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Hanan Amer

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Hanan Amer is running for Auburn City Council, Position 4. Amer is a chemist for an aerospace company and has been volunteering locally for years at food banks, the White River Valley Museum, the Auburn and Muckleshoot libraries, and with the police department. She has also volunteered as a tax preparer for United Way of King County in the Auburn and Kent areas. Amer is endorsed by Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus and the 47th Legislative District Democrats and is running to make sure everyone can feel empowered and engaged in their communities.

Amer's opponent in this race is incumbent council member Yolanda Trout. Trout has been on the city council for seven years and previously served as the vice chair of the local Domestic Violence Initiative Regional Task Force from 2014 to 2016 and on Auburn’s Planning Commission from 2010 to 2013. She does not have a campaign website as of mid-October but her re-election platform includes supporting Auburn’s businesses, affordable housing, social justice, and economic growth. Unfortunately, Trout has taken a couple of bad votes including opposing the B&O tax, which would help the city avoid a revenue crisis by 2023, and opposing hazard pay for grocery store workers in the pandemic.

Amer is the best choice for Position 4 on the Auburn City Council.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Hanan Amer is running for Auburn City Council, Position 4. Amer is a chemist for an aerospace company and has been volunteering locally for years at food banks, the White River Valley Museum, the Auburn and Muckleshoot libraries, and with the police department. She has also volunteered as a tax preparer for United Way of King County in the Auburn and Kent areas. Amer is endorsed by Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus and the 47th Legislative District Democrats and is running to make sure everyone can feel empowered and engaged in their communities.

Amer's opponent in this race is incumbent council member Yolanda Trout. Trout has been on the city council for seven years and previously served as the vice chair of the local Domestic Violence Initiative Regional Task Force from 2014 to 2016 and on Auburn’s Planning Commission from 2010 to 2013. She does not have a campaign website as of mid-October but her re-election platform includes supporting Auburn’s businesses, affordable housing, social justice, and economic growth. Unfortunately, Trout has taken a couple of bad votes including opposing the B&O tax, which would help the city avoid a revenue crisis by 2023, and opposing hazard pay for grocery store workers in the pandemic.

Amer is the best choice for Position 4 on the Auburn City Council.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Endorsed By: M. L. King County Labor Council, AFL-CIO , OneAmerica Votes , King County Democrats, 30th Legislative District Democrats, 47th Legislative District Democrats, and 31st Legislative District Democrats

City of Auburn

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Election Day November 2, 2021
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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.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

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.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

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.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

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.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

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.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

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.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Endorsed By The Stranger

County Ballot Measures

Depending on where you live, you may have one of the below ballot measures on your ballot.

King County Ballot Measures

King County Charter Amendment #1

VOTE APPROVED

Vote YES for equity and inclusion

King County Charter Amendment 1 proposes a revision to fix a grammatical error and to update the language to better reflect the values and community of King County. Specifically, the amendment would add “for all” and “equitable” into the county charter's preamble in order to demonstrate the county’s commitment to serving all residents. It would also include the addition of “protect and enhance” and “promote a superior quality of life” which further emphasize the county government’s purpose to meet community needs and strengthen regional services so that residents can thrive.

The King County Charter defines the responsibilities of county government and the relationship it has to voters. With the proposed language updates to the preamble, the charter will better reflect its role as a service provider focused on improving the quality of life for all residents in an equitable manner.

Vote “Yes” to approve Amendment 1 to the King County Charter.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

King County Charter Amendment 1 proposes a revision to fix a grammatical error and to update the language to better reflect the values and community of King County. Specifically, the amendment would add “for all” and “equitable” into the county charter's preamble in order to demonstrate the county’s commitment to serving all residents. It would also include the addition of “protect and enhance” and “promote a superior quality of life” which further emphasize the county government’s purpose to meet community needs and strengthen regional services so that residents can thrive.

