10th Legislative District
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Welcome to the Fuse Progressive Voters Guide to the 2021 primary election! The Progressive Voters Guide compiles the information that allows you to make informed decisions about the races on your ballot, based on your values. You can learn about our partners and decision-making process here. Please share this guide with your friends and family!
Snohomish County, District 1
Dependiendo del distrito del condado en el que vives, es posible que tengas las siguientes elecciones en tu papeleta.
Nicole Ng-A-Qui is running for Snohomish County Council in District 1. Ng-A-Qui has owned a small business for nearly 20 years and has experience working in forestry and restoration ecology as well as education. She served on the policy advisory council for the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program for two years.
Ng-A-Qui’s campaign is focused on making Snohomish County a model for sustainable development, keeping forests and watersheds healthy while protecting jobs and keeping the budget balanced. She is endorsed by local leaders including County Councilmember Megan Dunn and Rep. Emily Wicks as well as community groups including the Sauk-Suiattle Tribe and the Snohomish County Democrats.
She is facing incumbent Nate Nehring and Richard Yust. Nehring was elected in 2017 on punishing drug users and opposing greater investments in community services as alternatives to law enforcement. Nehring is supported by staunch Republicans including Cathy McMorris Rodgers and Dave Reichert. Yust is a small business owner but is not a serious candidate. He does not have a coherent platform or relevant experience.
Ng-A-Qui is the best choice in the race for Snohomish County Council in District 1.
Nicole Ng-A-Qui is running for Snohomish County Council in District 1. Ng-A-Qui has owned a small business for nearly 20 years and has experience working in forestry and restoration ecology as well as education. She served on the policy advisory council for the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program for two years.
Ng-A-Qui’s campaign is focused on making Snohomish County a model for sustainable development, keeping forests and watersheds healthy while protecting jobs and keeping the budget balanced. She is endorsed by local leaders including County Councilmember Megan Dunn and Rep. Emily Wicks as well as community groups including the Sauk-Suiattle Tribe and the Snohomish County Democrats.
She is facing incumbent Nate Nehring and Richard Yust. Nehring was elected in 2017 on punishing drug users and opposing greater investments in community services as alternatives to law enforcement. Nehring is supported by staunch Republicans including Cathy McMorris Rodgers and Dave Reichert. Yust is a small business owner but is not a serious candidate. He does not have a coherent platform or relevant experience.
Ng-A-Qui is the best choice in the race for Snohomish County Council in District 1.
Elecciones portuarias
Port of Bellingham
Small business owner Kelly Krieger is running for Port of Bellingham, Commissioner District 2. Krieger is active with the Whatcom County Democrats and has a professional background in business and marketing. She also served on the board of directors for the Puget Consumers Cooperative. Krieger's campaign is focused on climate-friendly economic development, municipal broadband, affordable workforce housing, and aviation innovation.
Incumbent Commissioner Ken Bell is running to retain his seat with the port. Bell is a former Whatcom County Planning commissioner and Whatcom County Charter Review commissioner, and he also currently serves as the president of the Iron Creek Group, a private company that cleans up contaminated soil. Unfortunately, Bell is involved with the Whatcom Republicans and played a role in a police-led sweep of a homeless encampment on port property earlier this year.
The third candidate in this race is Austin Chapin, an airline pilot and flight instructor with a strong campaign focus on aviation investments and the airport. Chapin has run a negative campaign so far. He has criticized his opponents’ focus on environmental impact and climate protections, stating that the port should not be treated as a “preserve” despite the fact that Bellingham’s port is an important natural space that requires attention to the environmental impact of port projects.
We recommend Krieger for Port of Bellingham, Commissioner District 2 because of her reliably Democratic values.
Small business owner Kelly Krieger is running for Port of Bellingham, Commissioner District 2. Krieger is active with the Whatcom County Democrats and has a professional background in business and marketing. She also served on the board of directors for the Puget Consumers Cooperative. Krieger's campaign is focused on climate-friendly economic development, municipal broadband, affordable workforce housing, and aviation innovation.
