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Melissa Stuart

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Melissa Stuart is running for Redmond City Council, Position 4 to bring her advocacy for the environment and education to the council. She is the Director of Individual Giving at Boys and Girls Club of King County, has served on the board of Zero Waste Washington and South Transit, and as an Eastside Climate Justice Steward with the Alliance for Jobs and Clean Energy. She has also worked at Youth Eastside Services to help provide behavioral healthcare for families.

She is running against Dennis Ellis and Jackson Fields. Finance analyst Ellis' campaign site is inactive as of July 13, but he states that he will bring his corporate background to the council. His candidate statement implies a more conservative campaign that will prioritize the needs of businesses over the community. Jackson Fields has no website or campaign presence as of July 13.

Stuart has been endorsed by several leading Democratic representatives and elected officials. While her campaign platform is not fully fleshed out on her website, her long record of community and professional service speaks to a candidate who is ready to contribute meaningfully to the council.

Stuart is the best choice for Redmond City Council, Position 4.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Melissa Stuart is running for Redmond City Council, Position 4 to bring her advocacy for the environment and education to the council. She is the Director of Individual Giving at Boys and Girls Club of King County, has served on the board of Zero Waste Washington and South Transit, and as an Eastside Climate Justice Steward with the Alliance for Jobs and Clean Energy. She has also worked at Youth Eastside Services to help provide behavioral healthcare for families.

She is running against Dennis Ellis and Jackson Fields. Finance analyst Ellis' campaign site is inactive as of July 13, but he states that he will bring his corporate background to the council. His candidate statement implies a more conservative campaign that will prioritize the needs of businesses over the community. Jackson Fields has no website or campaign presence as of July 13.

Stuart has been endorsed by several leading Democratic representatives and elected officials. While her campaign platform is not fully fleshed out on her website, her long record of community and professional service speaks to a candidate who is ready to contribute meaningfully to the council.

Stuart is the best choice for Redmond City Council, Position 4.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Endorsed By: Alliance for Gun Responsibility

City of Redmond

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Election Day August 3, 2021
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King County Ballot Measures

King County Proposition #1

VOTE APPROVED

Vote to APPROVE Best Starts For Kids

Website Endorsements

King County Proposition 1 offers the chance for voters to renew the Best Starts for Kids levy and maintain and expand effective programs that put our children and youth on a path toward lifelong success.

First approved by voters in 2015 and passed unanimously by the King County Council, the “Regular Property Tax Levy for Children, Youth, Families and Communities” will maintain critical funding for homelessness prevention, prenatal resources, social and emotional youth development programs, and more. Research has shown that the kind of prevention and early engagement funded by Best Starts is the most effective, and least expensive, way to ensure positive outcomes for our kids and community.

Proposed by King County Executive Dow Constantine, the Best Starts for Kids program generates millions of dollars to provide children and youth in King County the chance to be healthy, happy, and safe. Proposition 1 would renew and expand services by increasing the levy from 14 cents per $1,000 of assessed value to 19 cents. This increase will allow the county to build upon the program's proven successes including Prenatal-5 family support, youth and family homelessness services, and community-driven partnerships through Communities of Opportunity that address emotional growth. It will also help families access affordable child care and begin to ensure child care workers earn a living wage. 

Vote to approve King County Prop. 1 to renew a proven investment in the Best Starts for Kids program’s long-term vision to guarantee that all kids and families living in King County can not only meet their basic needs but thrive.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

King County Proposition 1 offers the chance for voters to renew the Best Starts for Kids levy and maintain and expand effective programs that put our children and youth on a path toward lifelong success.

First approved by voters in 2015 and passed unanimously by the King County Council, the “Regular Property Tax Levy for Children, Youth, Families and Communities” will maintain critical funding for homelessness prevention, prenatal resources, social and emotional youth development programs, and more. Research has shown that the kind of prevention and early engagement funded by Best Starts is the most effective, and least expensive, way to ensure positive outcomes for our kids and community.

