Showing posts with label candidates. Show all posts
Showing posts with label candidates. Show all posts

Candidate statement: Stephanie Angelis, Lake Forest Park City Council Position 3

Friday, June 11, 2021

Stephanie Angelis
Statement from the candidate:

Stephanie Angelis—an environmental professional, community conduit and advocate for underserved populations—has filed to run for Lake Forest Park City Council Position 3.

I moved to Washington State with my grandparents when I was 7 years old. They made their home in what became Shoreline, the city in which I lived for more than 20 years. I benefited from the amazing School District that Lake Forest Park and Shoreline share. I graduated from Shorewood HS, Shoreline Community College, and finally the University of Washington. When I moved to Lake Forest Park I immediately fell in love with the character, urban forest and wildlife in our incredible City. My education, professional experience, and advocacy have all centered around three priorities: Environmental Ethics, Building Community, and Affordable Housing.

At the UW, I majored in Environmental Studies and Minored in Marine Biology. My elective studies focused on the history of environmental law which triggered major restoration regulations as well as systems for monitoring ongoing water and air pollution. My Capstone research involved documenting, analyzing, and presenting Clean Water Act violations, in partnership with the Puget Soundkeeper Alliance. Our work led to successful lawsuits against polluters and numerous cleanup events which I was heavily involved with, including a large-scale creosote log removal project in Seattle’s Lincoln Park.

On the Lake Forest Park City Council I would champion equity, protect biodiversity, perform consistent meaningful outreach, and encourage active participation in our democratic process. I spent six years representing local utilities, encouraging energy efficiency, conducting community events and educating the public

I serve on the Board of Ballinger Neighborhood Association where I encourage event participation from LFP, MLT, and Shoreline, such as our Outdoor Movie Night and 2019’s Friendship Fair. I assist the Garden Committee in garden revitalization and provide direct outreach to our growing, diverse community. In 2015-2019, I represented Ballinger on the Shoreline Council of Neighborhoods, and served on their Board. In addition, I was a member of Shoreline’s Sidewalk Advisory Committee where I worked with, supported, and advocated for people experiencing disability, in their fight for access. Lastly, I served Ballinger as PCO with the 32nd LD Democrats.

My advocacy work centers on lived experiences of low-income and homeless individuals. I communicate directly with, and support the rights of non-sanctioned campers and the recently housed. I have volunteered and advocated for shelters in King County, and advocated for the recently enacted HB 1236, which ended no-cause eviction. I make an effort to model compassion as a small-scale landlord, am proud to serve our communities through ongoing direct action, and encourage localized and legislative advocacy. My passion for affordable and accessible housing led me to become a licensed Realtor for Keller Williams Greater Seattle where I specialize in down payment assistance and supporting first time home buyers.

On the Lake Forest Park City Council, I will use my educational, professional, and advocacy expertise to build community, while representing the needs of our diverse residents. As a Member of the Council, I will:
  • Improve safety of the City’s roads and sidewalks as transit increases.
  • Encourage low-impact development, and support affordable housing.
  • Remove barriers to home businesses, increasing local jobs and services, and spark green innovation.
  • Reverse historical redlining, welcome diversity in our community, and encourage density while preserving character, beauty and quality.
  • Support functional, biodiverse ecosystems, open spaces, parks, and explore calls for additional public waterfront access.
  • Encourage inclusive activities, artistic and educational events to bring us together and bolster community roots.
  • Conserve urban forests to ensure tree cover provides shade to our watershed in perpetuity, celebrate homeowners that partner with the land.
Lake Forest Park is an incredible place to recreate, live, and visit. Working together we can realize a sustainable, growing, economically vibrant, and equitable community. We can also achieve a thriving business community, deepen our civic connection, and create a truly model environmental community. I would be honored to connect with you, to listen, discuss, and encourage local advocacy. It would be a privilege to have your vote in November!

Email: Stephanie@AngelisForLFP
Website: AngelisForLFP.com
Facebook Page https://tinyurl.com/AngelisForLFP


Read more...

Candidates: Larry Goldman announces run for Lake Forest Park City Council Position 7

Monday, May 24, 2021

Larry Goldman, candidate for
LFP City Council Pos 7
Hello! I’m Larry Goldman and I’m running for Lake Forest Park City Council position 7. I live in the Southern Gateway neighborhood and teach chemistry at the University of Washington – Seattle. I very much appreciate living in Lake Forest Park and would like to give back to this city. 

I want Lake Forest Park to continue to be a welcoming, environmentally-focused city. Some of my greatest strengths are experience working in teams, willingness to put in hard work, attention to detail, and a strong desire to make things better. Here are a few of my focus issues, more information can be found on my campaign website – https://www.facebook.com/LarryForLFP

Transportation: Public transportation is evolving in LFP as Sound Transit opens new light rail stations from the U District to Lynnwood and upgrades buses along Bothell Way and Ballinger Way. As a member of our city council, I will work with Sound Transit and King County Metro to provide the best possible public transportation system to LFP residents. 

I will reach out and ensure residents are well-informed about restructuring plans opportunities to provide public comments so that the voices of our community are heard before decisions are finalized. 

Pedestrian and bicyclist safety is also critical. I support a grade-separated connection between the town center and the Burke-Gilman trail, and I also support providing more sidewalks, especially near schools and along our busier streets. The easier we make it for people to walk, cycle, and use public transportation, the more we can reduce our carbon footprint and protect the planet for future generations.

Green amenities: Lake Forest Park’s name connotes nature. I’m glad to see the city working to acquire and develop property along Lake Washington and would be delighted to continue this process and provide all LFP residents with access to this natural treasure. 

I strongly support LFP’s tree ordinance, which is a model for other towns in the region. LFP has a proud tradition of supporting community parks. The recent Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Trails (PROST) report confirmed that we love our parks, but that access to parks and open space is limited in some neighborhoods. 