The King County Charter defines the responsibilities of county government and the relationship it has to voters. With the proposed language updates to the preamble, the charter will better reflect its role as a service provider focused on improving the quality of life for all residents in an equitable manner.

Vote “Yes” to approve Amendment 1 to the King County Charter.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Endorsed By The Stranger

King County Charter Amendment #2

VOTE APPROVED

Vote YES to clarify rules for county intitiatives

King County Charter Amendment 2 would bring the county into compliance with state law on timelines for initiatives, referenda, and charter ballot measures. The amendment would also provide greater clarity around the terms associated with, and process for, measures.

Currently, the charter allows for voters to submit initiatives and referenda to the King County Council that may be adopted or put on the ballot. With this update to the language of the charter, voters will better understand the rules around submission and those rules will be in clearer alignment on state and county levels.

Vote “Yes” to “Approve” Amendment 2 to the King County Charter which will improve the initiatives, referenda, and ballot measure process for voters and county government.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

King County Charter Amendment 2 would bring the county into compliance with state law on timelines for initiatives, referenda, and charter ballot measures. The amendment would also provide greater clarity around the terms associated with, and process for, measures.

Currently, the charter allows for voters to submit initiatives and referenda to the King County Council that may be adopted or put on the ballot. With this update to the language of the charter, voters will better understand the rules around submission and those rules will be in clearer alignment on state and county levels.

Vote “Yes” to “Approve” Amendment 2 to the King County Charter which will improve the initiatives, referenda, and ballot measure process for voters and county government.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Endorsed By The Stranger

Pierce County Ballot Measures

Pierce County Charter Amendment #51

No Position

Read more below to make your decision

Pierce County Charter Amendment 51 concerns Section 4.10 in the county charter which lists prosecuting attorney as a partisan office. If passed, this amendment would instead change the elected prosecuting attorney position to a nonpartisan office where candidates can't list a party affiliation.

Support for this amendment doesn't fall along traditional partisan lines, with both Democrats and Republicans on each side.

Supporters say making the office nonpartisan reflects the office’s role to administer justice fairly for all.

Opponents say maintaining partisan labels provides greater transparency in elections and - given the stark, far-right trends in today’s Republican party - helps voters make an informed choice based on their values.

 

While not clear-cut, we lean against this ballot measure to maximize transparency on the ballot.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Pierce County Charter Amendment 51 concerns Section 4.10 in the county charter which lists prosecuting attorney as a partisan office. If passed, this amendment would instead change the elected prosecuting attorney position to a nonpartisan office where candidates can't list a party affiliation.

Support for this amendment doesn't fall along traditional partisan lines, with both Democrats and Republicans on each side.

Supporters say making the office nonpartisan reflects the office’s role to administer justice fairly for all.

Opponents say maintaining partisan labels provides greater transparency in elections and - given the stark, far-right trends in today’s Republican party - helps voters make an informed choice based on their values.

 

While not clear-cut, we lean against this ballot measure to maximize transparency on the ballot.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

King County

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

King County Executive

Dow Constantine photo
Non-Partisan

Dow Constantine

Website Facebook Endorsements (Twitter)

King County Executive Dow Constantine has been a strong and effective leader for economic justice, workers, and climate action throughout his career. As a state legislator, on the King County Council, and as King County Executive, Constantine has fought for and delivered transportation and transit solutions, action on climate, improvements in public health, and an efficiently run government.

Under his leadership, King County has expanded Metro transit service, improved oil safety rules, and created one of the best urban forestry programs in the nation. Constantine also led efforts to pass Best Starts for Kids, a model initiative that increases access to healthy food, affordable housing, and public health services for many of King County's most vulnerable children.

Constantine is now running for a fourth term as King County Executive to build on a pandemic recovery that puts people first and creates inclusive communities. If he is re-elected, one of Constantine's priorities will be to reform the King County Sheriff's Office. During our interview, he expressed his frustration at the challenges of getting answers or reforms out of the current independent sheriff's office. As the county shifts to an executive-appointed sheriff, which voters approved last fall, Constantine said he will push for more transparency and demand that officers wear body cameras.

