Endorsements
2020 Endorsements
Mukilteo
Louis Harris - City Council, Position 1
21st Legislative District
Strom Peterson - Representative Position 1
It’s an honor to serve as your Representative and advocate for our local values. In Olympia, I fought for investments in local projects strengthening our communities, passed the nation’s first drug take-back program and other measures tackling our opioid crisis, and developed a Hunger-Free Students’ Bill of Rights ensuring every student is ready to learn. I worked across the aisle to fully fund education, protect our environment, and strengthen our economy, but there is more work to do. Endorsements: Senators Murray and Cantwell, Firefighters, Nurses, Conservation Voters, Planned Parenthood Votes, Alliance for Gun Responsibility, Democrats, and more! Visit Website
Lillian Ortiz-Self - Representative Position 2
As an educator, Lillian remains focused on our state’s paramount duty – fully funding our schools and setting every kid up for success. In Olympia, she fought to promote Student Mental Health, improve access to apprenticeships and career opportunities, and pass commonsense gun reforms to keep kids safe. She also helped pass a $391 million property tax cut for homeowners, fought for local transportation investments here at home, and worked to create family wage jobs in Snohomish County. Join teachers, nurses, working families, Conservation Voters, Planned Parenthood Votes, and neighbors supporting Lillian. Visit Website
Snohomish County
Jared Mead - Snohomish County Council, District 4
The County Council must focus on our growth, including transit-oriented development that will improve traffic and reduce pollution in our community, and managing growth so our government agencies can operate cost-effectively to keep taxes low. Jared grew up in Mill Creek and earned his degree from UW Bothell in International Studies and Business. A State Rep. and a former Mill Creek City Councilmember, he also served two terms on the Mill Creek Planning Commission. His wife, Krystal, is a teacher, and they have a young son. Visit Website
Cindy Larsen - Snohomish Superior Court, Position 3
Edirin Okoloko- Snohomish Superior Court, Position 4
I came to this country nearly 20 years ago from my native Nigeria and I have devoted my entire legal career to serving the community that has welcomed me as an American citizen and provided a great place for my wife Lara and I to raise our two children. As a Snohomish County Deputy Prosecutor and then as a Superior Court Judge, I have worked hard to serve my community and our justice system with diligence, integrity, and compassion in all my work. I take my role in the courtroom seriously, and I treat everyone respectfully. I have been humbled and honored by the outpouring of support I have received as I have campaigned throughout the county, and I hope you will take a few minutes to see who has endorsed me for election. I look forward to the many opportunities I will have to meet the voters of Snohomish County throughout this year. I hope I can earn your vote in November. Visit Website
Anna Alexander- Snohomish Superior Court, Position 7
Anna Alexander is the clear choice for Superior Court Judge because of her exceptional experience and record of accomplishment for the citizens of Snohomish County. As a Pro Tem Judge, Anna has earned a strong reputation for holding criminals accountable for their actions while protecting the rights of victims. Anna Alexander is respected for her fairness and independence. That’s why she has strong bipartisan support. Anna has endorsements from judges at every level of the courts - the Washington Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, Superior, District, and Municipal courts. Anna’s diversity of legal experience – in all areas of the law – is needed on the bench. Anna Alexander has the values, knowledge and commitment to our community we expect from our public officials – especially our judges. Thank you for your consideration. Visit Website
Robert Grant - Snohomish Superior Court, Position 7
Robert Grant is a prosecutor, community leader, dad and candidate for Snohomish County Superior Court Judge (Pos. 8). Throughout his legal career, Robert has worked to ensure justice is served fairly and equitably, keep our community safe, and instill public confidence in Snohomish County’s criminal justice system. Now, he’s running for Judge to bring a balance to the bench, focusing on both public safety, as he has as a prosecutor, and criminal justice reform, seeking to build a more equitable county for all. Visit Website
Jennifer Langbehn - Snohomish Superior Court, Position 13
Paul Thompson - Snohomish Superior Court, Position 14
Our courts are facing difficult challenges right now. The opioid crisis, an underfunded mental health system, outdated mandatory sentencing restrictions, a bail system in need of reform, jail over-crowding, and the crushing cost of civil litigation are all urgent problems. And now the unprecedented fall-out from the COVID-19 crisis. There is no magic bullet for any of these problems. But they all require thoughtful collaboration by judges and the many others who have a stake in the safety of Snohomish County communities. When Governor Inslee appointed me to our Superior Court bench in 2018, he had a wide field of candidates to choose from. I was honored to be selected. But I was also determined to use my judicial position to make a difference in people’s lives, just as I did in my career as a Public Defender, where I gained a deep understanding of what inaccess to justice looks like in our communities. As I campaigned last year throughout the county to retain my position on our court, I appreciated hearing from voters about their concerns and their hopes for our justice system. I was humbled by the broad support I received when I won my election last year. I am now required to run for re-election in 2020, along with all the other Superior Court Judges in the state, and I hope to earn your trust and your vote. Thank you. Visit Website