Incumbent Commissioner Ken Bell is running to retain his seat with the port. Bell is a former Whatcom County Planning commissioner and Whatcom County Charter Review commissioner, and he also currently serves as the president of the Iron Creek Group, a private company that cleans up contaminated soil. Unfortunately, Bell is involved with the Whatcom Republicans and played a role in a police-led sweep of a homeless encampment on port property earlier this year.
The third candidate in this race is Austin Chapin, an airline pilot and flight instructor with a strong campaign focus on aviation investments and the airport. Chapin has run a negative campaign so far. He has criticized his opponents’ focus on environmental impact and climate protections, stating that the port should not be treated as a “preserve” despite the fact that Bellingham’s port is an important natural space that requires attention to the environmental impact of port projects.
We recommend Krieger for Port of Bellingham, Commissioner District 2 because of her reliably Democratic values.
Port of Everett
Incumbent David Simpson is running to retain his seat as Commissioner of District 1 for the Port of Everett, which he was elected to in 2019 to fill an unexpired term. Simpson also works as a member of the Committee for Housing and Community Development. He has an extensive record in public service, having served as an Everett City Council member, a Washington state representative for the 38th Legislative District, and a member of the Snohomish County Charter Review Commission representing county council District 2. Simpson has also worked in the aviation industry as a manufacturing engineer and aviation mechanic.
Simpson's campaign platform prioritizes economic development, environmental protections, and living wages. He has a slate of projects underway, including the Waterfront Place Central Development, that he believes will help Everett and the port recover from the community and economic impact of the pandemic.
Simpson faces a challenge from Scott Murphy, an Everett City Council member since 2013. Murphy strongly emphasizes his business background and has previously boasted of expanding Everett’s police budget during his time as a council member despite public support to reallocate some of those funds to community alternatives. If elected, he would push the port in a more politically conservative direction.
Snohomish County has benefitted from Simpson's commitment to bringing community-minded leadership to the port. David Simpson is the clear choice for Port of Everett Commissioner in District 1.
Incumbent David Simpson is running to retain his seat as Commissioner of District 1 for the Port of Everett, which he was elected to in 2019 to fill an unexpired term. Simpson also works as a member of the Committee for Housing and Community Development. He has an extensive record in public service, having served as an Everett City Council member, a Washington state representative for the 38th Legislative District, and a member of the Snohomish County Charter Review Commission representing county council District 2. Simpson has also worked in the aviation industry as a manufacturing engineer and aviation mechanic.
Simpson's campaign platform prioritizes economic development, environmental protections, and living wages. He has a slate of projects underway, including the Waterfront Place Central Development, that he believes will help Everett and the port recover from the community and economic impact of the pandemic.
Simpson faces a challenge from Scott Murphy, an Everett City Council member since 2013. Murphy strongly emphasizes his business background and has previously boasted of expanding Everett’s police budget during his time as a council member despite public support to reallocate some of those funds to community alternatives. If elected, he would push the port in a more politically conservative direction.
Snohomish County has benefitted from Simpson's commitment to bringing community-minded leadership to the port. David Simpson is the clear choice for Port of Everett Commissioner in District 1.
Port of Olympia
There are two good candidates running for Port of Olympia in District 3: Joel Hansen and Delissa Denton. We lean toward Hansen because of his strong support from local progressive leaders and organizations.
Joel Hansen is running a progressive campaign for Port of Olympia commissioner in District 3. He works at a solar energy company, and serves on both the Port of Olympia Citizens Advisory Committee and Tumwater Planning Commission and as a precinct committee officer. He is running to put his expertise in finance and environmental science to use in order to strengthen the port economy without compromising on climate action.
If elected, Hansen wants to take a holistic approach to the commissioner position in order to generate living wage jobs, attract local eco-friendly business, and engage an equity lens for port policy making. He says he will listen to constituents about port issues and seek to better the communications between commissioners and those who live and work near the port. Further, Hansen wants to advance environmental justice, and social justice broadly. He is supported by a number of local progressives and community leaders in this race, and he is a good choice if you are looking for strong progressive leadership and a new perspective on the port.