In addition, Constantine is hoping to continue and expand his efforts to open more hotels to house homeless residents of King County. He expressed pride in a new zero-emissions, low-income housing development in Renton and hopes to expand that model across the county.

Constantine has faced some criticism during his tenure around the building of the $242 million King County Youth Detention Center, which voters approved in 2012 and opened in 2018. During the protests for racial justice last summer, Constantine announced his support for transitioning the jail away from holding youth by 2025.

Constantine has earned overwhelming support from our Progressive Voters Guide partner organizations as well as elected and community leaders. He is the best choice in this race.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

King County Executive Dow Constantine has been a strong and effective leader for economic justice, workers, and climate action throughout his career. As a state legislator, on the King County Council, and as King County Executive, Constantine has fought for and delivered transportation and transit solutions, action on climate, improvements in public health, and an efficiently run government.

Under his leadership, King County has expanded Metro transit service, improved oil safety rules, and created one of the best urban forestry programs in the nation. Constantine also led efforts to pass Best Starts for Kids, a model initiative that increases access to healthy food, affordable housing, and public health services for many of King County's most vulnerable children.

Constantine is now running for a fourth term as King County Executive to build on a pandemic recovery that puts people first and creates inclusive communities. If he is re-elected, one of Constantine's priorities will be to reform the King County Sheriff's Office. During our interview, he expressed his frustration at the challenges of getting answers or reforms out of the current independent sheriff's office. As the county shifts to an executive-appointed sheriff, which voters approved last fall, Constantine said he will push for more transparency and demand that officers wear body cameras.

In addition, Constantine is hoping to continue and expand his efforts to open more hotels to house homeless residents of King County. He expressed pride in a new zero-emissions, low-income housing development in Renton and hopes to expand that model across the county.

Constantine has faced some criticism during his tenure around the building of the $242 million King County Youth Detention Center, which voters approved in 2012 and opened in 2018. During the protests for racial justice last summer, Constantine announced his support for transitioning the jail away from holding youth by 2025.

Constantine has earned overwhelming support from our Progressive Voters Guide partner organizations as well as elected and community leaders. He is the best choice in this race.

Last updated: 2023-04-05
Joe Nguyen photo
Non-Partisan

Joe Nguyen

Website Facebook Endorsements (Twitter)

Sen. Joe Nguyen was elected to the Washington state Senate in 2018 and has worked as a senior program manager at Microsoft since 2013. His parents were refugees from Vietnam who came to White Center, where Nguyen was born and raised.

During Nguyen's time in the Legislature, he has been an advocate for Washington's families and equality, including playing a leadership role in fully funding the Working Families Tax Credit. In addition, he co-sponsored legislation to require anti-racism and equity training in public schools.

Nguyen is running for county executive to implement sweeping actions on the affordable housing crisis, to reform the criminal justice system with deep changes and accountability, and to make the state's economy work for everyone, not just the wealthiest people. In particular, Nguyen has proposed to make all transit services free to improve access and increase ridership. He also wants to leverage the new Regional Homelessness Authority to significantly scale up the building of affordable housing.

Nguyen has the support of elected leaders including state Reps. Kirsten Harris-Talley and David Hackney as well as state Sen. Bob Hasegawa and Treasurer Mike Pellicciotti. Nguyen is a progressive choice if you're looking for new leadership in the executive's office who will prioritize racial justice and systemic change.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Sen. Joe Nguyen was elected to the Washington state Senate in 2018 and has worked as a senior program manager at Microsoft since 2013. His parents were refugees from Vietnam who came to White Center, where Nguyen was born and raised.

During Nguyen's time in the Legislature, he has been an advocate for Washington's families and equality, including playing a leadership role in fully funding the Working Families Tax Credit. In addition, he co-sponsored legislation to require anti-racism and equity training in public schools.

