Skagit County

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Statewide Ballot Measures

Advisory Vote #36

  • VOTE MAINTAINED

    Vote Maintained to strengthen mental health crisis support

  • This spring, lawmakers passed Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1477 to expand the state’s crisis response system to include a new hotline dealing exclusively with mental health emergencies.

    Sponsored by Democratic legislators, the law will divert some calls away from 911 so that Washingtonians can get more specialized crisis responses. In addition, law enforcement officers no longer need to take on responsibilities associated with social workers. This will be funded by a tax of 30 cents a month on most phone services in October 2021 until a bump to 75 cents a month starting in July 2024. All revenue generated by the tax will go to crisis line-related expenses, including expanding hotline personnel during the community mental health crisis associated with the pandemic.

    Vote “Maintained” on State Advisory Vote 36.

    This spring, lawmakers passed Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1477 to expand the state’s crisis response system to include a new hotline dealing exclusively with mental health emergencies.

    Sponsored by Democratic legislators, the law will divert some calls away from 911 so that Washingtonians can get more specialized crisis responses. In addition, law enforcement officers no longer need to take on responsibilities associated with social workers. This will be funded by a tax of 30 cents a month on most phone services in October 2021 until a bump to 75 cents a month starting in July 2024. All revenue generated by the tax will go to crisis line-related expenses, including expanding hotline personnel during the community mental health crisis associated with the pandemic.

    Vote “Maintained” on State Advisory Vote 36.

    • Endorsed By The Stranger

Advisory Vote #37

  • VOTE MAINTAINED

    Vote Maintained to balance our tax code

  • Washingtonians deserve an economy that works for us all. An essential part of that is a balanced tax code where everyone pays their share. Yet, Washington boasts the most upside-down system in the nation, where the state’s lowest-income earners pay 17% of their income in taxes while the wealthiest few pay just 3% of their income.

    This legislative session, Democratic lawmakers wrote and passed Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5096, which created a 7% capital gains tax on the sale of assets like stocks valued above $250,000. The tax is estimated to raise about $415 million primarily for child care and early learning - both services that became clearly essential to Washingtonians during the coronavirus pandemic.

    We know that good public schools, beautiful parks, and strong social services make Washington a great place to live. This long-overdue capital gains tax will go towards making sure that all Washingtonians pay their share in taxes and have the opportunity to thrive.

    Vote "Maintained" on State Advisory Vote 37.

    Washingtonians deserve an economy that works for us all. An essential part of that is a balanced tax code where everyone pays their share. Yet, Washington boasts the most upside-down system in the nation, where the state’s lowest-income earners pay 17% of their income in taxes while the wealthiest few pay just 3% of their income.

    This legislative session, Democratic lawmakers wrote and passed Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5096, which created a 7% capital gains tax on the sale of assets like stocks valued above $250,000. The tax is estimated to raise about $415 million primarily for child care and early learning - both services that became clearly essential to Washingtonians during the coronavirus pandemic.

    We know that good public schools, beautiful parks, and strong social services make Washington a great place to live. This long-overdue capital gains tax will go towards making sure that all Washingtonians pay their share in taxes and have the opportunity to thrive.

    Vote "Maintained" on State Advisory Vote 37.

    • Endorsed By The Stranger

Advisory Vote #38

  • VOTE MAINTAINED

    Vote Maintained to close a tax loophole for insurance companies

  • In the most recent legislative session, lawmakers passed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5315, which creates a 2% tax on certain insurance premiums. In effect, the law would close a tax loophole for corporations with their own insurance policies, known as captive insurers, so that all insurance companies pay premiums taxes. It is estimated to generate around $53 million over the next decade.

    SB 5315 had bipartisan sponsorship and was passed nearly unanimously with only one vote of opposition between both houses. The legislation was requested by Democratic Washington Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler, who wants to make sure that all insurance companies pay their share of taxes.

    Ensuring big corporations pay their share is an important step toward balancing our state's tax code. Vote “Maintained” on State Advisory Vote 38.

    In the most recent legislative session, lawmakers passed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5315, which creates a 2% tax on certain insurance premiums. In effect, the law would close a tax loophole for corporations with their own insurance policies, known as captive insurers, so that all insurance companies pay premiums taxes. It is estimated to generate around $53 million over the next decade.

    SB 5315 had bipartisan sponsorship and was passed nearly unanimously with only one vote of opposition between both houses. The legislation was requested by Democratic Washington Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler, who wants to make sure that all insurance companies pay their share of taxes.