I support acquiring park space in underserved neighborhoods and providing more residents with easy access to the green spaces that are so central to our LFP identity. I would also like to bring community gardens to LFP because some residents don’t have access to yard space to grow their own vegetables, herbs, and flowers and would take great satisfaction in growing their own food.

I’m delighted to have this opportunity to run for office and look forward to interacting with LFP residents about what they would like to see from their city government. Thank you so much for your support!

Website: https://www.facebook.com/LarryForLFP
~~~~~
See all candidate statements under the tag “candidates.” Be aware that this tag has ten years of candidates. Tags are at the bottom of every article and in the first column of our website www.shorelineareanews.com



Read more...

Laura Mork announces run for Shoreline City Council

Thursday, May 20, 2021

Laura Mork, candidate for Shoreline
City Council
Dedicated to balancing community, business, and environmental needs

Laura Mork, a 25-year resident of Shoreline, is running for Shoreline City Council Position 3. 

A longtime community volunteer with a decade of public service experience, Mork is dedicated to balancing the needs of community, business, and the environment as our region continues to grow.

“It’s easier for all of us to thrive if we work together in an equitable manner to maintain and enhance our community,” says Mork. 
“As a Shoreline City Council member, I will focus on affordable housing, parks, transportation, safety, walkability, and business opportunities that also take care of our environment."

Mork has a long professional career as an engineer in the private sector, working for diverse industries. She has managed and budgeted infrastructure with a focus on sustainability, energy and water conservation, and waste reduction. 

She holds a professional certification in project management and has a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Washington.

In 2019, Shoreline voters elected Mork to the board of commissioners for the Ronald Wastewater District, which oversaw the sanitary sewer utility for Shoreline for 70 years before the city took ownership at the end of April. She was appointed to the board in 2017.

“Laura is committed to the Shoreline community,” says Wes Brandon, former board president for the Ronald Wastewater District. 
“Her work on the Ronald Wastewater board showcased her ability to listen and find solutions to meet the needs and goals of government in an efficient and effective way.”

With strong professional and public service experience with wastewater, Mork has the knowledge needed to help the city navigate the challenges it will face due to population growth, aging infrastructure, and regulatory changes.

Mork also has served on the Shoreline Planning Commission since 2013 and is now the chair. As a member of the planning commission, Mork has worked on improvements for bike and pedestrian paths, new spaces for neighborhood-serving businesses, affordable housing, and environmentally friendly construction in areas around the light rail stations.

Some of her other contributions include support of the award-winning Deep Green Incentive Program for sustainable construction projects and Salmon-Safe certification for city programs that promote habitat protection.

An avid volunteer, Mork campaigned for Shoreline parks and sidewalk improvements.

She also volunteered on the Cascade Youth Symphony board and was active in the parent-teacher association for Shoreline public schools, where her two children graduated.

"I believe Shoreline must be responsive to the needs of residents now and in the future," says Mork. “As a city council member, I pledge to find the solutions that will move our community forward as a great, sustainable place to live and do business."

To learn more, donate, or volunteer, go to electlauramork.com

~~~~~
See all candidate statements under the tag “candidates.” Be aware that this tag has ten years of candidates. Tags are at the bottom of every article and in the first column of our website www.shorelineareanews.com


Read more...

Candidates: Jon Lebo announces campaign for Lake Forest Park City Council Position 3

Tuesday, May 4, 2021

Candidate Jon Lebo
I am Jon Lebo and I am announcing my campaign for the Lake Forest Park City Council Position 3.

I have lived in Lake Forest Park for over 28 years, attending Lake Forest Park Elementary, Kellogg Middle School, and Shorecrest High School. 

I am a University of Washington graduate with dual degrees in Architectural Studies and Construction Management. 

I am an architect and the Deputy Project Director, on the $3.7B, East Link Extension project at Sound Transit. 

Previously, I was a Director of Capital Projects, University of Washington.

I am an experienced leader in civic planning, capital planning and construction. I recently served for 7 years on the Lake Forest Park (LFP) Planning Commission, 3 years as its Chair. Our collaborations with the citizens included the 2015 Comprehensive Plan and the new development code and for the LFP Town Center.

My parents moved here to enjoy the lifestyle of LFP and the benefits of the Shoreline School District. Like my parents, we moved our family here to enjoy the amenities and character of Lake Forest Park. My wife, Mary Ellen, and I share our house with our three sons and Penny, our Bernese Mountain Dog.

I am committed to working with and listening to our citizens to continue to make LFP a special place to live. Like so many of you, I share the same goals for LFP:
  • Our love for the environment, the forest, streams, and open space that make our city unique.
  • Our sense of community, the Town Center, The Commons, where we shop, eat, and spend time with our friends.
  • Our support for responsible development that is ecologically sensitive, is responsive to our neighborhoods, addresses the needs of our community and minimizes the impacts of climate change on LFP.
An equally important goal is a transparent city budget that ensures responsible fiscal oversight that invests in the needs, priorities and safety our citizens, while preserving our rainy-day fund.
 
