Air Agency Board, and chair of the Regional Housing Council.
Cooper and the city council have passed several significant pieces of legislation that benefit the community. Notably, he supported the Olympia Home Fund to build new supportive permanent housing, provided funding for struggling businesses and families during the pandemic, and created a regional climate plan with neighboring cities. If re-elected, Cooper states that he will focus on housing and economic recovery, twin crises that affect everyone in the community, as well as continuing conversations on criminal justice reform.
Cooper faces a challenge from conservative Spence Weigand, an Olympia-based realtor. His three listed campaign priorities include addressing homelessness, housing, and improving the business climate. While his site doesn't go into specifics on these as of mid-October, he repeats false and misleading claims about people experiencing homelessness in Thurston County. He also criticizes efforts to clean up and supply sanitation at encampments and wants to see increased law enforcement presence and new mental health facilities. On the matter of affordable housing, he is a supporter of zoning reform on single-family zoning, as well as projects like the 478-unit West Bay Yards project, while disclosing that his real estate firm is involved in the Hardel property.
Cooper is backed by a significant number of unions, including the Lacey and Olympia firefighters' unions and United Food and Commercial Workers Local 367, as well as by Lt. Gov. Denny Heck and a large number of county and city elected officials. His track record on the council and strong support from our partners and local leaders make him the best choice in this race.
Incumbent Jim Cooper is a veteran and the CEO of United Ways of the Pacific Northwest. He is also deeply involved in the community as president of the Olympia Metropolitan Parks District, chair of the Olympic Region Clean Air Agency Board, and chair of the Regional Housing Council.
Cooper and the city council have passed several significant pieces of legislation that benefit the community. Notably, he supported the Olympia Home Fund to build new supportive permanent housing, provided funding for struggling businesses and families during the pandemic, and created a regional climate plan with neighboring cities. If re-elected, Cooper states that he will focus on housing and economic recovery, twin crises that affect everyone in the community, as well as continuing conversations on criminal justice reform.
Cooper faces a challenge from conservative Spence Weigand, an Olympia-based realtor. His three listed campaign priorities include addressing homelessness, housing, and improving the business climate. While his site doesn't go into specifics on these as of mid-October, he repeats false and misleading claims about people experiencing homelessness in Thurston County. He also criticizes efforts to clean up and supply sanitation at encampments and wants to see increased law enforcement presence and new mental health facilities. On the matter of affordable housing, he is a supporter of zoning reform on single-family zoning, as well as projects like the 478-unit West Bay Yards project, while disclosing that his real estate firm is involved in the Hardel property.
Cooper is backed by a significant number of unions, including the Lacey and Olympia firefighters' unions and United Food and Commercial Workers Local 367, as well as by Lt. Gov. Denny Heck and a large number of county and city elected officials. His track record on the council and strong support from our partners and local leaders make him the best choice in this race.
Joe Todd is running for Renton City Council, Position 1 to bring new solutions and community perspectives to city hall. He currently works as the King County Deputy Chief Technology Officer.
In our interview with Todd, we were impressed by his thorough knowledge of city affairs and his dedication to serving the community. Todd pointed out that the city cannot reasonably solve the issue of homelessness on its own, and that a regional approach and improved relationship with the county would create better outcomes for all residents. He wants to use his technological expertise to help law enforcement track the issues they are responding to so the city can allocate resources most effectively. Todd also wants to launch something similar to the CAHOOTS program in Eugene, OR, which can dispatch trained caseworkers instead of police officers to help those experiencing mental health challenges. He supports both thorough police training and redirecting some funding from policing to human services to build stronger communities and prevent crime.
Todd is running against James Alberson. Alberson has served as a Renton planning commissioner since April 2020 and is a former board chairman of the Chamber of Commerce. Alberson states that if elected, he will prioritize ensuring a strong business climate, reducing homelessness, and increasing housing affordability, among other priorities. However, in our interview with Alberson, we were disappointed that part of this proposal to address homelessness was mandatory participation in city programs. This focus on putting people in jail or building a new regional facility is a costly proposal that fails to address the root causes of homelessness and further isolates people from their support networks.
Todd's in-depth insight and commitment to Renton would be an incredible benefit to the city. We enthusiastically recommend Joe Todd for Renton City Council, Position 1.
Joe Todd is running for Renton City Council, Position 1 to bring new solutions and community perspectives to city hall. He currently works as the King County Deputy Chief Technology Officer.
In our interview with Todd, we were impressed by his thorough knowledge of city affairs and his dedication to serving the community. Todd pointed out that the city cannot reasonably solve the issue of homelessness on its own, and that a regional approach and improved relationship with the county would create better outcomes for all residents. He wants to use his technological expertise to help law enforcement track the issues they are responding to so the city can allocate resources most effectively. Todd also wants to launch something similar to the CAHOOTS program in Eugene, OR, which can dispatch trained caseworkers instead of police officers to help those experiencing mental health challenges. He supports both thorough police training and redirecting some funding from policing to human services to build stronger communities and prevent crime.
Todd is running against James Alberson. Alberson has served as a Renton planning commissioner since April 2020 and is a former board chairman of the Chamber of Commerce. Alberson states that if elected, he will prioritize ensuring a strong business climate, reducing homelessness, and increasing housing affordability, among other priorities. However, in our interview with Alberson, we were disappointed that part of this proposal to address homelessness was mandatory participation in city programs. This focus on putting people in jail or building a new regional facility is a costly proposal that fails to address the root causes of homelessness and further isolates people from their support networks.
Todd's in-depth insight and commitment to Renton would be an incredible benefit to the city. We enthusiastically recommend Joe Todd for Renton City Council, Position 1.
Joe Todd is running for Renton City Council, Position 1 to bring new solutions and community perspectives to city hall. He currently works as the King County Deputy Chief Technology Officer.
In our interview with Todd, we were impressed by his thorough knowledge of city affairs and his dedication to serving the community. Todd pointed out that the city cannot reasonably solve the issue of homelessness on its own, and that a regional approach and improved relationship with the county would create better outcomes for all residents. He wants to use his technological expertise to help law enforcement track the issues they are responding to so the city can allocate resources most effectively. Todd also wants to launch something similar to the CAHOOTS program in Eugene, OR, which can dispatch trained caseworkers instead of police officers to help those experiencing mental health challenges. He supports both thorough police training and redirecting some funding from policing to human services to build stronger communities and prevent crime.
Todd is running against James Alberson. Alberson has served as a Renton planning commissioner since April 2020 and is a former board chairman of the Chamber of Commerce. Alberson states that if elected, he will prioritize ensuring a strong business climate, reducing homelessness, and increasing housing affordability, among other priorities. However, in our interview with Alberson, we were disappointed that part of this proposal to address homelessness was mandatory participation in city programs. This focus on putting people in jail or building a new regional facility is a costly proposal that fails to address the root causes of homelessness and further isolates people from their support networks.
Todd's in-depth insight and commitment to Renton would be an incredible benefit to the city. We enthusiastically recommend Joe Todd for Renton City Council, Position 1.
Carmen Rivera is running for Renton City Council, Position 2 to leverage her professional background in social services for the people of Renton. She is currently an adjunct faculty member at Seattle University's Criminal Justice Department, where her coursework incorporates a racial equity lens. Previously, she worked at the state's Department of Children, Youth, and Families at Echo Glen's Children's Center, counseling and providing treatment plans for struggling youth. She has also worked at Youthsource, where she engaged young people who had dropped out of school.
As a social services advocate, Rivera wants to prioritize updating Renton's Community Needs Assessment for Human Services, which would help provide the community access to food, shelter, and living wage jobs. She also wants to update Renton's 2011 Clean Economy Strategy, bringing it in line with today's standards on clean water, air, and reduced pollution. Additionally, Rivera will work hard to provide low-cost job training and emphasize the need for affordable and mixed-income housing.
Her opponent, Ben Johnson, runs a small IT business and has worked with the North Renton streets project, as well as serving on the City of Renton Airport Committee. His priorities include funding the police and fire departments, making neighborhoods attractive, and ensuring that Renton expands its transportation options through Sound Transit and the state department of transportation.
Rivera has overwhelming support from progressive organizations across the spectrum, from unions to housing advocates to educators. Her dedication to the community and progressive and bold vision for the city earns her our recommendation for Renton City Council, Position 2.
Carmen Rivera is running for Renton City Council, Position 2 to leverage her professional background in social services for the people of Renton. She is currently an adjunct faculty member at Seattle University's Criminal Justice Department, where her coursework incorporates a racial equity lens. Previously, she worked at the state's Department of Children, Youth, and Families at Echo Glen's Children's Center, counseling and providing treatment plans for struggling youth. She has also worked at Youthsource, where she engaged young people who had dropped out of school.
As a social services advocate, Rivera wants to prioritize updating Renton's Community Needs Assessment for Human Services, which would help provide the community access to food, shelter, and living wage jobs. She also wants to update Renton's 2011 Clean Economy Strategy, bringing it in line with today's standards on clean water, air, and reduced pollution. Additionally, Rivera will work hard to provide low-cost job training and emphasize the need for affordable and mixed-income housing.
Her opponent, Ben Johnson, runs a small IT business and has worked with the North Renton streets project, as well as serving on the City of Renton Airport Committee. His priorities include funding the police and fire departments, making neighborhoods attractive, and ensuring that Renton expands its transportation options through Sound Transit and the state department of transportation.
Rivera has overwhelming support from progressive organizations across the spectrum, from unions to housing advocates to educators. Her dedication to the community and progressive and bold vision for the city earns her our recommendation for Renton City Council, Position 2.
Carmen Rivera is running for Renton City Council, Position 2 to leverage her professional background in social services for the people of Renton. She is currently an adjunct faculty member at Seattle University's Criminal Justice Department, where her coursework incorporates a racial equity lens. Previously, she worked at the state's Department of Children, Youth, and Families at Echo Glen's Children's Center, counseling and providing treatment plans for struggling youth. She has also worked at Youthsource, where she engaged young people who had dropped out of school.
