Showing posts with label elections. Show all posts
Showing posts with label elections. Show all posts

LFP Forums are now online

Monday, October 18, 2021


Watch the Lake Forest Park Prop 1 and City Council Candidate Forums On-Demand

Need help making your decisions on this year’s ballot? Third Place Commons can help.

On Thursday, October 7, 2021 Third Place Commons presented the Lake Forest Park City Council Candidate Forum. All seven candidates for four positions participated and shared their thoughts on a wide variety of topics including Prop 1, increasing affordable housing options, and the future of town center.

On Saturday, October 16th, Third Place Commons presented the Lake Forest Park Prop 1 Pro and Con Forum. The forum included presentations by both the Pro Committee (“Yes for Sidewalks, Safe Streets and Parks Campaign”) and the Con Committee (“Neighbors for a Sustainable LFP"), after which both sides fielded questions from the opposing side and the audience.

Both events were presented in partnership with the League of Women Voters to bring these important nonpartisan events to our local community.

Third Place Commons also gratefully acknowledges community members Mike Dee of the Lake Forest Park Citizens’ Commission and Anne Stadler for their help in putting together the Prop 1 Forum, which would not have happened without their support and partnership.

Now both forums are available to watch on demand on the Third Place Commons YouTube channel. Watch the forums here.

To get information about other upcoming events, including live music on Saturday and Sunday afternoons and Civic Saturday on October 30th, visit the Third Place Commons online calendar.

Third Place Commons – a community supported 501(c)3 nonprofit organization – has been building real community in the heart of Lake Forest Park for over 20 years. In addition to presenting its largest program, the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market, Third Place Commons now also fosters real community in digital space with TPC At Home programs.



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With Prop 1, voters decide the future of sustainable funding for walkways, safe connections, parks, and recreation in LFP

Wednesday, October 13, 2021

On Saturday, October 16, 2021 at 1pm, Third Place Commons invites you to the Lake Forest Park Prop 1 Pros and Cons Forum. More information here. Register here

~~~~~~~~~

By Luanne Brown

Voters in Lake Forest Park (LFP) will be voting on Proposition 1 in the upcoming election on November 2, 2021. The ballot measure says:

November 2, 2021 General and Special Election


The full wording of Resolution No. 1810 can be found here.

What are the main points of Resolution No 1810?

The issues surrounding Prop 1 are complex, but when distilled to its essence, it can be summarized as follows:

The City wants to permanently increase that portion of our property taxes that is paid to Lake Forest Park, which is 9 percent of your total King County tax bill. These additional funds will add up to $2 million dollars yearly which will give the city the ability to pay the debt on $20 million worth of Bonds used to raise money to fund projects identified by the City through the Safe Streets study and the PROST Plan (Parks, Recreation, Open Spaces, Trails) as well from citizen input.

Who determines how this money will be used?

The Council is setting the rules for that now and will discuss and vote on this question at the Thursday, October 14th meeting.

The Parks Board, under the rules the Council is developing, will provide citizen input on priorities and there is also opportunity for public comment at Park Board meetings and City Council meetings.

Why is this issue coming up now?

According to Deputy Mayor and Councilmember Phillippa Kassover, the City Council began discussing the need for a new source of revenue, prior to the pandemic, to fulfill the Safe Streets and PROST plans.

“We were not able to follow through in 2020, as the Governor’s emergency orders required cities to prioritize essential services for several months. Council began discussing these needs again in Spring of 2021, following our completion of the Town Center code. 
"Due to inflation and the Bond market variabilities, the longer the city waits to secure a new stream of revenue to accomplish the priorities in the Safe Streets and PROST plan, the more expensive these projects will become, and the less the city will be able to accomplish.”

Why not do a bond without a levy lid lift?


According to Kassover, the City administration has warned that simply selling bonds to cover construction costs is not a feasible option, as under the current budget the city would not have the resources to pay the interest on the bonds, hire additional staff to develop the detailed plans and estimates required for the bond sale, nor operate and maintain new facilities if they were built. That is why the 2021 Council discussions focused on a levy lid lift as the best option.

Why are additional property taxes necessary to pay for these improvements?

Unlike many surrounding cities, LFP does not have a significant commercial tax base to rely on for money to fund these improvement projects. So, if residents of LFP want better roads, sidewalks, and parks, we will have to pay more in property taxes to fund and maintain these improvements.

Why not write grants or use REET (real estate excise tax) funds to pay for these improvements?

Kassover says that the City has had some success writing grants and has raised money for culverts but was not successful in finding funding for sidewalks. 