Statewide
Jay Inslee - Governor
Marko Liias - Lt. Governor
In these incredibly challenging times, I look forward to lending my experience working for the families and small businesses of Washington State to the task ahead. I grew up in a middle class family, my dad is a carpenter and my mom was a school lunch lady. I know and understand the devastating impacts of a recession, and the need for assistance and opportunities to help people get back on their feet. I believe that this office should be a platform for helping create an economy that works for everyone, expanding access to education and opportunity, and ensuring that we continue to tear down barriers and guarantee every Washingtonian is welcome and respected. As Lieutenant Governor, I’ll build on my record and do my part to help all the people of Washington. Visit Website
Bob Ferguson - Attorney General
Attorney General Bob Ferguson is an experienced lawyer, independent leader, and fourth-generation Washingtonian. As Attorney General, he is holding powerful special interests accountable when they don’t play by the rules, defending our civil rights, protecting Washington’s environment and wildlife, and advocating for the most vulnerable in our state. Bob’s family homesteaded on the beautiful Skagit River, which may explain why Bob is such an enthusiastic mountain climber and backpacker. He has hiked hundreds of miles of Washington trails and climbed many of the state's highest peaks. Bob is an internationally-rated chess master. Bob has twice won the Washington State Chess Championship. Bob lives with his wife Colleen, and their young twins, Jack and Katie. Visit Website
Gael Tarleton - Secretary of State
“It’s time we had a Secretary of State who is not only prepared for the current threats to our elections, both foreign and domestic, but also supports and leads efforts to expand voter participation and engagement. I’m committed to protecting every voter and every vote.” Visit Website
Hilary Franz - Commissioner of Public Lands
Hilary Franz is relentless in her desire to create bold, transformational change in Washington. Crosscut summed it up best: “She has the energy of a venti-fueled dynamo and a mind that works at a wildfire pace.” Hilary brings a passion for the lands and waters of Washington and a compassion for all of our communities. And she has a leadership style that is rare: she brings people together across long-standing divisions to accomplish great things for not just a few, but for all. Visit Website
Chris Reykdal - Superintendent of Public Schools
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Charles W Johnson - Supreme Court Position 4
G Helen Whitener - Supreme Court Position 6
Linda Coburn - Court of Appeals, Division 1, District 2
Raquel Montoya Lewis - Supreme Court, Position 3
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Congressional District 7
Pramila Jayapal - U.S. Congress
I am so proud to represent Washington’s 7th District in the United States Congress. I came to United States when I was 16 years old by myself, and I have been a resident of Seattle for nearly thirty years. As your U.S. Representative, I am focused on ensuring everyone has access to quality healthcare, making college debt-free, protecting our environment, welcoming immigrants, ensuring pay equity and reproductive rights, and ensuring everyone can retire with dignity. During my fi rst term, I have held more than a dozen town halls to hear from you and fi ght for your priorities, including more aff ordable housing as well as robust public transit and infrastructure. I secured the passage of $2.5 million in funding to address our opioid crisis and cosponsored legislation to create tuitionfree college nationwide, Medicare for All, and transition to a 100% renewable energy future. Through diligent casework, I have helped constituents – including veterans and seniors – get back over $800,000 in federal benefi ts. As Vice Ranking Member of the Budget Committee and Member of the Judiciary Committee, I will continue to stand up against attempts to divide and scapegoat, to ensure that we get money out of politics, and to build an economy of shared responsibility that takes care of the most vulnerable among us, instead of giving more tax giveaways to those who don’t need them. Our district is rich in innovation, diversity, natural resources and compassion. I’m proud to represent you and I would be honored to have your vote. Visit Website
Initiatives
Coming Soon
Approve R90 Washington
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National
President / Vice President
Presidential Primary
Bernie Sanders
