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Other Candidates

There are two other candidates running for Burien City Council, Position 2: Linda Akey and Rut Perez Studer. Akey is the owner of a small business that assists nonprofits and is the current chair of the Burien Business and Economic Development Partnership. She moved to Burien from Colorado in 2019. Although her platform includes her support for housing and services for Burien residents experiencing homelessness, her emphasis on public safety for businesses also includes empowering the police department and prohibiting "disruptive behaviors."

Akey was supportive of a sweep that displaced residents camping in front of Burien City Hall. In addition, she was recorded on video confronting the group that relocated campers in front of her condominium (a group that included the incumbent Cydney Moore).

Rut Perez-Studer is also running for Position 2. She began her career as an immigration paralegal on the US-Mexico border, helping women and children in domestic violence situations. She then shifted to commercial architectural design, and now works as a manager of the maritime division at the Port of Seattle. 

In her platform, she proposes skills-building and financial literacy for workers as the path to improving education and economic development. She also supports new construction projects for public buildings, extreme weather centers, and LEED-certified homes as a means to create jobs. She cites the lack of access to working wage jobs, affordable housing, and life necessities as the reasons behind crime, but does not provide concrete proposals for how to resolve these issues.

Last updated: 2023-07-13

There are two other candidates running for Burien City Council, Position 2: Linda Akey and Rut Perez Studer. Akey is the owner of a small business that assists nonprofits and is the current chair of the Burien Business and Economic Development Partnership. She moved to Burien from Colorado in 2019. Although her platform includes her support for housing and services for Burien residents experiencing homelessness, her emphasis on public safety for businesses also includes empowering the police department and prohibiting "disruptive behaviors."

Akey was supportive of a sweep that displaced residents camping in front of Burien City Hall. In addition, she was recorded on video confronting the group that relocated campers in front of her condominium (a group that included the incumbent Cydney Moore).

Rut Perez-Studer is also running for Position 2. She began her career as an immigration paralegal on the US-Mexico border, helping women and children in domestic violence situations. She then shifted to commercial architectural design, and now works as a manager of the maritime division at the Port of Seattle. 

In her platform, she proposes skills-building and financial literacy for workers as the path to improving education and economic development. She also supports new construction projects for public buildings, extreme weather centers, and LEED-certified homes as a means to create jobs. She cites the lack of access to working wage jobs, affordable housing, and life necessities as the reasons behind crime, but does not provide concrete proposals for how to resolve these issues.

Last updated: 2023-07-13

City of Burien

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Election Day August 1, 2023
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King County Ballot Measures

King County Proposition #1

VOTE APPROVED

Vote YES for Veterans and Seniors!

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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.

Last updated: 2023-07-13

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.

Last updated: 2023-07-13

Endorsed By M. L. King County Labor Council, AFL-CIO , SEIU 775 , SEIU Healthcare 1199NW , The Stranger , Teamsters 117 , South King County Professional Firefighters

King County, District 8

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

King County Council, District 8

Teresa Mosqueda photo
Non-Partisan

Teresa Mosqueda

Website Facebook Endorsements Instagram (Twitter)

Seattle City Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda is now running for King County Council from District 8. She was first elected to the Seattle City Council in 2017. Mosqueda previously worked at the Washington State Department of Health, Children’s Alliance, Community Health Plan of Washington, and the Washington State Labor Council, with a focus on worker's rights and children's healthcare. Among other community roles, she also served on the board of Fuse Washington, which publishes this guide.

Mosqueda has distinguished herself as a progressive leader on the Seattle City Council. She sponsored the Jumpstart Seattle legislation, which funds affordable housing through a tax on high earners at large corporations. In addition, she supported efforts to expand paid sick leave and establish minimum wages for gig and other workers who have often been left behind in our economy. Her current goal is passing the 2023 Housing Levy, which will be on the ballot for Seattle voters this November and would provide funding for crucial affordable housing, childcare services, and communal and cultural spaces that are disappearing from the city.

If elected to the county council, Mosqueda hopes to use her experience to address new and pressing issues in the county. Some of her priorities include finding locations for the six new county behavioral health centers, building workforce housing outside of Seattle, increasing apprenticeship programs, and more. 

Mosqueda is the clear choice for King County Council from District 8.

Last updated: 2023-07-14

Seattle City Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda is now running for King County Council from District 8. She was first elected to the Seattle City Council in 2017. Mosqueda previously worked at the Washington State Department of Health, Children’s Alliance, Community Health Plan of Washington, and the Washington State Labor Council, with a focus on worker's rights and children's healthcare. Among other community roles, she also served on the board of Fuse Washington, which publishes this guide.