Proposed by King County Executive Dow Constantine, the Best Starts for Kids program generates millions of dollars to provide children and youth in King County the chance to be healthy, happy, and safe. Proposition 1 would renew and expand services by increasing the levy from 14 cents per $1,000 of assessed value to 19 cents. This increase will allow the county to build upon the program's proven successes including Prenatal-5 family support, youth and family homelessness services, and community-driven partnerships through Communities of Opportunity that address emotional growth. It will also help families access affordable child care and begin to ensure child care workers earn a living wage. 

Vote to approve King County Prop. 1 to renew a proven investment in the Best Starts for Kids program’s long-term vision to guarantee that all kids and families living in King County can not only meet their basic needs but thrive.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

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

Endorsed By: APACE , The Stranger , The Urbanist

Other Candidates

There are three other candidates in this race: Johnathon Crines, Bill Hirt, and Goodspace Guy. Crines talked about an equitable economic recovery from the pandemic and other progressive priorities in his voters' pamphlet statement but does not appear to have a website or any other campaign information available. Hirt is a perennial candidate with a single-issue platform of opposing light rail. Goodspace Guy, another perennial candidate, supports capitalism and colonizing orbital space. 

Last updated: 2023-04-05

There are three other candidates in this race: Johnathon Crines, Bill Hirt, and Goodspace Guy. Crines talked about an equitable economic recovery from the pandemic and other progressive priorities in his voters' pamphlet statement but does not appear to have a website or any other campaign information available. Hirt is a perennial candidate with a single-issue platform of opposing light rail. Goodspace Guy, another perennial candidate, supports capitalism and colonizing orbital space. 

Last updated: 2023-04-05

King County, District 3

Depending on the county district you live in, you may have the following races on your ballot.

King County Council, District 3

Sarah Perry photo
Non-Partisan

Sarah Perry

Website Facebook Endorsements (Twitter)

Sarah Perry is a small business owner, non-profit fundraiser, and Democratic activist who is challenging incumbent Kathy Lambert for King County Council in District 3. Perry has years of experience building financial support for non-profits and universities in the Puget Sound area.

Perry is running on a platform of supporting small businesses, protecting farmlands and the environment, and improving transportation. In particular, she wants to provide more support for the 40% of the district in unincorporated King County that can't rely on city leadership for investments and infrastructure. In our interview with Perry, she presented a detailed overview of her campaign as a strong advocate for growth management. She wants to promote urban forests, preserve the district's natural areas, usher in alternative energy sources, and improve wastewater and storm runoff in open spaces. Perry also wants to see an equity lens brought to COVID recovery, ensuring that new modes of transit are brought to the district, supporting behavioral health, and assisting those struggling with affordable housing.

Perry's extensive civic engagement in the district has earned her overwhelming support from local and state elected officials and progressive organizations. Vote for Perry for new progressive leadership on the King County Council from District 3.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Sarah Perry is a small business owner, non-profit fundraiser, and Democratic activist who is challenging incumbent Kathy Lambert for King County Council in District 3. Perry has years of experience building financial support for non-profits and universities in the Puget Sound area.

Perry is running on a platform of supporting small businesses, protecting farmlands and the environment, and improving transportation. In particular, she wants to provide more support for the 40% of the district in unincorporated King County that can't rely on city leadership for investments and infrastructure. In our interview with Perry, she presented a detailed overview of her campaign as a strong advocate for growth management. She wants to promote urban forests, preserve the district's natural areas, usher in alternative energy sources, and improve wastewater and storm runoff in open spaces. Perry also wants to see an equity lens brought to COVID recovery, ensuring that new modes of transit are brought to the district, supporting behavioral health, and assisting those struggling with affordable housing.