Joel Hansen is running a progressive campaign for Port of Olympia commissioner in District 3. He works at a solar energy company, and serves on both the Port of Olympia Citizens Advisory Committee and Tumwater Planning Commission and as a precinct committee officer. He is running to put his expertise in finance and environmental science to use in order to strengthen the port economy without compromising on climate action.
If elected, Hansen wants to take a holistic approach to the commissioner position in order to generate living wage jobs, attract local eco-friendly business, and engage an equity lens for port policy making. He says he will listen to constituents about port issues and seek to better the communications between commissioners and those who live and work near the port. Further, Hansen wants to advance environmental justice, and social justice broadly. He is supported by a number of local progressives and community leaders in this race, and he is a good choice if you are looking for strong progressive leadership and a new perspective on the port.
Family lawyer and small business owner Melissa Denton is another good candidate in this race. Denton serves on a number of boards including for the League of Women Voters and the Neighborhood Association. Additionally, she volunteers with the Tumwater Planning Commission and works as a local precinct committee officer. If elected, Denton wants to bring the values of integrity, diversity, and representational government to the commissioner role.
Denton’s campaign platform includes prioritizing clean air and water, expanding economic opportunities, supporting diversity at all levels of port operations, and remaining trustworthy and accountable to the public. With her background in law and business, she hopes to bring a practical, community-minded approach to the port. Denton has earned Democratic support from local elected officials and organizations. She is a good choice if you want a candidate with a more established reputation for leadership and climate progress.
Family lawyer and small business owner Melissa Denton is another good candidate in this race. Denton serves on a number of boards including for the League of Women Voters and the Neighborhood Association. Additionally, she volunteers with the Tumwater Planning Commission and works as a local precinct committee officer. If elected, Denton wants to bring the values of integrity, diversity, and representational government to the commissioner role.
Denton’s campaign platform includes prioritizing clean air and water, expanding economic opportunities, supporting diversity at all levels of port operations, and remaining trustworthy and accountable to the public. With her background in law and business, she hopes to bring a practical, community-minded approach to the port. Denton has earned Democratic support from local elected officials and organizations. She is a good choice if you want a candidate with a more established reputation for leadership and climate progress.
Port of Tacoma
There are several qualified candidates running for Port of Tacoma, Position 2. After conducting additional research, we recommend Elizabeth Pew for new progressive leadership at the Port of Tacoma.
Employment specialist Elizabeth Pew is running for Port of Tacoma, Position 2. Pew serves the community as a legislative district caucus delegate, a precinct committee officer, and a member of the Tacoma Arts Commission. She has pledged not to accept any fossil fuel money during her campaign and has earned an impressive roster of progressive endorsements.
Pew has a progressive vision that includes responsible environmental stewardship, economic development that doesn’t leave anyone behind, and a collaborative, efficient, and reliable working port. She wants to make sure that the port is responsive to community members and voters first and foremost, as opposed to corporate interests.
We recommend Pew for new leadership that will prioritize sustainability at the Port of Tacoma.
Employment specialist Elizabeth Pew is running for Port of Tacoma, Position 2. Pew serves the community as a legislative district caucus delegate, a precinct committee officer, and a member of the Tacoma Arts Commission. She has pledged not to accept any fossil fuel money during her campaign and has earned an impressive roster of progressive endorsements.
Pew has a progressive vision that includes responsible environmental stewardship, economic development that doesn’t leave anyone behind, and a collaborative, efficient, and reliable working port. She wants to make sure that the port is responsive to community members and voters first and foremost, as opposed to corporate interests.
We recommend Pew for new leadership that will prioritize sustainability at the Port of Tacoma.
Incumbent Commissioner Dick Marzano is running to retain Port of Tacoma, Position 2. Marzano was first elected commissioner in 1995 and serves on the executive committee for the Puget Sound Regional Council. Before his career in public service, Marzano spent 52 years working in Tacoma as a longshoreman and was also the president of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 23.