Mosqueda has distinguished herself as a progressive leader on the Seattle City Council. She sponsored the Jumpstart Seattle legislation, which funds affordable housing through a tax on high earners at large corporations. In addition, she supported efforts to expand paid sick leave and establish minimum wages for gig and other workers who have often been left behind in our economy. Her current goal is passing the 2023 Housing Levy, which will be on the ballot for Seattle voters this November and would provide funding for crucial affordable housing, childcare services, and communal and cultural spaces that are disappearing from the city.

If elected to the county council, Mosqueda hopes to use her experience to address new and pressing issues in the county. Some of her priorities include finding locations for the six new county behavioral health centers, building workforce housing outside of Seattle, increasing apprenticeship programs, and more. 

Mosqueda is the clear choice for King County Council from District 8.

Last updated: 2023-07-14

Other Candidates

Sofia Aragon is the other progressive running for King County Council, District 8. Aragon became the first Filipino immigrant to be named mayor of Burien and has served on the Burien City Council since 2020. She is a registered nurse and the executive director of the Washington Center for Nursing. As an attorney, she advocated for healthcare for all and workplace safety in Washington.

Under her mayorship, Burien became the first city in Washington to issue a proclamation against anti-Asian hate and passed a slate of tenant protection laws. She also voted to renew Burien's affordable housing program, although she voted against the initial proposal that would have expanded and improved it.

One notable difference between Aragon and her opponent Mosqueda is their view on policing. Aragon blames efforts to defund the police for Burien's struggles with crime. Although Aragon supports health and social services for people experiencing homelessness, her pledge to "assure an adequate police presence" indicates a more punitive approach to public safety than Mosqueda's.

Disappointingly, Aragon was part of a 4-3 majority on the Burien City Council that removed the Burien Planning Commission chair, Charles Schaefer, for his outreach to people experiencing homelessness in the community. This event generated significant backlash, including the resignation of 11 other members of boards and commissions. At the time of the vote, the City Council had failed to act on King County's offer of $1 million and 35 pallet shelters to create a sanctioned encampment. While Aragon has many good policy positions, her behavior during this recent event should be a major concern for progressive voters. 

Also running in this race is perennial candidate Goodspaceguy, who is not running a serious campaign.

Last updated: 2023-07-13

Sofia Aragon is the other progressive running for King County Council, District 8. Aragon became the first Filipino immigrant to be named mayor of Burien and has served on the Burien City Council since 2020. She is a registered nurse and the executive director of the Washington Center for Nursing. As an attorney, she advocated for healthcare for all and workplace safety in Washington.

Under her mayorship, Burien became the first city in Washington to issue a proclamation against anti-Asian hate and passed a slate of tenant protection laws. She also voted to renew Burien's affordable housing program, although she voted against the initial proposal that would have expanded and improved it.

One notable difference between Aragon and her opponent Mosqueda is their view on policing. Aragon blames efforts to defund the police for Burien's struggles with crime. Although Aragon supports health and social services for people experiencing homelessness, her pledge to "assure an adequate police presence" indicates a more punitive approach to public safety than Mosqueda's.

Disappointingly, Aragon was part of a 4-3 majority on the Burien City Council that removed the Burien Planning Commission chair, Charles Schaefer, for his outreach to people experiencing homelessness in the community. This event generated significant backlash, including the resignation of 11 other members of boards and commissions. At the time of the vote, the City Council had failed to act on King County's offer of $1 million and 35 pallet shelters to create a sanctioned encampment. While Aragon has many good policy positions, her behavior during this recent event should be a major concern for progressive voters. 

Also running in this race is perennial candidate Goodspaceguy, who is not running a serious campaign.

Last updated: 2023-07-13

Port of Seattle

Port of Seattle, Port Commissioner, Position #5

Fred Felleman photo

Fred Felleman

Website Facebook Endorsements (Twitter)

Incumbent Fred Felleman is an environmental consultant and marine biologist. He is running for re-election to the Seattle Port Commission, Position 5 as the senior member of the commission, having served since 2016. With his science background, Felleman has pledged to continue supporting environmentally friendly reforms at the port.

In his time as commissioner, Felleman has focused on fighting climate change and increasing the port's green energy jobs. He has been a leader on the commission when it comes to protecting orcas, publicly opposing the dangerous Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain pipeline, and advocating for well-paying jobs. Elected commission president in 2021, he has recently supported more efficient and greener policies at the port to reduce pollution, including adding solar panels to Fishermen's Terminal's net shed and powering new docks so that ships don't have to idle and burn additional fuel.

