• Jay Arnold photo

    Jay Arnold

    Website Facebook

  • Deputy Mayor Jay Arnold is running unopposed for re-election to Kirkland City Council, Position 1. Prior to joining the city council, Arnold served on the Kirkland Planning Commission for five years and co-chaired the campaign to provide dedicated funding for Kirkland parks. He also served on the boards of the environmental organizations Futurewise and Spark Northwest.

    First elected to the council in 2013, Arnold has worked hard to improve Kirkland's transportation, sustainability, and inclusiveness. He has supported efforts to strengthen safe routes to schools, improve transit options and reduce congestion, and provide co-responders for mental health calls to the police. Arnold is also a part-time technology consultant at Fuse. He was not involved in this recommendation.

    Arnold has been a thoughtful and innovative leader as Kirkland has grown over the last eight years. He deserves your vote for Kirkland City Council, Position 1.

    Jay Arnold

    Deputy Mayor Jay Arnold is running unopposed for re-election to Kirkland City Council, Position 1. Prior to joining the city council, Arnold served on the Kirkland Planning Commission for five years and co-chaired the campaign to provide dedicated funding for Kirkland parks.

    Jay Arnold

    Deputy Mayor Jay Arnold is running unopposed for re-election to Kirkland City Council, Position 1. Prior to joining the city council, Arnold served on the Kirkland Planning Commission for five years and co-chaired the campaign to provide dedicated funding for Kirkland parks.

City of Kirkland

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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

King County Ballot Measures

King County Charter Amendment #1

  • VOTE YES

    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.

    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.

    • Endorsed By: The Stranger

King County Charter Amendment #2

  • VOTE YES

    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.

    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.

    • Endorsed By: The Stranger

King County

King County Executive

  • Dow Constantine photo
    Non-Partisan

    Dow Constantine

    Website Facebook Endorsements Twitter
    Evergreen Future
    Evergreen Future

  • 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.

    Dow Constantine

    King County Executive Dow Constantine has been a strong and effective leader for economic justice, workers, and climate action throughout his career.

    Dow Constantine

    King County Executive Dow Constantine has been a strong and effective leader for economic justice, workers, and climate action throughout his career.

  • Joe Nguyen photo
    Non-Partisan

    Joe Nguyen

    Website Facebook Endorsements Twitter
    Evergreen Future
    Evergreen Future

  • 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.

    Joe Nguyen

    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.

    Joe Nguyen

    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.

King County Council

King County Council, District #1

  • Rod Dembowski photo
    Non-Partisan

    Rod Dembowski

    Website Endorsements Twitter

  • Incumbent Rod Dembowski is an attorney who has represented District 1 since 2013. He has served in county affairs in several capacities, including as a pro bono counsel for the King County Superior Court, policy analyst in the county executive's office, and special prosecuting attorney.

    If re-elected, Dembowski will continue working on sustainable human services funding, protecting the wild areas of the Puget Sound region, and looking for sustainable transit funding that improves transportation options. He also wants to expand housing with an eye on reducing commute times and increasing affordability for workers and families. While on the council, Dembowski has sponsored several progressive reforms, including giving grocery workers hazard pay in the pandemic and moving to make the sheriff an appointed position through the council and an advisory committee.

    Challenging Dembowski is Kenmore resident and first-time candidate Sally Caverzan. According to her LinkedIn, she has worked as a long-term care social worker and is passionate about the environment. Her official voters' guide statement says that she would support instituting term limits for politicians, expanding mental health and addiction care with the creation of a King County regional treatment facility, and increasing supportive and permanent housing.

    Dembowski has earned broad support from elected officials, reproductive health and environmental organizations, labor unions, and many more. We recommend Dembowski for King County Council in District 1 because of his proven track record of progressive leadership.

    Rod Dembowski

    Incumbent Rod Dembowski is an attorney who has represented District 1 since 2013. He has served in county affairs in several capacities, including as a pro bono counsel for the King County Superior Court, policy analyst in the county executive's office, and special prosecuting attorney.

    Rod Dembowski

    Incumbent Rod Dembowski is an attorney who has represented District 1 since 2013. He has served in county affairs in several capacities, including as a pro bono counsel for the King County Superior Court, policy analyst in the county executive's office, and special prosecuting attorney.

Port of Seattle

Port of Seattle, Port Commissioner, Position #1

  • Ryan Calkins photo

    Ryan Calkins

    Website Facebook Endorsements Twitter

  • Incumbent and businesses consultant Ryan Calkins has successfully pushed the port in a more progressive direction during his first term. The current Port of Seattle commissioners have enacted several crucial reforms over the last few years, including ensuring at least a $15 minimum wage for airline catering workers and starting an accelerator mentorship program aimed at increasing access to contracting jobs for women- and minority-owned businesses.