If re-elected, Marzano wants to continue prioritizing environmental protection and job creation. With his background as a longshoreman, Marzano knows that the two issues are connected and that those who live and work near the port are directly affected by its environmental impact. However, Marzano has not been supportive of protecting our communities from pollution from the proposed LNG facility.
Also in this race is Jeannette Twitty. Twitty has a strong social justice focus, articulating her approach to port responsibilities through the lenses of workers’ rights, equity, and environmental stewardship. If elected, Twitty wants to promote living wage job creation, economic development, environmental health, marine trade through land acquisition, and partnerships with local organizations.
Incumbent Commissioner Dick Marzano is running to retain Port of Tacoma, Position 2. Marzano was first elected commissioner in 1995 and serves on the executive committee for the Puget Sound Regional Council. Before his career in public service, Marzano spent 52 years working in Tacoma as a longshoreman and was also the president of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 23.
If re-elected, Marzano wants to continue prioritizing environmental protection and job creation. With his background as a longshoreman, Marzano knows that the two issues are connected and that those who live and work near the port are directly affected by its environmental impact. However, Marzano has not been supportive of protecting our communities from pollution from the proposed LNG facility.
Also in this race is Jeannette Twitty. Twitty has a strong social justice focus, articulating her approach to port responsibilities through the lenses of workers’ rights, equity, and environmental stewardship. If elected, Twitty wants to promote living wage job creation, economic development, environmental health, marine trade through land acquisition, and partnerships with local organizations.
Firefighter and veteran Brian Duthie is running for Port of Tacoma, Position 4. Duthie is a community leader who also serves on the board of Washington State Council of Firefighters Burn Foundation. He is a solid Democrat who has opposed Republican candidates in prior races with the support of progressive organizations.
Duthie is running to bring progressive values like workers’ rights, environmental stewardship, and community-focused economic investments to the port. Specifically, he wants to advance sustainable infrastructure, care for the local ecosystem and curtail pollution, expand living-wage union jobs, and make the port a destination. If elected, Duthie will make sure that the decisions made by the port will be in the best interest of everyone who lives and works nearby.
In this crowded race, Duthie is the best choice to bring a strong, progressive voice to the port, and he deserves your vote for Port of Tacoma, Position 4.
Firefighter and veteran Brian Duthie is running for Port of Tacoma, Position 4. Duthie is a community leader who also serves on the board of Washington State Council of Firefighters Burn Foundation. He is a solid Democrat who has opposed Republican candidates in prior races with the support of progressive organizations.
Duthie is running to bring progressive values like workers’ rights, environmental stewardship, and community-focused economic investments to the port. Specifically, he wants to advance sustainable infrastructure, care for the local ecosystem and curtail pollution, expand living-wage union jobs, and make the port a destination. If elected, Duthie will make sure that the decisions made by the port will be in the best interest of everyone who lives and works nearby.
In this crowded race, Duthie is the best choice to bring a strong, progressive voice to the port, and he deserves your vote for Port of Tacoma, Position 4.
Otros Candidatos
Duthie faces a long list of opponents in this race. Incumbent commissioner Don Meyer is running to retain the Position 4 seat he assumed after first being elected in 2010. Before that, Meyer served as the deputy director of the Port of Tacoma and the executive director of the Foss Waterway Development Authority. If re-elected, he wants to continue pursuing a more conservative agenda focused on regaining container market share lost to Canada. Meyer states that he wants to modernize terminals and waterways, but also intends to limit revenue, putting many improvements beyond reach.
Also in this race is Mary Bacon, an environmental scientist, health physicist, and veteran. Bacon also served as the elected president of the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE) Local 12. If elected, she hopes to address traffic congestion in and around the port, help foster greater economic growth, and ensure environmental stewardship that protects the unique estuarine ecosystem.