Perry's extensive civic engagement in the district has earned her overwhelming support from local and state elected officials and progressive organizations. Vote for Perry for new progressive leadership on the King County Council from District 3.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Other Candidates

Also in this race are incumbent Kathy Lambert and Joe Cohen. While the King County Council is officially non-partisan, longtime Republican Kathy Lambert has lost touch with this diverse and rapidly changing district. Lambert has voted against transit access for years, including voting to end Seattle's downtown free-ride zone. She also voted against making the county sheriff an appointed position, which was proposed to give the council and county executive more oversight in the wake of protests against police brutality. Lambert was the only no vote on the 2019 bill to use state money to fund early learning, post-secondary education, and in-home care providers.

Former Obama administration and Sen. Maria Cantwell staffer Joe Cohen is also challenging Lambert in King County District 3. Since returning home to the Eastside, Cohen has worked at the law firm of Hogan Lovells advising technology companies.

Cohen's campaign is focusing on improving the county's approach to homelessness and reforming the Sheriff's office. Cohen has expressed frustration with the county's lack of progress addressing homelessness and wants to increase oversight over the county's spending on these programs. He wants to use his experience investigating federal law enforcement agencies in the Obama administration to make the sheriff's office more transparent and accountable. Cohen mentioned that though criminal justice takes three-quarters of the county budget, he does not believe that funds need to be transferred to human services or other budget areas that some of the community have called for. He believes that a change of culture in police departments and having more non-uniformed personnel respond to issues will address community concerns. While not conservative, Cohen's platform falls short on some progressive priorities that are important to voters.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Also in this race are incumbent Kathy Lambert and Joe Cohen. While the King County Council is officially non-partisan, longtime Republican Kathy Lambert has lost touch with this diverse and rapidly changing district. Lambert has voted against transit access for years, including voting to end Seattle's downtown free-ride zone. She also voted against making the county sheriff an appointed position, which was proposed to give the council and county executive more oversight in the wake of protests against police brutality. Lambert was the only no vote on the 2019 bill to use state money to fund early learning, post-secondary education, and in-home care providers.

Former Obama administration and Sen. Maria Cantwell staffer Joe Cohen is also challenging Lambert in King County District 3. Since returning home to the Eastside, Cohen has worked at the law firm of Hogan Lovells advising technology companies.

Cohen's campaign is focusing on improving the county's approach to homelessness and reforming the Sheriff's office. Cohen has expressed frustration with the county's lack of progress addressing homelessness and wants to increase oversight over the county's spending on these programs. He wants to use his experience investigating federal law enforcement agencies in the Obama administration to make the sheriff's office more transparent and accountable. Cohen mentioned that though criminal justice takes three-quarters of the county budget, he does not believe that funds need to be transferred to human services or other budget areas that some of the community have called for. He believes that a change of culture in police departments and having more non-uniformed personnel respond to issues will address community concerns. While not conservative, Cohen's platform falls short on some progressive priorities that are important to voters.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Redmond City Council

Redmond City Council, Position #4

Melissa Stuart photo

Melissa Stuart

Website Facebook Endorsements

Melissa Stuart is running for Redmond City Council, Position 4 to bring her advocacy for the environment and education to the council. She is the Director of Individual Giving at Boys and Girls Club of King County, has served on the board of Zero Waste Washington and South Transit, and as an Eastside Climate Justice Steward with the Alliance for Jobs and Clean Energy. She has also worked at Youth Eastside Services to help provide behavioral healthcare for families.

She is running against Dennis Ellis and Jackson Fields. Finance analyst Ellis' campaign site is inactive as of July 13, but he states that he will bring his corporate background to the council. His candidate statement implies a more conservative campaign that will prioritize the needs of businesses over the community. Jackson Fields has no website or campaign presence as of July 13.

Stuart has been endorsed by several leading Democratic representatives and elected officials. While her campaign platform is not fully fleshed out on her website, her long record of community and professional service speaks to a candidate who is ready to contribute meaningfully to the council.

