7th 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!
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.
Spokane School Board
Educator Melissa Bedford is running for Spokane School Board, Director Position 3. Bedford currently works as an assistant professor at Eastern Washington University and has worked as a public school teacher as well as served in institutional leadership positions. Outside of teaching, Bedford volunteers with after-school programs and local organizations like the Spokane Public Library.
Bedford is running to make education more accessible, equitable, and inclusive. She believes that the pandemic highlighted the existing inequities within the state’s school system. If elected, Bedford wants to work to get broadband internet and other technology to all students, to promote the social and emotional health of students, and to make sure that all students feel welcome in the classroom. She has written about teaching civic engagement in the classroom and wants to bring the voice of an educator to the school board.
Bedford is facing several candidates in this race, including Republican Daryl Geffken, a financial advisor and parent of two children in the district. If elected, Geffken would bring conservative values to the school board including supporting the reactionary, Trump-led conspiracy theory about critical race theory. He also opposes same-sex marriage, inclusive classrooms, and multicultural curriculums.
There are five other candidates in this race. Kenneth Cameron is a small business owner who wants to have a voice in the turning point in public education in District 81. Cameron has experience serving on a couple of human and animal rights boards but lacks a notable campaign presence in this race. Jake Leadingham, another challenger, has worked as a tutor. He does not have a working website but aligns with the conservative, conspiracy-driven agenda regarding critical race theory. Karina Hernandez identifies herself as a mother interested in promoting individualized education for Spokane students. She has no campaign website.
The final two candidates, Richard Cangelosi and Andrew Mendez, submitted no information to the Spokane County Voters Guide and have no campaign presence.
In this crowded race, Melissa Bedford is by far the most qualified and progressive choice.
Educator Melissa Bedford is running for Spokane School Board, Director Position 3. Bedford currently works as an assistant professor at Eastern Washington University and has worked as a public school teacher as well as served in institutional leadership positions. Outside of teaching, Bedford volunteers with after-school programs and local organizations like the Spokane Public Library.
Bedford is running to make education more accessible, equitable, and inclusive. She believes that the pandemic highlighted the existing inequities within the state’s school system. If elected, Bedford wants to work to get broadband internet and other technology to all students, to promote the social and emotional health of students, and to make sure that all students feel welcome in the classroom. She has written about teaching civic engagement in the classroom and wants to bring the voice of an educator to the school board.
Bedford is facing several candidates in this race, including Republican Daryl Geffken, a financial advisor and parent of two children in the district. If elected, Geffken would bring conservative values to the school board including supporting the reactionary, Trump-led conspiracy theory about critical race theory. He also opposes same-sex marriage, inclusive classrooms, and multicultural curriculums.
There are five other candidates in this race. Kenneth Cameron is a small business owner who wants to have a voice in the turning point in public education in District 81. Cameron has experience serving on a couple of human and animal rights boards but lacks a notable campaign presence in this race. Jake Leadingham, another challenger, has worked as a tutor. He does not have a working website but aligns with the conservative, conspiracy-driven agenda regarding critical race theory. Karina Hernandez identifies herself as a mother interested in promoting individualized education for Spokane students. She has no campaign website.
The final two candidates, Richard Cangelosi and Andrew Mendez, submitted no information to the Spokane County Voters Guide and have no campaign presence.
In this crowded race, Melissa Bedford is by far the most qualified and progressive choice.
There are two good candidates in this race: Riley Smith and Rion Ametu. Read more below to find the candidate who best fits your priorities for the Spokane School Board.
Riley Smith, an operations coordinator at Feeding Washington, is running for Position 4 on the Spokane School Board. He grew up in Spokane and spent 13 years in the Spokane public school system. Aside from his non-profit work, Smith works as a precinct committee officer and has previously aided a number of progressive campaigns. In his free time, he volunteers with Native Project COVAX Vaccination Clinic and Spokane Food Fighters.
If elected, Smith has two main focuses: expanding student mental health resources and investing in support for alternative career paths like apprenticeships and trade schools. A pre-pandemic study from the Washington State Department of Health showed that nearly 40% of Spokane students struggle with their mental health. As a result, Smith argues that access to mental health resources, services, and support is fundamental to achieving student success and building a stronger school system. Additionally, he believes that skill training for blue-collar jobs would ultimately expand student opportunity and success.