    If re-elected, Calkins states that he will continue to lead on mitigating the environmental impacts of the airport and port operations, promoting living wage jobs, improving immigration policy, and more. He has earned broad support from progressive and Democratic Party organizations.

    His opponent is Norman Sigler, the owner of a consulting firm that focuses on finding diverse executive leadership. He serves as a precinct committee officer and is on the executive board of the King County Democrats Central Committee. Sigler wants to focus the port on environmental and economic justice, stating that he would invest port profits into improving neighboring communities. He states that he would promote a green economy, work to end systemic racism and keep the port honest, but does not have as detailed of a policy agenda. For example, in a forum for Port of Seattle candidates, Sigler stated that he would seek "putting mandates" on cruises and airlines, while Calkins specifically stated that he would support electric aviation, cleaner fuels, and high-speed ground transportation over short flights.

    Calkins has an excellent record on the port and broad support from the progressive community. Calkins is the best choice for Port of Seattle, Position #1.

    Ryan Calkins

    Submitted by stephanie on Tue, 09/28/2021 - 12:40

    Incumbent and businesses consultant Ryan Calkins has successfully pushed the port in a more progressive direction during his first term.

    Ryan Calkins

    Submitted by stephanie on Tue, 09/28/2021 - 12:40

    Incumbent and businesses consultant Ryan Calkins has successfully pushed the port in a more progressive direction during his first term.

Port of Seattle, Port Commissioner, Position #3

  • Hamdi Mohamed photo

    Hamdi Mohamed

    Website Facebook Endorsements Twitter

  • Hamdi Mohamed is running for Seattle Port Commissioner, Position 3 with a visionary agenda for the port that centers the needs of the workers, the environment, and the broader community. Mohamed's family fled Somalia and settled in the SeaTac region when she was 5 years old, with her mother working in the airport. Mohamed now works in the King County Office of Equity and Social Justice as a policy advisor and has helped manage the millions of dollars in COVID-19 relief funds that went to community-based organizations in King County.

    As a resident of SeaTac, Mohamed lives in one of the communities most affected by airport pollution. Given that none of the current commissioners live in South King County, she seeks to bridge the gap between port policy and lived experience. She wants to expand the port's efforts to transition from fossil fuels to clean energy and restore habitats for salmon and orcas. Through greater direct partnership with workers, Mohamed wants to protect unions, provide pandemic relief, and prioritize workplace health.

    In our interview with Mohamed, we were incredibly impressed by her drive to improve the lives of those who work and live near the port. One recent example of her accomplishment was her work with Beyoncé and Tina Knowles to provide free coronavirus testing and supplies to local organizations and working with the King County Immigrant and Refugee Commission to center language access in COVID-19 relief.

    Mohamed is running against incumbent Stephanie Bowman, who has served on the commission since 2013. Bowman is proud of the port commission's progress on many fronts, including expanding youth job training opportunities in partnership with Seattle Public Schools, making stormwater improvements, and developing a noise insulation program for homes close to the airport. She states that one of her most important accomplishments was tripling the number of interns, many of which were youth of color from marginalized communities. If re-elected, Bowman would focus on improving economic opportunity at the port for all, including union members, women-owned businesses, lower-income workers, and more.

    However, we were extremely disappointed when Bowman voted in 2015 to allow Shell Oil to base its arctic drilling operations in Seattle. In addition, she voted to use taxpayer money to file a legal challenge against SeaTac's $15 per hour minimum wage. In our interview with Bowman this year, she stated that she had been on the commission for less than six months before the wage increase vote, and believed that the council did not have the regulatory authority to make the change. On the Shell vote, she said that the commission was not transparent enough about it and that she would rather have ships come to Seattle ports where the environmental standards are the highest.

    We believe Mohamed would be a stronger leader for progress at the port and would bring much-needed representation to the commission for South King County communities. We strongly support Hamdi Mohamed for her dedication to the community, her progressive agenda, and her backing by progressive organizations.

    Hamdi Mohamed

    Submitted by stephanie on Mon, 09/27/2021 - 17:20

    Hamdi Mohamed is running for Seattle Port Commissioner, Position 3 with a visionary agenda for the port that centers the needs of the workers, the environment, and the broader community.

