The Snohomish Ebony PAC (SEPAC) exists to increase the representation of African Americans in elected positions and to hold all elected officials accountable to our community, regardless of political party affiliation.
Depending on where you live, you may have the below county races on your ballot.
Susanna Johnson, a 30-year veteran of the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office, is challenging incumbent Adam Fortney for Snohomish County Sheriff. She has worked in many roles across departments, including as a patrol deputy, detective sergeant, and SWAT Entry Team. Johnson was recently recruited by the Bothell Police Department to serve as a Lateral Police Captain and promoted to deputy chief. She is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy, which is the most sought-after executive law enforcement leadership training.
In our interview with Johnson, she pointed to her vast executive and police experience compared to Fortney's and her desire to return the sheriff's office to steady leadership. She points to Fortney's rehiring of officers fired for dishonesty and improper use of force as well as the hiring of a Proud Boy as two reasons why the public has lost confidence in the office as a neutral body. She also points to internal issues, including the department's loss of accreditation, which costs taxpayers money in higher litigation and insurance fees, as well as increasing reports of PTSD for officers as other reasons for voters to be concerned. If elected, Johnson wants to see the office return to more community policing, building rapport among neighbors and businesses, reducing armed officer responses to calls when it's unnecessary, and using better analysis to prevent crime.
Incumbent Adam Fortney has served as sheriff since a contentious run against former sheriff Ty Trenary in 2019, whom Fortney worked for as sergeant. Fortney is a so-called "constitutional sheriff" who has refused to enforce laws that he doesn't personally believe in, including public health laws.
Fortney also used his position to publicly advocate against state laws on police accountability and high speed chases in a video he released from the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office. These types of communications may be illegal, as sheriff's offices and other public agencies are supposed to be limited to communications with constituents, not lobbying against lawmakers or public policy.
Fortney's term has been marred by endless controversies that have eroded confidence in his leadership and judgement. Johnson's clearheaded vision would return the office to a much healthier place, and her enormous amount of endorsements, from progressive elected officials to other sheriffs' offices, show the strength of her platform and personal character. Johnson is by far the best choice for Snohomish County Sheriff.
Susanna Johnson, a 30-year veteran of the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office, is challenging incumbent Adam Fortney for Snohomish County Sheriff. She has worked in many roles across departments, including as a patrol deputy, detective sergeant, and SWAT Entry Team. Johnson was recently recruited by the Bothell Police Department to serve as a Lateral Police Captain and promoted to deputy chief. She is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy, which is the most sought-after executive law enforcement leadership training.
In our interview with Johnson, she pointed to her vast executive and police experience compared to Fortney's and her desire to return the sheriff's office to steady leadership. She points to Fortney's rehiring of officers fired for dishonesty and improper use of force as well as the hiring of a Proud Boy as two reasons why the public has lost confidence in the office as a neutral body. She also points to internal issues, including the department's loss of accreditation, which costs taxpayers money in higher litigation and insurance fees, as well as increasing reports of PTSD for officers as other reasons for voters to be concerned. If elected, Johnson wants to see the office return to more community policing, building rapport among neighbors and businesses, reducing armed officer responses to calls when it's unnecessary, and using better analysis to prevent crime.
Incumbent Adam Fortney has served as sheriff since a contentious run against former sheriff Ty Trenary in 2019, whom Fortney worked for as sergeant. Fortney is a so-called "constitutional sheriff" who has refused to enforce laws that he doesn't personally believe in, including public health laws.
Fortney also used his position to publicly advocate against state laws on police accountability and high speed chases in a video he released from the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office. These types of communications may be illegal, as sheriff's offices and other public agencies are supposed to be limited to communications with constituents, not lobbying against lawmakers or public policy.
Fortney's term has been marred by endless controversies that have eroded confidence in his leadership and judgement. Johnson's clearheaded vision would return the office to a much healthier place, and her enormous amount of endorsements, from progressive elected officials to other sheriffs' offices, show the strength of her platform and personal character. Johnson is by far the best choice for Snohomish County Sheriff.
