Issue statements from candidates for King County council

By Evan Smith

Appointed incumbent King County Councilman Rod Dembowski faces challenger Naomi Wilson in the Nov. 5 election. The two finished 1-2 in the Aug. 6 primary. Dembowski led primary results with 71 percent of the votes to 23 percent for Wilson and 5 percent for candidate John Fray.

Here are statements on campaign issues from Dembowski and Wilson:

Rod Dembowski

Rod Dembowski

Earlier this year, I was appointed to serve you on the King County Council. Selected to chair the Regional Transit Committee, I went to work immediately, fighting for investments in our transit system, streets, and bridges.

I worked to protect our environment, voting to save 43,000 acres of open space from development.  I am working to save the last old growth forests in King County.

I authored legislation to increase transparency and oversight of taxpayer levy monies.

I support smart investments in health care, and treatment of mental illness and addiction to reduce crime and save money.

I am a lifelong King County resident, son of a Korean War veteran, with over twenty years of private and public sector experience.  My wife Lynna and I have two sons in public schools.

Endorsements:

Seattle Times: “Dembowski brings a moderate, effective voice to the table”

The Stranger: “smart, aggressive…with a working-class background”

Fuse: “Dembowski is a well-liked and collaborative member of the King County Council”

King County Democrats, Planned Parenthood Votes NW, Washington Conservation Voters, Eastside Business Alliance, King County Labor Council, Realtors, Seattle Firefighters, Attorney General Bob Ferguson, Congresswoman DelBene, Sheriff Urquhart, Sens. Frockt, McAuliffe, Mayors of Shoreline, Kenmore, Kirkland, Woodinville."

Naomi Wilson

Naomi Wilson

District 1 is a great place to live, full of potential and opportunities, but we still have many important issues to tackle:  access to health care, affordable housing, transit and transportation funding, and preserving our environment.  We need someone who brings a fresh perspective to these long-standing issues - not “business as usual” - and a voice for public health.

I am a proud second-generation Korean-American, working mom of two, and committed public health professional. Public Health is just one aspect of my leadership and community engagement. I have spent many years as a dedicated advocate for low-income housing, environmental justice, alternative transportation, and underserved populations.

The Affordable Health Care Act will be the largest new program King County has implemented in years. There is no member on the council with a public health background and we are losing our top advocate for health and human services. I will be a champion for the health of our families and communities.

If elected, I will add diversity and a progressive woman’s voice to the nine-member council where only two women will return this fall.

Please vote for me, Naomi Wilson, for King County Council. Thank you.