Nguyen is running for county executive to implement sweeping actions on the affordable housing crisis, to reform the criminal justice system with deep changes and accountability, and to make the state's economy work for everyone, not just the wealthiest people. In particular, Nguyen has proposed to make all transit services free to improve access and increase ridership. He also wants to leverage the new Regional Homelessness Authority to significantly scale up the building of affordable housing.

Nguyen has the support of elected leaders including state Reps. Kirsten Harris-Talley and David Hackney as well as state Sen. Bob Hasegawa and Treasurer Mike Pellicciotti. Nguyen is a progressive choice if you're looking for new leadership in the executive's office who will prioritize racial justice and systemic change.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

King County, District 7

Depending on the county district you live in, you may have the following races on your ballot.

King County Council, District 7

No Good Choices

There are no good choices in the race for King County Council in District 7. Incumbent Republican Pete Von Reichbauer has held this seat on the council for 28 years. Reichbauer has remained a conservative voice on the council and mostly focuses on issues of public space such as the construction of the Federal Way Transit Center and the recent Hylebos Wetlands protection project.

His challenger is Kent-based brewery owner Dominique Torgerson. Her limited platform is mostly a sharp critique of business regulations and environmental policies in the county and doesn't speak to most of the wide range of issues faced by the communities in King County.

Write in a progressive candidate of your choice in this race.

There are no good choices in the race for King County Council in District 7. Incumbent Republican Pete Von Reichbauer has held this seat on the council for 28 years. Reichbauer has remained a conservative voice on the council and mostly focuses on issues of public space such as the construction of the Federal Way Transit Center and the recent Hylebos Wetlands protection project.

His challenger is Kent-based brewery owner Dominique Torgerson. Her limited platform is mostly a sharp critique of business regulations and environmental policies in the county and doesn't speak to most of the wide range of issues faced by the communities in King County.

Write in a progressive candidate of your choice in this race.

Auburn Mayor

Auburn Mayor

Nancy Backus photo

Nancy Backus

Website Facebook Endorsements (Twitter)

Nancy Backus is running unopposed for re-election to be mayor of Auburn. She was first elected in 2014 and previously served on the city council and as deputy mayor. In her time as mayor, Backus has assisted in awarding $200,000 in grants to local businesses and increasing the number of good-paying jobs in Auburn. She is promoting bringing jobs to the area, reducing traffic congestion, and expanding transportation options in her re-election campaign.

Backus is unopposed in the race for mayor of Auburn and deserves your vote.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Nancy Backus is running unopposed for re-election to be mayor of Auburn. She was first elected in 2014 and previously served on the city council and as deputy mayor. In her time as mayor, Backus has assisted in awarding $200,000 in grants to local businesses and increasing the number of good-paying jobs in Auburn. She is promoting bringing jobs to the area, reducing traffic congestion, and expanding transportation options in her re-election campaign.

Backus is unopposed in the race for mayor of Auburn and deserves your vote.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Auburn City Council

Auburn City Council, Position #2

Kate Baldwin photo

Kate Baldwin

Website Facebook Endorsements

Kate Baldwin is running for Auburn City Council, Position 2. She works with IT departments for companies and public entities including REI and the City of Tacoma.

Baldwin's top campaign priorities include leading on a housing-first approach for people experiencing homelessness, supporting a sustainable growth plan, promoting economic development, and ensuring Auburn is a diverse community that brings safety for all, including safety from police violence.

Baldwin faces Wendee Odell, an army veteran, and former correctional officer with the Arizona Department of Corrections. Her platform contains conservative language stoking fear about crime and local public safety.

Baldwin is the best choice in this race for Auburn City Council, Position 2.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Kate Baldwin is running for Auburn City Council, Position 2. She works with IT departments for companies and public entities including REI and the City of Tacoma.

