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Kate Akyuz

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Kate Akyuz is a senior capital project manager with the King County River and Floodplain Management Section, where she manages large flood safety and habitat restoration projects for endangered species. She wants to use her experience in wildlife and natural resource management to create a parks conservancy for Mercer Island. By protecting forested areas and wetlands, Akyuz points out that the island can simultaneously create natural stormwater infrastructure and erosion protection. If elected, she would also prioritize middle-income housing and work to secure funding for mental health services by increasing the designated reserves for Mercer Island Youth and Family Services.

Akyuz is running against incumbent Lisa Anderl, who has not been a progressive voice on the Mercer Island City Council. Unfortunately, Anderl joined five of her fellow council members voting to make it illegal for anyone to camp or even sleep in their car. Anyone on Mercer Island found in violation of this law now faces up to 90 days in prison or a $1,000 fine. While we appreciate that Anderl and the council revisited this policy in September, Anderl also opposed a 2018 levy that would have increased local funding for mental health counseling, first responders, parks, and youth and senior services.

Akyuz has earned strong support from local leaders and is the clear choice for Mercer Island City Council, Position 6.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Kate Akyuz is a senior capital project manager with the King County River and Floodplain Management Section, where she manages large flood safety and habitat restoration projects for endangered species. She wants to use her experience in wildlife and natural resource management to create a parks conservancy for Mercer Island. By protecting forested areas and wetlands, Akyuz points out that the island can simultaneously create natural stormwater infrastructure and erosion protection. If elected, she would also prioritize middle-income housing and work to secure funding for mental health services by increasing the designated reserves for Mercer Island Youth and Family Services.

Akyuz is running against incumbent Lisa Anderl, who has not been a progressive voice on the Mercer Island City Council. Unfortunately, Anderl joined five of her fellow council members voting to make it illegal for anyone to camp or even sleep in their car. Anyone on Mercer Island found in violation of this law now faces up to 90 days in prison or a $1,000 fine. While we appreciate that Anderl and the council revisited this policy in September, Anderl also opposed a 2018 levy that would have increased local funding for mental health counseling, first responders, parks, and youth and senior services.

Akyuz has earned strong support from local leaders and is the clear choice for Mercer Island City Council, Position 6.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Endorsed By: Alliance for Gun Responsibility, King County Democrats, Mercer Island Firefighters IAFF Local 1762

City of Mercer Island

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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

Mercer Island City Council

Mercer Island City Council, Position #2

Daniel Becker photo

Daniel Becker

Website Facebook Endorsements

Small business owner Daniel Becker is running for Mercer Island City Council to improve community outreach and ensure all voices on the island are represented.

He's running on a forward-looking platform that includes pushing the city to act on climate change and improving transit connections with the future light rail station. Becker critiques the council for reducing counseling services for students during the pandemic and he wants to ensure that a stable funding source is identified to restore the service. He also wants to incentivize more restaurants and retail shops in the city center.

Becker is challenging incumbent Salim Nice. Nice, the former deputy mayor, is the president and CEO of a health care financial consulting company. He was elected to the council in 2017 in an unopposed race after serving by appointment. Nice voted seven months ago to prohibit people from camping or sleeping in cars, which means police will shuttle anyone experiencing homelessness off the island to shelters in neighboring cities. Violation of the law could result in a misdemeanor crime of up to 90 days in prison or a $1,000 fine. Local, off-island shelters have expressed concern that the council did not notify them of the new rule, and there is not enough space to accommodate those in need.

While we appreciate that Nice and the council revisited their prohibition of camping in September, with additional resources to potentially go to local shelters, we believe Becker will make stronger pushes for progressive policy on the council.

Daniel Becker is the best choice for Mercer Island City Council, Position 2.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Small business owner Daniel Becker is running for Mercer Island City Council to improve community outreach and ensure all voices on the island are represented.

He's running on a forward-looking platform that includes pushing the city to act on climate change and improving transit connections with the future light rail station. Becker critiques the council for reducing counseling services for students during the pandemic and he wants to ensure that a stable funding source is identified to restore the service. He also wants to incentivize more restaurants and retail shops in the city center.

Becker is challenging incumbent Salim Nice. Nice, the former deputy mayor, is the president and CEO of a health care financial consulting company. He was elected to the council in 2017 in an unopposed race after serving by appointment. Nice voted seven months ago to prohibit people from camping or sleeping in cars, which means police will shuttle anyone experiencing homelessness off the island to shelters in neighboring cities. Violation of the law could result in a misdemeanor crime of up to 90 days in prison or a $1,000 fine. Local, off-island shelters have expressed concern that the council did not notify them of the new rule, and there is not enough space to accommodate those in need.