As a social services advocate, Rivera wants to prioritize updating Renton's Community Needs Assessment for Human Services, which would help provide the community access to food, shelter, and living wage jobs. She also wants to update Renton's 2011 Clean Economy Strategy, bringing it in line with today's standards on clean water, air, and reduced pollution. Additionally, Rivera will work hard to provide low-cost job training and emphasize the need for affordable and mixed-income housing.
Her opponent, Ben Johnson, runs a small IT business and has worked with the North Renton streets project, as well as serving on the City of Renton Airport Committee. His priorities include funding the police and fire departments, making neighborhoods attractive, and ensuring that Renton expands its transportation options through Sound Transit and the state department of transportation.
Rivera has overwhelming support from progressive organizations across the spectrum, from unions to housing advocates to educators. Her dedication to the community and progressive and bold vision for the city earns her our recommendation for Renton City Council, Position 2.
Jake Simpson is an organizer and cook who is running for SeaTac City Council, Position 2. He is running to make SeaTac a city that welcomes everyone and serves all people equally. Simpson is dedicated to working with employers to find outcomes that benefit both workers and businesses.
Simpson is running against incumbent Stan Tombs. Tombs is conservative and re-joined the council in June 2020 after Councilmember Amina Ahmed passed away. He previously served as vice-chair of the SeaTac Planning Commission. Tombs said upon rejoining that he would be a placeholder until the next election but is now running for re-election.
Tombs claims he has a commitment to affordable housing and robust community services, but his actions are divisive and he votes with the more conservative bloc of the council against funding these services. He voted in December 2020 to eliminate funding from immigrant and refugee services. He also voted to not fund children and family services, medical equipment and guardianship for adults with developmental disabilities, or YMCA programming, all while boasting of doubling the number of police. None of these actions speak to the compassionate service for all that Tombs advertises.
Simpson will bring needed progressive change to the SeaTac City Council. We recommend Simpson for SeaTac for City Council, Position 2.
Jake Simpson is an organizer and cook who is running for SeaTac City Council, Position 2. He is running to make SeaTac a city that welcomes everyone and serves all people equally. Simpson is dedicated to working with employers to find outcomes that benefit both workers and businesses.
Simpson is running against incumbent Stan Tombs. Tombs is conservative and re-joined the council in June 2020 after Councilmember Amina Ahmed passed away. He previously served as vice-chair of the SeaTac Planning Commission. Tombs said upon rejoining that he would be a placeholder until the next election but is now running for re-election.
Tombs claims he has a commitment to affordable housing and robust community services, but his actions are divisive and he votes with the more conservative bloc of the council against funding these services. He voted in December 2020 to eliminate funding from immigrant and refugee services. He also voted to not fund children and family services, medical equipment and guardianship for adults with developmental disabilities, or YMCA programming, all while boasting of doubling the number of police. None of these actions speak to the compassionate service for all that Tombs advertises.
Simpson will bring needed progressive change to the SeaTac City Council. We recommend Simpson for SeaTac for City Council, Position 2.
Jake Simpson is an organizer and cook who is running for SeaTac City Council, Position 2. He is running to make SeaTac a city that welcomes everyone and serves all people equally. Simpson is dedicated to working with employers to find outcomes that benefit both workers and businesses.
Simpson is running against incumbent Stan Tombs. Tombs is conservative and re-joined the council in June 2020 after Councilmember Amina Ahmed passed away. He previously served as vice-chair of the SeaTac Planning Commission. Tombs said upon rejoining that he would be a placeholder until the next election but is now running for re-election.
Tombs claims he has a commitment to affordable housing and robust community services, but his actions are divisive and he votes with the more conservative bloc of the council against funding these services. He voted in December 2020 to eliminate funding from immigrant and refugee services. He also voted to not fund children and family services, medical equipment and guardianship for adults with developmental disabilities, or YMCA programming, all while boasting of doubling the number of police. None of these actions speak to the compassionate service for all that Tombs advertises.
Simpson will bring needed progressive change to the SeaTac City Council. We recommend Simpson for SeaTac for City Council, Position 2.
Mohamed Egal is a job developer with the state's Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) who is running for SeaTac City Council, Position 4. Egal immigrated to the United States decades ago and has lived in SeaTac for more than 10 years. He served as a job developer at Hopelink before transitioning into similar work with the Somali community at Career Path Services (which operates within the DSHS). Egal's campaign is focused on helping his community overcome the many challenges exposed by COVID-19. He wants to expand affordable, multi-family housing, bring in more jobs that pay strong wages, and improve human services.
Egal is running against incumbent Councilmember Clyde "Fuzz" Hill, who works as a manager at T-Mobile. Hill is not progressive and has not released a detailed campaign platform. His statement in the King County Voters Guide does not reflect the need for reforms in public safety that the community is asking for.
Egal is the best choice for SeaTac City Council, Position 4.
Mohamed Egal is a job developer with the state's Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) who is running for SeaTac City Council, Position 4. Egal immigrated to the United States decades ago and has lived in SeaTac for more than 10 years. He served as a job developer at Hopelink before transitioning into similar work with the Somali community at Career Path Services (which operates within the DSHS). Egal's campaign is focused on helping his community overcome the many challenges exposed by COVID-19. He wants to expand affordable, multi-family housing, bring in more jobs that pay strong wages, and improve human services.
Egal is running against incumbent Councilmember Clyde "Fuzz" Hill, who works as a manager at T-Mobile. Hill is not progressive and has not released a detailed campaign platform. His statement in the King County Voters Guide does not reflect the need for reforms in public safety that the community is asking for.
Egal is the best choice for SeaTac City Council, Position 4.
Mohamed Egal is a job developer with the state's Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) who is running for SeaTac City Council, Position 4. Egal immigrated to the United States decades ago and has lived in SeaTac for more than 10 years. He served as a job developer at Hopelink before transitioning into similar work with the Somali community at Career Path Services (which operates within the DSHS). Egal's campaign is focused on helping his community overcome the many challenges exposed by COVID-19. He wants to expand affordable, multi-family housing, bring in more jobs that pay strong wages, and improve human services.
Egal is running against incumbent Councilmember Clyde "Fuzz" Hill, who works as a manager at T-Mobile. Hill is not progressive and has not released a detailed campaign platform. His statement in the King County Voters Guide does not reflect the need for reforms in public safety that the community is asking for.
Egal is the best choice for SeaTac City Council, Position 4.
Iris Guzmán is a social worker with Highline Public Schools who is running for SeaTac City Council, Position 6. She has lived in SeaTac for nearly 15 years and has a master's in social work. Guzmán wants to bridge the gaps between housing, food, and other basic needs for communities in SeaTac, and she understands the experience of working families firsthand.
Guzmán is challenging incumbent Councilmember Pam Fernald. Fernald is a block watch captain who participated in the CItizen's Police Academy. She is conservative and, as of mid-October, her campaign website has not been updated since 2013.
Guzmán is the clear choice for SeaTac City Council, Position 6.
Iris Guzmán is a social worker with Highline Public Schools who is running for SeaTac City Council, Position 6. She has lived in SeaTac for nearly 15 years and has a master's in social work. Guzmán wants to bridge the gaps between housing, food, and other basic needs for communities in SeaTac, and she understands the experience of working families firsthand.
Guzmán is challenging incumbent Councilmember Pam Fernald. Fernald is a block watch captain who participated in the CItizen's Police Academy. She is conservative and, as of mid-October, her campaign website has not been updated since 2013.
Guzmán is the clear choice for SeaTac City Council, Position 6.
Iris Guzmán is a social worker with Highline Public Schools who is running for SeaTac City Council, Position 6. She has lived in SeaTac for nearly 15 years and has a master's in social work. Guzmán wants to bridge the gaps between housing, food, and other basic needs for communities in SeaTac, and she understands the experience of working families firsthand.
Guzmán is challenging incumbent Councilmember Pam Fernald. Fernald is a block watch captain who participated in the CItizen's Police Academy. She is conservative and, as of mid-October, her campaign website has not been updated since 2013.
Guzmán is the clear choice for SeaTac City Council, Position 6.
Born and raised in a migrant farm working family in central Washington, Lorena González has a background as an award-winning civil rights attorney that provides a foundation for her advocacy for working families and marginalized communities. González is a Seattle City Council member and the current council president. As one of the city’s leaders through times of prosperity and times of hardship, she is committed to making the city of Seattle a place where all can thrive. The unanimous vote to make her the city council president in early 2020 speaks to her ability to lead collaboratively and make bold progressive change.
The biggest divergence between Harrell and González's platforms is the candidates' short-term plans for how to help people experiencing homelessness. The crux of the problem, which experts and agencies have stated time and time again, is the lack of shelters with services to help people stay housed. The city has about 4,000 unsheltered people, and while there are about 1,300 affordable housing units and 400 additional shelter spaces coming soon, it is not enough. González would focus on building short- and long-term housing because the city needs to triple permanent affordable housing to meet everyone’s needs. She pledges to quickly scale up Seattle’s shelter system from the mayor’s office, which would include options such as tiny villages and leveraging hotels and motels. She would also make it a key focus to increase permanent, supportive housing and include additional funds for mental, behavioral, and substance use services.
Equitable economic recovery from COVID is a high priority for the councilmember. She vows to make sure that neighborhood small businesses, many of which are owned by people of color, receive equitable shares of recovery assistance. Other parts of her agenda seek to meet the needs of working families. For example, she wants to raise standards in the gig economy by ending sub-minimum wages and establish incentives for employee ownership in businesses. Improvements to child care access, bike and pedestrian paths, and building on renter protections round out some of her other priorities for improving the lives of everyone in the community.
González has played a lead role in existing police reform efforts by pivoting some law enforcement funding to community-led efforts to increase health and safety. She believes that as mayor, she could do even more to reverse the legacy of harm of police violence in the city, especially for communities of color and in communities with lower-than-average incomes. In our interview, González noted that Seattle’s police guild has disproportionate power at the negotiating table when it comes to holding officers accountable. The mayor has much more leverage than the council in negotiating a better contract, and if she is elected she will push harder than Mayor Durkan to increase accountability for officers and the department.
