City of Des Moines
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The Progressive Voters Guide compiles the information that allows you to make informed decisions about the races on your ballot, based on your values. Vote in every race on your ballot! It's our right and our responsibility. Please share this guide with your friends and family.
Statewide Ballot Measures
A bipartisan group of legislators passed Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1597, which included a small excise tax in order to increase environmental protections for regional fish and wildlife. Because of a Tim Eyman initiative, the Legislature is required to submit any bill it passes that closes tax loopholes or raises revenue to a non-binding advisory vote. Vote “Maintained” on Advisory Vote 16.
Last updated: 2023-04-05
A bipartisan group of legislators passed Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1597, which included a small excise tax in order to increase environmental protections for regional fish and wildlife. Because of a Tim Eyman initiative, the Legislature is required to submit any bill it passes that closes tax loopholes or raises revenue to a non-binding advisory vote. Vote “Maintained” on Advisory Vote 16.
Last updated: 2023-04-05
Our state has been under Supreme Court order to fully fund education for several years. This June, Republicans and Democrats came together to approve a bipartisan package of revenue increases for public schools, including expanding the Business and Occupation tax. While this does not solve the education funding problem, the package goes a long way towards providing a quality education for all students. This non-binding advisory vote is required thanks to a Tim Eyman ballot measure. Vote “Maintained” on Advisory Vote 17.
Last updated: 2023-04-05
Our state has been under Supreme Court order to fully fund education for several years. This June, Republicans and Democrats came together to approve a bipartisan package of revenue increases for public schools, including expanding the Business and Occupation tax. While this does not solve the education funding problem, the package goes a long way towards providing a quality education for all students. This non-binding advisory vote is required thanks to a Tim Eyman ballot measure. Vote “Maintained” on Advisory Vote 17.
Last updated: 2023-04-05
In addition to the business taxes covered in Advisory Vote 17, a strong bipartisan majority of state legislators voted to increase local property taxes to fund schools. We have concerns about raising regressive property taxes that disproportionately impact working families and make our upside-down tax code even worse. However, we are optimistic about retaking the state Senate this fall and working with progressives in Olympia next year to reduce this tax and instead make the wealthy pay their fair share.
Like the other advisory votes, this is a non-binding measure required by a Tim Eyman ballot initiative. Vote “Maintained” on Advisory Vote 18.
Last updated: 2023-04-05
In addition to the business taxes covered in Advisory Vote 17, a strong bipartisan majority of state legislators voted to increase local property taxes to fund schools. We have concerns about raising regressive property taxes that disproportionately impact working families and make our upside-down tax code even worse. However, we are optimistic about retaking the state Senate this fall and working with progressives in Olympia next year to reduce this tax and instead make the wealthy pay their fair share.
Like the other advisory votes, this is a non-binding measure required by a Tim Eyman ballot initiative. Vote “Maintained” on Advisory Vote 18.
Last updated: 2023-04-05
King County, District 5
Depending on the county district you live in, you may have the following races on your ballot.
As the former chair of the House Environment committee in Olympia, Councilmember Dave Upthegrove is a strong environmental champion who has prioritized restoring salmon habitat on the Green River and cleanup for the Duwamish. However, he has recently disappointed progressives with his positions on the Veterans and Human Service Levy and safe injection sites. He is running unopposed in this race and deserves your vote.
Last updated: 2023-04-05
As the former chair of the House Environment committee in Olympia, Councilmember Dave Upthegrove is a strong environmental champion who has prioritized restoring salmon habitat on the Green River and cleanup for the Duwamish. However, he has recently disappointed progressives with his positions on the Veterans and Human Service Levy and safe injection sites. He is running unopposed in this race and deserves your vote.
Last updated: 2023-04-05
As the former chair of the House Environment committee in Olympia, Councilmember Dave Upthegrove is a strong environmental champion who has prioritized restoring salmon habitat on the Green River and cleanup for the Duwamish. However, he has recently disappointed progressives with his positions on the Veterans and Human Service Levy and safe injection sites. He is running unopposed in this race and deserves your vote.
Last updated: 2023-04-05
Des Moines City Council
Attorney Harry Steinmetz is running for Des Moines Council Position 5. Steinmetz has worked in the King County Prosecutor’s office, as a City Prosecutor for the City of Olympia, and as a Staff Attorney for the Washington state Senate Judiciary Committee, among other positions. He was also the Director of Government Relations for the Washington Association for Housing and Services for the Aging, advocating for not-for-profit senior housing.
Steinmetz is running against Traci Buxton who is not running a progressive campaign. Steinmetz is the best choice in this race
Last updated: 2023-04-05
Attorney Harry Steinmetz is running for Des Moines Council Position 5. Steinmetz has worked in the King County Prosecutor’s office, as a City Prosecutor for the City of Olympia, and as a Staff Attorney for the Washington state Senate Judiciary Committee, among other positions. He was also the Director of Government Relations for the Washington Association for Housing and Services for the Aging, advocating for not-for-profit senior housing.
Steinmetz is running against Traci Buxton who is not running a progressive campaign. Steinmetz is the best choice in this race
Last updated: 2023-04-05
Endorsed By: Equal Rights Washington
Attorney Harry Steinmetz is running for Des Moines Council Position 5. Steinmetz has worked in the King County Prosecutor’s office, as a City Prosecutor for the City of Olympia, and as a Staff Attorney for the Washington state Senate Judiciary Committee, among other positions. He was also the Director of Government Relations for the Washington Association for Housing and Services for the Aging, advocating for not-for-profit senior housing.
Steinmetz is running against Traci Buxton who is not running a progressive campaign. Steinmetz is the best choice in this race
Last updated: 2023-04-05
Endorsed By: Equal Rights Washington
Chad Harper is the Chair of the Highline Citizens for Schools and a Des Moines Human Services Commissioner. As commissioner, he worked to increase nonprofit program support from the city. He is focused on the issues of marina redevelopment, engagement between government and citizens, and public safety.
Harper is running for City Council Position 7 against Matthew Mahoney, who is active with the Citizen's Advisory Committee. Mahoney is a business manager, US Army veteran, and Fire Commissioner for Pierce County Fire District #26. Like Harper, Mahoney is focused on funding the seawall, solving airport issues, and public safety, but overall is less progressive than Harper.
Harper is the clear progressive choice in this race.
Last updated: 2023-04-05
Chad Harper is the Chair of the Highline Citizens for Schools and a Des Moines Human Services Commissioner. As commissioner, he worked to increase nonprofit program support from the city. He is focused on the issues of marina redevelopment, engagement between government and citizens, and public safety.
Harper is running for City Council Position 7 against Matthew Mahoney, who is active with the Citizen's Advisory Committee. Mahoney is a business manager, US Army veteran, and Fire Commissioner for Pierce County Fire District #26. Like Harper, Mahoney is focused on funding the seawall, solving airport issues, and public safety, but overall is less progressive than Harper.
Harper is the clear progressive choice in this race.
Last updated: 2023-04-05
Chad Harper is the Chair of the Highline Citizens for Schools and a Des Moines Human Services Commissioner. As commissioner, he worked to increase nonprofit program support from the city. He is focused on the issues of marina redevelopment, engagement between government and citizens, and public safety.
Harper is running for City Council Position 7 against Matthew Mahoney, who is active with the Citizen's Advisory Committee. Mahoney is a business manager, US Army veteran, and Fire Commissioner for Pierce County Fire District #26. Like Harper, Mahoney is focused on funding the seawall, solving airport issues, and public safety, but overall is less progressive than Harper.
Harper is the clear progressive choice in this race.
Last updated: 2023-04-05