SEIU Healthcare 1199NW represents more than 28,000 nurses, healthcare employees, and mental health workers in hospitals, agencies, and clinics statewide. Recommendations from SEIU Healthcare 1199NW are based on candidate interviews, questionnaires, and voting records.
Depending on where you live, you may have one of the below ballot measures on your ballot.
King County Proposition 1 would extend the Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy. The levy provides funding for public programs in areas such as employment, behavioral health treatment, and housing, and helps connect those resources to seniors, veterans, service members, and military families who need them.
First passed in 2006, the original levy only addressed the needs of our community members who have served in the armed forces; however, in 2017, voters approved an updated levy to include our senior neighbors. In the last five years, the levy has helped reduce veteran homelessness by 40 percent, funded 39 senior centers across King County, built more than 200 units of affordable housing for veterans and their families, and launched a 24-hour, multilingual domestic violence hotline. If approved this year, the levy would ensure continued funding for the essential services it has already been delivering and allow the county to respond to the ongoing effects of the pandemic and economic downturn.
We all benefit when our local government cares for our neighbors. The Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services levy is a crucial part of our shared security net. Vote "Approved" on King County Proposition 1.
King County Proposition 1 would extend the Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy. The levy provides funding for public programs in areas such as employment, behavioral health treatment, and housing, and helps connect those resources to seniors, veterans, service members, and military families who need them.
First passed in 2006, the original levy only addressed the needs of our community members who have served in the armed forces; however, in 2017, voters approved an updated levy to include our senior neighbors. In the last five years, the levy has helped reduce veteran homelessness by 40 percent, funded 39 senior centers across King County, built more than 200 units of affordable housing for veterans and their families, and launched a 24-hour, multilingual domestic violence hotline. If approved this year, the levy would ensure continued funding for the essential services it has already been delivering and allow the county to respond to the ongoing effects of the pandemic and economic downturn.
We all benefit when our local government cares for our neighbors. The Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services levy is a crucial part of our shared security net. Vote "Approved" on King County Proposition 1.
Depending on the county district you live in, you may have the following races on your ballot.
King County Budget Manager Becka Johnson Poppe is running to put her budgetary skills and experience to work for the King County Council. She has worked as the UW Director of Policy, Planning & State Operations and as a Budget & Policy Manager with King County. Like Reyneveld, Poppe has held many volunteer roles in the community as well, including as director on the board of youth homelessness advocacy organization YouthCare and serving as a precinct committee officer with the 36th District Democrats.
Poppe's top three priorities are the environment, equity, and the economy. In our interview with Poppe, she spoke in depth about her work to help oversee half of King County’s $16 billion budget to meet ambitious equity and climate goals. She also said that she would oppose criminalizing homelessness, instead advocating for the houseless as one of the many types of people left behind in the region's uneven prosperity boom. Poppe supports social housing and providing support for first-time homebuyers through a housing levy.
Like Baron and Reyneveld, Poppe agreed that the county should seek more mental and behavioral health infrastructure and investments in community courts and other criminal legal alternatives. She said her biggest accomplishment was the development of the county's first-ever Climate Equity Bond, which brought $20 million to frontline communities.
Poppe emphasized the environment during her interview. Her plan includes additional investment in accessible, emissions-free transportation like electrifying and expanding the county’s bus and vehicle fleet, providing more green spaces, and working on climate justice in communities most impacted by climate change. She was the only candidate to mention fare-free Metro, both as a way to curb spending on fare enforcement and encourage more riders. Poppe is a good choice If you're looking for a candidate with experience managing large budgets who will prioritize environmental issues.
King County Budget Manager Becka Johnson Poppe is running to put her budgetary skills and experience to work for the King County Council. She has worked as the UW Director of Policy, Planning & State Operations and as a Budget & Policy Manager with King County. Like Reyneveld, Poppe has held many volunteer roles in the community as well, including as director on the board of youth homelessness advocacy organization YouthCare and serving as a precinct committee officer with the 36th District Democrats.
Poppe's top three priorities are the environment, equity, and the economy. In our interview with Poppe, she spoke in depth about her work to help oversee half of King County’s $16 billion budget to meet ambitious equity and climate goals. She also said that she would oppose criminalizing homelessness, instead advocating for the houseless as one of the many types of people left behind in the region's uneven prosperity boom. Poppe supports social housing and providing support for first-time homebuyers through a housing levy.