“If we look at all the letters and emails that we get from citizens, setting aside the town center issues, the number one thing we hear about from our citizens is safety. The fact that someone could lose their life because our streets are unsafe affected us deeply as council members. 
"We have also applied to the U. S. Department of Transportation, Safe Routes to School program but there we compete with other cities. Also, for some grants, you must have matching funds which we don’t. And our REET funds are already spoken for.”

Why does this levy lid lift have to be permanent?

This aspect of the resolution has strong convictions on both sides, making it the most contentious point of argument.

The Pro

From the City Council’s point of view, leaving the levy lid lift open-ended ensures that the City can make and maintain street improvements and operate and maintain the new park the City creates. They see it as a positive and responsible decision that means they won’t have to defer maintenance or ask citizens for more money down the line to pay to keep these improvements in good condition.

The YES FOR SIDEWALKS SAFE STREETS AND PARKS group says on their Facebook page that, 

“the reason the council decided to leave this levy open ended rather than suggest a specific number of years is to ensure that the funding would always be available for operations and maintenance of our new park improvements and new sidewalks and safe streets infrastructure.

"Council wants to avoid the burden incurred by taxpayers when cities do not plan for maintenance of the assets. Deferred maintenance leads to significant decline in the function and value of physical assets and requires enormous amounts of money to eventually repair or rebuild.”

They compare what they've done to the actions of a responsible homeowner who must budget for maintenance and repairs as well as pay for the mortgage. In other words, not only do we have to pay for something, we must take care of what we pay for it. This obligation continues even after the bonds are paid for and this maintenance cost is expected to increase over time.

This group has gone with a ‘MINI Filer’ designation with the Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) where no campaign reporting is required. However, Kassover, who serves as treasurer, says they have raised $3500. Their top four contributors have each contributed $500. Their names are Stacie Johnson, Semra Riddle, Lois Lee, and Francois Pondemer.

The Con

Jeff Snedden, the major contributor to the opposition group, says that if this permanent aspect of the levy lid lift were not there, that he would vote ‘yes’ on the proposition. Steven Plusch, Chair of this ‘vote no’ effort agrees. “If it had been a limited term, we (our group) wouldn’t be here.”

Plusch says their group supports safe streets and parks but there is a better way to go about getting them, which warrants more study. 

Sneddon adds, “This (proposition) shouldn’t have been put on the ballot. It should have been studied more. We should have had a better understanding of the priorities across three different very important things the city is facing: parks, streets, and the development downtown.”

However, on their website, this group states that “This type of permanent levy lift is unprecedented.” That is not true, according to Diann Locke, a Levies and Appeals Specialist with the Property Tax Division of the Washington State Department of Revenue. 

Instead, she says, “From my experience as an auditor, I have seen many taxing districts with voter approved permanent lid lifts.” The State allows the governing body to set those terms and red lights do not automatically flash when they encounter one in an audit.

The ‘vote no’ group, Neighbors for A Sustainable LFP 2021, according to the PDC has, as of 10/11/21 raised $13,774.06 from 18 individuals and three businesses, including $100 of small contributions from undesignated sources. Their top four donors include: Sneddon ($5000), Jack Tonkin ($3000), Donald Nibouar ($2000), Plusch ($1000).

​How much will our taxes increase if Prop 1 passes?

Currently the City gets 9 percent of our King County property taxes to pay for City services. The cost to the taxpayer will increase only on the part of their taxes that are paid to LFP, not their total King County tax bill. When the percentage increase is cited without the qualification, that it is 61 percent of 9 percent, it is an untrue statement.

The “vote no” group has, on more than one occasion, not properly qualified their use of the 61 percent figure. 

One of those times being in the Statement in opposition to the levy on the King County Election website, where it says, “There are better ways to fund them than permanently increasing property taxes 61 percent...” 

Another time they cited this figure without accurate qualification is on their homepage, under the headline "Excessive" where they say, “Prop 1's 61 percent increase is far and away the largest tax increase ever proposed in Lake Forest Park.” 

It is not clear that it is 61 percent of a much smaller number relative to the total amount paid of property tax paid by property owners in LFP. When this was brought to the attention of Sneddon and Plusch they say it was an unintentional error and cited the lack of time they had to prepare their opposition. These errors are exceptions as there are additional cases where they have properly qualified that figure.

Example of the impact of the levy lid lift on one household

In this example:
  • A homeowner has an assessed property value (according to the County Assessor) of $624,000.
  • In 2021, the King County Property Tax Bill for this property is $7055.