I am running for president as part of an unprecedented and historic grassroots campaign to not only take back the White House, but to build a movement to finally make the progressive change we need. Our campaign is about taking on the powerful special interests that dominate our economic and political life, including Wall Street, health insurance corporations, the pharmaceutical industry, the fossil fuel industry, the military industrial complex, and the private prison industry. Our campaign is building a movement to end racism, sexism, homophobia, religious bigotry and all forms of discrimination. Our campaign is about the humane and just treatment of immigrants. Our campaign is about transforming our country and creating a government based on the principles of economic, social, racial and environmental justice. Our campaign is about creating a government and an economy that work for the many, not just the few. Our campaign is about guaranteeing health care as a human right. I’m running for president because, we need leadership that brings us together – not divides us up. Women and men, black, white, Latino, Native American, Asian American, gay and straight, young and old, native born and immigrant. Now is the time for us to stand together. Make no mistake about it. The powerful special interests in this country have unbelievable power and they want to maintain the status quo. The only way we will win this election and create a government and economy that work for all is with a grassroots movement – the likes of which has never been seen in American history. They may have the money and power. We have the people. Together we can create a nation that leads the world in the struggle for peace and for economic, racial, social and environmental justice. And together we will defeat Donald Trump. Visit Website
Bernie Sanders
I am running for president as part of an unprecedented and historic grassroots campaign to not only take back the White House, but to build a movement to finally make the progressive change we need. Our campaign is about taking on the powerful special interests that dominate our economic and political life, including Wall Street, health insurance corporations, the pharmaceutical industry, the fossil fuel industry, the military industrial complex, and the private prison industry. Our campaign is building a movement to end racism, sexism, homophobia, religious bigotry and all forms of discrimination. Our campaign is about the humane and just treatment of immigrants. Our campaign is about transforming our country and creating a government based on the principles of economic, social, racial and environmental justice. Our campaign is about creating a government and an economy that work for the many, not just the few. Our campaign is about guaranteeing health care as a human right. I’m running for president because, we need leadership that brings us together – not divides us up. Women and men, black, white, Latino, Native American, Asian American, gay and straight, young and old, native born and immigrant. Now is the time for us to stand together. Make no mistake about it. The powerful special interests in this country have unbelievable power and they want to maintain the status quo. The only way we will win this election and create a government and economy that work for all is with a grassroots movement – the likes of which has never been seen in American history. They may have the money and power. We have the people. Together we can create a nation that leads the world in the struggle for peace and for economic, racial, social and environmental justice. And together we will defeat Donald Trump. Visit Website
Thank you for your interest in the 2020 endorsements! We are currently accepting applications from candidates requesting endorsement in the 2020 elections. If you are a candidate or represent pending initiatives, please click the button below to email our endorsements committee!
Please refer to21st LD Special Rule - Single Payer Healthcare Endorsement
2019 Endorsements
Edmonds
Citywide
Mike Nelson - Mayor
Edmonds City Council
Diane Buckshnis - Position 4
Jenna Nand - Position 4
Alicia Crank - Position 5
Susan Paine - Position 6
Laura Johnson - Position 7
Edmonds School Board
Carin Chase - Position 1
Nancy Katims - Position 5
Rory Graves - Position 3
Everett
Everett City Council
Liz Vogeli - Position 4
Brenda Stonecipher - Position 6
Judy Tuohy - Position 7
Everett School Board
Port of Everett
David Simpson - Commissioner District 1
Mukilteo
Mukilteo City Council
Richard Emery - Position 4
Elisabeth Crawford - Position 6
Riaz Khan - Position 5
Kristina Melnichenko - Position 7
Snohomish County
Countywide
Snohomish County Council
Megan Dunn - District 2
Stephanie Wright - District 3
David Somers - County Executive
Ty Trenary - Sherriff
Brian Sullivan - Treasurer
Linda Hjelle - Assessor
Snohomish County Superior Court Judge
Edirin Okoloko - Position 7
Jennifer Langbehn - Position 13
Paul Thompson - Position 14
South Snohomish Fire & Rescue RFA
David Chan - Commissioner District 4
Brandy Donaghy - Commissioner District 5
2018 Endorsements
21st Legislative District
Strom Peterson - Representative Position 1
It’s an honor to serve as your Representative and advocate for our local values. In Olympia, I fought for investments in local projects strengthening our communities, passed the nation’s first drug take-back program and other measures tackling our opioid crisis, and developed a Hunger-Free Students’ Bill of Rights ensuring every student is ready to learn. I worked across the aisle to fully fund education, protect our environment, and strengthen our economy, but there is more work to do. Endorsements: Senators Murray and Cantwell, Firefighters, Nurses, Conservation Voters, Planned Parenthood Votes, Alliance for Gun Responsibility, Democrats, and more! Visit Website
Lillian Ortiz-Self - Representative Position 2
As an educator, Lillian remains focused on our state’s paramount duty – fully funding our schools and setting every kid up for success. In Olympia, she fought to promote Student Mental Health, improve access to apprenticeships and career opportunities, and pass commonsense gun reforms to keep kids safe. She also helped pass a $391 million property tax cut for homeowners, fought for local transportation investments here at home, and worked to create family wage jobs in Snohomish County. Join teachers, nurses, working families, Conservation Voters, Planned Parenthood Votes, and neighbors supporting Lillian. Visit Website