Susanna Johnson, a 30-year veteran of the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office, is challenging incumbent Adam Fortney for Snohomish County Sheriff. She has worked in many roles across departments, including as a patrol deputy, detective sergeant, and SWAT Entry Team. Johnson was recently recruited by the Bothell Police Department to serve as a Lateral Police Captain and promoted to deputy chief. She is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy, which is the most sought-after executive law enforcement leadership training.
In our interview with Johnson, she pointed to her vast executive and police experience compared to Fortney's and her desire to return the sheriff's office to steady leadership. She points to Fortney's rehiring of officers fired for dishonesty and improper use of force as well as the hiring of a Proud Boy as two reasons why the public has lost confidence in the office as a neutral body. She also points to internal issues, including the department's loss of accreditation, which costs taxpayers money in higher litigation and insurance fees, as well as increasing reports of PTSD for officers as other reasons for voters to be concerned. If elected, Johnson wants to see the office return to more community policing, building rapport among neighbors and businesses, reducing armed officer responses to calls when it's unnecessary, and using better analysis to prevent crime.
Incumbent Adam Fortney has served as sheriff since a contentious run against former sheriff Ty Trenary in 2019, whom Fortney worked for as sergeant. Fortney is a so-called "constitutional sheriff" who has refused to enforce laws that he doesn't personally believe in, including public health laws.
Fortney also used his position to publicly advocate against state laws on police accountability and high speed chases in a video he released from the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office. These types of communications may be illegal, as sheriff's offices and other public agencies are supposed to be limited to communications with constituents, not lobbying against lawmakers or public policy.
Fortney's term has been marred by endless controversies that have eroded confidence in his leadership and judgement. Johnson's clearheaded vision would return the office to a much healthier place, and her enormous amount of endorsements, from progressive elected officials to other sheriffs' offices, show the strength of her platform and personal character. Johnson is by far the best choice for Snohomish County Sheriff.
Susan Paine, one of the few progressives on the Edmonds City Council, is running this year to retain Position 6. Paine comes to the council with years of experience as an employee for the city of Seattle, former president of the Edmonds School Board, and the vice chair of AtWork!, a nonprofit serving people with disabilities. She holds a master's degree in public administration from Seattle University.
Paine has not been afraid to vote against her conservative colleagues, especially when it comes to housing. Although Edmonds has around 450 people experiencing homelessness, the city has no shelters, and does not allow affordable multifamily housing to be built on 94 percent of its land. Paine is the only council member who does not want to keep these exclusionary rules - she was the sole vote in favor of accepting a grant to study ways to provide more middle-income housing options.
Paine was also one of only two council members to oppose the decision to ban living outside within 35 miles of a shelter, a move that she said effectively "criminalized poverty." Unlike her colleagues, Paine believes that Edmonds should increase housing options, shelter space, and much needed services instead of punishing people who are struggling.
Despite being outnumbered on the council, Paine has managed to accomplish much for the people of Edmonds. During the pandemic, she funded relief for local businesses without cutting staff for essential programs like the Edmonds Food Bank. She made changes that kept kids safe from traffic around their schools, introduced a local human services program for families, and protected Edmonds' environment through initiatives that introduced more solar power, electric charging, and protections for city trees.
Kevin Fagerstrom is challenging Paine for Edmonds City Council, Position 6. He is a retired police sergeant who was one of the officers who shot and killed a civilian, Eugene Culp Jr., in 2006. Fagerstrom is a conservative who is running for office to resist Washington's efforts to build more housing that people with lower or middle incomes can afford. Although we know that most people who lose their housing are lower-income locals who have experienced an emergency like losing their job, Fagerstrom spreads the myth that "drug addicts and mental patients" are moving into Edmonds to receive services. He would use the fear of helping "nonresidents" to justify the lack of services for people who are struggling to afford the limited housing available in Edmonds.
Paine is one of the few council members who consistently champions environmental stewardship, homes for working people, and services that help our communities thrive. She deserves your vote for Edmonds City Council, Position 6.