I will work to represent the citizens of LFP. Together, let’s continue to make Lake Forest Park the place where we, our children and grandchildren want to live, work, and play.


~~~~~
See all candidate statements under the tag “candidates.” Be aware that this tag has ten years of candidates. Tags are at the bottom of every article and in the first column of our website www.shorelineareanews.com


Read more...

Councilmember Chris Roberts launches campaign for re-election

Thursday, March 4, 2021

Chris Roberts is running for re-election
Shoreline, WA - City Councilmember Christopher Roberts launched his campaign for re-election to Shoreline City Council, District 7 at an event on February 20, 2021.

“I’m proud of the accomplishments we’ve made in Shoreline over the past few years,” said Roberts. 
“Last year we unanimously adopted a resolution committing the city to co-create a vision of an anti-racist community, added new parks and open space, and helped Shoreline businesses through the pandemic.”

Roberts will hold virtual community conversations with the residents of Shoreline and constituent groups starting mid March to discuss his re-election campaign and his priorities for his next term on City Council.

“There is more work to be done in our community to address the issues of affordable housing and climate change,” said Roberts. 

Councilmember Roberts also said he plans to continue his work to make sure that Shoreline becomes more just and equitable for everyone who lives and works in the city.

Roberts serves on the National League of Cities Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources Committee and the Race, Equity and Leadership Council, the Puget Sound Regional Council Executive Board, and was recently appointed to the Sound Cities Association Equity and Inclusion Cabinet.

Rod Dembowski spoke
at the kick-off
Councilmember Roberts is proud to have the endorsements of Lt. Governor Denny Heck, King County Executive Dow Constantine, King County Councilmembers Rod Dembowski and Jeanne Kohl-Welles, State Senator Derek Stanford, State Representatives Lauren Davis and Javier Valdez.

He is endorsed by fellow Shoreline City Councilmembers Susan Chang, Will Hall, Doris McConnell, Betsy Robertson, and Keith Scully as well as City Councilmembers from all across the region.

Larry Brown WSLC President and
Auburn City Councilmember
He is especially pleased to have earned the personal endorsement of WSLC President and Auburn City Councilmember Larry Brown.

He is a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. Roberts served as Mayor of Shoreline from 2017-2018.



~~~~~
See all candidate statements under the tag “candidates.” Be aware that this tag has ten years of candidates. Tags are at the bottom of every article and in the first column of our website www.shorelineareanews.com


Read more...

Candidate forum: 32nd District candidates discuss police accountability

Thursday, July 16, 2020

By Evan Smith

Incumbent Democratic 32nd District State Rep. Cindy Ryu and Democratic challengers Keith Smith and Shirley Sutton all say that police need to be more accountable.

Democrats Ryu, Smith and Sutton will meet in the Aug. 4 primary with the top two candidates advancing to the Nov. 3 general election.

No Republicans or independents filed for the position.


Sutton - Smith - Ryu
 

Ryu, Smith and Sutton have sent responses to the question, “What can the legislature do to prevent the kind of police behavior that recently killed a man in Minneapolis?” Here are their responses:

Legislative District 32, State Representative Pos. 1

Shirley Sutton (Prefers Democratic Party)

Police are legally protected and in many cases impossible to prosecute for crimes – even when captured on video! In 2018, I-940 passed with a 60% vote in WA State. I propose that I-940 gives us the opportunity to upgrade Washington’s police accountability laws. Perhaps upgraded performance evaluations and reviews like all other professions needs to be more frequent. In most cases, there’s no accountability to the community. Right now, the most important thing is to listen to the demands from our communities of color.

Keith Smith (Prefers Democratic Party)

The legislature needs to increase accountability for inappropriate use of force. This includes independent oversight, judicial involvement in investigations, and increasing transparency for the public to know which officers have received complaints.

We also need to de-police situations. This means fully funding social services. We need to focus on getting social workers to mental health and drug use situations. Too often the police are called to situations where they are not needed. By removing the gun from those situations we will dramatically decrease the chances of a tragic outcome.

Cindy Ryu (Prefers Democratic Party)

In 2016, my House Bill 2908 established the joint legislative task force on police use of deadly force. Subsequently, I-940 adopted some of its recommendations. We must now change our laws to prohibit chokeholds and other holds that use pressure on the neck; mandate community oversight boards for all police agencies in the state, including WSP; conduct completely independent criminal investigations of injuries and deaths from police use of force and custody; and provide that officers with sustained misconduct complaints must lose their commissions and cannot transfer to other agencies.

Evan Smith can be reached at schsmith@frontier.com



Read more...

Candidate Forum: Pollet, Brown discuss education in District 46 race

Wednesday, July 15, 2020

By Evan Smith

Democratic incumbent 46th Legislative District State Rep. Gerry Pollet and Republican challenger Eric Brown recently sent comments on financial support for public education.

Pollet and Brown are running in the Aug. 4 primary election. With only two candidates, both will advance to the Nov. 3 general election.

The 46th District includes Lake Forest Park, Kenmore and northeast Seattle. Here are their responses to the question, "How can legislators improve the way we pay for schools?":

Pollet - Brown


Legislative District 46, State Representative Pos. 1

Gerry Pollet (Prefers Democratic Party)

I’m a champion for fully funding our schools. We weren’t fully funding before the Pandemic. That’s why our school districts rely on levy funds for special education. KING5 called me “the Legislature's leading advocate for special education.”

I’m working to make our tax system more fair to fund education by replacing regressive sales taxes with taxes on wealth and closing massive corporate tax loopholes. I will continue to oppose diverting funds to non-public schools.

Eric J. Brown (Prefers Republican Party)

Every legislator should improve how you pay for schools. Know that our legislators are failing! Washington law, called a Blaine Amendment, makes paying for schools painful. Enacted to discriminate against Catholics, proving the ultimate logic of discrimination is totalitarian government! Teachers Unions force students into economic dead ends. No money, no educational options. The Legislature must kill this law, open scholarships; you decide which school. Partnerships between educators makes your education affordable.

Evan Smith can be reached at schsmith@frontier.com



Read more...

Candidate Forum: Daranciang, Valdez, comment on education

Sunday, July 12, 2020

Daranciang - Valdez
LD 46, Pos 2
By Evan Smith

In an earlier post showing candidate comments on education, I left out part of the comments from Republican 46th Legislative District challenger Beth Daranciang. She is running against incumbent Democratic State Rep. Javier Valdez in the Aug. 4 primary and Nov. 3 general election in the 46th Legislative District, which includes Lake Forest Park, Kenmore and northwest Seattle. With only two candidates on the primary ballot, both will qualify for the general-election ballot.

