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Primary Election: August 16th, 2011
The fate of our state is in your hands. This fall's election has huge implications for our families, our communities, and our state. Our goal is to make smart, informed voting based on progressive values easier for you. So we worked with Washington's leading progressive organizations to produce a Progressive Voters Guide based on their endorsements - your ticket to highly informed recommendations about the races on your ballot.
The Progressive Voters Guide identifies the candidates with the most progressive track records and the ballot measure positions that will protect or promote progress in Washington.
Please forward this guide to your friends and family, and make sure to mail your ballot in by Tuesday, August 16th.
Progressive Voters Guide :: City of Seattle
The Progressive Voters Guide highlights the ballot measure positions and candidates recommended by Washington's leading progressive organizations. We are only listing candidates in competitive primaries for the August election.
King County Council
District #6
Only voters in Council District #6 will have this race on their ballot.
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Richard Mitchell is a strong community leader with an extensive resume of community involvement and public service. An attorney and urban planner, Mitchell served as general counsel to Gov. Gregoire, was a King County Housing Authority Commissioner, and is on the Board of Regents for Seattle University. He advocated for health services, at-risk youth, housing and homelessness. Mitchell has the endorsement of Progressive Majority, the Sierra Club and sole endorsements from many Democratic Party organizations.
Another challenger in this race is John Creighton, a Port Commissioner who has endorsements from labor organizations, the Seattle Transit Blog, and a shared endorsement from one Democratic District. While he has a good record at the port, Creighton's past political contributions and conservative supporters give us concern, as well as previous personal issues.
Mitchell and Creighton are running against incumbent Jane Hague. Hague has often been a moderate over her 18-year career, and has the endorsement of SEIU 1199 and NARAL Pro-Choice Washington. However, she recently has been an obstacle to progress, especially on transportation issues, voting with the conservative block on the Council.
We lean towards Richard Mitchell because of his broader progressive support and more attractive professional and personal track record.Endorsements and Supporters include: Sierra Club, Progressive Majority, The Stranger, King County Democrats, 32nd District Democrats, 41st District Democrats, 45th District Democrats, 48th District Democrats
District #8
Only voters in Council District #8 will have this race on their ballot.
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After previously distinguishing himself as a smart, effective state legislator, Joe McDermott won special election last year to the County Council. McDermott is pushing a jobs agenda working with the Legislature and others on expansion of the convention center, transit funding, and replacement of the South Park bridge. Backed by all corners of the progressive community, McDermott is now running for a full term and deserves your vote.
Endorsements and Supporters include: Washington Conservation Voters, Cascade Bicycle Club, Equal Rights Washington, Progressive Majority, The Stranger, SEIU Healthcare 775NW, SEIU Healthcare 1199NW, M.L. King County Labor Council, Washington State Labor Council, Planned Parenthood Votes! Northwest, NARAL Pro-Choice Washington, King County Democrats, 34th District Democrats, 37th District Democrats, 33rd District Democrats, King County Young Democrats, Aerospace Machinists Industrial Lodge 751,Washington Teamsters Legislative League, Seattle/King County Building & Construction Trades Council, Seattle Fire Fighters Union, Local 27 IAFF, Seattle Transit Blog
County Ballot Issues
Proposition #1
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Vote YES to Renew Veterans & Human Services Levy
This proposition would renew the Veterans and Human Services Levy, initially approved in 2005. This is a renewal of an existing levy, not a new tax. Since approval, this levy has improved the lives of more than 80,000 county veterans, residents, and their families. Levy funds are used to provide residents with critical services that increase self-sufficiency among veterans. It works to help end homelessness, treat veterans with PTSD, and help veterans and others across the county find employment and get back to work.
Our veterans are giving their lives and sacrificing their future for our country. They are returning to incredible personal and economic challenges. We owe them our support.Endorsements and Supporters include: The Stranger, YWCA King and Snohomish Counties, Housing Development Consortium, Seattle/King County Coalition on Homelessness, Compass Housing Alliance, Plymouth Housing Group, Wellspring Family Services, Senior Services, Neighborhood House, Solid Ground, Eastside Homelessness Advisory Committee (EHAC), Housing Resources Group, Common Ground, Asian Pacific Directors Coalition, Catholic Community Services Western Washington, North Urban Human Services Alliance (NUHSA), South King County Council of Human Services, Eastside Human Services Forum, Valley Cities Counseling & Consultation, HealthPoint, Kent Youth & Family Services, Low Income Housing Institute, Alliance of Nonprofits, King County Sexual Assault Resource Center, Kent Housing & Human Services Commission, various Democratic District organizations throughout the county, Hopelink, and Habitat for Humanity Seattle/South King County
Seattle City Council
Position #1
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Progressive organizations lean heavily towards Jean Godden given her long track record, with others split between Bobby Forch and Maurice Classen. Bobby Forch and Maurice Classen are good progressive choices with competitive campaigns if you are looking for change on City Council..