Susan Paine, one of the few progressives on the Edmonds City Council, is running this year to retain Position 6. Paine comes to the council with years of experience as an employee for the city of Seattle, former president of the Edmonds School Board, and the vice chair of AtWork!, a nonprofit serving people with disabilities. She holds a master's degree in public administration from Seattle University.
Paine has not been afraid to vote against her conservative colleagues, especially when it comes to housing. Although Edmonds has around 450 people experiencing homelessness, the city has no shelters, and does not allow affordable multifamily housing to be built on 94 percent of its land. Paine is the only council member who does not want to keep these exclusionary rules - she was the sole vote in favor of accepting a grant to study ways to provide more middle-income housing options.
Paine was also one of only two council members to oppose the decision to ban living outside within 35 miles of a shelter, a move that she said effectively "criminalized poverty." Unlike her colleagues, Paine believes that Edmonds should increase housing options, shelter space, and much needed services instead of punishing people who are struggling.
Despite being outnumbered on the council, Paine has managed to accomplish much for the people of Edmonds. During the pandemic, she funded relief for local businesses without cutting staff for essential programs like the Edmonds Food Bank. She made changes that kept kids safe from traffic around their schools, introduced a local human services program for families, and protected Edmonds' environment through initiatives that introduced more solar power, electric charging, and protections for city trees.
Kevin Fagerstrom is challenging Paine for Edmonds City Council, Position 6. He is a retired police sergeant who was one of the officers who shot and killed a civilian, Eugene Culp Jr., in 2006. Fagerstrom is a conservative who is running for office to resist Washington's efforts to build more housing that people with lower or middle incomes can afford. Although we know that most people who lose their housing are lower-income locals who have experienced an emergency like losing their job, Fagerstrom spreads the myth that "drug addicts and mental patients" are moving into Edmonds to receive services. He would use the fear of helping "nonresidents" to justify the lack of services for people who are struggling to afford the limited housing available in Edmonds.
Paine is one of the few council members who consistently champions environmental stewardship, homes for working people, and services that help our communities thrive. She deserves your vote for Edmonds City Council, Position 6.
Susan Paine, one of the few progressives on the Edmonds City Council, is running this year to retain Position 6. Paine comes to the council with years of experience as an employee for the city of Seattle, former president of the Edmonds School Board, and the vice chair of AtWork!, a nonprofit serving people with disabilities. She holds a master's degree in public administration from Seattle University.
Paine has not been afraid to vote against her conservative colleagues, especially when it comes to housing. Although Edmonds has around 450 people experiencing homelessness, the city has no shelters, and does not allow affordable multifamily housing to be built on 94 percent of its land. Paine is the only council member who does not want to keep these exclusionary rules - she was the sole vote in favor of accepting a grant to study ways to provide more middle-income housing options.
Paine was also one of only two council members to oppose the decision to ban living outside within 35 miles of a shelter, a move that she said effectively "criminalized poverty." Unlike her colleagues, Paine believes that Edmonds should increase housing options, shelter space, and much needed services instead of punishing people who are struggling.
Despite being outnumbered on the council, Paine has managed to accomplish much for the people of Edmonds. During the pandemic, she funded relief for local businesses without cutting staff for essential programs like the Edmonds Food Bank. She made changes that kept kids safe from traffic around their schools, introduced a local human services program for families, and protected Edmonds' environment through initiatives that introduced more solar power, electric charging, and protections for city trees.
Kevin Fagerstrom is challenging Paine for Edmonds City Council, Position 6. He is a retired police sergeant who was one of the officers who shot and killed a civilian, Eugene Culp Jr., in 2006. Fagerstrom is a conservative who is running for office to resist Washington's efforts to build more housing that people with lower or middle incomes can afford. Although we know that most people who lose their housing are lower-income locals who have experienced an emergency like losing their job, Fagerstrom spreads the myth that "drug addicts and mental patients" are moving into Edmonds to receive services. He would use the fear of helping "nonresidents" to justify the lack of services for people who are struggling to afford the limited housing available in Edmonds.