Riley Smith, an operations coordinator at Feeding Washington, is running for Position 4 on the Spokane School Board. He grew up in Spokane and spent 13 years in the Spokane public school system. Aside from his non-profit work, Smith works as a precinct committee officer and has previously aided a number of progressive campaigns. In his free time, he volunteers with Native Project COVAX Vaccination Clinic and Spokane Food Fighters.
If elected, Smith has two main focuses: expanding student mental health resources and investing in support for alternative career paths like apprenticeships and trade schools. A pre-pandemic study from the Washington State Department of Health showed that nearly 40% of Spokane students struggle with their mental health. As a result, Smith argues that access to mental health resources, services, and support is fundamental to achieving student success and building a stronger school system. Additionally, he believes that skill training for blue-collar jobs would ultimately expand student opportunity and success.
FedEx delivery driver and Navy veteran Rion Ametu is running to be a voice for students and parents who aren’t well-represented on the board. He is a state committee member of the 6th Legislative District Democratics and previously represented Spokane County in the same role. Previously, Ametu has worked as a sheet metal worker, sales executive, and RV detailer, and ran for state legislature in 2018. He is the parent of a student currently attending a Spokane public school.
With his full-time job and rideshare driving on the side, Ametu has experienced how working-class parents get left out of the conversation when the school board is most responsive to parents who have the time to be loud advocates for their kids. He hopes to bring all voices to the table and make sure everyone is heard. Aside from bringing representation to the board, Ametu is running to ensure mental health care, equity, and opportunity for all students. He is interested in expanding special needs services and supports age-appropriate sexual health education in schools.
FedEx delivery driver and Navy veteran Rion Ametu is running to be a voice for students and parents who aren’t well-represented on the board. He is a state committee member of the 6th Legislative District Democratics and previously represented Spokane County in the same role. Previously, Ametu has worked as a sheet metal worker, sales executive, and RV detailer, and ran for state legislature in 2018. He is the parent of a student currently attending a Spokane public school.
With his full-time job and rideshare driving on the side, Ametu has experienced how working-class parents get left out of the conversation when the school board is most responsive to parents who have the time to be loud advocates for their kids. He hopes to bring all voices to the table and make sure everyone is heard. Aside from bringing representation to the board, Ametu is running to ensure mental health care, equity, and opportunity for all students. He is interested in expanding special needs services and supports age-appropriate sexual health education in schools.
Otros Candidatos
There are three other candidates in this race. Life coach and mother of five Kata Dean is running to bring right-wing policy to the school board. She supports repealing meal programs, daycare support, and multicultural curriculums. Dean would also push for Christian doctrine to be taught alongside evolutionary biology in public schools. She is not only anti-choice and against same-sex marriage, but she believes her views should dictate the policy of the school board.
Educator Culzean Fairley is also running for Director Position 4. Fairley taught middle and high school in Spokane charter schools and works as the director for education programs focused on Spokane’s most under-resourced students. She was a student at Spokane public schools and is running to make sure that all students have the opportunity for success in the district’s schools, especially those from marginalized communities.
Corstian Dehle-Jones is the final challenger in this race. He works at Spokane International Airport with a food service company and has spent the last five years working with UniteHere Local 8 (the hospitality union), assisting on contract negotiations and the hospitality industry temporary shutdown. Though Delhe-Jones has progressive beliefs, he has not shared a detailed platform in this race and does not have a website as of July 13.
There are three other candidates in this race. Life coach and mother of five Kata Dean is running to bring right-wing policy to the school board. She supports repealing meal programs, daycare support, and multicultural curriculums. Dean would also push for Christian doctrine to be taught alongside evolutionary biology in public schools. She is not only anti-choice and against same-sex marriage, but she believes her views should dictate the policy of the school board.
Educator Culzean Fairley is also running for Director Position 4. Fairley taught middle and high school in Spokane charter schools and works as the director for education programs focused on Spokane’s most under-resourced students. She was a student at Spokane public schools and is running to make sure that all students have the opportunity for success in the district’s schools, especially those from marginalized communities.
Corstian Dehle-Jones is the final challenger in this race. He works at Spokane International Airport with a food service company and has spent the last five years working with UniteHere Local 8 (the hospitality union), assisting on contract negotiations and the hospitality industry temporary shutdown. Though Delhe-Jones has progressive beliefs, he has not shared a detailed platform in this race and does not have a website as of July 13.
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.