Progressive Voters Guide Powered by Fuse WA
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Mike Wiser

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Mike Wiser was recently appointed to the Spokane School Board and is now running for a full term. In addition to his commitment to the Spokane School District, he is VP of Strategic Planning for CHAS Health. Wiser is running to bring a data-driven analysis to school improvement while ensuring that standardized tests don't dominate the classroom. He's also committed to supporting students with the community services they need to show up to school ready to learn.

Wiser is running against Jennifer Muroya Thomas, who does not share Wiser's experience and progressive values. Wiser is the best choice in this race.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Mike Wiser was recently appointed to the Spokane School Board and is now running for a full term. In addition to his commitment to the Spokane School District, he is VP of Strategic Planning for CHAS Health. Wiser is running to bring a data-driven analysis to school improvement while ensuring that standardized tests don't dominate the classroom. He's also committed to supporting students with the community services they need to show up to school ready to learn.

Wiser is running against Jennifer Muroya Thomas, who does not share Wiser's experience and progressive values. Wiser is the best choice in this race.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Endorsed By: Equal Rights Washington , Fuse , Spokane Education Association, Spokane Regional Labor Council

City of Spokane

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Election Day November 7, 2017
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Statewide Ballot Measures

Advisory Vote #16

VOTE MAINTAINED

Vote Maintained on Advisory Vote 16

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

Advisory Vote #17

VOTE MAINTAINED

Vote Maintained on Advisory Vote 17

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

Advisory Vote #18

VOTE MAINTAINED

Vote Maintained on Advisory Vote 18

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

Spokane Municipal Court

Position #1

Tracy Staab photo

Tracy Staab

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Judge Tracy Staab is running for re-election to the Spokane Municipal Court. Staab has served on the Municipal Court for the past eight years. Prior to becoming a judge, she worked as a public defender, a Court of Appeals law clerk, and a city prosecutor. Staab is committed to improving the efficiency of the court and finding alternatives to jail time.

Staab is running against Adam Papini, whose name will appear on the ballot though he has not actively campaigned due to a drunk driving incident earlier in the year. Staab is the best choice in this race.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Judge Tracy Staab is running for re-election to the Spokane Municipal Court. Staab has served on the Municipal Court for the past eight years. Prior to becoming a judge, she worked as a public defender, a Court of Appeals law clerk, and a city prosecutor. Staab is committed to improving the efficiency of the court and finding alternatives to jail time.

Staab is running against Adam Papini, whose name will appear on the ballot though he has not actively campaigned due to a drunk driving incident earlier in the year. Staab is the best choice in this race.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Endorsed By: Spokane Regional Labor Council

City Races

Depending on where you live, you may have the below city races on your ballot.

City of Spokane, District #1

Spokane City Council, District #1, Position #2

Kate Burke photo

Kate Burke

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Kate Burke is running for Spokane City Council Position 1 to improve infrastructure and increase investments in Northeast Spokane. Burke is also a strong supporter of increasing racial equity and anti-bias training for the Spokane Police Department. She currently works as a Legislative Aide for state Senator Andy Billig and is the founder of the Spokane Edible Tree Project, which donates extra fruit to local food banks.

Burke is running against Tim Benn, a conservative anti-labor union activist. Burke is the best choice in this race and has earned the most endorsements from our progressive partners.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Kate Burke is running for Spokane City Council Position 1 to improve infrastructure and increase investments in Northeast Spokane. Burke is also a strong supporter of increasing racial equity and anti-bias training for the Spokane Police Department. She currently works as a Legislative Aide for state Senator Andy Billig and is the founder of the Spokane Edible Tree Project, which donates extra fruit to local food banks.

Burke is running against Tim Benn, a conservative anti-labor union activist. Burke is the best choice in this race and has earned the most endorsements from our progressive partners.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Endorsed By: Equal Rights Washington , Fuse , National Organization for Women PAC , Pro-Choice Washington , SEIU 775 , SEIU Healthcare 1199NW , Washington Bikes , Spokane Regional Labor Council, Firefighter Locals 29

City of Spokane, District #2

Spokane City Council, District #2, Position #2

Breean Beggs photo

Breean Beggs

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Breean Beggs is running for reelection to the Spokane City Council Position 2 seat. Beggs is a strong champion of smart justice and criminal justice reform. He has a long track record of holding corporations accountable and protecting the rights of low-income residents. Beggs is the former Executive Director of the Center for Justice in Spokane, and has recently pushed to increase safety protections for coal and oil trains that run through downtown Spokane.

Beggs is running against Andy Dunau, a nonprofit executive director and a moderate who is prioritizing improving infrastructure. Beggs is the clear progressive choice in this race.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Breean Beggs is running for reelection to the Spokane City Council Position 2 seat. Beggs is a strong champion of smart justice and criminal justice reform. He has a long track record of holding corporations accountable and protecting the rights of low-income residents. Beggs is the former Executive Director of the Center for Justice in Spokane, and has recently pushed to increase safety protections for coal and oil trains that run through downtown Spokane.

Beggs is running against Andy Dunau, a nonprofit executive director and a moderate who is prioritizing improving infrastructure. Beggs is the clear progressive choice in this race.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

City of Spokane, District #3

Spokane City Council, District #3, Position #2

Candace Mumm photo

Candace Mumm

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Incumbent City Councilmember Candace Mumm has a long track record of community involvement and leadership on land use issues and women’s health. She voted to support earned sick leave for all workers in Spokane and is a vocal advocate for a better bus system. Mumm is also the past president of the city's planning commission, where she oversaw adoption of the city's first Comprehensive Plan. She co-authored the city's Crosswalk Ordinance and co-led the city's Gender and Racial Equity task force.