On issues of the climate, González wants to partner with Seattle for A Green New Deal to revitalize and expand the local green economy. She states that by actively retrofitting homes and modernizing industrial infrastructure, we can provide thousands of stable, high-quality jobs in the city.
González’s experience leaves her well-positioned to hit the ground running. Her advocacy and support for workers has earned her the trust of many labor unions and advocacy groups. She has a track record of working well with her colleagues to build consensus on the city’s most pressing issues. For her support for our partners and her forward-thinking platform, we recommend González for mayor of Seattle.
Born and raised in a migrant farm working family in central Washington, Lorena González has a background as an award-winning civil rights attorney that provides a foundation for her advocacy for working families and marginalized communities. González is a Seattle City Council member and the current council president. As one of the city’s leaders through times of prosperity and times of hardship, she is committed to making the city of Seattle a place where all can thrive. The unanimous vote to make her the city council president in early 2020 speaks to her ability to lead collaboratively and make bold progressive change.
The biggest divergence between Harrell and González's platforms is the candidates' short-term plans for how to help people experiencing homelessness. The crux of the problem, which experts and agencies have stated time and time again, is the lack of shelters with services to help people stay housed. The city has about 4,000 unsheltered people, and while there are about 1,300 affordable housing units and 400 additional shelter spaces coming soon, it is not enough. González would focus on building short- and long-term housing because the city needs to triple permanent affordable housing to meet everyone’s needs. She pledges to quickly scale up Seattle’s shelter system from the mayor’s office, which would include options such as tiny villages and leveraging hotels and motels. She would also make it a key focus to increase permanent, supportive housing and include additional funds for mental, behavioral, and substance use services.
Equitable economic recovery from COVID is a high priority for the councilmember. She vows to make sure that neighborhood small businesses, many of which are owned by people of color, receive equitable shares of recovery assistance. Other parts of her agenda seek to meet the needs of working families. For example, she wants to raise standards in the gig economy by ending sub-minimum wages and establish incentives for employee ownership in businesses. Improvements to child care access, bike and pedestrian paths, and building on renter protections round out some of her other priorities for improving the lives of everyone in the community.
González has played a lead role in existing police reform efforts by pivoting some law enforcement funding to community-led efforts to increase health and safety. She believes that as mayor, she could do even more to reverse the legacy of harm of police violence in the city, especially for communities of color and in communities with lower-than-average incomes. In our interview, González noted that Seattle’s police guild has disproportionate power at the negotiating table when it comes to holding officers accountable. The mayor has much more leverage than the council in negotiating a better contract, and if she is elected she will push harder than Mayor Durkan to increase accountability for officers and the department.
On issues of the climate, González wants to partner with Seattle for A Green New Deal to revitalize and expand the local green economy. She states that by actively retrofitting homes and modernizing industrial infrastructure, we can provide thousands of stable, high-quality jobs in the city.
González’s experience leaves her well-positioned to hit the ground running. Her advocacy and support for workers has earned her the trust of many labor unions and advocacy groups. She has a track record of working well with her colleagues to build consensus on the city’s most pressing issues. For her support for our partners and her forward-thinking platform, we recommend González for mayor of Seattle.
Born and raised in a migrant farm working family in central Washington, Lorena González has a background as an award-winning civil rights attorney that provides a foundation for her advocacy for working families and marginalized communities. González is a Seattle City Council member and the current council president. As one of the city’s leaders through times of prosperity and times of hardship, she is committed to making the city of Seattle a place where all can thrive. The unanimous vote to make her the city council president in early 2020 speaks to her ability to lead collaboratively and make bold progressive change.
The biggest divergence between Harrell and González's platforms is the candidates' short-term plans for how to help people experiencing homelessness. The crux of the problem, which experts and agencies have stated time and time again, is the lack of shelters with services to help people stay housed. The city has about 4,000 unsheltered people, and while there are about 1,300 affordable housing units and 400 additional shelter spaces coming soon, it is not enough. González would focus on building short- and long-term housing because the city needs to triple permanent affordable housing to meet everyone’s needs. She pledges to quickly scale up Seattle’s shelter system from the mayor’s office, which would include options such as tiny villages and leveraging hotels and motels. She would also make it a key focus to increase permanent, supportive housing and include additional funds for mental, behavioral, and substance use services.
Equitable economic recovery from COVID is a high priority for the councilmember. She vows to make sure that neighborhood small businesses, many of which are owned by people of color, receive equitable shares of recovery assistance. Other parts of her agenda seek to meet the needs of working families. For example, she wants to raise standards in the gig economy by ending sub-minimum wages and establish incentives for employee ownership in businesses. Improvements to child care access, bike and pedestrian paths, and building on renter protections round out some of her other priorities for improving the lives of everyone in the community.
González has played a lead role in existing police reform efforts by pivoting some law enforcement funding to community-led efforts to increase health and safety. She believes that as mayor, she could do even more to reverse the legacy of harm of police violence in the city, especially for communities of color and in communities with lower-than-average incomes. In our interview, González noted that Seattle’s police guild has disproportionate power at the negotiating table when it comes to holding officers accountable. The mayor has much more leverage than the council in negotiating a better contract, and if she is elected she will push harder than Mayor Durkan to increase accountability for officers and the department.
On issues of the climate, González wants to partner with Seattle for A Green New Deal to revitalize and expand the local green economy. She states that by actively retrofitting homes and modernizing industrial infrastructure, we can provide thousands of stable, high-quality jobs in the city.
González’s experience leaves her well-positioned to hit the ground running. Her advocacy and support for workers has earned her the trust of many labor unions and advocacy groups. She has a track record of working well with her colleagues to build consensus on the city’s most pressing issues. For her support for our partners and her forward-thinking platform, we recommend González for mayor of Seattle.
Teresa Mosqueda is running for re-election to Seattle City Council, Position 8. Previously, Mosqueda worked at the Washington State Labor Council as a political campaigns director and served on the board of Fuse Washington.
Mosqueda was first elected in 2017 and has distinguished herself as a progressive leader on the Seattle City Council. She sponsored the Jumpstart Seattle legislation that will fund affordable housing through a tax on high earners at large corporations. In addition, Mosqueda supported efforts to expand paid sick leave and establish minimum wages for gig and other workers who have often been left behind in our economy. Her campaign priorities include addressing our housing crisis with greater urgency, including re-zoning housing across Seattle, as well as providing assistance to renters and investing in health citywide.
Mosqueda is running against Kenneth Wilson, the manager of an engineering company. Wilson's platform is not progressive and does not reflect the community's priorities. His voter's guide statement includes comments about public safety and policing that indicate he would not support reinvestment in community safety alternatives. He is also dismissive of evidence-based solutions for our affordable housing crisis.
Mosqueda is a strong progressive and the clear choice for Seattle City Council, Position 8.
Teresa Mosqueda is running for re-election to Seattle City Council, Position 8. Previously, Mosqueda worked at the Washington State Labor Council as a political campaigns director and served on the board of Fuse Washington.
Mosqueda was first elected in 2017 and has distinguished herself as a progressive leader on the Seattle City Council. She sponsored the Jumpstart Seattle legislation that will fund affordable housing through a tax on high earners at large corporations. In addition, Mosqueda supported efforts to expand paid sick leave and establish minimum wages for gig and other workers who have often been left behind in our economy. Her campaign priorities include addressing our housing crisis with greater urgency, including re-zoning housing across Seattle, as well as providing assistance to renters and investing in health citywide.
Mosqueda is running against Kenneth Wilson, the manager of an engineering company. Wilson's platform is not progressive and does not reflect the community's priorities. His voter's guide statement includes comments about public safety and policing that indicate he would not support reinvestment in community safety alternatives. He is also dismissive of evidence-based solutions for our affordable housing crisis.
Mosqueda is a strong progressive and the clear choice for Seattle City Council, Position 8.
Teresa Mosqueda is running for re-election to Seattle City Council, Position 8. Previously, Mosqueda worked at the Washington State Labor Council as a political campaigns director and served on the board of Fuse Washington.
Mosqueda was first elected in 2017 and has distinguished herself as a progressive leader on the Seattle City Council. She sponsored the Jumpstart Seattle legislation that will fund affordable housing through a tax on high earners at large corporations. In addition, Mosqueda supported efforts to expand paid sick leave and establish minimum wages for gig and other workers who have often been left behind in our economy. Her campaign priorities include addressing our housing crisis with greater urgency, including re-zoning housing across Seattle, as well as providing assistance to renters and investing in health citywide.
Mosqueda is running against Kenneth Wilson, the manager of an engineering company. Wilson's platform is not progressive and does not reflect the community's priorities. His voter's guide statement includes comments about public safety and policing that indicate he would not support reinvestment in community safety alternatives. He is also dismissive of evidence-based solutions for our affordable housing crisis.
Mosqueda is a strong progressive and the clear choice for Seattle City Council, Position 8.
Current Snohomish City Council president Linda Redmon is running for mayor. Redmon has served on the Snohomish City Council since 2018 and as president since 2020. She also represents portions of the county including Monroe, Gold Bar, and Sultan on the Snohomish County Board of Health. In her time on the city council, Redmon has advocated for more comprehensive access to broadband, worked on support for workers and businesses during the pandemic, and promoted protecting parks and green spaces.
Redmon is facing John Kartak. As the city's first elected mayor since a shift in the governmental system, Kartak has had a rough and controversial tenure. In May of last year, Kartak faced heavy criticism for allowing a gathering of 100 armed vigilantes with confederate flags to tailgate and intimidate Snohomish protestors. Kartak claimed, falsely, that only a few of the people were associated with fringe groups. In October, Kartak sparked outrage once again by posting a picture on Facebook depicting a toy car running over figurines meant to resemble protesters.
Kartak has brought endless division and controversy to the City of Snohomish. It's time to elect a leader who can rebuild relationships and unite the city under an inclusive vision. Vote for Linda Redmon for mayor of Snohomish.