    Hamdi Mohamed

    Submitted by stephanie on Mon, 09/27/2021 - 17:20

    Hamdi Mohamed is running for Seattle Port Commissioner, Position 3 with a visionary agenda for the port that centers the needs of the workers, the environment, and the broader community.

Port of Seattle, Port Commissioner, Position #4

  • Toshiko Grace Hasegawa photo

    Toshiko Grace Hasegawa

    Website Facebook Endorsements Twitter

  • Toshiko Hasegawa is running for Port of Seattle, Position 4 to center the experiences of port workers and nearby communities in building a more equitable future for the port. She is the executive director of the Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs (CAPAA), which advises the governor, state agencies, and the state legislature on issues affecting Asian American communities. If either she or fellow candidate Hamdi Mohamed are elected, it will be the first time a woman of color has ever served on the Seattle Port Commission.

    As executive director of CAPAA, Hasegawa and the rest of the commission helped support small businesses during the pandemic, provide relief to community-based organizations, and create a language access plan so that residents could access critical information. In our interview, Hasegawa spoke to how she wanted to expand and apply those equity processes to the port. She supports mental health care and paid family leave for workers, ongoing training, and apprenticeships programs, especially for women and people of color, who have been historically underrepresented in port employment. Hasegawa also wants to see an airport cities advisory group permanently established as the economy continues to rebuild and recover from the pandemic.

    On environmental issues, Hasegawa would be an advocate for the port assisting in the construction of high-speed rail to cut down on short flights to nearby cities like Portland or Bellingham. She also wants to meaningfully engage the community in climate justice, including the tribes, and explore the possibility of using solar and wind at the port.

    We join a compelling majority of progressive organizations in recommending Hasegawa to help usher in a new generation of leadership and for her inclusive vision for the future of the port. 

    Toshiko Grace Hasegawa

    Submitted by stephanie on Mon, 09/27/2021 - 17:20

    Toshiko Hasegawa is running for Port of Seattle, Position 4 to center the experiences of port workers and nearby communities in building a more equitable future for the port.

    Toshiko Grace Hasegawa

    Submitted by stephanie on Mon, 09/27/2021 - 17:20

    Toshiko Hasegawa is running for Port of Seattle, Position 4 to center the experiences of port workers and nearby communities in building a more equitable future for the port.

  • Peter Steinbrueck photo

    Peter Steinbrueck

    Website Endorsements

  • Incumbent Peter Steinbrueck is running for his second term in Position 4 on the Seattle Port Commission. He is an architect and former Seattle City Council member who has also served on the boards of many organizations in his history of public service, including the Washington Environmental Council, AIA Center for Civic Leadership, and Walkable Livable Communities Institute.

    If re-elected, Steinbrueck has vowed to push the status quo on the economic, social, and political issues that matter to everyone in the region. In our interview, he stated that he supports a just and fair transition to clean fuels, one that includes electrification at the port as well as reducing ultrafine particulates and other kinds of pollution. He points to the port's job and apprenticeship programs, many of which offer opportunities to youth of color, women, and others as indicators of the types of policies he wants to continue moving forward. Environmentalism is his great passion, he states, and he believes that as the port recovers from the pandemic and evolves that he would continue to support climate justice at all levels, from workers' health, habitat restoration, and more.

    Peter Steinbrueck

    Submitted by stephanie on Tue, 09/28/2021 - 12:40

    Incumbent Peter Steinbrueck is running for his second term in Position 4 on the Seattle Port Commission.

    Peter Steinbrueck

    Submitted by stephanie on Tue, 09/28/2021 - 12:40

    Incumbent Peter Steinbrueck is running for his second term in Position 4 on the Seattle Port Commission.

Kirkland City Council

Kirkland City Council, Position #1

  • Jay Arnold photo

    Jay Arnold

    Website Facebook

  • Deputy Mayor Jay Arnold is running unopposed for re-election to Kirkland City Council, Position 1. Prior to joining the city council, Arnold served on the Kirkland Planning Commission for five years and co-chaired the campaign to provide dedicated funding for Kirkland parks. He also served on the boards of the environmental organizations Futurewise and Spark Northwest.

    First elected to the council in 2013, Arnold has worked hard to improve Kirkland's transportation, sustainability, and inclusiveness. He has supported efforts to strengthen safe routes to schools, improve transit options and reduce congestion, and provide co-responders for mental health calls to the police. Arnold is also a part-time technology consultant at Fuse. He was not involved in this recommendation.

    Arnold has been a thoughtful and innovative leader as Kirkland has grown over the last eight years. He deserves your vote for Kirkland City Council, Position 1.