Mumm is running against conservative Matthew Howes, whose campaign is centered on crime, road maintenance, and reducing business taxes. Mumm is the best choice in this race.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Incumbent City Councilmember Candace Mumm has a long track record of community involvement and leadership on land use issues and women’s health. She voted to support earned sick leave for all workers in Spokane and is a vocal advocate for a better bus system. Mumm is also the past president of the city's planning commission, where she oversaw adoption of the city's first Comprehensive Plan. She co-authored the city's Crosswalk Ordinance and co-led the city's Gender and Racial Equity task force.

Mumm is running against conservative Matthew Howes, whose campaign is centered on crime, road maintenance, and reducing business taxes. Mumm is the best choice in this race.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Spokane Ballot Measures

Spokane Proposition #2

VOTE YES

Vote YES on Proposition 2

Voters should take a stand against trains with highly explosive oil and uncovered coal traveling through the heart of downtown Spokane and vote Yes on Prop. 2. This citizen's initiative is offering residents the opportunity to support stronger public safety standards for our community.

Proposition 2 would make it a class 1 civil infraction for individuals, companies, or groups to allow a rail car with specific types of coal and oil to ship through downtown Spokane or within 2,000 feet of a school, hospital, or the Spokane river.

Opponents say Proposition 2 is unlikely to be enacted into law because of legal challenges, but voters shouldn't be afraid to be on the right of the issue. Vote YES on Prop 2 and send a strong message to oil companies that the City of Spokane values the environment and public safety.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Voters should take a stand against trains with highly explosive oil and uncovered coal traveling through the heart of downtown Spokane and vote Yes on Prop. 2. This citizen's initiative is offering residents the opportunity to support stronger public safety standards for our community.

Proposition 2 would make it a class 1 civil infraction for individuals, companies, or groups to allow a rail car with specific types of coal and oil to ship through downtown Spokane or within 2,000 feet of a school, hospital, or the Spokane river.

Opponents say Proposition 2 is unlikely to be enacted into law because of legal challenges, but voters shouldn't be afraid to be on the right of the issue. Vote YES on Prop 2 and send a strong message to oil companies that the City of Spokane values the environment and public safety.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Endorsed By Spokane Firefighters Union - IAFF Local 29

Spokane School Board

Depending on where you live, you may have one of the below school district races on your ballot.

Spokane School Board, Director, Position #2

Deana Brower photo

Deana Brower

Deana Brower is running for reelection to the Spokane School District Board of Directors, Position 2. First elected in 2011, Deana Brower is currently Board President and is active in the greater Spokane community. Prior to joining the school board, Brower taught primary education for 12 years, served as a youth education advocate in Eastern Washington. Brower is unopposed in this race.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Deana Brower is running for reelection to the Spokane School District Board of Directors, Position 2. First elected in 2011, Deana Brower is currently Board President and is active in the greater Spokane community. Prior to joining the school board, Brower taught primary education for 12 years, served as a youth education advocate in Eastern Washington. Brower is unopposed in this race.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Spokane School Board, Director, Position #5

Mike Wiser photo

Mike Wiser

Website Facebook Endorsements

Mike Wiser was recently appointed to the Spokane School Board and is now running for a full term. In addition to his commitment to the Spokane School District, he is VP of Strategic Planning for CHAS Health. Wiser is running to bring a data-driven analysis to school improvement while ensuring that standardized tests don't dominate the classroom. He's also committed to supporting students with the community services they need to show up to school ready to learn.

Wiser is running against Jennifer Muroya Thomas, who does not share Wiser's experience and progressive values. Wiser is the best choice in this race.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Mike Wiser was recently appointed to the Spokane School Board and is now running for a full term. In addition to his commitment to the Spokane School District, he is VP of Strategic Planning for CHAS Health. Wiser is running to bring a data-driven analysis to school improvement while ensuring that standardized tests don't dominate the classroom. He's also committed to supporting students with the community services they need to show up to school ready to learn.

Wiser is running against Jennifer Muroya Thomas, who does not share Wiser's experience and progressive values. Wiser is the best choice in this race.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Endorsed By: Equal Rights Washington , Fuse , Spokane Education Association, Spokane Regional Labor Council

Spokane County Superior Court

Superior Court Judge, Position #6

Jocelyn Cook photo

Jocelyn Cook

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Jocelyn Cook has 10 years of experience as a public defender working on criminal and dependency cases. She is passionate about criminal justice reform and her experience as a public defender would be a welcomed addition to the bench.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Jocelyn Cook has 10 years of experience as a public defender working on criminal and dependency cases. She is passionate about criminal justice reform and her experience as a public defender would be a welcomed addition to the bench.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Endorsed By: Spokane Regional Labor Council, Teamsters Local #690
Tony Hazel photo

Tony Hazel

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Tony Hazel has gathered an impressive list of bipartisan supporters. He is an experienced prosecutor appointed to the position this year and has been proactive in making reforms to the criminal justice system in his time as judge. However, some progressives are concerned with Hazel's past campaigning for conservative candidates and his "law and order" statements as a prosecutor.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Tony Hazel has gathered an impressive list of bipartisan supporters. He is an experienced prosecutor appointed to the position this year and has been proactive in making reforms to the criminal justice system in his time as judge. However, some progressives are concerned with Hazel's past campaigning for conservative candidates and his "law and order" statements as a prosecutor.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Endorsed By: Spokane Regional Labor Council