Here are their responses to the question, “How can legislators improve the way we pay for schools?”:

Legislative District 46, State Representative Pos. 2

Beth Daranciang (Prefers Republican Party)

State education funding should be focused on improving the education of all children. To that end, and to satisfy the McCleary decision, state spending on K-12 schools has doubled in the last eight years.

The COVID-19 crisis has reinforced the importance of directing education efforts and funding to the most effective ways of educating our children, including empowering teachers to improvise in ways that fit their particular students.

Javier Valdez (Prefers Democratic Party)

While the Legislature has made progress on the state's paramount duty to fund our public schools, we know we still need to make further investments to provide more nurses, counselors, social workers, and librarians in our schools. We need to look at new revenue policies that will shield our working-class families and focus on the wealthiest taxpayers that can pay more. It's also time to re-examine the over 700 tax exemptions our state allows.


This is part of a series of responses to questions we’re sending to candidates running in the Aug. 4 primary election. We will present responses to our questions from candidates for state representative positions in the 32nd and 46th legislative districts. This question came from a reader. Send future questions for the candidates to schsmith@frontier.com.



Read more...

Candidate Forum: Davis, Petersen, Smilanich discuss issues in 32nd District race

Saturday, July 11, 2020

Smilanich - Peterson - Davis
By Evan Smith

Incumbent Democratic 32nd Legislative District State Rep. Lauren Davis, Democratic challenger Gray Petersen and non-partisan challenger Tamra Smilanich are pushing a variety of issues as they campaign for the Aug. 4 primary election.

The top two candidates in the primary will advance to the Nov. 3 general election.

The 32nd Legislative District includes the city of Shoreline along with part of northwest Seattle, Woodway and nearby areas of southwest Snohomish County, south Edmonds, the city of Lynnwood and a small part of Mountlake Terrace.

Peterson, Davis and Smilanich recently sent responses to the question, “What is the most important issue or issues that you are emphasizing in your campaign?” Here are those responses:

Legislative District 32, State Representative Pos. 2

Gray Petersen (Prefers Democratic Party)

Healthcare: We need to move to a single payer system on the state level until we achieve Medicare for All.

Housing: We need to build public housing and to pass a homes guarantee in Washington to end the evils of homelessness and housing insecurity.

Green New Deal: We need to embrace the ideals of the Green New Deal at the state level, and create good paying union jobs as we decarbonize and save our planet.

Tamra Smilanich (Prefers Non Partisan Party)

Voters have told me they want to be recognized as valuable stakeholders and to have more control in community outcomes, which I believe in. The track record I have in the public and private sectors, reflect the priorities many of you share and are working so hard at strengthening. The good news is, that your priorities are aligned for helping the common good, and I appreciate your support.

Lauren Davis (Prefers Democratic Party)

I am the only House member who serves on both the Health Care and Public Safety committees, so I am keenly focused on the coronavirus public health response and law enforcement reform. Health officials are predicting a significant rise in behavioral health needs, so I will also be working hard to ensure that everyone in need has access to quality mental health and addiction treatment in the wake of this pandemic.

Evan Smith can be reached at schsmith@frontier.com



Read more...

Candidate Forum: Valdez, Daranciang present different views on education in 46th District race

Friday, July 10, 2020

(Editor’s note: This is part of a series of responses to questions we’re sending to candidates running in the Aug. 4 primary election. We will present responses to our questions from candidates for state representative positions in the 32nd and 46th legislative districts. This question came from a reader. Send future questions for the candidates to schsmith@frontier.com)

Daranciang - Valdez

By Evan Smith

Incumbent Democratic State Rep. Javier Valdez and Republican challenger Beth Daranciang are stressing different views on education as they get ready to meet in the Aug. 4 primary and Nov. 3 general election. Valdez emphasizes new revenue sources that protect working-class families while wealthy citizens pay more. Daranciang looks at finding the most effective ways to use public money.

Democrat Valdez and Republican Daranciang are running in the 46th Legislative District, which includes Lake Forest Park, Kenmore and northwest Seattle.

With only two candidates on the primary ballot, both will qualify for the general-election ballot.

Valdez and Daranciang recently sent answers to the question, “How can legislators improve the way we pay for schools?” Here are their responses (presented in the order that their names will appear on the primary ballot and in the voters’ pamphlet):

Legislative District 46, State Representative Pos. 2

Javier Valdez (Prefers Democratic Party)

While the Legislature has made progress on the state's paramount duty to fund our public schools, we know we still need to make further investments to provide more nurses, counselors, social workers, and librarians in our schools. We need to look at new revenue policies that will shield our working-class families and focus on the wealthiest taxpayers that can pay more. It's also time to re-examine the over 700 tax exemptions our state allows.

Beth Daranciang (Prefers Republican Party)

The COVID-19 crisis has reinforced the importance of directing education efforts and funding to the most effective ways of educating our children, including empowering teachers to improvise in ways that fit their particular students.

Evan Smith can be reached at schsmith@frontier.com



Read more...

Candidate Forum: Three Democratic 32nd District opponents want more money for schools

Monday, July 6, 2020

(Editor’s note: This is part of a series of responses to questions we’re sending to candidates running in the Aug. 4 primary election. We will present responses to our questions from candidates for state representative positions in the 32nd and 46th legislative districts. This question came from a reader. Send future questions for the candidates to schsmith@frontier.com.)


Sutton - Smith - Ryu
By Evan Smith

The three Democrats opposing each other for a 32nd District legislative position all say that they want more money for public schools.

Incumbent Cindy Ryu and challenger Keith Smith both say that the state needs tax reform. 

Challenger Shirley Sutton suggests that the state should start its own bank to save money for schools.