Four candidates in this race lack the community leadership and elected experience to mount a strong campaign. Scott Lewis is a registered nurse and former legal assistant who is running in order to strike a balance between the environmental and economic impact of the port. Nirav Sheth is a local business owner, veteran, and former Lakewood police officer who is running to bring a business perspective to the port in order to create jobs, protect the natural environment, provide greater veteran employment opportunities, and keep the operating budget low. Christian (C.J.) Dylina is a navy veteran and M.R.I. technologist at St. Joseph Hospital. Dylina offered contradictory information in the Pierce County Voters' Guide that draws concern about his commitment to environmental stewardship. Mario Rivera does technical support work and is a former franchise business owner and current Little League Baseball coach. Having worked as a longshoreman briefly, Rivera believes he can offer a fresh perspective to the port in order to achieve environmental protections and create jobs.
There are two final candidates -- Christopher Pierce and c bey el -- who have not provided any information to the Pierce County Voters' Guide and have no real presence in this campaign.
Duthie faces a long list of opponents in this race. Incumbent commissioner Don Meyer is running to retain the Position 4 seat he assumed after first being elected in 2010. Before that, Meyer served as the deputy director of the Port of Tacoma and the executive director of the Foss Waterway Development Authority. If re-elected, he wants to continue pursuing a more conservative agenda focused on regaining container market share lost to Canada. Meyer states that he wants to modernize terminals and waterways, but also intends to limit revenue, putting many improvements beyond reach.
Also in this race is Mary Bacon, an environmental scientist, health physicist, and veteran. Bacon also served as the elected president of the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE) Local 12. If elected, she hopes to address traffic congestion in and around the port, help foster greater economic growth, and ensure environmental stewardship that protects the unique estuarine ecosystem.
Four candidates in this race lack the community leadership and elected experience to mount a strong campaign. Scott Lewis is a registered nurse and former legal assistant who is running in order to strike a balance between the environmental and economic impact of the port. Nirav Sheth is a local business owner, veteran, and former Lakewood police officer who is running to bring a business perspective to the port in order to create jobs, protect the natural environment, provide greater veteran employment opportunities, and keep the operating budget low. Christian (C.J.) Dylina is a navy veteran and M.R.I. technologist at St. Joseph Hospital. Dylina offered contradictory information in the Pierce County Voters' Guide that draws concern about his commitment to environmental stewardship. Mario Rivera does technical support work and is a former franchise business owner and current Little League Baseball coach. Having worked as a longshoreman briefly, Rivera believes he can offer a fresh perspective to the port in order to achieve environmental protections and create jobs.
There are two final candidates -- Christopher Pierce and c bey el -- who have not provided any information to the Pierce County Voters' Guide and have no real presence in this campaign.
Carreras de la ciudad
Alcalde de Anacortes
City Councilmember Ryan Walters is running for mayor of Anacortes. Walters has been on the city council since 2012, and served as the mayor pro tem from 2016 to 2017. Outside of his work on the council, Walters is the planning and community development director for the Samish Nation and works with the Skagit Land Trust.
Walters' platform includes affordable housing, high-quality public services and infrastructure, and making Anacortes an inclusive town for all that maintains its unique charm. During his time on the council, Walters helped to develop the Anacortes municipal fiber network, which is now under construction. He also started the council’s first committee on housing and community services. Despite serving a city with two large oil refineries, Walters understands the importance of environmental protections for the natural ecosystem and Anacortes residents alike. If elected mayor, Walters will use his experience in office to implement a community-focused agenda.
Challenging Walters is Tammy Guffey, an Anacortes resident who is involved with the Island View PTA, Meals on Wheels, and a suicide prevention nonprofit. Guffey moved to Anacortes in 2019, but she has been heavily involved in community volunteering roles in many cities where she has lived. In this race, Guffey has a vague platform that is mostly based on her enthusiasm for Anacortes and her interest in bringing people together. Unfortunately, she lacks experience for the role of mayor.
Also in this race is current Councilmember Matt Miller. Miller is in his second term on the council and served as the mayor pro tem from 2018 to 2020. He is a veteran and business owner whose community service includes the Citizens Police Academy, a city program that allows citizens to train and roleplay as police officers. He is running on a more conservative platform.
Walters is the best choice for Mayor of Anacortes.