    Jay Arnold

    Deputy Mayor Jay Arnold is running unopposed for re-election to Kirkland City Council, Position 1. Prior to joining the city council, Arnold served on the Kirkland Planning Commission for five years and co-chaired the campaign to provide dedicated funding for Kirkland parks.

    Jay Arnold

    Deputy Mayor Jay Arnold is running unopposed for re-election to Kirkland City Council, Position 1. Prior to joining the city council, Arnold served on the Kirkland Planning Commission for five years and co-chaired the campaign to provide dedicated funding for Kirkland parks.

Kirkland City Council, Position #3

  • Penny Sweet photo

    Penny Sweet

    Website

  • Penny Sweet is a wine shop owner and retired health care administrator who has served on the city council since 2010. She has twice served as deputy mayor and was selected to finish out former mayor Amy Walen's term in 2019. Sweet has co-chaired the King County Regional Water Quality Committee and is vice-chair on the board of Hopelink and the Cascade Water Alliance, among other responsibilities.

    As one of the first cities in the U.S. to encounter COVID-19, and as a former health care professional, Sweet has worked hard to protect residents from the physical and economic toll of the pandemic. She has supported upgrades to the fire department, both for protective equipment and personnel, as they serve as first responders for sick community members. Sweet and the council also addressed last year's protests with a resolution to address institutional racism, which included the hiring of an equity consultant to provide policy recommendations to the city. Other accomplishments that Sweet is proud of include the redevelopment of Totem Lake Mall, and the creation of parks, two fire stations, and the Kirkland Justice Center. If re-elected, the mayor wants to continue to build momentum for affordable housing, transit, and growth management for Kirkland.

    Sweet's challenger is Matthew Goelzer, an architect with a LEED certification for green building. He states that he will work closely with the Kirkland Alliance of Neighborhoods to address housing opportunities and densification in each neighborhood. He also wants to see the city implement a requirement to, at minimum, maintain current affordability and workforce housing with any new development.

    Goelzer certainly has a progressive vision for the city, though there is overlap in the candidates' platforms and the direction that the city is currently taking. He agrees with the supporting the findings of the city's social equity and inclusion consultant, for example, and both candidates are looking to increase housing stock and affordability, provide green spaces, and more.

    Either candidate would be a progressive choice, but Sweet's track record and greater backing from community organizations earn her the recommendation in this race.

    Penny Sweet

    Penny Sweet is a wine shop owner and retired health care administrator who has served on the city council since 2010. She has twice served as deputy mayor and was selected to finish out former mayor Amy Walen's term in 2019.

    Penny Sweet

    Penny Sweet is a wine shop owner and retired health care administrator who has served on the city council since 2010. She has twice served as deputy mayor and was selected to finish out former mayor Amy Walen's term in 2019.

    • Endorsed By: Alliance for Gun Responsibility

Kirkland City Council, Position #5

  • Neal Black photo

    Neal Black

    Website Facebook Endorsements

  • Incumbent Neal Black was elected to his first term on the council in 2019. He serves as a member of the board of trustees for the King County Bar Association, where he works on the Housing Justice Project and other pro-bono civil legal aid programs.

    If re-elected, Black will aim to encourage a greater mix of housing types, encourage economic growth and neighborhoods around transit hubs, and support pandemic recovery for residents and businesses. Some of that work has already begun - the council passed an eviction moratorium through the end of September and is offering assistance to renters, homeowners, and landlords behind on mortgage and rent payments. Black is strongly supported by a long list of progressive elected officials and an impressive variety of organizations that advocate for the environment, affordable housing, and more.

    Challenging Black is Cherese Bourgoin, whose family owns a local salon. She also serves on the board of directors with the Kirkland Chamber of Commerce. Bourgoin states that electing her to the council would add a business advocate to the body. She notes that the unhoused population in Kirkland is growing, but does not offer a specific solution aside from saying she would help people get available services. Entry-level housing is also on her list of priorities, though again she fails to propose a solution to the challenge.

    Black is by far the best choice for Kirkland City Council, Position 5.

    Neal Black

    Incumbent Neal Black was elected to his first term on the council in 2019. He serves as a member of the board of trustees for the King County Bar Association, where he works on the Housing Justice Project and other pro-bono civil legal aid programs.

    Neal Black

    Incumbent Neal Black was elected to his first term on the council in 2019. He serves as a member of the board of trustees for the King County Bar Association, where he works on the Housing Justice Project and other pro-bono civil legal aid programs.