    Ensuring big corporations pay their share is an important step toward balancing our state's tax code. Vote “Maintained” on State Advisory Vote 38.

    • Endorsed By The Stranger

City Races

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

Anacortes Mayor

Anacortes Mayor

  • Ryan Walters photo

    Ryan Walters

    Website Facebook
    Evergreen Future

  • City Councilmember Ryan Walters is running for mayor of Anacortes. Walters has been on the city council since 2012 and served as the mayor pro tem from 2016 to 2017. Outside of his work on the council, Walters is the planning and community development director for the Samish Nation and works with the Skagit Land Trust.

    Walters' platform includes affordable housing, high-quality public services and infrastructure, and making Anacortes an inclusive town for all that maintains its unique charm. During his time on the council, Walters helped to develop the Anacortes municipal fiber network, which is now under construction. He also started the council’s first committee on housing and community services. Despite serving a city with two large oil refineries, Walters understands the importance of environmental protections for the natural ecosystem and Anacortes residents alike. If elected mayor, Walters will use his experience in office to implement a community-focused agenda.

    Walters is running against fellow council member Matt Miller. Miller is in his second term on the council and served as the mayor pro tem from 2018 to 2020. He is a veteran and business owner running on a more conservative platform including criminalizing Anacortes residents experiencing homelessness and prioritizing business interests above community needs.

    Walters is the best choice for mayor of Anacortes because of his progressive vision and his support from partner organizations.

    Ryan Walters

    City Councilmember Ryan Walters is running for mayor of Anacortes. Walters has been on the city council since 2012 and served as the mayor pro tem from 2016 to 2017.

    City Councilmember Ryan Walters is running for mayor of Anacortes. Walters has been on the city council since 2012 and served as the mayor pro tem from 2016 to 2017. Outside of his work on the council, Walters is the planning and community development director for the Samish Nation and works with the Skagit Land Trust.

    Walters' platform includes affordable housing, high-quality public services and infrastructure, and making Anacortes an inclusive town for all that maintains its unique charm. During his time on the council, Walters helped to develop the Anacortes municipal fiber network, which is now under construction. He also started the council’s first committee on housing and community services. Despite serving a city with two large oil refineries, Walters understands the importance of environmental protections for the natural ecosystem and Anacortes residents alike. If elected mayor, Walters will use his experience in office to implement a community-focused agenda.

    Walters is running against fellow council member Matt Miller. Miller is in his second term on the council and served as the mayor pro tem from 2018 to 2020. He is a veteran and business owner running on a more conservative platform including criminalizing Anacortes residents experiencing homelessness and prioritizing business interests above community needs.

    Walters is the best choice for mayor of Anacortes because of his progressive vision and his support from partner organizations.

    Ryan Walters

    City Councilmember Ryan Walters is running for mayor of Anacortes. Walters has been on the city council since 2012 and served as the mayor pro tem from 2016 to 2017.

Anacortes City Council

Anacortes City Council, Position #4

  • Amanda Hubik photo

    Amanda Hubik

    Website Facebook Endorsements

  • Amanda Hubik is running for Position 4 on the Anacortes City Council. She currently works as a legislative assistant to Democratic state Representative Alex Ramel and was recently appointed a commissioner of the Anacortes Housing Authority. Previously, she was the director of marketing and promotions for the Anacortes Chamber of Commerce.

    Hubik is running on a progressive platform focused on building affordable, workforce housing, establishing environmental protections, and supporting small businesses, especially through COVID recovery. She wants to bring Anacortes residents together to make community-minded policies and shape council decisions. In this race, Hubik has earned the endorsement of the local Democrats as well as many progressive elected officials.

    Her opponent is Jeff Graf, a Navy veteran who now works for a local aerospace manufacturing company. He has served on the Planning Commission since being appointed in 2017. Graf’s platform includes cutting government services apart from policing, prioritizing business interests, and increasing funding for police.

    Amanda Hubik is the most progressive choice in this race and deserves your vote for Anacortes City Council, Position 4.

    Amanda Hubik

    Amanda Hubik is running for Position 4 on the Anacortes City Council. She currently works as a legislative assistant to Democratic state Representative Alex Ramel and was recently appointed a commissioner of the Anacortes Housing Authority.