Like Baron and Reyneveld, Poppe agreed that the county should seek more mental and behavioral health infrastructure and investments in community courts and other criminal legal alternatives. She said her biggest accomplishment was the development of the county's first-ever Climate Equity Bond, which brought $20 million to frontline communities.
Poppe emphasized the environment during her interview. Her plan includes additional investment in accessible, emissions-free transportation like electrifying and expanding the county’s bus and vehicle fleet, providing more green spaces, and working on climate justice in communities most impacted by climate change. She was the only candidate to mention fare-free Metro, both as a way to curb spending on fare enforcement and encourage more riders. Poppe is a good choice If you're looking for a candidate with experience managing large budgets who will prioritize environmental issues.
King County Budget Manager Becka Johnson Poppe is running to put her budgetary skills and experience to work for the King County Council. She has worked as the UW Director of Policy, Planning & State Operations and as a Budget & Policy Manager with King County. Like Reyneveld, Poppe has held many volunteer roles in the community as well, including as director on the board of youth homelessness advocacy organization YouthCare and serving as a precinct committee officer with the 36th District Democrats.
Poppe's top three priorities are the environment, equity, and the economy. In our interview with Poppe, she spoke in depth about her work to help oversee half of King County’s $16 billion budget to meet ambitious equity and climate goals. She also said that she would oppose criminalizing homelessness, instead advocating for the houseless as one of the many types of people left behind in the region's uneven prosperity boom. Poppe supports social housing and providing support for first-time homebuyers through a housing levy.
Like Baron and Reyneveld, Poppe agreed that the county should seek more mental and behavioral health infrastructure and investments in community courts and other criminal legal alternatives. She said her biggest accomplishment was the development of the county's first-ever Climate Equity Bond, which brought $20 million to frontline communities.
Poppe emphasized the environment during her interview. Her plan includes additional investment in accessible, emissions-free transportation like electrifying and expanding the county’s bus and vehicle fleet, providing more green spaces, and working on climate justice in communities most impacted by climate change. She was the only candidate to mention fare-free Metro, both as a way to curb spending on fare enforcement and encourage more riders. Poppe is a good choice If you're looking for a candidate with experience managing large budgets who will prioritize environmental issues.
Kim-Khanh Van is running for re-election to Renton City Council, Position 7, where she has served since 2020. After her family escaped Vietnam as refugees and settled in King County, she went on to earn her law degree and become an attorney. Van is now an active member of the community - she volunteers with groups that serve veterans, protect the local environment, and provide legal aid to immigrants. She also is a board member of the Kennydale PTA, where her child attends school, and is the co-founder of AAPI Against Hate.
On the council, Van allocated pandemic funding to homeownership programs, human services, and small businesses. She advocated for testing for toxic "forever chemicals" in our water systems and denounced the construction of an asphalt plant on the Cedar River. She was also one of only two members of the Renton City Council who voted to maintain the Red Lion Hotel as a source of housing for residents experiencing homelessness. However, unlike her opponent Michael Westgaard, she has not publicly endorsed the Raise the Wage Renton ballot measure to increase the minimum wage.
Van cares about police accountability and advocated for $1 million to fund body cameras and mental health navigators. However, she also supported hiring and funding additional police to patrol downtown. Notably, she was not one of the three city council members who signed a letter demanding a less punitive approach to criminal justice.
Van has been an outspoken advocate for immigrants and communities of color and has earned impressive support from our partners in this race.
Kim-Khanh Van is running for re-election to Renton City Council, Position 7, where she has served since 2020. After her family escaped Vietnam as refugees and settled in King County, she went on to earn her law degree and become an attorney. Van is now an active member of the community - she volunteers with groups that serve veterans, protect the local environment, and provide legal aid to immigrants. She also is a board member of the Kennydale PTA, where her child attends school, and is the co-founder of AAPI Against Hate.
On the council, Van allocated pandemic funding to homeownership programs, human services, and small businesses. She advocated for testing for toxic "forever chemicals" in our water systems and denounced the construction of an asphalt plant on the Cedar River. She was also one of only two members of the Renton City Council who voted to maintain the Red Lion Hotel as a source of housing for residents experiencing homelessness. However, unlike her opponent Michael Westgaard, she has not publicly endorsed the Raise the Wage Renton ballot measure to increase the minimum wage.
Van cares about police accountability and advocated for $1 million to fund body cameras and mental health navigators. However, she also supported hiring and funding additional police to patrol downtown. Notably, she was not one of the three city council members who signed a letter demanding a less punitive approach to criminal justice.
