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Jim Ferrell

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Jim Ferrell is running for re-election to mayor of Federal Way. Before becoming mayor, he served on the city council from 2003 to 2013 and as a senior deputy prosecutor for King County. Ferrell's priorities for another term include protecting the environment, investing in working families, and supporting local businesses. He has worked to support moving people experiencing homelessness into shelters and housing and hopes to enhance the city's parks as Federal Way prepares for Light Rail.

Also in this race is Mark Greene, a perennial candidate who has previously run for the Washington state House of Representatives, Congress, lieutenant governor, and elections director of King County. He does not have a coherent campaign platform or relevant experience. Greene states he does not support reproductive justice and does not appear to believe in COVID-19.

Ferrell is the better choice in the race for mayor of Federal Way.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Jim Ferrell is running for re-election to mayor of Federal Way. Before becoming mayor, he served on the city council from 2003 to 2013 and as a senior deputy prosecutor for King County. Ferrell's priorities for another term include protecting the environment, investing in working families, and supporting local businesses. He has worked to support moving people experiencing homelessness into shelters and housing and hopes to enhance the city's parks as Federal Way prepares for Light Rail.

Also in this race is Mark Greene, a perennial candidate who has previously run for the Washington state House of Representatives, Congress, lieutenant governor, and elections director of King County. He does not have a coherent campaign platform or relevant experience. Greene states he does not support reproductive justice and does not appear to believe in COVID-19.

Ferrell is the better choice in the race for mayor of Federal Way.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

City of Federal Way

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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

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

King County

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.

Federal Way Mayor

Federal Way Mayor

Jim Ferrell photo

Jim Ferrell

Website Facebook Endorsements

Jim Ferrell is running for re-election to mayor of Federal Way. Before becoming mayor, he served on the city council from 2003 to 2013 and as a senior deputy prosecutor for King County. Ferrell's priorities for another term include protecting the environment, investing in working families, and supporting local businesses. He has worked to support moving people experiencing homelessness into shelters and housing and hopes to enhance the city's parks as Federal Way prepares for Light Rail.

Also in this race is Mark Greene, a perennial candidate who has previously run for the Washington state House of Representatives, Congress, lieutenant governor, and elections director of King County. He does not have a coherent campaign platform or relevant experience. Greene states he does not support reproductive justice and does not appear to believe in COVID-19.

Ferrell is the better choice in the race for mayor of Federal Way.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Jim Ferrell is running for re-election to mayor of Federal Way. Before becoming mayor, he served on the city council from 2003 to 2013 and as a senior deputy prosecutor for King County. Ferrell's priorities for another term include protecting the environment, investing in working families, and supporting local businesses. He has worked to support moving people experiencing homelessness into shelters and housing and hopes to enhance the city's parks as Federal Way prepares for Light Rail.

Also in this race is Mark Greene, a perennial candidate who has previously run for the Washington state House of Representatives, Congress, lieutenant governor, and elections director of King County. He does not have a coherent campaign platform or relevant experience. Greene states he does not support reproductive justice and does not appear to believe in COVID-19.

Ferrell is the better choice in the race for mayor of Federal Way.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Federal Way City Council

Federal Way City Council, Position #2

Gregory Baruso photo

Gregory Baruso

Website Facebook Endorsements (Twitter)

Gregory Baruso is running for re-election to Federal Way City Council, Position 2. Baruso is a firefighter and the president of the Citizens for Federal Way Schools. He also served on the city's Diversity Commission for 12 years.

Baruso was appointed to the city council in March 2020 and serves as the chair of the Land Use and Transportation Committee. He has worked to balance the city's budget, support local recovery from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and sponsored several initiatives to help end racial discrimination. Baruso is emphasizing helping both people and local businesses recover from the impacts of COVID-19 in his re-election campaign.

Baruso is facing Erica Norton, a local business owner. She previously served as chairperson for the Pierce County Corrections Committee as well as the Federal Way Homelessness Coalition. Her platform is not progressive and emphasizes funding for the police instead of looking at investing in community services that would be more effective at keeping our community safe. Norton's campaign website includes complaints about the state's COVID-19 safety measures, which were instrumental in saving countless lives.

Baruso is the best choice for Federal Way City Council, Position 2.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Gregory Baruso is running for re-election to Federal Way City Council, Position 2. Baruso is a firefighter and the president of the Citizens for Federal Way Schools. He also served on the city's Diversity Commission for 12 years.

Baruso was appointed to the city council in March 2020 and serves as the chair of the Land Use and Transportation Committee. He has worked to balance the city's budget, support local recovery from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and sponsored several initiatives to help end racial discrimination. Baruso is emphasizing helping both people and local businesses recover from the impacts of COVID-19 in his re-election campaign.

Baruso is facing Erica Norton, a local business owner. She previously served as chairperson for the Pierce County Corrections Committee as well as the Federal Way Homelessness Coalition. Her platform is not progressive and emphasizes funding for the police instead of looking at investing in community services that would be more effective at keeping our community safe. Norton's campaign website includes complaints about the state's COVID-19 safety measures, which were instrumental in saving countless lives.