    Amanda Hubik is running for Position 4 on the Anacortes City Council. She currently works as a legislative assistant to Democratic state Representative Alex Ramel and was recently appointed a commissioner of the Anacortes Housing Authority. Previously, she was the director of marketing and promotions for the Anacortes Chamber of Commerce.

    Hubik is running on a progressive platform focused on building affordable, workforce housing, establishing environmental protections, and supporting small businesses, especially through COVID recovery. She wants to bring Anacortes residents together to make community-minded policies and shape council decisions. In this race, Hubik has earned the endorsement of the local Democrats as well as many progressive elected officials.

    Her opponent is Jeff Graf, a Navy veteran who now works for a local aerospace manufacturing company. He has served on the Planning Commission since being appointed in 2017. Graf’s platform includes cutting government services apart from policing, prioritizing business interests, and increasing funding for police.

    Amanda Hubik is the most progressive choice in this race and deserves your vote for Anacortes City Council, Position 4.

    Amanda Hubik

    Amanda Hubik is running for Position 4 on the Anacortes City Council. She currently works as a legislative assistant to Democratic state Representative Alex Ramel and was recently appointed a commissioner of the Anacortes Housing Authority.

Mount Vernon City Council

Mount Vernon City Council, Ward #1, Position #1

  • Juan Morales photo

    Juan Morales

    Facebook

  • Incumbent Juan Morales is running for re-election to Position 1 on the Mount Vernon City Council in Ward 1. Morales was appointed to this role in late 2020 after Erin Moberg resigned, and before that, he served as a judicial assistant for Skagit County Superior Court. He previously worked with the council on Washington’s Voting Rights Act of 2018 and currently sits on the Mount Vernon Fireworks Committee.

    During his time on the council, Morales worked to provide funding for emergency housing services through the Skagit First Step Center and supply motel vouchers for those without stable housing. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, he also sought to support and strengthen both small, local businesses as well as city services. Morales is running to continue bringing transparent and accountable progressive leadership to the council. He has earned the support of the local Democrats and progressive elected officials in this race.

    Navor Tercero is challenging Morales on a vague platform that includes creating policy around business interests and increasing law enforcement funding. Tercero owns his own upholstery repair business and served on the Skagit Hospice board. Unfortunately, his campaign website doesn’t work as of early October.

    Juan Morales is the best choice in this race. He deserves your vote to remain in Ward 1, Position 1 on the Mount Vernon City Council.

    Incumbent Juan Morales is running for re-election to Position 1 on the Mount Vernon City Council in Ward 1. Morales was appointed to this role in late 2020 after Erin Moberg resigned, and before that, he served as a judicial assistant for Skagit County Superior Court. He previously worked with the council on Washington’s Voting Rights Act of 2018 and currently sits on the Mount Vernon Fireworks Committee.

    During his time on the council, Morales worked to provide funding for emergency housing services through the Skagit First Step Center and supply motel vouchers for those without stable housing. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, he also sought to support and strengthen both small, local businesses as well as city services. Morales is running to continue bringing transparent and accountable progressive leadership to the council. He has earned the support of the local Democrats and progressive elected officials in this race.

    Navor Tercero is challenging Morales on a vague platform that includes creating policy around business interests and increasing law enforcement funding. Tercero owns his own upholstery repair business and served on the Skagit Hospice board. Unfortunately, his campaign website doesn’t work as of early October.

    Juan Morales is the best choice in this race. He deserves your vote to remain in Ward 1, Position 1 on the Mount Vernon City Council.

    Incumbent Juan Morales is running for re-election to Position 1 on the Mount Vernon City Council in Ward 1. Morales was appointed to this role in late 2020 after Erin Moberg resigned, and before that, he served as a judicial assistant for Skagit County Superior Court. He previously worked with the council on Washington’s Voting Rights Act of 2018 and currently sits on the Mount Vernon Fireworks Committee.

    During his time on the council, Morales worked to provide funding for emergency housing services through the Skagit First Step Center and supply motel vouchers for those without stable housing. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, he also sought to support and strengthen both small, local businesses as well as city services. Morales is running to continue bringing transparent and accountable progressive leadership to the council. He has earned the support of the local Democrats and progressive elected officials in this race.

    Navor Tercero is challenging Morales on a vague platform that includes creating policy around business interests and increasing law enforcement funding. Tercero owns his own upholstery repair business and served on the Skagit Hospice board. Unfortunately, his campaign website doesn’t work as of early October.