    • Endorsed By: Sierra Club, Washington Bikes , Alliance for Gun Responsibility

Kirkland City Council, Position #7

  • Jon Pascal photo

    Jon Pascal

    Website Facebook Endorsements Twitter

  • Jon Pascal is running unopposed for re-election to Position 7 on the Kirkland City Council. As a former transportation commissioner and Kirkland planning commissioner, Pascal has worked on the city's Transportation Master Plan and other infrastructure improvements.

    In his next term, Pascal hopes to continue investing in small traffic safety projects and transit options. He will also prioritize maintaining and expanding recreation opportunities in the city's parks, overseeing additional fire and emergency services, and supporting affordable housing.

    Jon Pascal

    Jon Pascal is running unopposed for re-election to Position 7 on the Kirkland City Council. As a former transportation commissioner and Kirkland planning commissioner, Pascal has worked on the city's Transportation Master Plan and other infrastructure improvements.

    Jon Pascal

    Jon Pascal is running unopposed for re-election to Position 7 on the Kirkland City Council. As a former transportation commissioner and Kirkland planning commissioner, Pascal has worked on the city's Transportation Master Plan and other infrastructure improvements.

Kirkland Ballot Measures

Kirkland City Proposition #1

  • VOTE NO

    Vote NO on Houghton Community Municipal Corporation Proposition No. 1 to restore democratic balance to Kirkland

  • Proposition 1 gives voters a choice about whether or not to disband the Houghton Community Council.

    Established in 1968 during the Houghton-Kirkland merger, the purpose of the community council was to smooth the transition from two cities to one. In advance of the December 31st expiration of the Houghton Community Municipal Corporation, the council adopted a resolution to continue the existence of the municipal corporation which would keep the community council in place.

    Currently, the Houghton community council represents just one of Kirkland’s many neighborhoods. However, it's the only one with veto power, allowing Houghton outsized sway on city decisions regarding education, business, and land use. The uneven power and representation afforded Houghton residents by the relic council of last century’s merger directly impedes municipal democracy, costs all Kirkland taxpayers, and makes city proceedings far less efficient.

    Vote “No” to “Oppose” Houghton Community Municipal Corporation Proposition 1 to give all Kirklanders an equal say on city decisions and to strengthen the municipal democratic process.

    Proposition 1 gives voters a choice about whether or not to disband the Houghton Community Council.

    Established in 1968 during the Houghton-Kirkland merger, the purpose of the community council was to smooth the transition from two cities to one. In advance of the December 31st expiration of the Houghton Community Municipal Corporation, the council adopted a resolution to continue the existence of the municipal corporation which would keep the community council in place.

    Currently, the Houghton community council represents just one of Kirkland’s many neighborhoods. However, it's the only one with veto power, allowing Houghton outsized sway on city decisions regarding education, business, and land use. The uneven power and representation afforded Houghton residents by the relic council of last century’s merger directly impedes municipal democracy, costs all Kirkland taxpayers, and makes city proceedings far less efficient.

    Vote “No” to “Oppose” Houghton Community Municipal Corporation Proposition 1 to give all Kirklanders an equal say on city decisions and to strengthen the municipal democratic process.

Lake Washington School Board

Lake Washington School Board, Director, District #3

  • Leah Choi photo

    Leah Choi

    Website Twitter

  • Leah Choi is challenging incumbent Cassandra Sage to represent District 3 on the Lake Washington School Board. Choi is a first-time candidate with a background in financial planning, education, and science.

    Choi is running on a progressive platform that starts with bringing climate education front and center in public schools to prepare the next generation to face this crisis. She also supports technical training programs for alternative paths to success, following the science on later start times for adolescents, and improving equity work so that all Lake Washington students can thrive.

    Incumbent Cassandra Sage was first elected to the school board in 2017 and has pushed a more moderate agenda since joining. In this race, she is prioritizing equity and inclusion, academic recovery, and mental health support across the school district. Outside of school board work, Sage is a family advisor at Seattle Children’s Hospital.

    We recommend Leah Choi in this race because of her endorsements from our partner organizations and her clear progressive vision for the seat. She deserves your vote to serve on the Lake Washington School Board in District 3.

    Leah Choi is challenging incumbent Cassandra Sage to represent District 3 on the Lake Washington School Board. Choi is a first-time candidate with a background in financial planning, education, and science.

    Choi is running on a progressive platform that starts with bringing climate education front and center in public schools to prepare the next generation to face this crisis. She also supports technical training programs for alternative paths to success, following the science on later start times for adolescents, and improving equity work so that all Lake Washington students can thrive.