Baldwin's top campaign priorities include leading on a housing-first approach for people experiencing homelessness, supporting a sustainable growth plan, promoting economic development, and ensuring Auburn is a diverse community that brings safety for all, including safety from police violence.

Baldwin faces Wendee Odell, an army veteran, and former correctional officer with the Arizona Department of Corrections. Her platform contains conservative language stoking fear about crime and local public safety.

Baldwin is the best choice in this race for Auburn City Council, Position 2.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Auburn City Council, Position #4

Hanan Amer photo

Hanan Amer

Website Facebook

Hanan Amer is running for Auburn City Council, Position 4. Amer is a chemist for an aerospace company and has been volunteering locally for years at food banks, the White River Valley Museum, the Auburn and Muckleshoot libraries, and with the police department. She has also volunteered as a tax preparer for United Way of King County in the Auburn and Kent areas. Amer is endorsed by Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus and the 47th Legislative District Democrats and is running to make sure everyone can feel empowered and engaged in their communities.

Amer's opponent in this race is incumbent council member Yolanda Trout. Trout has been on the city council for seven years and previously served as the vice chair of the local Domestic Violence Initiative Regional Task Force from 2014 to 2016 and on Auburn’s Planning Commission from 2010 to 2013. She does not have a campaign website as of mid-October but her re-election platform includes supporting Auburn’s businesses, affordable housing, social justice, and economic growth. Unfortunately, Trout has taken a couple of bad votes including opposing the B&O tax, which would help the city avoid a revenue crisis by 2023, and opposing hazard pay for grocery store workers in the pandemic.

Amer is the best choice for Position 4 on the Auburn City Council.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Hanan Amer is running for Auburn City Council, Position 4. Amer is a chemist for an aerospace company and has been volunteering locally for years at food banks, the White River Valley Museum, the Auburn and Muckleshoot libraries, and with the police department. She has also volunteered as a tax preparer for United Way of King County in the Auburn and Kent areas. Amer is endorsed by Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus and the 47th Legislative District Democrats and is running to make sure everyone can feel empowered and engaged in their communities.

Amer's opponent in this race is incumbent council member Yolanda Trout. Trout has been on the city council for seven years and previously served as the vice chair of the local Domestic Violence Initiative Regional Task Force from 2014 to 2016 and on Auburn’s Planning Commission from 2010 to 2013. She does not have a campaign website as of mid-October but her re-election platform includes supporting Auburn’s businesses, affordable housing, social justice, and economic growth. Unfortunately, Trout has taken a couple of bad votes including opposing the B&O tax, which would help the city avoid a revenue crisis by 2023, and opposing hazard pay for grocery store workers in the pandemic.

Amer is the best choice for Position 4 on the Auburn City Council.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Endorsed By: M. L. King County Labor Council, AFL-CIO , OneAmerica Votes , King County Democrats, 30th Legislative District Democrats, 47th Legislative District Democrats, and 31st Legislative District Democrats

Auburn City Council, Position #6

Larry Brown photo

Larry Brown

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Incumbent Larry Brown is running unopposed for re-election to Auburn City Council, Position 6. He is the president of the Washington State Labor Council and serves on the Valley Regional Fire Authority governing board. Brown has been a strong advocate for workers and supports increasing wages in Washington. In his second term, he will advocate for more public transit, transitional housing for people experiencing homelessness, and growing the local manufacturing sector.

Brown deserves your vote for Auburn City Council, Position 6.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Incumbent Larry Brown is running unopposed for re-election to Auburn City Council, Position 6. He is the president of the Washington State Labor Council and serves on the Valley Regional Fire Authority governing board. Brown has been a strong advocate for workers and supports increasing wages in Washington. In his second term, he will advocate for more public transit, transitional housing for people experiencing homelessness, and growing the local manufacturing sector.

Brown deserves your vote for Auburn City Council, Position 6.

Last updated: 2023-04-05