Felleman often supports social causes as well, including condemning Trump's Muslim ban and government agencies’ response at the airport, as well as welcoming Ukranian refugees, with Washington hosting 16,000 refugees, the third most of any state in the U.S.

Felleman has earned your vote for Port of Seatle, Position #5.

Last updated: 2023-07-13

Incumbent Fred Felleman is an environmental consultant and marine biologist. He is running for re-election to the Seattle Port Commission, Position 5 as the senior member of the commission, having served since 2016. With his science background, Felleman has pledged to continue supporting environmentally friendly reforms at the port.

In his time as commissioner, Felleman has focused on fighting climate change and increasing the port's green energy jobs. He has been a leader on the commission when it comes to protecting orcas, publicly opposing the dangerous Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain pipeline, and advocating for well-paying jobs. Elected commission president in 2021, he has recently supported more efficient and greener policies at the port to reduce pollution, including adding solar panels to Fishermen's Terminal's net shed and powering new docks so that ships don't have to idle and burn additional fuel.

Felleman often supports social causes as well, including condemning Trump's Muslim ban and government agencies’ response at the airport, as well as welcoming Ukranian refugees, with Washington hosting 16,000 refugees, the third most of any state in the U.S.

Felleman has earned your vote for Port of Seatle, Position #5.

Last updated: 2023-07-13

Other Candidates

Jesse Tam is the managing director for Mega Pacific Investments, a strategic development consulting firm. He is a former parks commissioner for the city of Newcastle, as well as past president and current board director for the Greater Seattle Chinese Chamber of Commerce, among other roles.

Tam states that he's running to use his business experience to source well-paying union jobs, negotiate business deals, and lead on climate change. While we agree with Tam's listed priorities, Felleman has been an excellent environmental advocate and scientific mind on the board, and we don't see a strong case for how Tam would bring progressive change to the port.

Aaron Todd is the CEO of Airsafe, a site that indexes information on airline safety and flight information for travelers. A former Boeing safety engineer and a U.S. Air Force veteran, Todd has not presented any policy reasons on why he should replace Felleman's deep expertise on the commission.

Last updated: 2023-07-05

Jesse Tam is the managing director for Mega Pacific Investments, a strategic development consulting firm. He is a former parks commissioner for the city of Newcastle, as well as past president and current board director for the Greater Seattle Chinese Chamber of Commerce, among other roles.

Tam states that he's running to use his business experience to source well-paying union jobs, negotiate business deals, and lead on climate change. While we agree with Tam's listed priorities, Felleman has been an excellent environmental advocate and scientific mind on the board, and we don't see a strong case for how Tam would bring progressive change to the port.

Aaron Todd is the CEO of Airsafe, a site that indexes information on airline safety and flight information for travelers. A former Boeing safety engineer and a U.S. Air Force veteran, Todd has not presented any policy reasons on why he should replace Felleman's deep expertise on the commission.

Last updated: 2023-07-05

Burien City Council

Burien City Council, Position #2

Cydney Moore photo

Cydney Moore

Website Facebook Endorsements Instagram (Twitter)

Cydney Moore is seeking re-election to Burien City Council, Position 2. Prior to winning her seat in 2020, Moore served as a lead organizer for ACLU Burien People Power and was a board member of the Burien Arts Association.

During her time as a council member, Moore passed a groundbreaking slate of renters' rights protections, upheld pandemic eviction moratoriums and hazard pay, and increased funding for mental health supports, food banks, and rent and utility assistance. She has additionally supported a new public safety model that integrates behavioral health experts alongside police.

Moore has proven to be a vocal proponent of public health and housing for all, even when controversial. She was part of a three-person minority on the council who voted to renew and expand Burien's main affordable housing program. 

She has recently been in the spotlight for notifying encampment residents of their right to shelter in a nearby city-owned lot ahead of a sweep by a condominium association. Although she did so as a private citizen, Moore spoke about how the displacement highlights the need for more resources for people experiencing homelessness.

If you are looking for a candidate who will fund the arts, expand our social safety net, and advocate for people struggling to find and keep housing, Moore is a great choice.

Last updated: 2023-07-12

Cydney Moore is seeking re-election to Burien City Council, Position 2. Prior to winning her seat in 2020, Moore served as a lead organizer for ACLU Burien People Power and was a board member of the Burien Arts Association.