While we appreciate that Nice and the council revisited their prohibition of camping in September, with additional resources to potentially go to local shelters, we believe Becker will make stronger pushes for progressive policy on the council.

Daniel Becker is the best choice for Mercer Island City Council, Position 2.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Endorsed By: Washington Bikes

Mercer Island City Council, Position #4

Ted Weinberg photo

Ted Weinberg

Website Facebook Endorsements

Ted Weinberg is a resource manager for the city of Seattle's IT Department. He has served on the Mercer Island Planning Commission since 2017, and also serves on the Mercer Island Sister City Association, which partners with the city of Thonon-les-Bains in France.

Weinberg's available platform is not extensive, but it mentions that he would work to find solid funding for the island's school counselors. Two counselor positions were up for cuts in the 2019-2020 school year as voters failed to pass education funding through Proposition 1 and the council had to address the city's budget deficit. Weinberg also wants to develop a long-term plan for the city's parks and develop strong partnerships with other government agencies both on and off the island.

Weinberg is running against technical consultant Michael Curry, whose campaign is focused on incentivizing retail growth downtown and preserving park land. While both candidates support keeping the first response teams local and city-run, Weinberg's campaign is also supported by progressive state representatives, and current and former Mercer Island council members as well as school board members.

Weinberg is the best choice in this race.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Ted Weinberg is a resource manager for the city of Seattle's IT Department. He has served on the Mercer Island Planning Commission since 2017, and also serves on the Mercer Island Sister City Association, which partners with the city of Thonon-les-Bains in France.

Weinberg's available platform is not extensive, but it mentions that he would work to find solid funding for the island's school counselors. Two counselor positions were up for cuts in the 2019-2020 school year as voters failed to pass education funding through Proposition 1 and the council had to address the city's budget deficit. Weinberg also wants to develop a long-term plan for the city's parks and develop strong partnerships with other government agencies both on and off the island.

Weinberg is running against technical consultant Michael Curry, whose campaign is focused on incentivizing retail growth downtown and preserving park land. While both candidates support keeping the first response teams local and city-run, Weinberg's campaign is also supported by progressive state representatives, and current and former Mercer Island council members as well as school board members.

Weinberg is the best choice in this race.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Mercer Island City Council, Position #6

Kate Akyuz photo

Kate Akyuz

Website Facebook Endorsements

Kate Akyuz is a senior capital project manager with the King County River and Floodplain Management Section, where she manages large flood safety and habitat restoration projects for endangered species. She wants to use her experience in wildlife and natural resource management to create a parks conservancy for Mercer Island. By protecting forested areas and wetlands, Akyuz points out that the island can simultaneously create natural stormwater infrastructure and erosion protection. If elected, she would also prioritize middle-income housing and work to secure funding for mental health services by increasing the designated reserves for Mercer Island Youth and Family Services.

Akyuz is running against incumbent Lisa Anderl, who has not been a progressive voice on the Mercer Island City Council. Unfortunately, Anderl joined five of her fellow council members voting to make it illegal for anyone to camp or even sleep in their car. Anyone on Mercer Island found in violation of this law now faces up to 90 days in prison or a $1,000 fine. While we appreciate that Anderl and the council revisited this policy in September, Anderl also opposed a 2018 levy that would have increased local funding for mental health counseling, first responders, parks, and youth and senior services.

Akyuz has earned strong support from local leaders and is the clear choice for Mercer Island City Council, Position 6.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Kate Akyuz is a senior capital project manager with the King County River and Floodplain Management Section, where she manages large flood safety and habitat restoration projects for endangered species. She wants to use her experience in wildlife and natural resource management to create a parks conservancy for Mercer Island. By protecting forested areas and wetlands, Akyuz points out that the island can simultaneously create natural stormwater infrastructure and erosion protection. If elected, she would also prioritize middle-income housing and work to secure funding for mental health services by increasing the designated reserves for Mercer Island Youth and Family Services.

Akyuz is running against incumbent Lisa Anderl, who has not been a progressive voice on the Mercer Island City Council. Unfortunately, Anderl joined five of her fellow council members voting to make it illegal for anyone to camp or even sleep in their car. Anyone on Mercer Island found in violation of this law now faces up to 90 days in prison or a $1,000 fine. While we appreciate that Anderl and the council revisited this policy in September, Anderl also opposed a 2018 levy that would have increased local funding for mental health counseling, first responders, parks, and youth and senior services.

Akyuz has earned strong support from local leaders and is the clear choice for Mercer Island City Council, Position 6.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Endorsed By: Alliance for Gun Responsibility, King County Democrats, Mercer Island Firefighters IAFF Local 1762