Ryu, Smith and Sutton are running on the Aug. 4 ballot, with the top two candidates advancing to the Nov. 3 general election.

No Republicans or independents filed for the position.

The 32nd District includes Shoreline, part of northwest Seattle, Woodway and nearby unincorporated areas of southwest Snohomish County, south Edmonds, Lynnwood and a small part of Mountlake Terrace.

The three candidates recently sent responses to the question, “How can legislators improve the way we pay for schools?” Here are their responses (presented in the order that their names will appear on the primary ballot and in the voters' pamphlet):

Shirley Sutton (Prefers Democratic Party)

As a Legislator, I will not support funding charter schools. Our public schools need full funding to pay teachers a liveable wage and keep our schools open to educate our children, the next generation.

I support establishing a public bank in Washington state as we pay over one billion dollars to Wall Street for state debt. A state bank would save millions of dollars and keep our state profitable.

Keith Smith (Prefers Democratic Party)

Based on my time as a substitute teacher and a Guardian-ad-Litem visiting 32nd District schools, my top funding priorities are: Special education; paraeducators for 1-on-1 help; fulfilling individualized education plans; and implementing a decades old promise to limit class size.

We need an equitable tax structure to achieve these priorities. The wealthiest need to pay a proportional share of taxes. Educating Washington’s children within a supportive, fully-funded system is the foundation of Washington's successful future.

Cindy Ryu (Prefers Democratic Party)

I support tax reforms that will amply provide for the education of all youth in a way that is just, responsible, and equitable. The wealthy must step up and pay their fair share to support our public schools, colleges, and universities. I support a progressive capital-gains tax. I also support taxation based on net income, but we need a stronger, more progressive Democratic majority in both the House and the Senate.

Evan Smith can be reached at schsmith@frontier.com.



Read more...

Candidate Forum: Brown, Pollet stress varied issues in 46th District race

Friday, July 3, 2020

(Editor’s note: This is part of a series of responses to questions we’re sending to candidates running in the Aug. 4 primary election. We will present responses to our questions from candidates for state representative positions in the 32nd and 46th legislative districts. After these general issue questions, future questions will come from readers. Send questions for the candidates to schsmith@frontier.com.)


Pollet - Brown
By Evan Smith

Incumbent Democratic State Rep. Gerry Pollet and Republican challenger Eric Brown stress different economic issues as they get ready to meet in the Aug. 4 primary and Nov. 3 general election.

Democrat Pollet is emphasizing tax fairness as a part of economic recovery; Republican Brown stresses education as the way to achieve economic independence.

Pollet and Brown are running for Position 1 in the 46th Legislative District, which includes Lake Forest Park, Kenmore and northwest Seattle.

With only two candidates on the primary ballot, both will qualify for the general-election ballot.

Pollet and Brown recently sent answers to the question, “What is the most important issue or issues that you are emphasizing in your campaign?” Here are their responses (presented in the order that their names will appear on the primary ballot and in the voters’ pamphlet):

Legislative District 46, State Representative Pos. 1

Gerry Pollet (Prefers Democratic Party)

We face unprecedented challenges to address racism and recovery from the worse economic downturn in our lives while preventing further spread of COVID-19 and losing more of our loved ones. State and local governments have lost a tremendous amount of revenue needed to provide essential services, healthcare, housing and education while more of our neighbors than ever before need our help. I’m working to make our tax system more fair to meet this challenge.

Eric J. Brown (Prefers Republican Party)

Education is just; Eric agrees with Booker T. Washington; blacks’ education equals economic independence. Therein levies are cruel, demanding minority families predominately living in poverty, must lift up kids with fashion bootstraps from higher income families. Elected officials staunchly oppose families getting federal money for education. In 2018 ed Choice found the median percentage of minority parents (75.5%) want tax allocations transferred from districts to parents; giving kids the benefit of better schools.

Evan Smith can be reached at schsmith@frontier.com





Read more...

Three Democrats stress health care, other issues in District 32 race

Monday, June 29, 2020

(Editor’s note: This is part of a series of responses to questions we’re sending to candidates running in the Aug. 4 primary election. We will present responses to our questions from candidates for state representative positions in the 32nd and 46th legislative districts. After these general issue questions, future questions will come from readers. Send questions for the candidates to schsmith@frontier.com.)


Sutton, Smith, Ryu


By Evan Smith

Incumbent State Rep. Cindy Ryu faces fellow Democrats Keith Smith and Shirley Sutton in the Aug. 4 primary election, with the two leaders advancing to the Nov. 3 general election. No Republicans or independents filed to run for the position.

Ryu, who is seeking a sixth two-year term; Smith, who lost to Ryu and a Republican in the 2018 primary; and Sutton, a former Lynnwood City Councilwoman; are running to represent the 32nd Legislative District, which includes Shoreline, part of northwest Seattle, Woodway and nearby unincorporated areas of southwest Snohomish County, south Edmonds, Lynnwood and a small part of Mountlake Terrace.

All three Democrats stress health care among other issues in the campaign.

The three recently sent answers to the question, “What is the most important issue or issues that you are emphasizing in your campaign?” Here are their responses (presented in the order that their names will appear on the primary ballot and in the voters’ pamphlet):

Shirley Sutton (Prefers Democratic Party)

Affordable Housing – I would support builders who build affordable housing on public lands, if necessary, given an ironclad guarantee that the project remain in the public domain.

Healthcare - Is a basic human right period! I would support a single payer system.

Tax Fairness - Low income people pay almost 20% of their income in taxes. Some big business and wealthy individuals none at all. We need to address the regressive taxes in the State

Keith Smith (Prefers Democratic Party)

Public health is the most important issue. Both the COVID crisis and policing. As an essential worker, I know businesses are not caring for the community. Appropriate pay, PPE, and sanitation will keep workers and the community healthy.