    Juan Morales is the best choice in this race. He deserves your vote to remain in Ward 1, Position 1 on the Mount Vernon City Council.

    Incumbent Juan Morales is running for re-election to Position 1 on the Mount Vernon City Council in Ward 1. Morales was appointed to this role in late 2020 after Erin Moberg resigned, and before that, he served as a judicial assistant for Skagit County Superior Court. He previously worked with the council on Washington’s Voting Rights Act of 2018 and currently sits on the Mount Vernon Fireworks Committee.

    During his time on the council, Morales worked to provide funding for emergency housing services through the Skagit First Step Center and supply motel vouchers for those without stable housing. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, he also sought to support and strengthen both small, local businesses as well as city services. Morales is running to continue bringing transparent and accountable progressive leadership to the council. He has earned the support of the local Democrats and progressive elected officials in this race.

    Navor Tercero is challenging Morales on a vague platform that includes creating policy around business interests and increasing law enforcement funding. Tercero owns his own upholstery repair business and served on the Skagit Hospice board. Unfortunately, his campaign website doesn’t work as of early October.

    Juan Morales is the best choice in this race. He deserves your vote to remain in Ward 1, Position 1 on the Mount Vernon City Council.

Mount Vernon City Council, Ward #1, Position #2

  • Iris Carias photo

    Iris Carias

    Website Facebook

  • Incumbent Iris Carias is running for re-election to the Mount Vernon City Council, representing Ward 1 in Position 2. Carias joined the council in 2018 where she has worked to improve representation in city government and lift all Mount Vernon voices. Carias’ background is in social services, caregiving, and community leadership. Outside of the council, she works as a liaison for the school district’s Migrant Education Program.

    When the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated Mount Vernon’s housing crisis, Carias worked with the rest of the council to direct funds to rental assistance, emergency housing, and other housing resources. If re-elected, she would continue advocating for community needs and public services, including more affordable housing policy and updates to transportation infrastructure like the North 30th traffic light and the widening of College Way under I-5.

    Carias faces a challenge from Daniel Downs, a senior planner for Skagit County, He emphasizes pouring money into helping businesses recover but wants to cut social services that Mount Vernon community members have relied on more than ever during the pandemic. Unfortunately, Downs lacks a detailed campaign platform and website as of early October.

    Iris Carias is the best choice in this race and deserves re-election for Mount Vernon City Council, Ward 1, Position 1 to continue bringing progressive leadership to the city.

    Incumbent Iris Carias is running for re-election to the Mount Vernon City Council, representing Ward 1 in Position 2. Carias joined the council in 2018 where she has worked to improve representation in city government and lift all Mount Vernon voices. Carias’ background is in social services, caregiving, and community leadership. Outside of the council, she works as a liaison for the school district’s Migrant Education Program.

    When the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated Mount Vernon’s housing crisis, Carias worked with the rest of the council to direct funds to rental assistance, emergency housing, and other housing resources. If re-elected, she would continue advocating for community needs and public services, including more affordable housing policy and updates to transportation infrastructure like the North 30th traffic light and the widening of College Way under I-5.

    Carias faces a challenge from Daniel Downs, a senior planner for Skagit County, He emphasizes pouring money into helping businesses recover but wants to cut social services that Mount Vernon community members have relied on more than ever during the pandemic. Unfortunately, Downs lacks a detailed campaign platform and website as of early October.

    Iris Carias is the best choice in this race and deserves re-election for Mount Vernon City Council, Ward 1, Position 1 to continue bringing progressive leadership to the city.

    Incumbent Iris Carias is running for re-election to the Mount Vernon City Council, representing Ward 1 in Position 2. Carias joined the council in 2018 where she has worked to improve representation in city government and lift all Mount Vernon voices. Carias’ background is in social services, caregiving, and community leadership. Outside of the council, she works as a liaison for the school district’s Migrant Education Program.

    When the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated Mount Vernon’s housing crisis, Carias worked with the rest of the council to direct funds to rental assistance, emergency housing, and other housing resources. If re-elected, she would continue advocating for community needs and public services, including more affordable housing policy and updates to transportation infrastructure like the North 30th traffic light and the widening of College Way under I-5.

    Carias faces a challenge from Daniel Downs, a senior planner for Skagit County, He emphasizes pouring money into helping businesses recover but wants to cut social services that Mount Vernon community members have relied on more than ever during the pandemic. Unfortunately, Downs lacks a detailed campaign platform and website as of early October.