City Councilmember Ryan Walters is running for mayor of Anacortes. Walters has been on the city council since 2012, and served as the mayor pro tem from 2016 to 2017. Outside of his work on the council, Walters is the planning and community development director for the Samish Nation and works with the Skagit Land Trust.
Walters' platform includes affordable housing, high-quality public services and infrastructure, and making Anacortes an inclusive town for all that maintains its unique charm. During his time on the council, Walters helped to develop the Anacortes municipal fiber network, which is now under construction. He also started the council’s first committee on housing and community services. Despite serving a city with two large oil refineries, Walters understands the importance of environmental protections for the natural ecosystem and Anacortes residents alike. If elected mayor, Walters will use his experience in office to implement a community-focused agenda.
Challenging Walters is Tammy Guffey, an Anacortes resident who is involved with the Island View PTA, Meals on Wheels, and a suicide prevention nonprofit. Guffey moved to Anacortes in 2019, but she has been heavily involved in community volunteering roles in many cities where she has lived. In this race, Guffey has a vague platform that is mostly based on her enthusiasm for Anacortes and her interest in bringing people together. Unfortunately, she lacks experience for the role of mayor.
Also in this race is current Councilmember Matt Miller. Miller is in his second term on the council and served as the mayor pro tem from 2018 to 2020. He is a veteran and business owner whose community service includes the Citizens Police Academy, a city program that allows citizens to train and roleplay as police officers. He is running on a more conservative platform.
Walters is the best choice for Mayor of Anacortes.
Consejo de la Ciudad de Marysville
Cindy Gobel, a certification and training specialist with the Washington Secretary of State, is running for Position 1 on the Marysville City Council. She has served the public as a representative with the Women’s Law Caucus in Snohomish County from 2012 to 2015. Outside of elected work, Gobel has worked in law enforcement and as a mediator, and she has done substantial work in voter registration. She spent 27 years as a union member and has worked on the Community Emergency Response Team since 2008.
Gobel is running to bring her extensive experience in public service to the Marysville City Council. If elected, Gobel would focus on expanding affordable housing, supporting small businesses, and improving infrastructure.
Gobel is facing Daniel Brady and incumbent Jeffrey Vaughan. First elected in 2003, Vaughan's platform includes typical Republican issues like cutting funding that supports essential services. In addition, he opposes redirecting some law enforcement funding to proven community-based alternatives.
Brady is an aerospace machinist and union activist who is also vying for Position 1. Brady has a progressive platform that includes environmental protections, transit improvements, and repealing the ban on marijuana shops in order to direct the sales tax towards public infrastructure.
While Brady is progressive, Gobel's record of public service and leadership on civic issues makes her the best choice for Marysville City Council, Position 1.
Cindy Gobel, a certification and training specialist with the Washington Secretary of State, is running for Position 1 on the Marysville City Council. She has served the public as a representative with the Women’s Law Caucus in Snohomish County from 2012 to 2015. Outside of elected work, Gobel has worked in law enforcement and as a mediator, and she has done substantial work in voter registration. She spent 27 years as a union member and has worked on the Community Emergency Response Team since 2008.
Gobel is running to bring her extensive experience in public service to the Marysville City Council. If elected, Gobel would focus on expanding affordable housing, supporting small businesses, and improving infrastructure.
Gobel is facing Daniel Brady and incumbent Jeffrey Vaughan. First elected in 2003, Vaughan's platform includes typical Republican issues like cutting funding that supports essential services. In addition, he opposes redirecting some law enforcement funding to proven community-based alternatives.
Brady is an aerospace machinist and union activist who is also vying for Position 1. Brady has a progressive platform that includes environmental protections, transit improvements, and repealing the ban on marijuana shops in order to direct the sales tax towards public infrastructure.
While Brady is progressive, Gobel's record of public service and leadership on civic issues makes her the best choice for Marysville City Council, Position 1.
There are two good candidates running for Port of Olympia in District 3: Joel Hansen and Delissa Denton. We lean toward Hansen because of his strong support from local progressive leaders and organizations.