    Incumbent Cassandra Sage was first elected to the school board in 2017 and has pushed a more moderate agenda since joining. In this race, she is prioritizing equity and inclusion, academic recovery, and mental health support across the school district. Outside of school board work, Sage is a family advisor at Seattle Children’s Hospital.

    We recommend Leah Choi in this race because of her endorsements from our partner organizations and her clear progressive vision for the seat. She deserves your vote to serve on the Lake Washington School Board in District 3.

    Leah Choi

    Leah Choi is challenging incumbent Cassandra Sage to represent District 3 on the Lake Washington School Board. Choi is a first-time candidate with a background in financial planning, education, and science.

Lake Washington School Board, Director, District #4

  • Mark W. Stuart photo

    Mark W. Stuart

    Website Facebook Endorsements

  • Incumbent Mark Stuart is running for re-election to Lake Washington School Board in District 4. Stuart was first elected to the school board in 2013 and now serves as the board vice president. Outside of elected office, he works in global media relations and volunteers as the president of the Sammamish Rotary.

    Stuart is running to rebuild, focusing on what remote learning highlighted about equity, health, and access in the school district. He wants to invest in mental and emotional support for students as well as social-emotional learning and equity programs. Stuart’s top three campaign priorities are investing in diversity and inclusion programming, implementing anti-discrimination policy, and improving communication between the school board and the community. In this race, he is supported by a number of our progressive partner organizations as well as important elected leaders.

    Vishal Misri, a former executive at a digital service company who now works for Amazon, is challenging Stuart in District 4. Misri is a parent of a Lake Washington school district student and a member of the PTA. He is running to improve mental health services, teacher support, equity and inclusion measures, and school infrastructure.

    Mark Stuart deserves to be re-elected to the Lake Washington School Board in District 4 to continue advocating for an equitable and well-resourced school district. We recommend him because of his strong support from our partners and his proven track record of progressive leadership.

    Incumbent Mark Stuart is running for re-election to Lake Washington School Board in District 4. Stuart was first elected to the school board in 2013 and now serves as the board vice president. Outside of elected office, he works in global media relations and volunteers as the president of the Sammamish Rotary.

    Stuart is running to rebuild, focusing on what remote learning highlighted about equity, health, and access in the school district. He wants to invest in mental and emotional support for students as well as social-emotional learning and equity programs. Stuart’s top three campaign priorities are investing in diversity and inclusion programming, implementing anti-discrimination policy, and improving communication between the school board and the community. In this race, he is supported by a number of our progressive partner organizations as well as important elected leaders.

    Vishal Misri, a former executive at a digital service company who now works for Amazon, is challenging Stuart in District 4. Misri is a parent of a Lake Washington school district student and a member of the PTA. He is running to improve mental health services, teacher support, equity and inclusion measures, and school infrastructure.

    Mark Stuart deserves to be re-elected to the Lake Washington School Board in District 4 to continue advocating for an equitable and well-resourced school district. We recommend him because of his strong support from our partners and his proven track record of progressive leadership.

    Mark W. Stuart

    Incumbent Mark Stuart is running for re-election to Lake Washington School Board in District 4. Stuart was first elected to the school board in 2013 and now serves as the board vice president.

Public Hospital District

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

King County, Public Hospital District 1

King County, Public Hospital District 1, Commissioner, District #2

  • Dustin Lambro photo

    Dustin Lambro

    Website Facebook Endorsements

  • Dustin Lambro, president of the King County Labor Council and political director for Teamsters Local 117, is running for Public Hospital District No. 1 in District 2. Lambro has extensive community leadership experience and is a staunch workers’ rights advocate.

    If elected, Lambro wants to restore a balance of power between UW Medicine and both its hospital staff and the community it serves. He would work to bring final decision authority back to the hospital commissioners elected by voters instead of trustees selected by the University of Washington. Additionally, Lambro would fight for the rights of frontline, health care workers to make sure that the hospital district has proper labor conditions.

    Lambro is facing incumbent commissioner and veteran Jim Griggs, who currently serves as the president of the board of commissioners as well as the chair of the Finance & Audit Committee. Griggs formerly worked as an audit manager for the state's auditor’s office and is running on a vague platform to serve the valley, in his owns words, as a financial watchdog.

    With his demonstrated progressive values and experience organizing for the public good, Dustin Lambro is the best choice for Public Hospital District 1, Commissioner in District 2.

    Dustin Lambro

    Submitted by alexwhite on Mon, 09/27/2021 - 17:20

    Dustin Lambro, president of the King County Labor Council and political director for Teamsters Local 117, is running for Public Hospital District No. 1 in District 2. Lambro has extensive community leadership experience and is a staunch workers’ rights advocate.