Current Snohomish City Council president Linda Redmon is running for mayor. Redmon has served on the Snohomish City Council since 2018 and as president since 2020. She also represents portions of the county including Monroe, Gold Bar, and Sultan on the Snohomish County Board of Health. In her time on the city council, Redmon has advocated for more comprehensive access to broadband, worked on support for workers and businesses during the pandemic, and promoted protecting parks and green spaces.
Redmon is facing John Kartak. As the city's first elected mayor since a shift in the governmental system, Kartak has had a rough and controversial tenure. In May of last year, Kartak faced heavy criticism for allowing a gathering of 100 armed vigilantes with confederate flags to tailgate and intimidate Snohomish protestors. Kartak claimed, falsely, that only a few of the people were associated with fringe groups. In October, Kartak sparked outrage once again by posting a picture on Facebook depicting a toy car running over figurines meant to resemble protesters.
Kartak has brought endless division and controversy to the City of Snohomish. It's time to elect a leader who can rebuild relationships and unite the city under an inclusive vision. Vote for Linda Redmon for mayor of Snohomish.
Current Snohomish City Council president Linda Redmon is running for mayor. Redmon has served on the Snohomish City Council since 2018 and as president since 2020. She also represents portions of the county including Monroe, Gold Bar, and Sultan on the Snohomish County Board of Health. In her time on the city council, Redmon has advocated for more comprehensive access to broadband, worked on support for workers and businesses during the pandemic, and promoted protecting parks and green spaces.
Redmon is facing John Kartak. As the city's first elected mayor since a shift in the governmental system, Kartak has had a rough and controversial tenure. In May of last year, Kartak faced heavy criticism for allowing a gathering of 100 armed vigilantes with confederate flags to tailgate and intimidate Snohomish protestors. Kartak claimed, falsely, that only a few of the people were associated with fringe groups. In October, Kartak sparked outrage once again by posting a picture on Facebook depicting a toy car running over figurines meant to resemble protesters.
Kartak has brought endless division and controversy to the City of Snohomish. It's time to elect a leader who can rebuild relationships and unite the city under an inclusive vision. Vote for Linda Redmon for mayor of Snohomish.
Lea Anne Burke is running for Position 6 on the Snohomish City Council. Burke is a current planner with the Tulalip Tribes, where she manages land use, zoning, and permits. Previously, she worked as a tribal liaison at multiple nonprofits. She currently serves on the Snohomish County Noxious Weed Control Board and spent over ten years on the city’s Park Board.
Burke’s campaign is focused on strengthening the community through environmental sustainability, diversity and equity policy, infrastructure and safety improvements, and affordable housing. She is particularly interested in creating more space for Indigenous voices in Snohomish city governance and protecting the local ecosystem by expanding greenspace and taking action on climate issues.
Burke is facing Republican incumbent Larry Countryman, who was elected to Position 6 in 2017 but previously served on the city council in the 1970s and 1980s. He is a MAGA supporter with a personal Facebook page full of hateful, racist messaging from the far right. His conservative vision for the city of Snohomish includes dismantling equity programs and fighting progress at all levels.
Lea Anne Burke is the clear choice in this race and deserves your vote for Snohomish City Council, Position 6.
Lea Anne Burke is running for Position 6 on the Snohomish City Council. Burke is a current planner with the Tulalip Tribes, where she manages land use, zoning, and permits. Previously, she worked as a tribal liaison at multiple nonprofits. She currently serves on the Snohomish County Noxious Weed Control Board and spent over ten years on the city’s Park Board.
Burke’s campaign is focused on strengthening the community through environmental sustainability, diversity and equity policy, infrastructure and safety improvements, and affordable housing. She is particularly interested in creating more space for Indigenous voices in Snohomish city governance and protecting the local ecosystem by expanding greenspace and taking action on climate issues.
Burke is facing Republican incumbent Larry Countryman, who was elected to Position 6 in 2017 but previously served on the city council in the 1970s and 1980s. He is a MAGA supporter with a personal Facebook page full of hateful, racist messaging from the far right. His conservative vision for the city of Snohomish includes dismantling equity programs and fighting progress at all levels.
Lea Anne Burke is the clear choice in this race and deserves your vote for Snohomish City Council, Position 6.
Lea Anne Burke is running for Position 6 on the Snohomish City Council. Burke is a current planner with the Tulalip Tribes, where she manages land use, zoning, and permits. Previously, she worked as a tribal liaison at multiple nonprofits. She currently serves on the Snohomish County Noxious Weed Control Board and spent over ten years on the city’s Park Board.
Burke’s campaign is focused on strengthening the community through environmental sustainability, diversity and equity policy, infrastructure and safety improvements, and affordable housing. She is particularly interested in creating more space for Indigenous voices in Snohomish city governance and protecting the local ecosystem by expanding greenspace and taking action on climate issues.
Burke is facing Republican incumbent Larry Countryman, who was elected to Position 6 in 2017 but previously served on the city council in the 1970s and 1980s. He is a MAGA supporter with a personal Facebook page full of hateful, racist messaging from the far right. His conservative vision for the city of Snohomish includes dismantling equity programs and fighting progress at all levels.
Lea Anne Burke is the clear choice in this race and deserves your vote for Snohomish City Council, Position 6.
Karen Guzak is a small business owner and former council member who is running for Position 7 on the Snohomish City Council. She previously served on the city council from 2007 to 2019 and as the mayor for seven years during that time. Guzak has community leadership experience including as president of the board of directors of Artist Trust, as well as president and developer of Sunny Arms Artist's Cooperative and Union Art Cooperative.
Guzak is committed to making Snohomish a city that cares for the wellbeing of all of its residents while paying attention to its environmental impact. She wants to preserve the city's history, cultivate town vitality, and build affordable housing. In this race, Guzak is supported by a number of progressive elected officials.
Guzak is challenging conservative incumbent Steve Dana. Dana has been in his current council position since 2017, but previously served on the council as mayor from 1990 to 1997. Dana runs a right-wing blog where he has defended Trump after the Mueller investigation, blamed students for taking out loans in bad job markets, and criticized government programs for affordable housing. He spreads racist, right-wing ideology on his Facebook page including a recent post where he seemed to defend and identify with those who participated in the January 6 Capitol assault.
Guzak is the clear choice in this race. She deserves your vote for Council-at-Large Position 7 to bring much-needed progressive values to the Snohomish City Council.
Karen Guzak is a small business owner and former council member who is running for Position 7 on the Snohomish City Council. She previously served on the city council from 2007 to 2019 and as the mayor for seven years during that time. Guzak has community leadership experience including as president of the board of directors of Artist Trust, as well as president and developer of Sunny Arms Artist's Cooperative and Union Art Cooperative.
Guzak is committed to making Snohomish a city that cares for the wellbeing of all of its residents while paying attention to its environmental impact. She wants to preserve the city's history, cultivate town vitality, and build affordable housing. In this race, Guzak is supported by a number of progressive elected officials.
Guzak is challenging conservative incumbent Steve Dana. Dana has been in his current council position since 2017, but previously served on the council as mayor from 1990 to 1997. Dana runs a right-wing blog where he has defended Trump after the Mueller investigation, blamed students for taking out loans in bad job markets, and criticized government programs for affordable housing. He spreads racist, right-wing ideology on his Facebook page including a recent post where he seemed to defend and identify with those who participated in the January 6 Capitol assault.
Guzak is the clear choice in this race. She deserves your vote for Council-at-Large Position 7 to bring much-needed progressive values to the Snohomish City Council.
Karen Guzak is a small business owner and former council member who is running for Position 7 on the Snohomish City Council. She previously served on the city council from 2007 to 2019 and as the mayor for seven years during that time. Guzak has community leadership experience including as president of the board of directors of Artist Trust, as well as president and developer of Sunny Arms Artist's Cooperative and Union Art Cooperative.
Guzak is committed to making Snohomish a city that cares for the wellbeing of all of its residents while paying attention to its environmental impact. She wants to preserve the city's history, cultivate town vitality, and build affordable housing. In this race, Guzak is supported by a number of progressive elected officials.
Guzak is challenging conservative incumbent Steve Dana. Dana has been in his current council position since 2017, but previously served on the council as mayor from 1990 to 1997. Dana runs a right-wing blog where he has defended Trump after the Mueller investigation, blamed students for taking out loans in bad job markets, and criticized government programs for affordable housing. He spreads racist, right-wing ideology on his Facebook page including a recent post where he seemed to defend and identify with those who participated in the January 6 Capitol assault.
Guzak is the clear choice in this race. She deserves your vote for Council-at-Large Position 7 to bring much-needed progressive values to the Snohomish City Council.
Zack Zappone is running for Spokane City Council, District 3, Position 2. Zappone is a local high school English teacher. He previously challenged Republican Rep. Mike Volz in the 6th Legislative District and narrowly lost.
Zappone's campaign priorities include ensuring everyone has the training they need to enter the workforce, a housing-first approach to homelessness, worker protections, and creating a more equitable tax system for lower-income residents. He highlights his experience in logistics through his volunteer work with the Spokane Food Fighters, who are delivering meals during the coronavirus crisis. He supports expanded protections for renters, incentivizing more housing density, and demilitarizing the police.
His opponent in this race is Mike Lish, a conservative fast food restaurant owner. Notably, conservative developers and realtors are pouring lots of money into this race to get Lish elected. Lish's campaign platform is not detailed but is focused on supporting funding for police officers instead of looking at investing in effective community services that make our community safer for everyone. While he claims he wants to address the affordable housing crisis, Lish does not have a detailed strategy to bring more housing to Spokane.
Zappone is the best choice for Spokane City Council, District 3, Position 2.
Zack Zappone is running for Spokane City Council, District 3, Position 2. Zappone is a local high school English teacher. He previously challenged Republican Rep. Mike Volz in the 6th Legislative District and narrowly lost.
Zappone's campaign priorities include ensuring everyone has the training they need to enter the workforce, a housing-first approach to homelessness, worker protections, and creating a more equitable tax system for lower-income residents. He highlights his experience in logistics through his volunteer work with the Spokane Food Fighters, who are delivering meals during the coronavirus crisis. He supports expanded protections for renters, incentivizing more housing density, and demilitarizing the police.