Jean Godden has provided the city of Seattle with a progressive-minded councilmember since 2003. She championed Seattle City Light's transition to carbon-neutrality and sought to bring about a healthier Duwamish River. Godden has the support of environmental and labor organizations as she seeks another term with the goal of promoting further environmental and civil liberties protections in Seattle.
Michael Taylor-Judd is also progressive, and is endorsed by the Sierra Club and the Seattle Transit Blog. However, we don't believe his campaign is competitive at this point.
We asked Seattle City Council candidates to fill out a questionnaire. See Godden's answers here.Endorsements and Supporters include: Washington Conservation Voters, National Women's Political Caucus of Washington, SEIU Healthcare 775NW, UFCW 21, M.L. King County Labor Council, King County Democrats, 11th District Democrats,34th District Democrats, IBEW Local 46, PTE Local 17, AML 751, ATU local 587
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A former Senior Deputy Prosecutor, Maurice Classen has expressed the need for Seattle to take a more progressive approach to public safety. Through greater accountability and improved training, Classen seeks to cultivate a superior police force while protecting the citizens of Seattle. A part-owner of neighborhood pubs, Classen supports a jobs agenda to promote Seattle nightlife, entertainment, and food, revitalization of Pioneer Square, and development south of downtown.
We asked Seattle City Council candidates to fill out a questionnaire. See Classen's answers here.Endorsements and Supporters include: King County Democrats, 11th LD Democrats, 36th LD Democrats, 43rd LD Democrats
Public safety is the highest priority for Bobby Forch, especially when it comes to the accountability of Seattle police officers to the citizens of Seattle. Forch wants to combat the negative reputation of the Seattle police by addressing problems within the department. As an employee of the Seattle Department of Transportation, improving the transportation infrastructure of Seattle is also high on the list of Forch's priorities, especially connecting neighborhoods with public transit to facilitate the mobility of Seattleites.
We asked Seattle City Council candidates to fill out a questionnaire. See Forch's answers here.Endorsements and Supporters include: The Stranger, King County Democrats, 37th District Democrats, 34th District Democrats, King County Young Democrats, Laborer's Local 440
Position #9
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Sally Clark is the consensus of progressive organizations in this race. Clark has shown herself to be committed to the protection of Seattle's low-income and homeless populations. Clark collaborated with the mayor to create the Bank On Seattle/King County program to protect low-income individuals from losing their limited resources to bank fees associated with cashing checks and other essential activities. She also sought to protect Seattle's homeless from especially harsh weather conditions during the winter by raising funding and increasing access to the shelter operated at City Hall during severe weather events. Her dedication to conservation is evident in her support for a stricter energy code for Seattle, currently requiring that Seattle buildings must exceed State energy conservation regulations by 20%.
We asked Seattle City Council candidates to fill out a questionnaire. See Clark's answers here.
One of her opponents, Dian Ferguson, is a good progressive. Her questionnaire is posted here. Ferguson has the endorsements from several community leaders, but organizations are rallying around incumbent Sally Clark.Endorsements and Supporters include: Washington Conservation Voters, Cascade Bicycle Club, Equal Rights Washington, National Women's Political Caucus of Washington, The Stranger, SEIU Healthcare 775NW, King County Democrats, King County Young Democrats, 11th, 34th, 36th, 37th, 43rd, 46th District Democrats, IAFF local 27, AM local 751, Seattle Building and Construction Trades Council, Seattle Gay News, LL 1239, Roosevelt Business Association, Victory Fund, LL 440, Seattle Transit Blog
City Ballot Issues
Referendum #1
This measure asks voters to approve or reject previous City Council actions to go beyond the preliminary design phase with the tunnel. If rejected, the Council can move forward by adopting another ordinance.
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Endorsements and Supporters include: M.L. King County Labor Council, King County Democrats, King County Young Democrats, 11th District Democrats, 34th District Democrats, 36th District Democrats, 46th District Democrats, Metropolitan Democratic Club of Seattle, Aerospace Machinists Local 751, Allied Arts of Seattle, Pacific Northwest Carpenters Union, Seattle Building and Construction Trades Council, Seattle Convention and Visitors Bureau, Seattle Historic Waterfront Coalition, Yakima Valley Growers and Shippers Association
Vote REJECT: Stop the Tunnel Process; Reconsider Other Options
Opposed by: Cascade Bicycle Club, Sierra Club, The Stranger, People's Waterfront Coalition, Real Change News, Seattle Transit Blog, Save our Soul (SOS) Seattle, Seattle Bike Blog, Orphan Road
Progressives are split on this issue. Given the relatively narrow legal implications, the primary impact of Referendum 1 is to advise the City Council on current voter opinion about the deep-bore tunnel replacement for the Alaskan Way Viaduct. Our advice is to base your vote on whether or not you want the state and city to continue moving forward with the tunnel.