Baruso is the best choice for Federal Way City Council, Position 2.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Federal Way City Council, Position #4

Hoang Tran photo

Hoang Tran

Incumbent Hoang Tran is running for re-election to Federal Way City Council, Position 4. Councilmember Tran was elected in 2017 and previously spent over 20 years as an administrator in public assistance programs for the state Department of Social and Health Services. He serves as the chair of the Finance and Economic Development and Regional Affairs Committee.

Tran is running to encourage more young people to move to Federal Way to revitalize the downtown area and see the implementation of the police reform and accountability measures passed by the state legislature this year. His campaign platform emphasizes economic recovery and increasing access to affordable housing in the community.

Tran is running against Daniel Miller, a delivery driver and business manager. He is running to oppose increased police accountability and efforts to reallocate funding to community safety services. Miller also expresses concern for businesses relocating to other areas and is dismissive of the needs of people experiencing homelessness.

While Tran is not the most progressive, he is the best choice in the race for Federal Way City Council, Position 4.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Incumbent Hoang Tran is running for re-election to Federal Way City Council, Position 4. Councilmember Tran was elected in 2017 and previously spent over 20 years as an administrator in public assistance programs for the state Department of Social and Health Services. He serves as the chair of the Finance and Economic Development and Regional Affairs Committee.

Tran is running to encourage more young people to move to Federal Way to revitalize the downtown area and see the implementation of the police reform and accountability measures passed by the state legislature this year. His campaign platform emphasizes economic recovery and increasing access to affordable housing in the community.

Tran is running against Daniel Miller, a delivery driver and business manager. He is running to oppose increased police accountability and efforts to reallocate funding to community safety services. Miller also expresses concern for businesses relocating to other areas and is dismissive of the needs of people experiencing homelessness.

While Tran is not the most progressive, he is the best choice in the race for Federal Way City Council, Position 4.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Federal Way City Council, Position #5

Leandra Craft photo

Leandra Craft

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Leandra Craft is running to retain her seat on Federal Way City Council in Position 5. She was appointed to the council in October 2020 and is a King County deputy prosecuting attorney. Craft focuses her work as an attorney on alternatives to incarceration and prosecuting hate crimes. In her time on the council, she has been a voice for all members of the community and worked to prioritize housing affordability as well as economic development and recovery in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Also in this race is Jack Walsh, a former newspaper reporter who currently owns a local ice cream business. Walsh led advisory vote campaigns to keep marijuana businesses out of Federal Way. His campaign platform includes a refusal to consider investing in community safety alternatives as well as damaging misinformation about people experiencing homelessness.

Craft is the obvious choice in the race for Federal Way City Council, Position 5.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Leandra Craft is running to retain her seat on Federal Way City Council in Position 5. She was appointed to the council in October 2020 and is a King County deputy prosecuting attorney. Craft focuses her work as an attorney on alternatives to incarceration and prosecuting hate crimes. In her time on the council, she has been a voice for all members of the community and worked to prioritize housing affordability as well as economic development and recovery in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Also in this race is Jack Walsh, a former newspaper reporter who currently owns a local ice cream business. Walsh led advisory vote campaigns to keep marijuana businesses out of Federal Way. His campaign platform includes a refusal to consider investing in community safety alternatives as well as damaging misinformation about people experiencing homelessness.

Craft is the obvious choice in the race for Federal Way City Council, Position 5.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Federal Way City Council, Position #6

Renae Seam photo

Renae Seam

Website Facebook Endorsements

Renae Seam is running for Federal Way City Council, Position 6. She works for Boeing Employees Credit Union utilizing her master's degree in business and data analytics. Seam wants to use her experience in risk management and analytics to ensure community members can remain financially stable or regain financial stability, disrupt the school-to-prison pipeline, create a climate action plan to increase sustainability and minimize Federal Way's carbon footprint, and be a voice for the marginalized and disadvantaged communities.

Seam is facing Jack Dovey. Dovey is a former mayor and council member in Federal Way. He is currently a marketing manager for GPSLockbox whose campaign website is not functional as of mid-October. Dovey's campaign platform is thin and does not prioritize issues the community has been calling for, including reforms to the local approach to public safety.

Seam is the best choice in the race for Federal Way City Council, Position 6.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Renae Seam is running for Federal Way City Council, Position 6. She works for Boeing Employees Credit Union utilizing her master's degree in business and data analytics. Seam wants to use her experience in risk management and analytics to ensure community members can remain financially stable or regain financial stability, disrupt the school-to-prison pipeline, create a climate action plan to increase sustainability and minimize Federal Way's carbon footprint, and be a voice for the marginalized and disadvantaged communities.

Seam is facing Jack Dovey. Dovey is a former mayor and council member in Federal Way. He is currently a marketing manager for GPSLockbox whose campaign website is not functional as of mid-October. Dovey's campaign platform is thin and does not prioritize issues the community has been calling for, including reforms to the local approach to public safety.

Seam is the best choice in the race for Federal Way City Council, Position 6.

Last updated: 2023-04-05