  • Of that amount 9 percent or $610 per year comes back to the City of LFP.
  • Under the new levy, that amount will increase $372 for a total property tax of $7427 ($7055 + $372)
  • If Prop 1 passes, $982 ($610 + $372) will be the new amount coming to the City.
  • Now the homeowner who used to pay 9 percent, will pay 13 percent for an increase of 4 percent in the tax that goes to LFP.

Additional pro and con statements

Pro: Council Member Lorri Bodi, on Nextdoor

“The ballot measure is complicated. It's capped to raise a flat $2M per year (permanently) with no adjustment for inflation, so as mentioned the revenue will decline in real spending power over time. The levy rate is not locked in, but will likely also decline over time, to raise just the $2M.

"The levy could provide a revenue stream for construction bonds if that’s the best bang for the buck. Once sidewalks and recreation facilities are built, the funds will be used for maintenance and repair of the new improvements. Even the initial priority list for sidewalks and recreation totals about $12-19M based on 2018 costs. Sidewalks and other improvements are expensive.

"We have tried but been unable to fund these community-recommended improvements for public enjoyment and safety through grants or other means. Even the sidewalks to schools which are "shovel ready" have been rejected more than once. Prop1 makes clear that the funds are absolutely dedicated and can’t be used for other purposes, even by a future Council. 

"There will be a public annual implementation plan to identify upcoming priority projects, timelines, and costs. The community Parks and Recreation Board will partner with the Council on setting these implementation plan priorities and public engagement. There will also be an annual report on what was accomplished, for accountability to the community."

What do people who oppose the resolution say?

On their website, opponents to the measure claim without supporting details that “there is a better way” to do this. “I’ve seen nothing about prioritizing the studies and making choices about what a city of 13,500 plus people can afford,” Sneddon says. He says it is, “a real serious issue that has not been addressed.” But Sneddon also wonders, “Are we overreaching? Are we spending too much money?” He also believes that “not in every case is government doing the right or best thing for the community."

And with regard to the new waterfront park, Sneddon indicates that people who aren’t eligible for membership in the two private waterfront parks that already exist currently have the option to go to Log Boom Park, Matthews Beach, or other beaches within easy commuting distance from Lake Forest Park.

What does the future hold for Lake Forest Park?

The City of Lake Forest Park wants to invest in their community long term for safer streets, more sidewalks, and improved parks, including a new waterfront park.

On November 2, 2021 voters in LFP will have the opportunity to choose whether they want to fund projects that will provide additional sidewalks for safer walking, calming methods to address increased traffic in and through the city, and improved park amenities. Or not.

Whatever your choice, make your voices heard and vote.



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National Voter Registration Day is Tuesday September 28

Thursday, September 23, 2021

National Voter Registration Day is Tuesday, September 28, 2021 and Secretary of State Kim Wyman is encouraging all eligible Washingtonians to register to vote in time for the November 2 General Election.

“Your vote matters – especially this year. Non-presidential elections are important because many of the candidates and issues on your ballot are local and will have a greater impact on your everyday life,” said Secretary Wyman. 
“So if you’re eligible to vote and haven’t registered, or you need to update your registration, visit VoteWA.gov today.”

Eligible citizens can register to vote or update their registration online at VoteWA.gov using either a Washington state driver’s license or I.D., or download and print a registration form(available in 23 languages) and send it via U.S. mail. People may also visit a county elections office or voting center to register to vote or update their registration in person.

The deadline to register to vote or update voter registrations online or by mail is Monday, October 25, in order to qualify for the General Election. However, people can register to vote or update their registration in person at a county elections office during business hours and up to 8pm on Election Day. For more information, visit sos.wa.gov/elections/voters.

On Tuesday, September 28 at 10am PDT, Secretary Wyman and Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon will host a joint AMA (“Ask Me Anything”) on Reddit and talk about being prepared for the upcoming election and why it is important to vote in local elections. People who wish to participate can visit @secstatewa on Twitter September 28 for a link to join the AMA.

Washington’s Office of the Secretary of State oversees a number of areas within state government, including managing state elections, registering corporations and charities, and governing the use of the state flag and state seal. 

The office also manages the State Archives and the State Library, documents extraordinary stories in Washington’s history through Legacy Washington, oversees the Combined Fund Drive for charitable giving by state employees, and administers the state’s Address Confidentiality Program to help protect survivors of crime.


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Rules for political signs in Lake Forest Park

Friday, August 13, 2021

Campaign Season Reminder – Rules for Political Signs

During this upcoming campaign season, the City of Lake Forest Park would like to remind the community about the rules for political signs:

  • Political signs may be placed on public rights-of-way or on private property with permission of the owner. 