His opponent in this race is Mike Lish, a conservative fast food restaurant owner. Notably, conservative developers and realtors are pouring lots of money into this race to get Lish elected. Lish's campaign platform is not detailed but is focused on supporting funding for police officers instead of looking at investing in effective community services that make our community safer for everyone. While he claims he wants to address the affordable housing crisis, Lish does not have a detailed strategy to bring more housing to Spokane.
Zappone is the best choice for Spokane City Council, District 3, Position 2.
Zack Zappone is running for Spokane City Council, District 3, Position 2. Zappone is a local high school English teacher. He previously challenged Republican Rep. Mike Volz in the 6th Legislative District and narrowly lost.
Zappone's campaign priorities include ensuring everyone has the training they need to enter the workforce, a housing-first approach to homelessness, worker protections, and creating a more equitable tax system for lower-income residents. He highlights his experience in logistics through his volunteer work with the Spokane Food Fighters, who are delivering meals during the coronavirus crisis. He supports expanded protections for renters, incentivizing more housing density, and demilitarizing the police.
His opponent in this race is Mike Lish, a conservative fast food restaurant owner. Notably, conservative developers and realtors are pouring lots of money into this race to get Lish elected. Lish's campaign platform is not detailed but is focused on supporting funding for police officers instead of looking at investing in effective community services that make our community safer for everyone. While he claims he wants to address the affordable housing crisis, Lish does not have a detailed strategy to bring more housing to Spokane.
Zappone is the best choice for Spokane City Council, District 3, Position 2.
James "JJ" Johnson is a program advisor and adjunct instructor at Spokane Community College. He has served as both chair and vice chair of the Spokane Valley Planning Commission, director of the Spokane County Human Rights Task Force, and on the Pasadena Park Citizens Advisory Committee.
Johnson is running for Spokane Valley City Council, Position 1 to bring more homes to the city as well as affordable housing along the Sprague corridor. Johnson wants to see the Appleway Trail connected with the Centennial Trail and would advocate for more parks and green spaces to be bought or established.
His opponent is Rod Higgins, who has served on the Spokane Valley City Council from 2012 to 2021, and was mayor from 2016 to 2019. He is running again to apply "conservative principles to city government." His website is inactive as of mid-October, but Higgins is prioritizing making the city more business-friendly. An archived version of his site blames progressives for trying to unseat Trump and states that his goal is to re-establish a conservative majority in the city council.
Johnson has been endorsed by Republicans, labor unions, and the more moderate members of the current city council. While not a progressive choice, Johnson represents a better direction than Higgins. We lean Johnson for Spokane Valley City Council, Position 1.
James "JJ" Johnson is a program advisor and adjunct instructor at Spokane Community College. He has served as both chair and vice chair of the Spokane Valley Planning Commission, director of the Spokane County Human Rights Task Force, and on the Pasadena Park Citizens Advisory Committee.
Johnson is running for Spokane Valley City Council, Position 1 to bring more homes to the city as well as affordable housing along the Sprague corridor. Johnson wants to see the Appleway Trail connected with the Centennial Trail and would advocate for more parks and green spaces to be bought or established.
His opponent is Rod Higgins, who has served on the Spokane Valley City Council from 2012 to 2021, and was mayor from 2016 to 2019. He is running again to apply "conservative principles to city government." His website is inactive as of mid-October, but Higgins is prioritizing making the city more business-friendly. An archived version of his site blames progressives for trying to unseat Trump and states that his goal is to re-establish a conservative majority in the city council.
Johnson has been endorsed by Republicans, labor unions, and the more moderate members of the current city council. While not a progressive choice, Johnson represents a better direction than Higgins. We lean Johnson for Spokane Valley City Council, Position 1.
James "JJ" Johnson is a program advisor and adjunct instructor at Spokane Community College. He has served as both chair and vice chair of the Spokane Valley Planning Commission, director of the Spokane County Human Rights Task Force, and on the Pasadena Park Citizens Advisory Committee.
Johnson is running for Spokane Valley City Council, Position 1 to bring more homes to the city as well as affordable housing along the Sprague corridor. Johnson wants to see the Appleway Trail connected with the Centennial Trail and would advocate for more parks and green spaces to be bought or established.
His opponent is Rod Higgins, who has served on the Spokane Valley City Council from 2012 to 2021, and was mayor from 2016 to 2019. He is running again to apply "conservative principles to city government." His website is inactive as of mid-October, but Higgins is prioritizing making the city more business-friendly. An archived version of his site blames progressives for trying to unseat Trump and states that his goal is to re-establish a conservative majority in the city council.
Johnson has been endorsed by Republicans, labor unions, and the more moderate members of the current city council. While not a progressive choice, Johnson represents a better direction than Higgins. We lean Johnson for Spokane Valley City Council, Position 1.
Catherine Ushka is running for re-election to Tacoma City Council, Position 4. Ushka was first elected to the council in 2017 and previously served on the Tacoma School Board for eight years. She chairs the Community Vitality and Safety Committee and is a member of groups including the Parks Policy Board and Opioid Prevention Taskforce.
In her time on the council, Ushka supported apprenticeship programs by changing labor codes to make these programs more accessible. If she's re-elected, Ushka wants to do more to fight racial inequalities in health, housing, education, employment, and law enforcement. She states that she will continue to work for more flexible federal funding for housing and shelters, including low-barrier shelters with fewer barriers to entry for the city's unhoused population. Ushka also feels the city needs to increase zoning density where suitable to address the housing deficit and provide additional resources for responding to mental health crises.
Also in this race is Israel James McKinney. McKinney has worked for Boeing and Xfinity and currently works for Washington’s Department of Social and Health Services. His platform includes prioritizing education, supporting police reform and accountability, and reducing the gap in affordable housing.
Our local council was disappointed with some of Ushka's interview answers, including her support for moving the migrant detention center to the Nalley Valley. However, Ushka’s support from local progressive groups and our partner organizations makes her the best choice in the race for Tacoma City Council, Position 4.
Catherine Ushka is running for re-election to Tacoma City Council, Position 4. Ushka was first elected to the council in 2017 and previously served on the Tacoma School Board for eight years. She chairs the Community Vitality and Safety Committee and is a member of groups including the Parks Policy Board and Opioid Prevention Taskforce.
In her time on the council, Ushka supported apprenticeship programs by changing labor codes to make these programs more accessible. If she's re-elected, Ushka wants to do more to fight racial inequalities in health, housing, education, employment, and law enforcement. She states that she will continue to work for more flexible federal funding for housing and shelters, including low-barrier shelters with fewer barriers to entry for the city's unhoused population. Ushka also feels the city needs to increase zoning density where suitable to address the housing deficit and provide additional resources for responding to mental health crises.
Also in this race is Israel James McKinney. McKinney has worked for Boeing and Xfinity and currently works for Washington’s Department of Social and Health Services. His platform includes prioritizing education, supporting police reform and accountability, and reducing the gap in affordable housing.
Our local council was disappointed with some of Ushka's interview answers, including her support for moving the migrant detention center to the Nalley Valley. However, Ushka’s support from local progressive groups and our partner organizations makes her the best choice in the race for Tacoma City Council, Position 4.
Catherine Ushka is running for re-election to Tacoma City Council, Position 4. Ushka was first elected to the council in 2017 and previously served on the Tacoma School Board for eight years. She chairs the Community Vitality and Safety Committee and is a member of groups including the Parks Policy Board and Opioid Prevention Taskforce.
In her time on the council, Ushka supported apprenticeship programs by changing labor codes to make these programs more accessible. If she's re-elected, Ushka wants to do more to fight racial inequalities in health, housing, education, employment, and law enforcement. She states that she will continue to work for more flexible federal funding for housing and shelters, including low-barrier shelters with fewer barriers to entry for the city's unhoused population. Ushka also feels the city needs to increase zoning density where suitable to address the housing deficit and provide additional resources for responding to mental health crises.
Also in this race is Israel James McKinney. McKinney has worked for Boeing and Xfinity and currently works for Washington’s Department of Social and Health Services. His platform includes prioritizing education, supporting police reform and accountability, and reducing the gap in affordable housing.
Our local council was disappointed with some of Ushka's interview answers, including her support for moving the migrant detention center to the Nalley Valley. However, Ushka’s support from local progressive groups and our partner organizations makes her the best choice in the race for Tacoma City Council, Position 4.
Anne Artman is running for Tacoma City Council, Position 5. She is the founder and executive director of the Tacoma Recovery Center and previously served as the program manager of the Multicultural Child and Family Hope Center.
Artman's campaign priorities include dealing with the affordable housing and homelessness crises, increasing behavioral health and social services, bringing more women-, Black-, brown-, and Indigenous-owned businesses to the community, and supporting Tacoma’s existing small businesses. She is also emphasizing social and racial justice and will work for more accountability, transparency, and equitable opportunities for all communities. Artman has been endorsed by progressive leaders like House Speaker Laurie Jinkins and Rep. Melanie Morgan and groups including the Stonewall Democrats and the National Women’s Political Caucus.
Artman is an exciting leader who has earned strong support from our Progressive Voters Guide partners, as well as progressive elected and community leaders. Artman is the best choice in the race for Tacoma City Council, Position 5.
Anne Artman is running for Tacoma City Council, Position 5. She is the founder and executive director of the Tacoma Recovery Center and previously served as the program manager of the Multicultural Child and Family Hope Center.
Artman's campaign priorities include dealing with the affordable housing and homelessness crises, increasing behavioral health and social services, bringing more women-, Black-, brown-, and Indigenous-owned businesses to the community, and supporting Tacoma’s existing small businesses. She is also emphasizing social and racial justice and will work for more accountability, transparency, and equitable opportunities for all communities. Artman has been endorsed by progressive leaders like House Speaker Laurie Jinkins and Rep. Melanie Morgan and groups including the Stonewall Democrats and the National Women’s Political Caucus.