Fully funding our mental health and substance abuse treatment centers will keep police from being social workers. We will get people the treatments they need, and get the police to focus on violent crime, not social work.

Cindy Ryu (Prefers Democratic Party)

My priorities are rental assistance and best practices such as Rent Repayment Plans as both tenants and landlords weather and recover from this COVID-19 pandemic. I will continue to focus on protecting education funding, ensuring the safety of our communities, safeguarding the environment, infrastructure funding, and pushing for more affordable housing and home ownership, local businesses and jobs, and help make Washington state a better place for us to live, work, and raise our families.

Evan Smith can be reached at schsmith@frontier.com.



Read more...

32nd Legislative District Dems endorse challenger Sutton over incumbent Rep. Ryu

Sunday, June 28, 2020

Sutton, Smith, Ryu
32nd LD Pos 1

By Evan Smith

The 32nd Legislative District Democrats have endorsed challenger Shirley Sutton over incumbent State Rep. Cindy Ryu.

At an endorsement meeting June 10, District members voted against endorsing Ryu by a 55 percent to 45 percent margin and in favor of endorsing former Lynnwood Councilwoman Sutton by a 64 percent to 36 percent margin.

Democrats Ryu, Sutton and Keith Smith are running in the Aug. 4 primary for Position 1 in the 32nd District. No Republicans or independents have filed for the position. The top two candidates in the primary will advance to the Nov. 3 general election.

Ryu, whom 32nd District Democrats had endorsed in her past elections, said Wednesday that she attributes her loss of the district Democrats’ endorsement to her past support of former Democratic State Rep. Ruth Kagi. District Democrats declined to endorse Kagi, longtime chairwoman of the committee on early learning and social services in the State House of Representatives, when she won her last term in 2016.

Ryu said that she thinks that she had inherited the target that the 32nd District organization once had on former State Sen. Darlene Fairley and later had on Rep. Kagi.

She added that the organization may be making itself irrelevant.

District party rules say that endorsements are to be grounded in public policy positions, not in personal likes or dislikes.

Carin Chase, the district’s state committee representative, said Thursday that the district doesn’t poll members regarding the reasons for their votes.

Chase noted that people stayed at the meeting until 11:40pm to complete the endorsement process.

District Democrats also endorsed incumbent Democratic State Rep. Lauren Davis for re-election to Position 2.

This week Sutton was also endorsed by the King County Democrats.

Evan Smith can be reached at schsmith@frontier.com



Read more...

Candidate Forum: Valdez, Daranciang stress different issues in District 46 race

(Editor’s note: This is part of a series of responses to questions we’re sending to candidates running in the Aug. 4 primary election. We will present responses to our questions from candidates for state representative positions in the 32nd and 46th legislative districts. After these general issue questions, future questions will come from readers. Send questions for the candidates to schsmith@frontier.com)


Daranciang and Valdez
By Evan Smith

Incumbent Democratic State Rep. Javier Valdez and Republican challenger Beth Daranciang emphasize different issues in their campaign for a state representative position in the 46th Legislative District.

Valdez says that the most important issue is public safety, while Daranciang says that the most important issue is legislative accountability.

Daranciang and Valdez will meet in both the Aug. 4 primary and the Nov. 3 general election. With only two candidates for the position, both will qualify for the general election. Partisan offices appear on both the primary ballot and general-election ballot even when there are only one or two candidates.

The 46th Legislative District includes Lake Forest Park, Kenmore and northeast Seattle.

Valdez and Daranciang recently sent answers to this question: “What is the most important issue or issues that you are you emphasizing in your campaign?

Here are their responses (presented in the order that their names will appear on the primary ballot and in the voters’ pamphlet):

Javier Valdez (Prefers Democratic Party)

COVID has hit our healthcare system and economy hard. As we recover, I’ll prioritize keeping our families safe and secure while rebuilding our economy.

We must continue to address our current public safety practices and the rise in hate crimes in our region and state, ensuring that black, indigenous, and people of color no longer feel threatened and targeted because of the color of their skin, background, or immigration status.

Beth Daranciang (Prefers Republican Party)

Many voters, like me, have been ignored by our state representatives. We feel unheard as politicians pass tax increases, but not effective homelessness plans.

We’re dismayed by harmful bills passed by the single-party-dominated legislature, including this year’s radical sexuality education bill opposed by thousands of Washington residents.

If elected, I will protect your right to be heard and will protect the rights of the most vulnerable, especially our children.

Evan Smith can be reached at schsmith@frontier.com



Read more...

Candidate Forum: 32nd District Pos. 2 candidates introduce themselves

Friday, June 26, 2020

(Editor’s note: This is part of a series of responses to questions we’re sending to candidates running in the Aug. 4 primary election. We will present responses to our questions from candidates for state representative positions in the 32nd and 46th legislative districts. After these introductory questions, we’ll have issue questions for all candidates, with future questions coming from readers. Send questions for the candidates to schsmith@frontier.com.)

Smilanich, Petersen, Davis


By Evan Smith

Democrat Gray Petersen and non-partisan candidate Tamra Smilanich are challenging incumbent 32nd Legislative District Democratic State Rep. Lauren Davis in the Aug. 4 primary election.

The top two candidates in the primary qualify for the Nov. 3 general election.

No Republicans have filed for a place on 32nd District ballots.

The 32nd Legislative District includes Shoreline, part of northwest Seattle, Woodway and nearby unincorporated areas of southwest Snohomish County, south Edmonds, Lynnwood and a small part of Mountlake Terrace.

The three candidates recently sent responses to the question: “What is your background for this position?”