  • However, they must be situated in such a way as to not create a traffic or safety hazard. 
  • All political signs must be removed within five days following the election.
  • According to RCW 29A.84.040, “A person who removes or defaces lawfully placed political advertising including yard signs or billboards without authorization is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable to the same extent as a misdemeanor that is punishable under RCW 9A.20.021. The defacement or removal of each item constitutes a separate violation.”

The LFP Police Department patrol officers are aware of these regulations and are keeping an eye out for violators.



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King county election results as of Friday, August 6, 2021

Sunday, August 8, 2021


King county will continue to count any ballots postmarked on or before August 3, 2021, which was the official election day. The election will be officially certified on August 17.

Local voter turnout ranged from 33.83% for the North City Water District (Shoreline / LFP) to 37.65% for the Northshore Fire Commissioners (LFP / Kenmore)

Results as of Friday, August 6, 2021

All King County voters:

King County Prop 1 "Best Starts for Kids" 
  • Approved 252,237 passing with 61.87% of votes cast (required 50% +1)
  • Rejected 155,432
The only candidate races on the ballot were those with three or more candidates. This election is to select the top two candidates for the November general election. Other races go directly to the November election.

King County Executive - top two go to November election
  • Dow Constantine 211,283
  • Joe Nguyen 127,650
Kenmore voters only:

City Council Position 4
  • Nigel Herbig 3,207
  • Bob Black 926
City Council Position 6
  • Debra Srebnik 3,542
  • Jon Culver 805
Seattle voters only (south of 145th)

Mayor
  • Bruce Harrell 60,474
  • Lorena González 54,310
City of Seattle City Attorney
  • Nicole Thomas-Kennedy 58,776
  • Ann Davison 54,839
City of Seattle Council Position 8
  • Teresa Mosqueda 94,494
  • Kenneth Wilson 26,616
City of Seattle Council Position 9
  • Sara Nelson 67,326
  • Nikkita Oliver 65,907
Seattle School Board Director District 4
  • Vivian Song Maritz 14,180
  • Laura Marie Rivera  5,309
Seattle School Board Director District 5
  • Michelle Sarju 19,624
  • Dan Harder 2,570
Kenmore and Lake Forest Park voters only

Northshore Fire (aka Fire District 16) Commissioner Position 3
  • Tyler Byers 5,711
  • Don Ellis  925
Northshore Fire (aka Fire District 16) Commissioner Position 5
  • Nate Herzog 3,236
  • Lisa Wollum 2,980
East Shoreline / West Lake Forest Park voters who live in the water district

North City Water District Commissioner Position 3
  • Charlotte Haines 2,991
  • Nigel Keiffer 904


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Election results for local voters

Wednesday, August 4, 2021

By Diane Hettrick

Tuesday, August 3, 2021 was election day. So few people voted in this election - 17% of registered voters - that it appears King county elections has counted all the ballots turned in. 

Ballots that were mailed in before the deadline will be counted as they come in but should hardly be enough to sway the outcomes.

The Best Starts for Kids levy was a renewal, so not plagued with the validation requirement that saw the Shoreline parks bond fail by 118 votes in the April election. With a simple majority (50% + 1) required, Best Starts passed with 58.56% of the vote.

King County Executive: Incumbent Dow Constantine and challenger Joe Nguyen will face off in November. Candidate Bill Hirt made a respectable showing at third but will not be on the November ballot and Goodspaceguy is still waiting for the spaceships to land.

In the special purpose districts, only voters who live in that district were able to vote.

North City Water District Commissioner: Incumbent Charlotte Haines will meet challenger Nigel Keiffer in November. Denise Fulford-Foster was 186 votes behind Keiffer and theoretically could catch up for a spot on the ballot - but probably not.

Kenmore City Council:
Position 6: Debra Srebnik and Jon Culver in November
Position 4: Nigel Herbig and Bob Black, although Abby London is only 150 votes behind Black.

Northshore Fire Commissioners aka King County Fire Protection District #16:
Position 5: Nate Herzog will face Lisa Wollum in November
Position 3: Here are the primary numbers and % of the vote so far:





Tyler Byers and Don Ellis will be on the November ballot.

The Northshore Fire Commissioners had a traumatic year. 

Their plans to merge with Woodinville Fire and Rescue were scuttled in the contentious April election. Then, shockingly, two of their members died: Don Ellis and Rick Verlinda. Verlinda was not up for election, but Ellis was and came in second to Tyler Byers.