Artman is an exciting leader who has earned strong support from our Progressive Voters Guide partners, as well as progressive elected and community leaders. Artman is the best choice in the race for Tacoma City Council, Position 5.
Anne Artman is running for Tacoma City Council, Position 5. She is the founder and executive director of the Tacoma Recovery Center and previously served as the program manager of the Multicultural Child and Family Hope Center.
Artman's campaign priorities include dealing with the affordable housing and homelessness crises, increasing behavioral health and social services, bringing more women-, Black-, brown-, and Indigenous-owned businesses to the community, and supporting Tacoma’s existing small businesses. She is also emphasizing social and racial justice and will work for more accountability, transparency, and equitable opportunities for all communities. Artman has been endorsed by progressive leaders like House Speaker Laurie Jinkins and Rep. Melanie Morgan and groups including the Stonewall Democrats and the National Women’s Political Caucus.
Artman is an exciting leader who has earned strong support from our Progressive Voters Guide partners, as well as progressive elected and community leaders. Artman is the best choice in the race for Tacoma City Council, Position 5.
Sarah Rumbaugh owns a consulting business and serves on the Tacoma Human Rights Commission. She previously worked as a city planner for Kent and with the Housing Equity Task Force helping to develop the Home in Tacoma Project.
Rumbaugh wants to tackle challenges like air and water pollution and decrease our reliance on fossil fuels without impacting the local economy or jobs in the area. Her campaign is emphasizing resetting the economy as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, bringing more affordable housing to Tacoma, and prioritizing frontline workers and their families. Rumbaugh is also a passionate advocate for people with disabilities and has pledged to listen and push the city to become inclusive. Her platform includes a commitment to public education and ensuring that all schools receive equitable funding, regardless of neighborhood or zip code.
Rumbaugh is a good choice for Tacoma City Council, Position 2 if you are looking for a moderate candidate who is focused on boosting the local economy.
Sarah Rumbaugh owns a consulting business and serves on the Tacoma Human Rights Commission. She previously worked as a city planner for Kent and with the Housing Equity Task Force helping to develop the Home in Tacoma Project.
Rumbaugh wants to tackle challenges like air and water pollution and decrease our reliance on fossil fuels without impacting the local economy or jobs in the area. Her campaign is emphasizing resetting the economy as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, bringing more affordable housing to Tacoma, and prioritizing frontline workers and their families. Rumbaugh is also a passionate advocate for people with disabilities and has pledged to listen and push the city to become inclusive. Her platform includes a commitment to public education and ensuring that all schools receive equitable funding, regardless of neighborhood or zip code.
Rumbaugh is a good choice for Tacoma City Council, Position 2 if you are looking for a moderate candidate who is focused on boosting the local economy.
Sarah Rumbaugh owns a consulting business and serves on the Tacoma Human Rights Commission. She previously worked as a city planner for Kent and with the Housing Equity Task Force helping to develop the Home in Tacoma Project.
Rumbaugh wants to tackle challenges like air and water pollution and decrease our reliance on fossil fuels without impacting the local economy or jobs in the area. Her campaign is emphasizing resetting the economy as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, bringing more affordable housing to Tacoma, and prioritizing frontline workers and their families. Rumbaugh is also a passionate advocate for people with disabilities and has pledged to listen and push the city to become inclusive. Her platform includes a commitment to public education and ensuring that all schools receive equitable funding, regardless of neighborhood or zip code.
Rumbaugh is a good choice for Tacoma City Council, Position 2 if you are looking for a moderate candidate who is focused on boosting the local economy.
Incumbent commissioner Eric Hansen is running for re-election to Position 1 on the Tacoma Civil Service Commission. Hansen is a lawyer and has worked for the Washington Education Association to defend teachers and other school employees in employment cases for more than 35 years. He first joined the commission in 2014 and also serves as a Democratic precinct committee officer. Hansen is running to bring his legal experience advocating for workers and his demonstrated commission track record to continue ensuring that all employees are treated fairly and justly.
Femi Adeleke is also in this race. Originally from Nigeria, Adeleke is passionate about representing marginalized communities within Pierce County and serving his home. He works as a clinical data analyst in health care, though he has not listed either community service or leadership in the local voters' pamphlet. In this race, Adeleke is prioritizing equity, representation, and accessibility for all residents.
We recommend Eric Hansen in this race because of his support from progressive organizations in the area.
Incumbent commissioner Eric Hansen is running for re-election to Position 1 on the Tacoma Civil Service Commission. Hansen is a lawyer and has worked for the Washington Education Association to defend teachers and other school employees in employment cases for more than 35 years. He first joined the commission in 2014 and also serves as a Democratic precinct committee officer. Hansen is running to bring his legal experience advocating for workers and his demonstrated commission track record to continue ensuring that all employees are treated fairly and justly.
Femi Adeleke is also in this race. Originally from Nigeria, Adeleke is passionate about representing marginalized communities within Pierce County and serving his home. He works as a clinical data analyst in health care, though he has not listed either community service or leadership in the local voters' pamphlet. In this race, Adeleke is prioritizing equity, representation, and accessibility for all residents.
We recommend Eric Hansen in this race because of his support from progressive organizations in the area.
Incumbent commissioner Eric Hansen is running for re-election to Position 1 on the Tacoma Civil Service Commission. Hansen is a lawyer and has worked for the Washington Education Association to defend teachers and other school employees in employment cases for more than 35 years. He first joined the commission in 2014 and also serves as a Democratic precinct committee officer. Hansen is running to bring his legal experience advocating for workers and his demonstrated commission track record to continue ensuring that all employees are treated fairly and justly.
Femi Adeleke is also in this race. Originally from Nigeria, Adeleke is passionate about representing marginalized communities within Pierce County and serving his home. He works as a clinical data analyst in health care, though he has not listed either community service or leadership in the local voters' pamphlet. In this race, Adeleke is prioritizing equity, representation, and accessibility for all residents.
We recommend Eric Hansen in this race because of his support from progressive organizations in the area.
Tosh Sharp is a union journeyman lineman who is running for Position 1 to make Tukwila more affordable for residents. The Tukwila Civil Service commissioner has also worked on the Community Oriented Policing Citizens Advisory Board, both of which provide civilian oversight of the city's police department. Sharp plans to harness that experience to increase accountability and reforms for law enforcement. He says that as a working dad, he would also advocate for affordable housing and better transit access. He wants to see equitable recovery from the worst of the pandemic that targets vulnerable communities like seniors and people of color. Sharp has tremendous support from labor unions as well as local and Democratic elected officials.
Tosh Sharp is a union journeyman lineman who is running for Position 1 to make Tukwila more affordable for residents. The Tukwila Civil Service commissioner has also worked on the Community Oriented Policing Citizens Advisory Board, both of which provide civilian oversight of the city's police department. Sharp plans to harness that experience to increase accountability and reforms for law enforcement. He says that as a working dad, he would also advocate for affordable housing and better transit access. He wants to see equitable recovery from the worst of the pandemic that targets vulnerable communities like seniors and people of color. Sharp has tremendous support from labor unions as well as local and Democratic elected officials.
Tosh Sharp is a union journeyman lineman who is running for Position 1 to make Tukwila more affordable for residents. The Tukwila Civil Service commissioner has also worked on the Community Oriented Policing Citizens Advisory Board, both of which provide civilian oversight of the city's police department. Sharp plans to harness that experience to increase accountability and reforms for law enforcement. He says that as a working dad, he would also advocate for affordable housing and better transit access. He wants to see equitable recovery from the worst of the pandemic that targets vulnerable communities like seniors and people of color. Sharp has tremendous support from labor unions as well as local and Democratic elected officials.
Incumbent De'Sean Quinn is a capital program manager at King County Metro. He volunteers in several capacities, including on the board of conservation organizations Forterra and as a member of the Strong Communities Fund.
Quinn has led the community on one of those most pressing issues of the last year - police accountability. Quinn serves on the state's Criminal Justice Commission and has made a point of speaking out about the murder of George Floyd and the need to make systematic changes to law enforcement. Over the past five years, use-of-force by the Tukwila Police Department has dropped by nearly 80 percent as de-escalation training increased, and specifically in Tukwila, community representatives review every use of force.
If re-elected, Quinn wants to continue the progress and create an opportunity fund to build resident coalitions to address safety and infrastructure needs. In addition, he supports rent and landlord assistance for those struggling in the pandemic, improving broadband access, diversifying transportation infrastructure, and continuing to support small businesses.
Opposing Quinn is Jay Stark, who is running as an independent. He volunteers for the Tukwila Community Oriented Policing Citizen’s Advisory Board and was the third-place finisher in last year's three-person race for Position 1 in Legislative District 11. As of late September, Stark has not added any specific policy priorities to his website, but his official voter's guide statement for 2020 says that he is concerned with bureaucracy and regulations on businesses.
Quinn has served the community well and has earned your vote for Tukwila City Council, Position 7.
Incumbent De'Sean Quinn is a capital program manager at King County Metro. He volunteers in several capacities, including on the board of conservation organizations Forterra and as a member of the Strong Communities Fund.
Quinn has led the community on one of those most pressing issues of the last year - police accountability. Quinn serves on the state's Criminal Justice Commission and has made a point of speaking out about the murder of George Floyd and the need to make systematic changes to law enforcement. Over the past five years, use-of-force by the Tukwila Police Department has dropped by nearly 80 percent as de-escalation training increased, and specifically in Tukwila, community representatives review every use of force.
If re-elected, Quinn wants to continue the progress and create an opportunity fund to build resident coalitions to address safety and infrastructure needs. In addition, he supports rent and landlord assistance for those struggling in the pandemic, improving broadband access, diversifying transportation infrastructure, and continuing to support small businesses.
Opposing Quinn is Jay Stark, who is running as an independent. He volunteers for the Tukwila Community Oriented Policing Citizen’s Advisory Board and was the third-place finisher in last year's three-person race for Position 1 in Legislative District 11. As of late September, Stark has not added any specific policy priorities to his website, but his official voter's guide statement for 2020 says that he is concerned with bureaucracy and regulations on businesses.