Stuart is the best choice for Redmond City Council, Position 4.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Melissa Stuart is running for Redmond City Council, Position 4 to bring her advocacy for the environment and education to the council. She is the Director of Individual Giving at Boys and Girls Club of King County, has served on the board of Zero Waste Washington and South Transit, and as an Eastside Climate Justice Steward with the Alliance for Jobs and Clean Energy. She has also worked at Youth Eastside Services to help provide behavioral healthcare for families.

She is running against Dennis Ellis and Jackson Fields. Finance analyst Ellis' campaign site is inactive as of July 13, but he states that he will bring his corporate background to the council. His candidate statement implies a more conservative campaign that will prioritize the needs of businesses over the community. Jackson Fields has no website or campaign presence as of July 13.

Stuart has been endorsed by several leading Democratic representatives and elected officials. While her campaign platform is not fully fleshed out on her website, her long record of community and professional service speaks to a candidate who is ready to contribute meaningfully to the council.

Stuart is the best choice for Redmond City Council, Position 4.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Endorsed By: Alliance for Gun Responsibility

King County, Public Hospital District 2

King County, Public Hospital District 2, Commissioner, Position #4

Katie Grainger photo

Katie Grainger

Katie Grainger is running for King County Public Hospital District 2, Commissioner Position 4. Grainger works as a communications consultant currently working with Clinical Care at Providence. She was the first in her family to receive a college degree and went on to earn a masters at the University of Washington. Additionally, Grainger serves as an ambassador with the Sjogren's Syndrome Foundation.

Grainger has an autoimmune disease and, with her professional experience with health care nonprofits, she believes she is well-poised to bridge hospital administration and patient needs while bringing a community focus. If elected, she wants to work on health care reform at the local level in the service of the health and wellbeing of all district residents. Grainger has earned the endorsements of the local Democrats and the National Women’s Caucus.

Gainger is facing incumbent Charles Pilcher and Noreen Shaikh. Pilcher was elected to Commissioner Position 4 in 2010 and is a retired emergency doctor. He is running to cut funding to services and extend his tenure as the only physician on the board. Pilcher is not a progressive choice.

Noreen Shaikh has both nursing and business degrees. She believes her experience launching virtual care and running operations on the oncology infusion center while following CDC guidelines through the COVID pandemic have given her direct insight into hospital management and patient care, especially in a crisis. If elected, she wants to invest in human infrastructure to address staffing shortages, manage growth strategically, and upgrade the district’s health care technology. Unfortunately, as of late July, Shaikh does not have a strong campaign presence.

Katie Grainger is the best choice in this race.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Katie Grainger is running for King County Public Hospital District 2, Commissioner Position 4. Grainger works as a communications consultant currently working with Clinical Care at Providence. She was the first in her family to receive a college degree and went on to earn a masters at the University of Washington. Additionally, Grainger serves as an ambassador with the Sjogren's Syndrome Foundation.

Grainger has an autoimmune disease and, with her professional experience with health care nonprofits, she believes she is well-poised to bridge hospital administration and patient needs while bringing a community focus. If elected, she wants to work on health care reform at the local level in the service of the health and wellbeing of all district residents. Grainger has earned the endorsements of the local Democrats and the National Women’s Caucus.

Gainger is facing incumbent Charles Pilcher and Noreen Shaikh. Pilcher was elected to Commissioner Position 4 in 2010 and is a retired emergency doctor. He is running to cut funding to services and extend his tenure as the only physician on the board. Pilcher is not a progressive choice.

Noreen Shaikh has both nursing and business degrees. She believes her experience launching virtual care and running operations on the oncology infusion center while following CDC guidelines through the COVID pandemic have given her direct insight into hospital management and patient care, especially in a crisis. If elected, she wants to invest in human infrastructure to address staffing shortages, manage growth strategically, and upgrade the district’s health care technology. Unfortunately, as of late July, Shaikh does not have a strong campaign presence.

Katie Grainger is the best choice in this race.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Endorsed By: 48th Legislative District Democrats, National Women's Political Caucus of Washington