Paine is one of the few council members who consistently champions environmental stewardship, homes for working people, and services that help our communities thrive. She deserves your vote for Edmonds City Council, Position 6.
Demi Chatters is a working mom and progressive activist running for Everett City Council, Position 6. She is a long-time Everett resident who has served on the Everett Planning Commission and Snohomish County Human Rights Commission. She also volunteers with organizations that center youth, Black, and LGBTQ+ communities.
Chatters is running for office to center the needs of the working people of Everett. One of her top priorities is increasing housing options for people with lower or middle incomes who are struggling to keep a roof over their head. Her platform also prioritizes workers' rights, accessible green spaces, and a public safety approach that relies on social supports over policing. She points to several concrete ways she will work towards her goals, including reforming zoning laws to allow the building of more homes, requiring fair wages and working conditions on city-funded projects, increasing transit routes, creating mini-parks, and expanding the team of social workers that respond to emergencies.
Chatters' opponent, conservative Scott Bader, was an obstacle to progress on important city reforms during his time on council. Bader supported inflating the police budget by $6 million while cutting the funding for services that we know actually keep our communities safe, housed, and healthy. He also proposed expanding the controversial "no sit, no lie" ordinance that criminalizes homelessness rather than seeking real solutions.
Chatters has earned the support of many progressive leaders and organizations. Because of her community involvement, dedication to racial justice, and concrete plans for progress, she is by far the best choice for Everett City Council, Position 6.
Demi Chatters is a working mom and progressive activist running for Everett City Council, Position 6. She is a long-time Everett resident who has served on the Everett Planning Commission and Snohomish County Human Rights Commission. She also volunteers with organizations that center youth, Black, and LGBTQ+ communities.
Chatters is running for office to center the needs of the working people of Everett. One of her top priorities is increasing housing options for people with lower or middle incomes who are struggling to keep a roof over their head. Her platform also prioritizes workers' rights, accessible green spaces, and a public safety approach that relies on social supports over policing. She points to several concrete ways she will work towards her goals, including reforming zoning laws to allow the building of more homes, requiring fair wages and working conditions on city-funded projects, increasing transit routes, creating mini-parks, and expanding the team of social workers that respond to emergencies.
Chatters' opponent, conservative Scott Bader, was an obstacle to progress on important city reforms during his time on council. Bader supported inflating the police budget by $6 million while cutting the funding for services that we know actually keep our communities safe, housed, and healthy. He also proposed expanding the controversial "no sit, no lie" ordinance that criminalizes homelessness rather than seeking real solutions.
Chatters has earned the support of many progressive leaders and organizations. Because of her community involvement, dedication to racial justice, and concrete plans for progress, she is by far the best choice for Everett City Council, Position 6.
Demi Chatters is a working mom and progressive activist running for Everett City Council, Position 6. She is a long-time Everett resident who has served on the Everett Planning Commission and Snohomish County Human Rights Commission. She also volunteers with organizations that center youth, Black, and LGBTQ+ communities.
Chatters is running for office to center the needs of the working people of Everett. One of her top priorities is increasing housing options for people with lower or middle incomes who are struggling to keep a roof over their head. Her platform also prioritizes workers' rights, accessible green spaces, and a public safety approach that relies on social supports over policing. She points to several concrete ways she will work towards her goals, including reforming zoning laws to allow the building of more homes, requiring fair wages and working conditions on city-funded projects, increasing transit routes, creating mini-parks, and expanding the team of social workers that respond to emergencies.
Chatters' opponent, conservative Scott Bader, was an obstacle to progress on important city reforms during his time on council. Bader supported inflating the police budget by $6 million while cutting the funding for services that we know actually keep our communities safe, housed, and healthy. He also proposed expanding the controversial "no sit, no lie" ordinance that criminalizes homelessness rather than seeking real solutions.
Chatters has earned the support of many progressive leaders and organizations. Because of her community involvement, dedication to racial justice, and concrete plans for progress, she is by far the best choice for Everett City Council, Position 6.