The remaining commissioners are taking applications for candidates to be appointed to fill out the terms of Verlinda and Ellis. The appointees would need to stand for election at the end of their interim appointments.

If Ellis were to win in November, his interim would serve the full term. If not, his interim would serve to the end of his current term in December.



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GO VOTE! TODAY IS ELECTION DAY

Tuesday, August 3, 2021

King county workers emptying the drop box at the Shoreline Library in 2020. After 8pm they will take your ballot but it will not be counted - so get there before they do!
Photo by Janet Way



TODAY IS ELECTION DAY AND YOUR BALLOT NEEDS TO BE SENT IN

Ballots have to be IN the drop box by 8pm sharp. 

  • If you arrive even one minute later your ballot will NOT be counted.

Ballots must be in a U.S. mailbox BEFORE the last pick up time listed on the box.

  • If they are in the box after the last pick up your ballot will NOT be counted.

You have to fill out your ballot, place it in the envelope, sign the envelope and turn it in.

  • Or your vote will NOT BE COUNTED

Drop boxes are at 
  • the 192nd Park and Ride, 
  • the Shoreline Library parking lot, 
  • Town Center in Lake Forest Park by City Hall.


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King County Elections – Primary Election

Saturday, July 31, 2021

Vote by August 3rd
Ballots were mailed for the Primary Election and ballot drop boxes (including the one next to Lake Forest Park City Hall) are now open. 

Election Day is Tuesday, August 3, so be sure to have your ballot postmarked by that date or dropped in the ballot drop box by 8:00 p.m.

For more information, please visit King County Elections' website:  https://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/elections.aspx, or reach them by phone at 206-296-VOTE (8683).



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One week left to turn in your ballot

Thursday, July 29, 2021

vote before August 3 deadlines
There is just one week left to get your ballot in and make your voice heard!

Return your ballot by drop box - find the one nearest you here: drop boxes in King county 

Local drop boxes:
  • Rain garden at 192nd park n ride on Aurora
  • Shoreline Library drop box NE 175th and 5th NE
  • Lake Forest Park City Hall drop box Town Center Ballinger / Bothell Way NE

Or return your ballot by mail - no stamp needed! Ballots returned by mail must have a postmark by Election Day, August 3. 

As part of the continued effort to stop the spread of CoVID-19 in our community, King County Elections strongly recommends registering to vote , updating your registration , and accessing your ballot online when needed for the rest of the year.

King county will have Vote Centers open for those who need assistance or have missed the deadlines but ask that those who are able to utilize the online tools do so. Those who do come to a Vote Center in person will be required to wear a face covering that covers their nose and mouth. Locally, Kenmore City Hall is a vote center.

Please email elections@kingcounty.gov or call 206-296-VOTE (8683) if you need additional assistance.

What are you voting for this election?
  • Choosing the top two candidates for King County Executive
  • Voting whether to renew the Best Starts for Kids (King prop 1)
  • Choosing the top two candidates for commissioners if you live in one of these special purpose districts:
    • North City Water
    • Northshore Fire (District #16)


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Tonight, Thursday,July 29, 2021, from 7:00pm - 8:30pm - virtual candidates forum for Northshore Fire Commissioners

Tonight, July 29, 2021, from 7:00pm - 8:30pm


The Lake Forest Park Citizen's Commission will hold a Virtual Event with the Primary Candidates and the General Election Candidates for the Northshore Fire District, seen on the ballot as King County Fire Protection District No. 16:

King County Fire Protection District No. 16, Commissioner Position No. 3

King County Fire Protection District No. 16, Commissioner Position No. 5

We have included Lake Forest Park Water District, Commissioner Position No. 3 to participate in this event also.
This will be an opportunity for the Candidates to introduce themselves, their platforms, and campaigns.

The ballots are already out for the Primary, but if you have not voted yet, this event may help you decide how to vote.

We will have an chance for the Public to ask questions, for the Candidates to respond, and we will also be introducing any General Election candidates that show up.

Google Meet joining info

We are also having a second Virtual Event on Monday night (August 2nd), for the General Election Candidates to present their campaigns, platforms, request support, also take questions, and give answers.




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Best Starts for Kids Community Event - find out what King County Prop. 1 is all about

Monday, July 26, 2021


Have you opened your ballot? Do you know what Best Starts for Kids King County Prop. 1 is all about? 

Consider joining a Zoom event on Wednesday, July 28, 2021 from 5:30 - 6:15pm so you can be an informed voter!