Supporters of Referendum 1 say there has been enough delay and it's time to move forward. The deep-bore tunnel has been developed through a long process of study and partnership with the state, the project includes important infrastructure fixes and stormwater improvements, and this is the best way to help Seattle create a more attractive and economically vibrant waterfront.
The campaign to reject Referendum 1 says that the tunnel is too risky and expensive, the decision-making process was flawed, and cheaper surface options were not fully considered. They believe, and have studies showing, that the tunnel doesn't actually reduce traffic on surface streets compared to other options. They are very concerned about current state legislation that says Seattle is responsible for any tunnel cost overruns. However, supporters argue that provision is not legally binding or enforceable, though with a hard cap on state funding it's not clear who else would pay for overruns.
Seattle School Director
We are not involved in the policy debates around education reform, but rather strive to identify the most credible, qualified candidates in a crowded primary field.
School Board, Position #1
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Peter Maier is a strong advocate for Seattle Public Schools and has been a Seattle School Board Director since 2007. Maier has worked diligently to improve the school district through his leadership on 2004 and 2007 levy campaigns. He also has endorsements from much of the Seattle City Council as well as numerous PTSA Presidents, community members, and Democratic Party organizations.
Maier is rated "Very Good" by the Municipal League.
Sharon Peaslee is another credible candidate in this race. She is a video producer and education activist who has been involved in hard-line ideological battles over math curriculum in the Lake Washington and Bellevue School Districts. Peaslee is rated "Good" by the Municipal League and has been endorsed by the Metropolitan Democratic Club.
We believe that Peter Maier is the best choice in this race.Endorsements and Supporters include: King County Young Democrats, 46th District Democrats
School Board, Position #2
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Sherry Carr is a longtime education advocate who is running for her second term. She is a Boeing project manager and an involved PTSA parent who served as Seattle Council PTSA President before her term as School Board Director. She worked primarily to increase accountability for student performance and district procedure. Carr is rated "Very Good" by the Municipal League.
Another credible candidate in this race is Kate Martin. She has been passionate speaker about education and has a planning background. Martin is rated "Good" by the Municipal League and has been endorsed by the King County Democrats and the Metropolitan Democratic Club.
We believe that Sherry Carr is the strongest candidate in this race.Endorsements and Supporters include: National Women's Political Caucus of Washington, King County Young Democrats
School Board, Position #3
There are several strong candidates in the Position #3 race. See below.
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Harium Martin-Morris is currently serving on the Seattle School Board and has advocated for better cooperation between the school district and the city, as well as better oversight of school and district performance. Martin-Morris is a former teacher and PTSA President, and currently is a software development Manager at Boeing. Martin-Morris is the only African American on the school board; in a district where 21% of the students are African American and 56% of the students are children of color, we believe this is an important consideration. He is well-respected and has the endorsements of many city leaders and education reform activists.
Martin-Morris is rated "Very Good" by the Municipal League.
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Michelle Buetow is a long-time school volunteer who has served on the Alternative Schools Advisory Committee and the website advisory group. Running on an agenda of transparency and accountability for the Seattle School District, Buetow has earned endorsements from several Democratic district organizations and community leaders.
Buetow is rated "Very Good" by the Municipal League.Endorsements and Supporters include: King County Democrats, King County Young Democrats, 43rd, 46th District Democrats
John Dunn is a long time teacher with educator experience at all levels of education, including teaching of the deaf. He understands the importance serving students' unique needs and would bring a strong, experience-based perspective to the district. He spent six years as president of the Seattle Education Association, the district's teachers union, and has strong labor support.
Dunn is rated "Very Good" by the Municipal League.Endorsements and Supporters include: The Stranger, M.L. King County Labor Council, Seattle Education Association
School Board, Position #6
Board President Steve Sundquist is rated "Outstanding" by the Muni League. Challenger Marty McLaren, rated "Adequate", has a number of organizational endorsements. See below.
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Steve Sundquist has a strong track record of community service and has been a leader on the boards of non-profits dedicated to progressive change. He is a retired executive from the Russell Investment Group and is seeking a second term on the Seattle School Board. As the Board President, Sundquist is an active leader who has supported changes at the District.
Sundquist is rated "Outstanding" by the Municipal League.Endorsements and Supporters include: King County Young Democrats
Martha "Marty" McLaren is a retired teacher who has been involved in the school district for many years as a parent, a teacher at many levels, and an education activist. She is passionate about the math curriculum and filed a lawsuit against the district challenging the textbooks in use.
McLaren is rated "Adequate" by the Municipal League.Endorsements and Supporters include: National Women's Political Caucus of Washington, M.L. King County Labor Council, Seattle Education Association, 34th District Democrats
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About This Voters Guide
The symbols indicate that a candidate has endorsements from groups dedicated to that issue area.
Environment
Labor & Working Families
Reproductive Freedom
Education
Social Justice
