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Renae Seam

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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

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, 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

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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

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

Website Facebook Endorsements

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