Find out what the levy has funded and what renewing it will mean. With an impressive lineup of speakers, you will get the facts on the impact this funding has had, including right here in North King County


Since it launched in 2016, Best Starts of Kids has served 490,000 of King County's youngest children and their families, and 400,000 youth and young adults, delivering on its mission to support the healthy development of children, youth and families in King County.

Best Starts for Kids focuses on five strategy areas that prioritize promoting positive outcomes for kids, preventing negative outcomes, intervening early when kids and families need support, and building on community strengths. 

Data shows these investments and strategies are working. Join us to learn how! 

Two North King County providers currently receiving funding - Center for Human Services in Shoreline and Kindering in Bothell - will share how the levy has impacted the children and families they serve.

Special guests include King County Executive Dow Constantine and King County Councilmember Rod Dembowski, along with Shoreline City Councilmember Betsy Robertson, Kenmore City Councilmember Nigel Herbig and Northshore School Board Director Sandy Hayes.

Register now and join us on Wednesday, July 28th from 5:30 - 6:15pm over Zoom!



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Online and mail voter registration deadline -- Monday, July 26 for Primary Election

Sunday, July 25, 2021

Photo by GM Wiegand
Those who wish to vote in the August 3 Primary election have until Monday, July 26, 2021 to register online or have their mailed registration form received by King County Elections.

In-person registration will continue through 8pm on Election Day, August 3. Eligible voters can register in person at the King County Elections headquarters in Renton or at a Vote Center. 

King County Elections mailed Primary election ballots to registered voters on July 14. Any voter who has not received their ballot should request a replacement ballot online or call King County Elections at 206-296-VOTE (8683) for immediate assistance.

To be eligible to register to vote, you must be:
  • A citizen of the United States
  • A legal resident of Washington state
  • At least 18 years old by Election Day
  • Not under the authority of the Department of Corrections
  • Not disqualified from voting due to a court order

Voters can visit the Elections website or contact the Elections office for assistance and information



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Kenmore City Council adopts resolution supporting King County Proposition 1 Best Starts for Kids

Saturday, July 24, 2021

Back row: Councilmember Srebnik, Deputy Mayor Herbig, Councilmember Marshall and Councilmember O'Cain  Front row: Councilmember Curtis, Mayor Baker, and Councilmember Pfeil.  New Councilmember Angela Kugler not shown in this photo

On Monday night, Kenmore City Council adopted a resolution in support of King County Proposition No. 1, Regular Property Tax Levy for Children, Youth, Families and Communities, also known as Best Starts for Kids. Proposition No. 1 is scheduled to go to the voters at the King County Special Election on August 3, 2021.

If approved, this proposition would fund prevention and early intervention services and capital investments to promote health and well-being, including child care; prenatal and newborn family services; youth development programs; social, emotional and mental health supports; and homelessness prevention. 

It would authorize an additional six-year property tax beginning in 2022 at $0.19 per $1,000 of assessed valuation.

The City Council considered the resolution in support of Proposition No. 1 at the July 19, 2021 Regular Meeting, where members of the public and council were given an approximately equal opportunity for expression of an opposing view (RCW 42.17A.555).



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Ballots are on the way for the August 3 Primary Election

Monday, July 19, 2021

Photo by GM Wiegand

Registered voters across Washington will soon receive ballots for the upcoming Primary Election, Tuesday, August 3, 2021

The Primary Election’s 18-day voting period begins Friday, July 16, and lasts through election day. Ballots include a prepaid-postage return envelope, so people who return their ballots via U.S. mail do not have to pay for a stamp. 

Voters who place their ballots in an official drop box must do so by 8pm on election day. Not one minute later. Election workers are stationed at every drop box to close them at precisely 8pm.

Drop box locations may be found at VoteWA.gov

Secretary of State Kim Wyman encourages voters to mail their completed ballots well before election day to ensure their ballots are received on time. Ballots returned by mail must be postmarked on or before August 3. 

If you wait until August 3, check the pick up time at the post office or drop box. Ballots deposited after that time will not be counted.

“I recommend Washingtonians mail their ballot early to ensure their votes count and their voices are heard,” said Secretary Wyman. 
“During this primary election, voters will have the opportunity to weigh in on local positions and issues that affect our everyday lives, from mayoral and city council races to school boards, fire districts, and more. I encourage every eligible voter to participate.”

Registered voters can log in to VoteWA.gov to access their personal voting information, update their registration, view their online voter guide, locate a ballot drop box, check the status of their ballot, and more. 