    If elected, Lambro wants to restore a balance of power between UW Medicine and both its hospital staff and the community it serves. He would work to bring final decision authority back to the hospital commissioners elected by voters instead of trustees selected by the University of Washington. Additionally, Lambro would fight for the rights of frontline, health care workers to make sure that the hospital district has proper labor conditions.

    Lambro is facing incumbent commissioner and veteran Jim Griggs, who currently serves as the president of the board of commissioners as well as the chair of the Finance & Audit Committee. Griggs formerly worked as an audit manager for the state's auditor’s office and is running on a vague platform to serve the valley, in his owns words, as a financial watchdog.

    With his demonstrated progressive values and experience organizing for the public good, Dustin Lambro is the best choice for Public Hospital District 1, Commissioner in District 2.

    Public Hospital District
    King County, Public Hospital District 1

    Dustin Lambro

    Submitted by alexwhite on Mon, 09/27/2021 - 17:20

    Dustin Lambro, president of the King County Labor Council and political director for Teamsters Local 117, is running for Public Hospital District No. 1 in District 2. Lambro has extensive community leadership experience and is a staunch workers’ rights advocate.

    If elected, Lambro wants to restore a balance of power between UW Medicine and both its hospital staff and the community it serves. He would work to bring final decision authority back to the hospital commissioners elected by voters instead of trustees selected by the University of Washington. Additionally, Lambro would fight for the rights of frontline, health care workers to make sure that the hospital district has proper labor conditions.

    Lambro is facing incumbent commissioner and veteran Jim Griggs, who currently serves as the president of the board of commissioners as well as the chair of the Finance & Audit Committee. Griggs formerly worked as an audit manager for the state's auditor’s office and is running on a vague platform to serve the valley, in his owns words, as a financial watchdog.

    With his demonstrated progressive values and experience organizing for the public good, Dustin Lambro is the best choice for Public Hospital District 1, Commissioner in District 2.

    Public Hospital District
    King County, Public Hospital District 1

King County, Public Hospital District 1, Commissioner, Position #4

  • Monique Taylor-Swan photo

    Monique Taylor-Swan

  • Monique Taylor-Swan is running for King County Hospital District 1, Commissioner Position 4. Taylor-Swan is a community leader who serves as a board member of the caregivers union SEIU 775 and a member of the Renton Inclusion Task Force. She currently works as a home care aide with Washington's Department of Social and Health Services.

    Taylor-Swan is running for commissioner to work towards more accessible, quality care in Renton. She wants to focus on proper staffing and making pay more equitable between the highest-paid executives and underpaid nurses and staff. If elected, Taylor-Swan will use an inclusion and equity lens to make sure that everyone who needs it can access culturally competent care at Valley Medical Center.

    Taylor-Swan is running against Katie Bachand, a birth and postpartum doula. Bachand has been posting extreme conspiracies for months about the pandemic and the COVID-19 vaccine. She has promoted fake treatments, including a horse dewormer, that have been rejected by the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In addition, Bachand participated in the January 6 insurrection in Washington D.C. that sought to overturn the 2020 election results. Bachand's dangerous views are completely disqualifying for elected office, especially as a hospital commissioner. 

    We recommend Monique Taylor-Swan because of her direct background in health care and her clear, progressive vision for the role.

    Monique Taylor-Swan is running for King County Hospital District 1, Commissioner Position 4. Taylor-Swan is a community leader who serves as a board member of the caregivers union SEIU 775 and a member of the Renton Inclusion Task Force. She currently works as a home care aide with Washington's Department of Social and Health Services.

    Taylor-Swan is running for commissioner to work towards more accessible, quality care in Renton. She wants to focus on proper staffing and making pay more equitable between the highest-paid executives and underpaid nurses and staff. If elected, Taylor-Swan will use an inclusion and equity lens to make sure that everyone who needs it can access culturally competent care at Valley Medical Center.

    Taylor-Swan is running against Katie Bachand, a birth and postpartum doula. Bachand has been posting extreme conspiracies for months about the pandemic and the COVID-19 vaccine. She has promoted fake treatments, including a horse dewormer, that have been rejected by the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In addition, Bachand participated in the January 6 insurrection in Washington D.C. that sought to overturn the 2020 election results. Bachand's dangerous views are completely disqualifying for elected office, especially as a hospital commissioner. 

    We recommend Monique Taylor-Swan because of her direct background in health care and her clear, progressive vision for the role.