    Iris Carias is the best choice in this race and deserves re-election for Mount Vernon City Council, Ward 1, Position 1 to continue bringing progressive leadership to the city.

    Incumbent Iris Carias is running for re-election to the Mount Vernon City Council, representing Ward 1 in Position 2. Carias joined the council in 2018 where she has worked to improve representation in city government and lift all Mount Vernon voices. Carias’ background is in social services, caregiving, and community leadership. Outside of the council, she works as a liaison for the school district’s Migrant Education Program.

    When the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated Mount Vernon’s housing crisis, Carias worked with the rest of the council to direct funds to rental assistance, emergency housing, and other housing resources. If re-elected, she would continue advocating for community needs and public services, including more affordable housing policy and updates to transportation infrastructure like the North 30th traffic light and the widening of College Way under I-5.

    Carias faces a challenge from Daniel Downs, a senior planner for Skagit County, He emphasizes pouring money into helping businesses recover but wants to cut social services that Mount Vernon community members have relied on more than ever during the pandemic. Unfortunately, Downs lacks a detailed campaign platform and website as of early October.

    Iris Carias is the best choice in this race and deserves re-election for Mount Vernon City Council, Ward 1, Position 1 to continue bringing progressive leadership to the city.

    • Endorsed By: SEIU Local 925 , UFCW 3000

Mount Vernon City Council, At-Large

  • Richard Brocksmith photo

    Richard Brocksmith

    Website Facebook Endorsements

  • Incumbent Richard Brocksmith is running for Mount Vernon City Council in the At-Large Position. Brocksmith first joined the council in 2018, having served on the city’s planning commission before that. He was appointed to the Skagit Environmental Endowment Commission in 2020 and serves on the board of the Mount Vernon Public Schools Foundation. Brocksmith is also the executive director of the Skagit Watershed Council.

    Brocksmith is running on a platform that emphasizes housing, infrastructure, economic development, and public green space. He has a 2- to 3-year plan to expand housing options for multiple income levels in order to address housing insecurity that many Mount Vernon residents face. Brocksmith wants to invest in community development including the Library Commons project, street and wastewater treatment plant enhancements, and utilizing the Local Fiscal Recovery for local parks and trails.

    Challenging Brocksmith in this race is Larry Carpenter, a retired business owner. Carpenter previously served as president of the Master Marine Services and is a current commissioner with the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission. His campaign has been backed by the county Republicans and he doesn’t have a campaign platform or website as of mid-October, including being unresponsive to local requests for interviews.

    We recommend Richard Brocksmith for the at-large position on the Mount Vernon City Council because of his community-centered platform and his progressive support in this race from elected officials and local organizations.

    Richard Brocksmith

    Incumbent Richard Brocksmith is running for Mount Vernon City Council in the At-Large Position. Brocksmith first joined the council in 2018, having served on the city’s planning commission before that.

    Incumbent Richard Brocksmith is running for Mount Vernon City Council in the At-Large Position. Brocksmith first joined the council in 2018, having served on the city’s planning commission before that. He was appointed to the Skagit Environmental Endowment Commission in 2020 and serves on the board of the Mount Vernon Public Schools Foundation. Brocksmith is also the executive director of the Skagit Watershed Council.

    Brocksmith is running on a platform that emphasizes housing, infrastructure, economic development, and public green space. He has a 2- to 3-year plan to expand housing options for multiple income levels in order to address housing insecurity that many Mount Vernon residents face. Brocksmith wants to invest in community development including the Library Commons project, street and wastewater treatment plant enhancements, and utilizing the Local Fiscal Recovery for local parks and trails.

    Challenging Brocksmith in this race is Larry Carpenter, a retired business owner. Carpenter previously served as president of the Master Marine Services and is a current commissioner with the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission. His campaign has been backed by the county Republicans and he doesn’t have a campaign platform or website as of mid-October, including being unresponsive to local requests for interviews.

    We recommend Richard Brocksmith for the at-large position on the Mount Vernon City Council because of his community-centered platform and his progressive support in this race from elected officials and local organizations.

    Richard Brocksmith

    Incumbent Richard Brocksmith is running for Mount Vernon City Council in the At-Large Position. Brocksmith first joined the council in 2018, having served on the city’s planning commission before that.