Van has been an outspoken advocate for immigrants and communities of color and has earned impressive support from our partners in this race.
Kim-Khanh Van is running for re-election to Renton City Council, Position 7, where she has served since 2020. After her family escaped Vietnam as refugees and settled in King County, she went on to earn her law degree and become an attorney. Van is now an active member of the community - she volunteers with groups that serve veterans, protect the local environment, and provide legal aid to immigrants. She also is a board member of the Kennydale PTA, where her child attends school, and is the co-founder of AAPI Against Hate.
On the council, Van allocated pandemic funding to homeownership programs, human services, and small businesses. She advocated for testing for toxic "forever chemicals" in our water systems and denounced the construction of an asphalt plant on the Cedar River. She was also one of only two members of the Renton City Council who voted to maintain the Red Lion Hotel as a source of housing for residents experiencing homelessness. However, unlike her opponent Michael Westgaard, she has not publicly endorsed the Raise the Wage Renton ballot measure to increase the minimum wage.
Van cares about police accountability and advocated for $1 million to fund body cameras and mental health navigators. However, she also supported hiring and funding additional police to patrol downtown. Notably, she was not one of the three city council members who signed a letter demanding a less punitive approach to criminal justice.
Van has been an outspoken advocate for immigrants and communities of color and has earned impressive support from our partners in this race.
Spokane City Councilmember Betsy Wilkerson is running for council president to unite the city in a vision of collaboration and equity. She was appointed to the city council to replace Breean Beggs when he became council president in 2020. Only the second Black woman to ever serve on the council, if Wilkerson is elected this year she would become the first-ever Black president on the Spokane City Council.
Wilkerson is no stranger to serving the community - she's the former president of the Women Helping Women Fund and the Junior League of Spokane. Currently, Wilkerson is the board president for the Carl Maxey Center and runs Moore's Boarding Home Assisted Living.
In our local questionnaire and interview with Wilkerson, the councilmember said she was most excited to make it easier and more affordable to build homes. That means fast-tracking permits, encouraging remodels instead of tear-downs to reduce pollution, and making zoning reforms. She spoke about how homeownership builds wealth, and amid the housing crisis wants to encourage homeownership for families of color with more accessible down payment assistance and educational programs to address racial disparities.
In contrast to her opponents, Wilkerson is ready to defend independent police oversight. She agrees with community members who have asked for this authority because the Spokane Police Department is allegedly the third deadliest police force in the country per population. Wilkerson wants to pair mental health responders with law enforcement in applicable calls and make sure that all in the city are treated fairly when dealing with police.
Her positions in support of walkable neighborhoods, boosting resources for alleviating homelessness, and providing a safety net for residents demonstrate she is a candidate who will ensure that everyone thrives. Wilkerson's many progressive endorsements demonstrate her solid record in the community and on the council as a capable and collaborative leader. Betsy Wilkerson has earned your vote for Spokane City Council President.
Spokane City Councilmember Betsy Wilkerson is running for council president to unite the city in a vision of collaboration and equity. She was appointed to the city council to replace Breean Beggs when he became council president in 2020. Only the second Black woman to ever serve on the council, if Wilkerson is elected this year she would become the first-ever Black president on the Spokane City Council.
Wilkerson is no stranger to serving the community - she's the former president of the Women Helping Women Fund and the Junior League of Spokane. Currently, Wilkerson is the board president for the Carl Maxey Center and runs Moore's Boarding Home Assisted Living.
In our local questionnaire and interview with Wilkerson, the councilmember said she was most excited to make it easier and more affordable to build homes. That means fast-tracking permits, encouraging remodels instead of tear-downs to reduce pollution, and making zoning reforms. She spoke about how homeownership builds wealth, and amid the housing crisis wants to encourage homeownership for families of color with more accessible down payment assistance and educational programs to address racial disparities.
In contrast to her opponents, Wilkerson is ready to defend independent police oversight. She agrees with community members who have asked for this authority because the Spokane Police Department is allegedly the third deadliest police force in the country per population. Wilkerson wants to pair mental health responders with law enforcement in applicable calls and make sure that all in the city are treated fairly when dealing with police.
Her positions in support of walkable neighborhoods, boosting resources for alleviating homelessness, and providing a safety net for residents demonstrate she is a candidate who will ensure that everyone thrives. Wilkerson's many progressive endorsements demonstrate her solid record in the community and on the council as a capable and collaborative leader. Betsy Wilkerson has earned your vote for Spokane City Council President.