People who want to register to vote can visit VoteWA.gov and fill out a brief form. A valid Washington state driver’s license or ID is required to register online.

To vote in the Primary Election, registrations must be received by Monday, July 26 – eight days before election day – either online or via U.S. mail. After July 26, people can register or update their registration in person at their county’s elections office during business hours and until 8pm Aug. 3.

More voter and election information, including county elections office locations, is available at sos.wa.gov/elections.



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Rally for Best Starts for Kids

Wednesday, July 14, 2021

The Best Starts for Kids Levy is up for renewal on the August 3rd ballot - your voice and vote are critical in continuing this support for children and families!

Join featured guests King County Executive Dow Constantine and King County Councilmember Rod Dembowski, along with other community leaders and residents from North King County, as we rally to renew the Best Starts for Kids Levy, King County Prop. 1!

Mark your calendar today for Wed., July 28th at 5:30pm over Zoom! Register HERE

Since it launched in 2016, Best Starts for Kids has positively impacted the lives of so many children, youth and families in our community, delivering on its mission to support the healthy development of children, youth and families in King County. 

Best Starts for Kids focuses on five strategy areas that prioritize promoting positive outcomes for kids preventing negative outcomes, intervening early when kids and families need support, and building on community strengths.

Data shows that these investments and strategies are working. To date, Best Starts for Kids has reached 490,000 of King County’s youngest children and their families and 40,000 youth and young adults, catalyzing strong starts in a child’s earliest years and sustaining those gains through to adulthood.

Your help is needed to ensure that Best Starts for Kids can continue to invest in our children with effective and proven prevention strategies for the next six years!

Join on Wednesday, July 28, 2021 (5:30 - 6:15pm) to find out more about Best Starts for Kids and how you can help. 

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LFP Council to consider Resolution to place LFP Prop. 1 on Nov. 2 ballot – pro and con committee volunteers sought

Friday, July 9, 2021

The LFP City Council will consider, at its July 22, 2021 regular meeting, passing a resolution to place Lake Forest Park Proposition 1 (“LFP Proposition 1”). on the November 2, 2021, general election ballot.

Approval of LFP Proposition 1 will help fund projects and services identified in City’s Safe Streets and Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Trails Plan. If approved, the funds will be raised by an increase in the maximum regular property tax rate in the City.

Accompanying the November ballots will be the King County Voters’ Pamphlet. The Pamphlet will include a statement from the City explaining the effect of LFP Proposition 1, if approved. 

Also included in the Pamphlet will be statements in support of and in opposition to LFP Proposition 1.

State law requires the City Council to appoint two committees to draft these pro and con statements for the Pamphlet. The committees can have no more than three members each; however, a committee may seek advice from persons outside the committee. In addition to drafting the pro or con statement, the committee will also have the opportunity to write a rebuttal statement addressing the opposing side’s Pamphlet statement.

Individuals interested in applying for one of the committee positions can fill out the online application form. Applications are due by Friday, July 16, 2021 at 10:00am. The City Council will conduct a first review of applications at its Committee of the Whole meeting on July 19. Appointment of the committee members will be done by resolution at its July 22, 2021 business meeting, should the Council vote to place Proposition 1 on the November 2 ballot.

To learn more about the requirements for the voter's pamphlet and duties of the pro and con committees, review the 2021 Jurisdiction Manual at King County Elections.

Disclosure Notice: Please note that your responses to the application questions may be disclosed to the public under Washington State Law. Your personal information, however, is not subject to public disclosure.



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Now is a good time to register to vote - or update your voter registration

Saturday, June 26, 2021

If you need to register to vote or update your registration, now is the time to do it! 

Online registration and updates will be unavailable from July 2-5, 2021 as the Department of Licensing upgrades its system.

While you can register with a paper form during that outage, it’s even better just to get it done today. 

Visit http://VoteWA.gov to register or update your registration now.



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Shoreline City Council: John Ramsdell

Monday, June 21, 2021

John Ramsdell
Hello Shoreline residents. 

My name is John Ramsdell, and I will be one of the new members of the Shoreline City Council in January. 

I wish David Chen, my campaign opponent until last week, best of luck in his new position as legal counsel for Central City Concern in Portland Oregon.

A little more about me: I moved from New Hampshire to Seattle in 1994, after several trips to the Pacific Northwest. 

The first trip was as best man at my college roommate’s outdoor wedding at Magnuson Park. As an avid skier, sailor and backpacker, it did not take me long to fall in love with the area. A foretelling of my eventual move decades later, I became a fan of the Seahawks as a kid during the Steve Largent, Curt Warner, Dave Craig era.

