Candidates talk pressing issues, goals at Sunday sign-waving

Please Mr. Postman

Get ready to vote -

Candidates talk pressing issues, goals at Sunday sign-waving

Story & Photos by Pamela Mieth

Affordable housing, environmental protection, transportation, public schools, healthcare, and AI regulation are a few of the pressing issues on tap for the state Legislature's upcoming session, along with how to fund those needed efforts while making difficult choices in tough budget times.

Keith Scully, left

Three of those vying to be part of that discussion attended the "Social Justice Sundays" sign-waving this past weekend at the Shoreline-Edmonds line to discuss their goals and ideas, answer questions, and hear folks' concerns.

They included Shoreline City Councillor Keith Scully, running for state representative position 1 in the 32nd Legislative District (which includes all of Shoreline and parts of Edmonds, Woodway, Mountlake Terrace, Lynnwood, and Seattle); and incumbent state Sen. Marko Liias and incumbent position 1 state Rep. Strom Peterson, both running for re-election in the 21st LD (which includes parts of Edmonds, Lynnwood, Bothell, Everett and Mukilteo).

Asked to commit to a visit of 15-20 minutes, all three (like those on previous Sundays) ended up staying much longer, moving around the intersection to greet attendees and answer questions.

Marko Liias (left, with dog)

Many saw people they had met previously at other events or from door-knocking (something Scully had been doing before attending the sign-waving and then returned to after). Liias brought his well-behaved dog to the event (one of several in attendance), and Peterson made a quick video from the event for later posting to social media.

Local group Everyday Activists helps organize the weekly sign-wavings to highlight opposition to the current federal administration running roughshod over long established principles of the rule of law and ethical norms, and playing Russian roulette with the nation's economy and international standing - and to remind like-minded or unengaged passers-by who don't like what they're seeing that there is a solution - and it's to vote.

With the president's efforts to interfere with mail-in voting, making sure you are registered to vote, getting ready to vote, having a plan B to vote, and voting is more important than ever!

Each of the two candidates in the contested races for the 21st LD, 32nd LD, and five positions on the Washington State Supreme Court were invited to visit one of the Sunday sign-wavings between the end of August and end of October, before the Nov. 3 general election. 

Strom Petersen, center, blue shirt

Seven have attended so far and others have indicated potential attendance at a later date. Updates will be posted as available (including at @everydayshoreline.bsky.social - you do not need to join Bluesky to read the posts).

The sign-waving is held every Sunday, 1-2pm, at the intersection of Aurora Avenue North (Hwy 99) and N 205th St, and attendees can bring a sign or borrow one. As always, non-perishable food and personal care items will be accepted for donation to local organization assisting those in need.