Quinn has served the community well and has earned your vote for Tukwila City Council, Position 7.
Incumbent De'Sean Quinn is a capital program manager at King County Metro. He volunteers in several capacities, including on the board of conservation organizations Forterra and as a member of the Strong Communities Fund.
Quinn has led the community on one of those most pressing issues of the last year - police accountability. Quinn serves on the state's Criminal Justice Commission and has made a point of speaking out about the murder of George Floyd and the need to make systematic changes to law enforcement. Over the past five years, use-of-force by the Tukwila Police Department has dropped by nearly 80 percent as de-escalation training increased, and specifically in Tukwila, community representatives review every use of force.
If re-elected, Quinn wants to continue the progress and create an opportunity fund to build resident coalitions to address safety and infrastructure needs. In addition, he supports rent and landlord assistance for those struggling in the pandemic, improving broadband access, diversifying transportation infrastructure, and continuing to support small businesses.
Opposing Quinn is Jay Stark, who is running as an independent. He volunteers for the Tukwila Community Oriented Policing Citizen’s Advisory Board and was the third-place finisher in last year's three-person race for Position 1 in Legislative District 11. As of late September, Stark has not added any specific policy priorities to his website, but his official voter's guide statement for 2020 says that he is concerned with bureaucracy and regulations on businesses.
Quinn has served the community well and has earned your vote for Tukwila City Council, Position 7.
Darcy Huffman, a communications and resource director for her church, is running for Olympia School Board in District 3. The former finance professional challenged an incumbent Republican in the state’s 35th Legislative District last year. Huffman currently also works on the Affordable Housing Taskforce for a coalition of Washington churches and as a member of the Quixote Communities board, which works to provide permanent supportive housing for people struggling with homelessness.
If elected, Huffman wants to make sure that Olympia’s public schools are supportive learning environments for all students. Her platform includes strengthening lines of communications with parents, prioritizing the emotional and social wellbeing of students, funding essential skills learning, and closing the opportunity gap. Huffman’s campaign to create a more equitable school system is supported by a large number of local progressive and Democratic organizations and leaders.
Wealth advisor Mark Boyer is running against Huffman on a vague platform that highlights no priorities or policy. He was a part of a conservative group that campaigned to bring back in-person learning earlier this year before it was safe to do so.
We recommend Darcy Huffman because of her progressive background, strong community support, and clear vision for the District 3 director position.
Darcy Huffman, a communications and resource director for her church, is running for Olympia School Board in District 3. The former finance professional challenged an incumbent Republican in the state’s 35th Legislative District last year. Huffman currently also works on the Affordable Housing Taskforce for a coalition of Washington churches and as a member of the Quixote Communities board, which works to provide permanent supportive housing for people struggling with homelessness.
If elected, Huffman wants to make sure that Olympia’s public schools are supportive learning environments for all students. Her platform includes strengthening lines of communications with parents, prioritizing the emotional and social wellbeing of students, funding essential skills learning, and closing the opportunity gap. Huffman’s campaign to create a more equitable school system is supported by a large number of local progressive and Democratic organizations and leaders.
Wealth advisor Mark Boyer is running against Huffman on a vague platform that highlights no priorities or policy. He was a part of a conservative group that campaigned to bring back in-person learning earlier this year before it was safe to do so.
We recommend Darcy Huffman because of her progressive background, strong community support, and clear vision for the District 3 director position.
Darcy Huffman, a communications and resource director for her church, is running for Olympia School Board in District 3. The former finance professional challenged an incumbent Republican in the state’s 35th Legislative District last year. Huffman currently also works on the Affordable Housing Taskforce for a coalition of Washington churches and as a member of the Quixote Communities board, which works to provide permanent supportive housing for people struggling with homelessness.
If elected, Huffman wants to make sure that Olympia’s public schools are supportive learning environments for all students. Her platform includes strengthening lines of communications with parents, prioritizing the emotional and social wellbeing of students, funding essential skills learning, and closing the opportunity gap. Huffman’s campaign to create a more equitable school system is supported by a large number of local progressive and Democratic organizations and leaders.
Wealth advisor Mark Boyer is running against Huffman on a vague platform that highlights no priorities or policy. He was a part of a conservative group that campaigned to bring back in-person learning earlier this year before it was safe to do so.
We recommend Darcy Huffman because of her progressive background, strong community support, and clear vision for the District 3 director position.
Incumbent Director Scott Clifthorne is running to retain his seat serving District 5 on the Olympia School Board. Clifthorne was first elected in 2017 and now serves as president. Clifthorne works as a negotiator for Teamster 117 and was formerly the president of the Lincoln Community Council. Previously, he was a member of the City of Olympia Community Workgroup on Homelessness.
During Clifthorne’s time on the board, Olympia was able to secure PE, art, and music teachers in all elementary schools beginning in Fall 2021. In this race, Clifthorne wants to continue expanding student opportunities, deepen lines of communication for families and schools, and address systemic inequities particularly relating to race, disability, and socioeconomic status. With three kids enrolled in Olympia public schools and widespread support from community leaders and organizations, Clifthorne will continue to bring progressive values to the board.
Challenging Clifthorne is Don Mitchell, a nurse and assistant professor of nursing. Mitchell advocated for school re-opening earlier than was safe, and he is now running on a reactionary platform that ignores scientific-informed, school board decisions. He also wants to continue valuing standardized tests despite ample research that shows that they are not an effective assessment of student success. Mitchell is not a progressive choice.
We recommend Scott Clifthorne in this race because of his school board experience and inclusive plan for the school district.
Incumbent Director Scott Clifthorne is running to retain his seat serving District 5 on the Olympia School Board. Clifthorne was first elected in 2017 and now serves as president. Clifthorne works as a negotiator for Teamster 117 and was formerly the president of the Lincoln Community Council. Previously, he was a member of the City of Olympia Community Workgroup on Homelessness.
During Clifthorne’s time on the board, Olympia was able to secure PE, art, and music teachers in all elementary schools beginning in Fall 2021. In this race, Clifthorne wants to continue expanding student opportunities, deepen lines of communication for families and schools, and address systemic inequities particularly relating to race, disability, and socioeconomic status. With three kids enrolled in Olympia public schools and widespread support from community leaders and organizations, Clifthorne will continue to bring progressive values to the board.
Challenging Clifthorne is Don Mitchell, a nurse and assistant professor of nursing. Mitchell advocated for school re-opening earlier than was safe, and he is now running on a reactionary platform that ignores scientific-informed, school board decisions. He also wants to continue valuing standardized tests despite ample research that shows that they are not an effective assessment of student success. Mitchell is not a progressive choice.
We recommend Scott Clifthorne in this race because of his school board experience and inclusive plan for the school district.
Incumbent Director Scott Clifthorne is running to retain his seat serving District 5 on the Olympia School Board. Clifthorne was first elected in 2017 and now serves as president. Clifthorne works as a negotiator for Teamster 117 and was formerly the president of the Lincoln Community Council. Previously, he was a member of the City of Olympia Community Workgroup on Homelessness.
During Clifthorne’s time on the board, Olympia was able to secure PE, art, and music teachers in all elementary schools beginning in Fall 2021. In this race, Clifthorne wants to continue expanding student opportunities, deepen lines of communication for families and schools, and address systemic inequities particularly relating to race, disability, and socioeconomic status. With three kids enrolled in Olympia public schools and widespread support from community leaders and organizations, Clifthorne will continue to bring progressive values to the board.
Challenging Clifthorne is Don Mitchell, a nurse and assistant professor of nursing. Mitchell advocated for school re-opening earlier than was safe, and he is now running on a reactionary platform that ignores scientific-informed, school board decisions. He also wants to continue valuing standardized tests despite ample research that shows that they are not an effective assessment of student success. Mitchell is not a progressive choice.
We recommend Scott Clifthorne in this race because of his school board experience and inclusive plan for the school district.
Michelle Sarju is running for Seattle School Board in District 5. Sarju is a former midwife, social worker, and PTA member who currently works with King County Public Health.
Sarju wants to make sure that all children in the Seattle Public School system have a chance at a quality education. Her campaign platform includes closing the racial gap in student opportunity, valuing alternative evidence-based metrics for success above standardized tests, providing social and emotional support for students, and investing in an anti-racist curriculum. She believes that in order to care for students during in-person learning, schools must provide more mental health support. Sarju is committed to not simply going back to normal post-COVID, but instead addressing root causes to make our school system stronger and more equitable than ever.
Sarju is running against Dan Harder, a Boeing engineer who is running on a reactionary, Trump-style agenda focused on pushing out honest and age-appropriate curriculum that teaches students about our history. Harder would use this excuse to explicitly walk back progress made in diversity, equity, and inclusion in the Seattle Public School system. He lacks a vision for the role beyond Trump politics and has no community or elected experience.
We recommend Michelle Sarju for Seattle School Board in District 5 because of her clear, progressive vision and the broad support she has earned from our partners and local leaders.
Michelle Sarju is running for Seattle School Board in District 5. Sarju is a former midwife, social worker, and PTA member who currently works with King County Public Health.
Sarju wants to make sure that all children in the Seattle Public School system have a chance at a quality education. Her campaign platform includes closing the racial gap in student opportunity, valuing alternative evidence-based metrics for success above standardized tests, providing social and emotional support for students, and investing in an anti-racist curriculum. She believes that in order to care for students during in-person learning, schools must provide more mental health support. Sarju is committed to not simply going back to normal post-COVID, but instead addressing root causes to make our school system stronger and more equitable than ever.
Sarju is running against Dan Harder, a Boeing engineer who is running on a reactionary, Trump-style agenda focused on pushing out honest and age-appropriate curriculum that teaches students about our history. Harder would use this excuse to explicitly walk back progress made in diversity, equity, and inclusion in the Seattle Public School system. He lacks a vision for the role beyond Trump politics and has no community or elected experience.
We recommend Michelle Sarju for Seattle School Board in District 5 because of her clear, progressive vision and the broad support she has earned from our partners and local leaders.