Shortly after arriving in Seattle, I completed my Master’s of Clinical Psychology in 1999 and worked for nine years at the City of Seattle Aging and Disability Services providing social work outreach to homebound seniors and adults with disabilities, as well as providing counseling to Veterans experiencing depression. 

In 2010 I accepted a behavioral health counseling position with Evergreen Hospital where I worked as the lead clinician on the prestigious Geriatric Regional Assessment Team for another nine years. For a year I worked as a behavioral health specialist with foster children and foster to adopt in crisis while completing my second master’s degree in public administration. 

In my current role as a clinical account executive at First Choice Health’s EAP program I provide and manage behavioral health services to over 60,000 employees in more than 150 organizations.

Since I was a little boy going door to door collecting donations from neighbors in an orange Oxfam box, I have been interested in making my community a better place to live. 

This principle has been a constant theme in my life, which I have continued to practice as a resident in Westminster Triangle over the last 12 years. One of my recent volunteer accomplishments included initiating and shepherding the acquisition of a neighbor’s lot to be the future Westminster Park. 

I encourage the reader to visit my campaign website at www.electjohnramsdell.com to see a complete account of my volunteer accomplishments in Shoreline and my issue statements, including the expansion of open park space, affordable housing, police reform and the environment.

Finally, I want to express my sincere hope that residents will feel comfortable coming to me to express their concerns about our community. I may not always agree, but I can promise that you will receive my respect and attention.


Correction: He began work at Evergreen Hospital in 2010


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David Chen withdraws from Shoreline council election

Saturday, June 19, 2021

David Chen
David Chen is indefinitely suspending his campaign for Shoreline City Council, Position 1. 

In pursuing his mission for social and racial justice, David has accepted a position as General Counsel for Central City Concern, Portland, Oregon's largest community health and homeless housing agency.

David will work on homelessness and affordable housing policy through one of Oregon's largest direct care providers.

"It is bittersweet to leave my native home of Shoreline; however, I am grateful for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to help lead a organization providing a direct response to the growing wealth inequality gap and lack of resources in support of substance abuse disorder and mental health." 



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Shoreline Mayor Will Hall to retire at end of term

Saturday, May 22, 2021

Mayor Will Hall
City of Shoreline
Will Hall was elected to City Council in 2009, 2013, and 2017 and as Mayor in 2018 and 2020. He served as Deputy Mayor from 2010 to 2011. His term expires December 31, 2021.

His statement to Shoreline citizens:

Shoreline is the best city in the region because of the amazing people who live here and care so much about each other. It has been a great honor and privilege to serve this wonderful community for six years on the Planning Commission and twelve years on the City Council. 

I am retiring from elected office at the end of my term this December so I can have more time for family and travel.

I have learned more than I could have imagined from City staff, from my amazing colleagues on the City Council, and from the many, many people who have taken the time to share their thoughts, hopes, and fears with us over the years. Thank you all.

Vision 2029, adopted the year before I took office, is a great, forward-looking vision for Shoreline to be a sustainable city in all respects. We have made great strides together toward that vision, and there is always more to do.

The City is financially sustainable, thanks to the voters who approved the funding needed to maintain a high level of service for our community. And there is more to do to fund the next set of improvements to our park system.

Shoreline is a model of environmental sustainability. We are maintaining our tree canopy and improving water quality and habitat while adding much-needed housing in the most environmentally friendly way possible. 

Our green building standards are the highest in the region, and we have added more certified Built Green homes than any other city. Nearly all of our growth, now and in the future, is concentrated where people will have the option to walk and take mass transit instead of needing to drive everywhere. 

Our 2020 Sustainability Report shows that a family can reduce their carbon emissions 80% to 90% by moving from a typical house to a new Built Green home and taking light rail instead of driving to work. 

While growth will change a few areas, the way we are doing it will preserve the character of most of our neighborhoods, avoid millions of tons of carbon emissions, reduce the cost and traffic that comes from urban sprawl, and create a better world for our children and grandchildren.

We are also working to be socially responsible and sustainable. Our investments in affordable housing, sidewalks, parks, and human services continue to make Shoreline the best place in the region to live, work, play, and raise a family. I am fortunate to live in such a caring, welcoming, safe community.

I want to thank the people of Shoreline for the trust and responsibility they have given me over the years. When I step away from elected office at the end of the year, I know that the City Council, guided by the voices of the people, will continue to advance our vision and make this an even better city in the future.

Will Hall, Mayor
City of Shoreline



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