Here are the responses from Peterson, Smilanich and Davis, presented in the order their names will appear on the ballot and in the voters’ pamphlet:

Legislative District 32, State Representative Pos. 2

Gray Petersen (Prefers Democratic Party)


I’ve resided in Lynnwood for 13 years, in Washington for nearly 20. I’ve been an activist both inside of the Democratic Party, and outside of it in activism on the Green New Deal, Medicare for All, and for Housing for All. Before I was involved in those movements, I was involved in LGBTQIA+ rights movements. I’ve worked as customer support representative, and now I’m a working-class essential worker as a career in the telecommunications industry.

Tamra Smilanich (Prefers Non Partisan Party)


Ms. Smilanich has a background in working in the public, private and non-profit sectors. Serving clients in various capacities, Ms. Smilanich has worked with diverse groups of people, which includes individuals with disabilities, cultural/ethnic backgrounds, criminal and substance-abuse backgrounds and international business owners and our active duty military personnel. Some of the more recent milestones include Ms. Smilanich's contract work in local public and private schools and her full time practice in negotiating housing contracts.

Lauren Davis (Prefers Democratic Party)


In my first term as State Representative, I passed nine bills across four areas: health care, mental health, criminal legal system reform and protections for domestic violence survivors. In my career, I have taught Head Start preschool, researched education policy as a Fulbright Scholar in West Africa, worked in international development at the Gates Foundation, directed school-based mental health and suicide prevention programs, and run a behavioral health nonprofit.

Evan Smith can be reached at schsmith@frontier.com



Read more...

Candidate Forum: 32nd District Pos. 1 candidates introduce themselves

Saturday, June 20, 2020

(Editor’s note: This is part of a series of responses to questions we’re sending to candidates running in the Aug. 4 primary election. We will present responses to our questions from candidates for state representative positions in the 32nd and 46th legislative districts. After these introductory questions, we’ll have issue questions for all candidates, with future questions coming from readers. Send questions for the candidates to schsmith@frontier.com.)


Shirley Sutton, Keith Smith, Cindy Ryu


By Evan Smith

Democratic 32nd District incumbent State Rep. Cindy Ryu faces two fellow Democrats, Keith Smith and Shirley Sutton, on the Aug. 4 primary-election ballot.

Smith, of Lynnwood, lost to Ryu and a Republican in the 2018 primary. Sutton is a former Lynnwood city council member. Ryu is a former Shoreline City Council member.

The 32nd Legislative District includes Shoreline, part of northwest Seattle, Woodway and nearby unincorporated areas of southwest Snohomish County, south Edmonds, Lynnwood and a small part of Mountlake Terrace.

The top two candidates in the primary, regardless of party, qualify for the Nov. 3 general-election ballot. With no Republicans or independents running, the top-two primary is certain to produce a Democrat vs. Democrat general election.

The three Democrats recently introduced themselves with their answers to this question: What is your background for this position? Here are their responses presented in the order their names will appear on the primary ballot and in the voters’ pamphlet:

Legislative District 32, State Representative Pos. 1

Shirley Sutton (Prefers Democratic Party)


At Burlington Northern Railroad I gained experience in management and labor relations, developing strong mediation skills. I have a BA in law and justice, MA in education, worked in the Yakima Public Schools and Yakima Valley Community College. I directed adult basic education and coordinated school-to-work training with area high schools. At Edmonds Community College, I served as Director of Diversity Affairs and taught diversity and cultural trainings.

Keith Smith (Prefers Democratic Party)


I have lived in the 32nd district for the last 21 years. I am a graduate of Brier Terrace Middle, Mountlake Terrace High, Shoreline CC, and CWU-Lynnwood. I officiate high and middle school athletics within the district. I volunteer extensively within the district (Holly House, Old Dog Haven, Beck’s Place, Snohomish County Juvenile Court). I am a substitute teacher. And as a grocer, I am an essential worker in the fight against COVID-19.

Cindy Ryu (Prefers Democratic Party)


I have lived in North Seattle, Shoreline, Lynnwood and Edmonds since 1976 and raised 3 children who attended Edmonds and Shoreline Schools. I have extensive work history since I was 12 years old, including nursing assistant, medical transcriptionist, Management Systems Analyst / Records Manager for City of Seattle, Allstate Insurance Agent, Shoreline City Councilmember and Mayor. As State Representative, I chair the Housing, Community Development and Veterans Committee. MBA and BS in Microbiology from UW.

Evan Smith can be reached at schsmith@frontier.com.



Read more...

Candidate Forum: 46th District Pos. 1 candidates introduce themselves

Thursday, June 18, 2020

(Editor’s note: This is the second installment in a series of responses to questions we’re sending to candidates running in the Aug. 4 primary election. These responses from candidates for 46th District State Representative Position 1 follow the previous article for 46th District State Representative Position 2. Next, we’ll have introductory questions for candidates for the two state representative positions in the 32nd Legislative District; then we’d have issue questions for all candidates, with future questions coming from readers. Send questions for the candidates to schsmith@frontier.com.)



Pollet and Brown


By Evan Smith

Democratic 46th District incumbent State Rep. Gerry Pollet will face Republican Eric J. Brown in the Aug. 4 primary and Nov. 3 general election.

With only two candidates running in the primary, both Pollet and Brown will qualify for November from the top-two primary.

The 46th District includes Lake Forest Park, Kenmore and northeast Seattle,

Both Pollet and Brown recently introduced themselves with answers to this question: “What is your background for this position?” Here are their 75-word responses, presented in the order their names will appear on the primary ballot and in the voters’ pamphlet.

Legislative District 46, State Representative Pos. 1

What is your background for this position?


Gerry Pollet (Prefers Democratic Party)

I’ve been honored to represent the 46th District since 2011. I’m also on the UW School of Public Health faculty –which is so important this year as I help lead an evidence- and public-health- based response to COVID-19. My commitment to openness and being accessible to you is reflected in being the only legislator who holds in-district drop in discussions every Saturday during Session and monthly throughout the year. See more at gerrypollet.com

Eric J. Brown (Prefers Republican Party)

Early in Eric's career he was administrative assistant in the administration of the president of the United States. In that role, Eric gained experience with intergovernmental collaboration and how it serves diverse communities.