During her time as a council member, Moore passed a groundbreaking slate of renters' rights protections, upheld pandemic eviction moratoriums and hazard pay, and increased funding for mental health supports, food banks, and rent and utility assistance. She has additionally supported a new public safety model that integrates behavioral health experts alongside police.

Moore has proven to be a vocal proponent of public health and housing for all, even when controversial. She was part of a three-person minority on the council who voted to renew and expand Burien's main affordable housing program. 

She has recently been in the spotlight for notifying encampment residents of their right to shelter in a nearby city-owned lot ahead of a sweep by a condominium association. Although she did so as a private citizen, Moore spoke about how the displacement highlights the need for more resources for people experiencing homelessness.

If you are looking for a candidate who will fund the arts, expand our social safety net, and advocate for people struggling to find and keep housing, Moore is a great choice.

Last updated: 2023-07-12

Endorsed By: M. L. King County Labor Council, AFL-CIO , OneAmerica Votes , SEIU Local 925 , King County Democrats, Washington Education Association PAC
Brittany Williams photo

Brittany Williams

Website

Brittany Williams is a third-generation caregiver who is running for Burien City Council, Position 2. She is on the board of SEIU 775, a home care workers' union.

Although Williams has not released a detailed platform as of early July, she has advocated in the past for policies that benefit seniors, people with disabilities, and people with lower incomes. Speaking in support of programs like the Working Families Tax Credit and the American Jobs Plan, Williams cited her experience in an industry dominated by Black and immigrant women, where she and her peers face economic hardship and lack of protection by labor laws.

If you are looking for a candidate who has been involved in labor organizing and has personal experience as a working caregiver, Williams would be a great choice.

Last updated: 2023-07-12

Brittany Williams is a third-generation caregiver who is running for Burien City Council, Position 2. She is on the board of SEIU 775, a home care workers' union.

Although Williams has not released a detailed platform as of early July, she has advocated in the past for policies that benefit seniors, people with disabilities, and people with lower incomes. Speaking in support of programs like the Working Families Tax Credit and the American Jobs Plan, Williams cited her experience in an industry dominated by Black and immigrant women, where she and her peers face economic hardship and lack of protection by labor laws.

If you are looking for a candidate who has been involved in labor organizing and has personal experience as a working caregiver, Williams would be a great choice.

Last updated: 2023-07-12

Other Candidates

There are two other candidates running for Burien City Council, Position 2: Linda Akey and Rut Perez Studer. Akey is the owner of a small business that assists nonprofits and is the current chair of the Burien Business and Economic Development Partnership. She moved to Burien from Colorado in 2019. Although her platform includes her support for housing and services for Burien residents experiencing homelessness, her emphasis on public safety for businesses also includes empowering the police department and prohibiting "disruptive behaviors."

Akey was supportive of a sweep that displaced residents camping in front of Burien City Hall. In addition, she was recorded on video confronting the group that relocated campers in front of her condominium (a group that included the incumbent Cydney Moore).

Rut Perez-Studer is also running for Position 2. She began her career as an immigration paralegal on the US-Mexico border, helping women and children in domestic violence situations. She then shifted to commercial architectural design, and now works as a manager of the maritime division at the Port of Seattle. 

In her platform, she proposes skills-building and financial literacy for workers as the path to improving education and economic development. She also supports new construction projects for public buildings, extreme weather centers, and LEED-certified homes as a means to create jobs. She cites the lack of access to working wage jobs, affordable housing, and life necessities as the reasons behind crime, but does not provide concrete proposals for how to resolve these issues.

Last updated: 2023-07-13

There are two other candidates running for Burien City Council, Position 2: Linda Akey and Rut Perez Studer. Akey is the owner of a small business that assists nonprofits and is the current chair of the Burien Business and Economic Development Partnership. She moved to Burien from Colorado in 2019. Although her platform includes her support for housing and services for Burien residents experiencing homelessness, her emphasis on public safety for businesses also includes empowering the police department and prohibiting "disruptive behaviors."

Akey was supportive of a sweep that displaced residents camping in front of Burien City Hall. In addition, she was recorded on video confronting the group that relocated campers in front of her condominium (a group that included the incumbent Cydney Moore).

Rut Perez-Studer is also running for Position 2. She began her career as an immigration paralegal on the US-Mexico border, helping women and children in domestic violence situations. She then shifted to commercial architectural design, and now works as a manager of the maritime division at the Port of Seattle. 