Spokane City Councilmember Betsy Wilkerson is running for council president to unite the city in a vision of collaboration and equity. She was appointed to the city council to replace Breean Beggs when he became council president in 2020. Only the second Black woman to ever serve on the council, if Wilkerson is elected this year she would become the first-ever Black president on the Spokane City Council.
Wilkerson is no stranger to serving the community - she's the former president of the Women Helping Women Fund and the Junior League of Spokane. Currently, Wilkerson is the board president for the Carl Maxey Center and runs Moore's Boarding Home Assisted Living.
In our local questionnaire and interview with Wilkerson, the councilmember said she was most excited to make it easier and more affordable to build homes. That means fast-tracking permits, encouraging remodels instead of tear-downs to reduce pollution, and making zoning reforms. She spoke about how homeownership builds wealth, and amid the housing crisis wants to encourage homeownership for families of color with more accessible down payment assistance and educational programs to address racial disparities.
In contrast to her opponents, Wilkerson is ready to defend independent police oversight. She agrees with community members who have asked for this authority because the Spokane Police Department is allegedly the third deadliest police force in the country per population. Wilkerson wants to pair mental health responders with law enforcement in applicable calls and make sure that all in the city are treated fairly when dealing with police.
Her positions in support of walkable neighborhoods, boosting resources for alleviating homelessness, and providing a safety net for residents demonstrate she is a candidate who will ensure that everyone thrives. Wilkerson's many progressive endorsements demonstrate her solid record in the community and on the council as a capable and collaborative leader. Betsy Wilkerson has earned your vote for Spokane City Council President.
Esteban Herevia is running for Spokane City Council to bring a vision of joy and safety for all residents to city hall. He is currently the strategist for health justice and belonging at Washington State University’s Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine. Until recently, he was also president and CEO of Spokane Pride, the organization which holds the annual Spokane Pride festival.
Herevia explained his vision for a Spokane where everyone is thriving and welcome in his local Fuse questionnaire. Herevia became homeless in his youth after his family inflicted violence on him when he came out to them. This has informed his views on homelessness as a candidate. He knows that many living on the streets today are community members who have suffered bad luck or economic misfortune. If elected, he plans to embrace more affordable housing to ensure the dignity of all who live in Spokane. Specifically, he would prioritize ensuring any new developments have 30 percent affordable housing and supports multiple types of zoning to maximize the types of housing available.
On the issue of public safety, Herevia would empower the police ombudsman to independently investigate police misconduct, including the police chief's alleged preferential treatment of wealthy business owners. He also believes that in the upcoming contract negotiation, the city must emphasize unarmed officers for nonviolent calls and having mental health professionals attend relevant 911 calls alongside police.
Herevia recently faced an accusation of improper conduct with a student while he was an employee at Whitworth University. The Spokesman-Review published a detailed story that presents both sides of the issue, including transcripts of their text message conversations, which you can read here.
Herevia would be a strong advocate for marginalized communities and equality for all in Spokane.
Esteban Herevia is running for Spokane City Council to bring a vision of joy and safety for all residents to city hall. He is currently the strategist for health justice and belonging at Washington State University’s Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine. Until recently, he was also president and CEO of Spokane Pride, the organization which holds the annual Spokane Pride festival.
Herevia explained his vision for a Spokane where everyone is thriving and welcome in his local Fuse questionnaire. Herevia became homeless in his youth after his family inflicted violence on him when he came out to them. This has informed his views on homelessness as a candidate. He knows that many living on the streets today are community members who have suffered bad luck or economic misfortune. If elected, he plans to embrace more affordable housing to ensure the dignity of all who live in Spokane. Specifically, he would prioritize ensuring any new developments have 30 percent affordable housing and supports multiple types of zoning to maximize the types of housing available.
On the issue of public safety, Herevia would empower the police ombudsman to independently investigate police misconduct, including the police chief's alleged preferential treatment of wealthy business owners. He also believes that in the upcoming contract negotiation, the city must emphasize unarmed officers for nonviolent calls and having mental health professionals attend relevant 911 calls alongside police.
Herevia recently faced an accusation of improper conduct with a student while he was an employee at Whitworth University. The Spokesman-Review published a detailed story that presents both sides of the issue, including transcripts of their text message conversations, which you can read here.
Herevia would be a strong advocate for marginalized communities and equality for all in Spokane.