He then played numerous academic support roles; certified security professional the longest. Working with students from a wide range of academic, learning and economic levels. Eric's vision is to vastly improve the quality of education for all.


Evan Smith can be reached at schsmith@frontier.com.



Read more...

Candidate Forum: 46th District Position 2 candidates introduce themselves

Wednesday, June 17, 2020

(Editor’s note: This is the first installment in a series of responses to questions we’re sending to candidates running in the Aug. 4 primary election. We’ll follow this with introductory questions for candidates for 46th District State Representative Position 1 and for the two state representative positions in the 32nd Legislative District; then we’ll have issue questions for all of candidates, with future questions coming from readers. Send questions to schsmith@frontier.com)


By Evan Smith

Democratic 46th District incumbent State Rep. Javier Valdez will face Republican Beth Daranciang in the Aug. 4 primary and Nov. 3 general election. With only two candidates running in the primary, both Valdez and Daranciang will qualify for November from the top-two primary.

The 46th District includes Lake Forest Park, Kenmore and northeast Seattle.

Both Valdez and Daranciang recently introduced themselves with answers to this question: “What is your background for this position?” Here are their 75-word responses, presented in the order their names will appear on the primary ballot and in the voters’ pamphlet.

Legislative District 46, State Representative Pos. 2

                                     What is your background for this position?


Javier Valdez (Prefers Democratic Party)

I currently serve as a 46th State Representative and have worked for the City of Seattle for over twenty years, where I've led programs to expand opportunities for women and minority-owned businesses.

As the son and grandson of farmworkers and laborers, I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Master’s degree in Public Administration. I have served on the board of the Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the first president of AFSCME 21C.


Beth Daranciang (Prefers Republican Party)

Background: Master’s degree in public health and bachelor’s degree in biology. Professional experience includes research coordinator at the UW, Program manager at Public Health – Seattle and King County, and my husband and I are small-business owners in Seattle. Served as volunteer treasurer for the PTSA and parent group at 2 Seattle high schools

Advocate for the protection of children, including serving on the volunteer leadership team that successfully gathered over 266,000 signatures for Referendum 90.

Evan Smith can be reached at schsmith@frontier.com.




Read more...

Evan Smith: Incumbent legislators start campaigns with big financial advantage

Monday, June 15, 2020

Evan Smith
Politics reporter

By Evan Smith

The four incumbent state legislators in the 32nd and 46th legislative districts have started their re-election campaign with big financial advantages over their challengers.

Each of the four Democratic incumbents has raised at least $20,000, according to Public Disclosure Commission reports, while only one of their six challengers has raised any money.

The leading fundraiser is incumbent 46th District Democratic State Rep. Javier Valdez. Valdez has reported raising $30,333 on top of $15,665 carried over from previous campaigns for a total of $45,998. He has reported spending $3,078.

His largest contributions have come from the Puyallup Indians, The Puget Sound Pilots Political Action Committee and The Washington Education Association. He will be opposed in both the Aug. 4 primary and Nov. 3 general election by Republican Beth Daranciang, a former public health researcher. Daranciang has reported no fundraising or campaign spending.

The other incumbent 46th District Democrat, State Rep. Gerry Pollet, has raised $20,283, with the biggest contribution coming from the Washington Education Association Political Action Committee. That goes with a campaign starting balance of $5,289 for a total of $25,572. He has spent $2,560. His Republican challenger, Eric J. Brown has reported raising $2,074 in contributions to his own campaign; that goes with loans to himself of $1,074, for a total of $3,148. He reports expenditures of $1,074. Both names will appear on the ballot in both the August primary and the November general election.

Partisan contests appear on the primary ballot even when there are only one or two candidates.

In the 32nd Legislative District, Democratic incumbent State Rep. Cindy Ryu has reported raising $20,500 to go with a $10,123 starting balance for a total of $30,623. She has spent $10,602. Ryu has contributions from several insurance companies, several labor unions and from several Indian tribes and casinos. She faces two fellow Democrats; neither has raised or spent any campaign money. One is Keith Smith, a member of the Snohomish County Children's Commission and Council on Aging, who used a “Centrist” party preference when he lost to Ryu and a Republican in the 2018 primary. The other is former Lynnwood City Councilwoman Shirley Sutton.

The other 32nd Legislative District incumbent, Democratic State Rep. Lauren Davis, has raised $20,894 to go with a carry-over balance of $24,764 for a total of $45,658. She has reported campaign expenditures of $31,391. Davis’ biggest donors are the Puyallup Tribe, the Washington Education Association PAC and the Service Employees International Union Local 775 Quality Care Committee. Her two challengers are Democrat Gray Petersen, the 32nd Legislative District delegate to the Snohomish County Democratic Central Committee, and non-partisan candidate Tamra Smilanich. Each reports no fundraising or campaign expenditures.

The 32nd Legislative District includes Shoreline, part of northwest Seattle, Woodway, south Edmonds and nearby unincorporated areas of south Snohomish County, the city of Lynnwood and a small part of Mountlake Terrace.

The 46th District includes Lake Forest Park, Kenmore and northeast Seattle.

The top two candidates for each position in the primary qualify for the general-election ballot regardless of party preference.

Evan Smith can be reached at schsmith@frontier.com.



Read more...
ShorelineAreaNews.com
Facebook: Shoreline Area News
Twitter: @ShorelineArea
Daily Email edition (don't forget to respond to the Follow.it email)

  © Blogger template The Professional Template II by Ourblogtemplates.com 2009

Back to TOP