In her platform, she proposes skills-building and financial literacy for workers as the path to improving education and economic development. She also supports new construction projects for public buildings, extreme weather centers, and LEED-certified homes as a means to create jobs. She cites the lack of access to working wage jobs, affordable housing, and life necessities as the reasons behind crime, but does not provide concrete proposals for how to resolve these issues.

Last updated: 2023-07-13

Burien City Council, Position #4

Patricia Hudson photo

Patricia Hudson

Website

Patricia Hudson is a human resources professional with SEIU 775, a home care workers' union. She states that her experience as a working single mother has shaped her view of what it takes to make Burien a more affordable and livable place for all. She is running to represent working people, advocate for living wages, secure more affordable housing, and invest in public infrastructure. In particular, she wants to add more electric charging stations and bike lanes so that Burien continues to become a greener community. After the recent controversies between the city council and various volunteer boards, Hudson will work to bring people back together and rebuild trust across the community. 

Hudson faces two opponents in this race: incumbent Kevin Schilling and Daniel Reed Martin. Schilling has served as a council member since 2020 and as deputy mayor since 2022. Schilling is a third-generation King County resident, and has worked as a legislative aide to the governor and a political director to Congressman Derek Kilmer. During his time on council, Schilling implemented a co-responder model in downtown policing, allowing mental health professionals to accompany first responders when addressing mental health crises. He passed policies that helped working families access broadband and get rebates on utility taxes. He also served on the airport committee, encouraging regulations to minimize environmental and health impacts from air traffic.

Unfortunately, Schilling played a lead role in removing the Burien Planning Commission chair, Charles Schaefer, for his outreach to people experiencing homelessness in the community. He was visibly angry during the hearing, raising his voice and berating Schaefer in a way that was completely unprofessional and inappropriate. This event generated significant backlash, including the resignation of 11 other members of boards and commissions. At the time of the vote, the city council had failed to act on King County's offer of $1 million and 35 pallet shelters to create a sanctioned encampment. Schilling's behavior in his official capacity should be a red flag for progressive voters in Burien. 

Daniel Reed Martin is highly involved in bettering Burien, and serves on the city’s Human Services Commission, with the Burien Severe Weather Shelter, and on the King County Community Advisory Commission for Law Enforcement Oversight. He identifies as a queer white man and has strong progressive values, campaigning for a housing-first approach, innovative alternatives to our policing model, and community safety based on everyone having their basic needs met. 

Hudson is the best choice for new progressive leadership in Burien.

Last updated: 2023-07-13

Patricia Hudson is a human resources professional with SEIU 775, a home care workers' union. She states that her experience as a working single mother has shaped her view of what it takes to make Burien a more affordable and livable place for all. She is running to represent working people, advocate for living wages, secure more affordable housing, and invest in public infrastructure. In particular, she wants to add more electric charging stations and bike lanes so that Burien continues to become a greener community. After the recent controversies between the city council and various volunteer boards, Hudson will work to bring people back together and rebuild trust across the community. 

Hudson faces two opponents in this race: incumbent Kevin Schilling and Daniel Reed Martin. Schilling has served as a council member since 2020 and as deputy mayor since 2022. Schilling is a third-generation King County resident, and has worked as a legislative aide to the governor and a political director to Congressman Derek Kilmer. During his time on council, Schilling implemented a co-responder model in downtown policing, allowing mental health professionals to accompany first responders when addressing mental health crises. He passed policies that helped working families access broadband and get rebates on utility taxes. He also served on the airport committee, encouraging regulations to minimize environmental and health impacts from air traffic.

Unfortunately, Schilling played a lead role in removing the Burien Planning Commission chair, Charles Schaefer, for his outreach to people experiencing homelessness in the community. He was visibly angry during the hearing, raising his voice and berating Schaefer in a way that was completely unprofessional and inappropriate. This event generated significant backlash, including the resignation of 11 other members of boards and commissions. At the time of the vote, the city council had failed to act on King County's offer of $1 million and 35 pallet shelters to create a sanctioned encampment. Schilling's behavior in his official capacity should be a red flag for progressive voters in Burien. 

Daniel Reed Martin is highly involved in bettering Burien, and serves on the city’s Human Services Commission, with the Burien Severe Weather Shelter, and on the King County Community Advisory Commission for Law Enforcement Oversight. He identifies as a queer white man and has strong progressive values, campaigning for a housing-first approach, innovative alternatives to our policing model, and community safety based on everyone having their basic needs met. 

Hudson is the best choice for new progressive leadership in Burien.

Last updated: 2023-07-13

Endorsed By: SEIU 775 , King County Democrats