Esteban Herevia is running for Spokane City Council to bring a vision of joy and safety for all residents to city hall. He is currently the strategist for health justice and belonging at Washington State University’s Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine. Until recently, he was also president and CEO of Spokane Pride, the organization which holds the annual Spokane Pride festival.
Herevia explained his vision for a Spokane where everyone is thriving and welcome in his local Fuse questionnaire. Herevia became homeless in his youth after his family inflicted violence on him when he came out to them. This has informed his views on homelessness as a candidate. He knows that many living on the streets today are community members who have suffered bad luck or economic misfortune. If elected, he plans to embrace more affordable housing to ensure the dignity of all who live in Spokane. Specifically, he would prioritize ensuring any new developments have 30 percent affordable housing and supports multiple types of zoning to maximize the types of housing available.
On the issue of public safety, Herevia would empower the police ombudsman to independently investigate police misconduct, including the police chief's alleged preferential treatment of wealthy business owners. He also believes that in the upcoming contract negotiation, the city must emphasize unarmed officers for nonviolent calls and having mental health professionals attend relevant 911 calls alongside police.
Herevia recently faced an accusation of improper conduct with a student while he was an employee at Whitworth University. The Spokesman-Review published a detailed story that presents both sides of the issue, including transcripts of their text message conversations, which you can read here.
Herevia would be a strong advocate for marginalized communities and equality for all in Spokane.
Former army reserve medic Kitty Klitze is running to bring her transportation expertise to the Spokane City Council. As the former chair of Spokane's Community Assembly Pedestrian, Transportation, and Traffic Committee, chair of the Spokane Regional Transportation Advisory Committee, and president of the Spokane Regional Food Policy Council, Klitze has been deeply involved in the community. She also led Complete Streets Spokane, which successfully advocated for bike and pedestrian infrastructure requirements when planning and building streets.
In our local interview, Klitzke had solid and progressive answers to many of the issues facing Spokane. Like Herevia, she agreed that the police ombudsman should be granted the power to independently investigate community complaints, which voters overwhelmingly approved. She also believed that Spokane needs to stop incentivizing housing that is not affordable and start incentivizing the development of vacant lots, buildings, and parking lots. On homelessness, she supports a housing-first approach that helps people find shelter and secure homes as well as needed services.
Klitzke is a good choice for those looking for an accomplished transportation advocate who is excited to take on the city's needs for long-term planning and vision.
Former army reserve medic Kitty Klitze is running to bring her transportation expertise to the Spokane City Council. As the former chair of Spokane's Community Assembly Pedestrian, Transportation, and Traffic Committee, chair of the Spokane Regional Transportation Advisory Committee, and president of the Spokane Regional Food Policy Council, Klitze has been deeply involved in the community. She also led Complete Streets Spokane, which successfully advocated for bike and pedestrian infrastructure requirements when planning and building streets.
In our local interview, Klitzke had solid and progressive answers to many of the issues facing Spokane. Like Herevia, she agreed that the police ombudsman should be granted the power to independently investigate community complaints, which voters overwhelmingly approved. She also believed that Spokane needs to stop incentivizing housing that is not affordable and start incentivizing the development of vacant lots, buildings, and parking lots. On homelessness, she supports a housing-first approach that helps people find shelter and secure homes as well as needed services.
Klitzke is a good choice for those looking for an accomplished transportation advocate who is excited to take on the city's needs for long-term planning and vision.
Former army reserve medic Kitty Klitze is running to bring her transportation expertise to the Spokane City Council. As the former chair of Spokane's Community Assembly Pedestrian, Transportation, and Traffic Committee, chair of the Spokane Regional Transportation Advisory Committee, and president of the Spokane Regional Food Policy Council, Klitze has been deeply involved in the community. She also led Complete Streets Spokane, which successfully advocated for bike and pedestrian infrastructure requirements when planning and building streets.
In our local interview, Klitzke had solid and progressive answers to many of the issues facing Spokane. Like Herevia, she agreed that the police ombudsman should be granted the power to independently investigate community complaints, which voters overwhelmingly approved. She also believed that Spokane needs to stop incentivizing housing that is not affordable and start incentivizing the development of vacant lots, buildings, and parking lots. On homelessness, she supports a housing-first approach that helps people find shelter and secure homes as well as needed services.
Klitzke is a good choice for those looking for an accomplished transportation advocate who is excited to take on the city's needs for long-term planning and vision.