    Monique Taylor-Swan

    Submitted by alexwhite on Mon, 09/27/2021 - 17:20

    Monique Taylor-Swan is running for King County Hospital District 1, Commissioner Position 4. Taylor-Swan is a community leader who serves as a board member of the caregivers union SEIU 775 and a member of the Renton Inclusion Task Force. She currently works as a home care aide with Washington's Department of Social and Health Services.

    Taylor-Swan is running for commissioner to work towards more accessible, quality care in Renton. She wants to focus on proper staffing and making pay more equitable between the highest-paid executives and underpaid nurses and staff. If elected, Taylor-Swan will use an inclusion and equity lens to make sure that everyone who needs it can access culturally competent care at Valley Medical Center.

    Taylor-Swan is running against Katie Bachand, a birth and postpartum doula. Bachand has been posting extreme conspiracies for months about the pandemic and the COVID-19 vaccine. She has promoted fake treatments, including a horse dewormer, that have been rejected by the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In addition, Bachand participated in the January 6 insurrection in Washington D.C. that sought to overturn the 2020 election results. Bachand's dangerous views are completely disqualifying for elected office, especially as a hospital commissioner. 

    We recommend Monique Taylor-Swan because of her direct background in health care and her clear, progressive vision for the role.

    Public Hospital District
    King County, Public Hospital District 1

King County, Public Hospital District 2

King County, Public Hospital District 2, Commissioner, Position #4

  • Katie Grainger photo

    Katie Grainger

    Website Facebook

  • Katie Grainger is running for King County Public Hospital District 2, Commissioner Position 4. Grainger works as a communications consultant with Clinical Care at Providence. She was the first in her family to receive a college degree and went on to earn a master's at the University of Washington. Additionally, Grainger serves as an ambassador with the Sjogren's Syndrome Foundation.

    Grainger believes her experience living with an autoimmune disease paired with her work at a health care nonprofit makes her well-poised to bridge hospital administration and patient needs while bringing a community focus. If elected, she wants to work on health care reform at the local level in the service of the health and wellbeing of all district residents.

    Grainger is facing retired emergency doctor Charles Pilcher. He was elected to Commissioner Position 4 in 2010 and is running to cut funding for services. While Pilcher is the only physician on the board, he does not appear to be a progressive choice.

    Katie Grainger is the best candidate for King County Public Hospital District 2, Commissioner Position 4.

    Katie Grainger

    Submitted by alexwhite on Mon, 09/27/2021 - 17:20

    Katie Grainger is running for King County Public Hospital District 2, Commissioner Position 4. Grainger works as a communications consultant with Clinical Care at Providence. She was the first in her family to receive a college degree and went on to earn a master's at the University of Washington. Additionally, Grainger serves as an ambassador with the Sjogren's Syndrome Foundation.

    Grainger believes her experience living with an autoimmune disease paired with her work at a health care nonprofit makes her well-poised to bridge hospital administration and patient needs while bringing a community focus. If elected, she wants to work on health care reform at the local level in the service of the health and wellbeing of all district residents.

    Grainger is facing retired emergency doctor Charles Pilcher. He was elected to Commissioner Position 4 in 2010 and is running to cut funding for services. While Pilcher is the only physician on the board, he does not appear to be a progressive choice.

    Katie Grainger is the best candidate for King County Public Hospital District 2, Commissioner Position 4.

    Public Hospital District
    King County, Public Hospital District 2

    Katie Grainger

    Submitted by alexwhite on Mon, 09/27/2021 - 17:20

    Katie Grainger is running for King County Public Hospital District 2, Commissioner Position 4. Grainger works as a communications consultant with Clinical Care at Providence. She was the first in her family to receive a college degree and went on to earn a master's at the University of Washington. Additionally, Grainger serves as an ambassador with the Sjogren's Syndrome Foundation.

    Grainger believes her experience living with an autoimmune disease paired with her work at a health care nonprofit makes her well-poised to bridge hospital administration and patient needs while bringing a community focus. If elected, she wants to work on health care reform at the local level in the service of the health and wellbeing of all district residents.

    Grainger is facing retired emergency doctor Charles Pilcher. He was elected to Commissioner Position 4 in 2010 and is running to cut funding for services. While Pilcher is the only physician on the board, he does not appear to be a progressive choice.

    Katie Grainger is the best candidate for King County Public Hospital District 2, Commissioner Position 4.

    Public Hospital District
    King County, Public Hospital District 2
    • Endorsed By: 48th Legislative District Democrats