Michelle Sarju is running for Seattle School Board in District 5. Sarju is a former midwife, social worker, and PTA member who currently works with King County Public Health.
Sarju wants to make sure that all children in the Seattle Public School system have a chance at a quality education. Her campaign platform includes closing the racial gap in student opportunity, valuing alternative evidence-based metrics for success above standardized tests, providing social and emotional support for students, and investing in an anti-racist curriculum. She believes that in order to care for students during in-person learning, schools must provide more mental health support. Sarju is committed to not simply going back to normal post-COVID, but instead addressing root causes to make our school system stronger and more equitable than ever.
Sarju is running against Dan Harder, a Boeing engineer who is running on a reactionary, Trump-style agenda focused on pushing out honest and age-appropriate curriculum that teaches students about our history. Harder would use this excuse to explicitly walk back progress made in diversity, equity, and inclusion in the Seattle Public School system. He lacks a vision for the role beyond Trump politics and has no community or elected experience.
We recommend Michelle Sarju for Seattle School Board in District 5 because of her clear, progressive vision and the broad support she has earned from our partners and local leaders.
Incumbent Director Brandon Hersey is running for re-election to Position 7 on the Seattle School Board. Hersey joined the school board after being appointed in September 2019, and he used to teach at an elementary school in Federal Way. Hersey is also the current vice president of the board of directors and volunteers as a scoutmaster for Washington’s first African American Boy Scout troop. Previously, he served as a policy analyst for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families.
Since joining the board, Hersey has supported Seattle Public Schools’ participatory budgeting and multicultural curricula. In this race, he is running to make sure that all Seattle students, especially students of color, can receive a safe, equitable, and historically accurate education. His campaign platform includes COVID-safe school policies, open lines of communication between families and the board, and mental health programming for students of all ages.
Hersey's opponent is Genesis Williamson, a Seattle University graduate who now works as an assistant to the dean’s office. She has yet to release detailed campaign information as of late October, and submitted no information to the official King County voters guide.
With his policy and teaching background, and strong support from our partners, Hersey is the best choice in this race to maintain progressive leadership on the Seattle School Board.
Incumbent Director Brandon Hersey is running for re-election to Position 7 on the Seattle School Board. Hersey joined the school board after being appointed in September 2019, and he used to teach at an elementary school in Federal Way. Hersey is also the current vice president of the board of directors and volunteers as a scoutmaster for Washington’s first African American Boy Scout troop. Previously, he served as a policy analyst for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families.
Since joining the board, Hersey has supported Seattle Public Schools’ participatory budgeting and multicultural curricula. In this race, he is running to make sure that all Seattle students, especially students of color, can receive a safe, equitable, and historically accurate education. His campaign platform includes COVID-safe school policies, open lines of communication between families and the board, and mental health programming for students of all ages.
Hersey's opponent is Genesis Williamson, a Seattle University graduate who now works as an assistant to the dean’s office. She has yet to release detailed campaign information as of late October, and submitted no information to the official King County voters guide.
With his policy and teaching background, and strong support from our partners, Hersey is the best choice in this race to maintain progressive leadership on the Seattle School Board.
Incumbent Director Brandon Hersey is running for re-election to Position 7 on the Seattle School Board. Hersey joined the school board after being appointed in September 2019, and he used to teach at an elementary school in Federal Way. Hersey is also the current vice president of the board of directors and volunteers as a scoutmaster for Washington’s first African American Boy Scout troop. Previously, he served as a policy analyst for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families.
Since joining the board, Hersey has supported Seattle Public Schools’ participatory budgeting and multicultural curricula. In this race, he is running to make sure that all Seattle students, especially students of color, can receive a safe, equitable, and historically accurate education. His campaign platform includes COVID-safe school policies, open lines of communication between families and the board, and mental health programming for students of all ages.
Hersey's opponent is Genesis Williamson, a Seattle University graduate who now works as an assistant to the dean’s office. She has yet to release detailed campaign information as of late October, and submitted no information to the official King County voters guide.
With his policy and teaching background, and strong support from our partners, Hersey is the best choice in this race to maintain progressive leadership on the Seattle School Board.
Emily Williams is running for re-election to the Shoreline School Board in District 2 after joining the board last year. Williams is an educator, small business owner, racial equity advocate, and a parent. She previously directed Learning Center Seattle, a youth re-engagement program with Seattle Central College and Seattle Public Schools. Williams has also worked as an advisor to marginalized Lake Washington students, including those with disabilities, those from low-income backgrounds, and first-generation college students.
Now, Williams is running a progressive campaign to continue making Shoreline schools as equitable as possible so that all students can reach their full potential. In her time on the board already, Williams has backed the implementation of ethnic studies in Shoreline schools and an anti-racism policy for the district. She joined the board in the worst of the pandemic and has been a strong voice for science-backed safety protocols to keep students, teachers, and staff safe.
Tyann Nguyen, a special education paraeducator, is challenging Williams for the District 2 director seat. Nguyen has a background in education and youth services but lacks a detailed campaign platform and a website as of mid-October.
Emily Williams is the best choice in this race because of her broad progressive support and her clear vision for the position.
Emily Williams is running for re-election to the Shoreline School Board in District 2 after joining the board last year. Williams is an educator, small business owner, racial equity advocate, and a parent. She previously directed Learning Center Seattle, a youth re-engagement program with Seattle Central College and Seattle Public Schools. Williams has also worked as an advisor to marginalized Lake Washington students, including those with disabilities, those from low-income backgrounds, and first-generation college students.
Now, Williams is running a progressive campaign to continue making Shoreline schools as equitable as possible so that all students can reach their full potential. In her time on the board already, Williams has backed the implementation of ethnic studies in Shoreline schools and an anti-racism policy for the district. She joined the board in the worst of the pandemic and has been a strong voice for science-backed safety protocols to keep students, teachers, and staff safe.
Tyann Nguyen, a special education paraeducator, is challenging Williams for the District 2 director seat. Nguyen has a background in education and youth services but lacks a detailed campaign platform and a website as of mid-October.
Emily Williams is the best choice in this race because of her broad progressive support and her clear vision for the position.
Emily Williams is running for re-election to the Shoreline School Board in District 2 after joining the board last year. Williams is an educator, small business owner, racial equity advocate, and a parent. She previously directed Learning Center Seattle, a youth re-engagement program with Seattle Central College and Seattle Public Schools. Williams has also worked as an advisor to marginalized Lake Washington students, including those with disabilities, those from low-income backgrounds, and first-generation college students.
Now, Williams is running a progressive campaign to continue making Shoreline schools as equitable as possible so that all students can reach their full potential. In her time on the board already, Williams has backed the implementation of ethnic studies in Shoreline schools and an anti-racism policy for the district. She joined the board in the worst of the pandemic and has been a strong voice for science-backed safety protocols to keep students, teachers, and staff safe.
Tyann Nguyen, a special education paraeducator, is challenging Williams for the District 2 director seat. Nguyen has a background in education and youth services but lacks a detailed campaign platform and a website as of mid-October.
Emily Williams is the best choice in this race because of her broad progressive support and her clear vision for the position.
Depending on where you live, you may have one of the below races on your ballot.
Dustin Lambro, president of the King County Labor Council and political director for Teamsters Local 117, is running for Public Hospital District No. 1 in District 2. Lambro has extensive community leadership experience and is a staunch workers’ rights advocate.
If elected, Lambro wants to restore a balance of power between UW Medicine and both its hospital staff and the community it serves. He would work to bring final decision authority back to the hospital commissioners elected by voters instead of trustees selected by the University of Washington. Additionally, Lambro would fight for the rights of frontline, health care workers to make sure that the hospital district has proper labor conditions.
Lambro is facing incumbent commissioner and veteran Jim Griggs, who currently serves as the president of the board of commissioners as well as the chair of the Finance & Audit Committee. Griggs formerly worked as an audit manager for the state's auditor’s office and is running on a vague platform to serve the valley, in his owns words, as a financial watchdog.
With his demonstrated progressive values and experience organizing for the public good, Dustin Lambro is the best choice for Public Hospital District 1, Commissioner in District 2.
Dustin Lambro, president of the King County Labor Council and political director for Teamsters Local 117, is running for Public Hospital District No. 1 in District 2. Lambro has extensive community leadership experience and is a staunch workers’ rights advocate.
If elected, Lambro wants to restore a balance of power between UW Medicine and both its hospital staff and the community it serves. He would work to bring final decision authority back to the hospital commissioners elected by voters instead of trustees selected by the University of Washington. Additionally, Lambro would fight for the rights of frontline, health care workers to make sure that the hospital district has proper labor conditions.
Lambro is facing incumbent commissioner and veteran Jim Griggs, who currently serves as the president of the board of commissioners as well as the chair of the Finance & Audit Committee. Griggs formerly worked as an audit manager for the state's auditor’s office and is running on a vague platform to serve the valley, in his owns words, as a financial watchdog.
With his demonstrated progressive values and experience organizing for the public good, Dustin Lambro is the best choice for Public Hospital District 1, Commissioner in District 2.
Dustin Lambro, president of the King County Labor Council and political director for Teamsters Local 117, is running for Public Hospital District No. 1 in District 2. Lambro has extensive community leadership experience and is a staunch workers’ rights advocate.
If elected, Lambro wants to restore a balance of power between UW Medicine and both its hospital staff and the community it serves. He would work to bring final decision authority back to the hospital commissioners elected by voters instead of trustees selected by the University of Washington. Additionally, Lambro would fight for the rights of frontline, health care workers to make sure that the hospital district has proper labor conditions.
Lambro is facing incumbent commissioner and veteran Jim Griggs, who currently serves as the president of the board of commissioners as well as the chair of the Finance & Audit Committee. Griggs formerly worked as an audit manager for the state's auditor’s office and is running on a vague platform to serve the valley, in his owns words, as a financial watchdog.
With his demonstrated progressive values and experience organizing for the public good, Dustin Lambro is the best choice for Public Hospital District 1, Commissioner in District 2.