39th Legislative District
Ivan Lewis - Representative Position 1
These days, too many families are left behind while politicians find themselves more and more beholden to special interests. I am committed to standing up for the incredible people who make up our community here in the 39th. I will focus on the issues that have the biggest impact on our families – strong local schools for our kids, relieving the regressive taxation on working families and small businesses, creating new jobs, pushing for a healthcare system that works for all of us, and combatting the deadly opioid epidemic gripping many parts of our communities. I ask for your vote. Visit Website
Snohomish County
Mary Rollins - PUD Commissioner #1
Snohomish County PUD commissioners are tasked with ensuring that our utilities are managed in the most equitable, sustainable, and environmentally proactive way possible. As a single mother of three, I have had to address high energy costs within my own family budget and understand the economic hardship endured by many. I have found a good life in Snohomish County, and I care about the planet and our future. I am running for PUD Commissioner 1 to help enhance the lives of all people in Snohomish County. I believe it is time for Snohomish County to maximize the use of renewable resources at our disposal. Many Snohomish families are turning to electric automobiles for their preferred mode of transportation. I recommend we have some charging stations right at our own local PUD office. Let’s become leaders in jobs and healthy communities right here in Snohomish County. Let us look to all of our partners to bring about positive change in our communities, both financially and environmentally. Please feel free to email me with any questions. Put “Candidate Question” in the subject line. Thank you.
Rebecca Wolfe - PUD Commissioner #2
For too long Snohomish PUD has supported financially wasteful, misguided energy policies. SnoPUD spent $9 million pursuing the hydroelectric project at Sunset Falls on the Skykomish River. After misleading and ignoring the public for years, they finally tabled the project. Those dollars could have provided solar power and energy effi ciency for many homes and businesses at a reduced cost. SnoPUD is also the largest purchaser of nuclear energy in the Northwest. History has proven that nuclear power plants are unsafe and uneconomical. Once elected, I will push for safer, more fiscally responsible sources of energy. SnoPUD needs new leadership -- not outmoded decisions that address only short-term energy needs. The status quo is no longer acceptable, and I want to make SnoPUD more user-friendly and engage ratepayers more in the decision-making process. We, our children, and their descendants will need an environment with streams that are fit for fish, wildlife, and humans, as well as clean air and aff ordable energy rates for all ratepayers. Washington Conservation Voters and other groups recently awarded me their sole endorsement in the District 2 SnoPUD race. Vote Rebecca Wolfe for a more transparent SnoPUD that is clean, safe, aff ordable, and reliable. Visit Website
Adam Cornell - County Prosecutor
As a Deputy Prosecutor I’ve achieved justice for victims of domestic violence and assault, families who lost a loved one to violence, and seniors victimized by fraud and theft. I prosecuted the gunman in the 2016 Mukilteo mass shooting and have worked to reduce the epidemic of gun violence. I’ve also helped to support progressive alternative justice programs that get low level off enders the help they need while reducing costly incarcerations. A childhood in foster care showed me the challenges facing at-risk kids and families, and the instability that leads many into our criminal justice system. I was fortunate to know great people who inspired me to pursue a career in advocacy and prosecution. As Prosecutor I will always enforce the law fairly and firmly. I will also continue my role as an advocate for children and families, and where appropriate, fight the addiction crisis through sensible sentencing and treatment programs. Visit Website
Jeffrey Goodwin - District Court Judge
Congressional District 7
Pramila Jayapal - U.S. Congress
I am so proud to represent Washington’s 7th District in the United States Congress. I came to United States when I was 16 years old by myself, and I have been a resident of Seattle for nearly thirty years. As your U.S. Representative, I am focused on ensuring everyone has access to quality healthcare, making college debt-free, protecting our environment, welcoming immigrants, ensuring pay equity and reproductive rights, and ensuring everyone can retire with dignity. During my fi rst term, I have held more than a dozen town halls to hear from you and fi ght for your priorities, including more aff ordable housing as well as robust public transit and infrastructure. I secured the passage of $2.5 million in funding to address our opioid crisis and cosponsored legislation to create tuitionfree college nationwide, Medicare for All, and transition to a 100% renewable energy future. Through diligent casework, I have helped constituents – including veterans and seniors – get back over $800,000 in federal benefi ts. As Vice Ranking Member of the Budget Committee and Member of the Judiciary Committee, I will continue to stand up against attempts to divide and scapegoat, to ensure that we get money out of politics, and to build an economy of shared responsibility that takes care of the most vulnerable among us, instead of giving more tax giveaways to those who don’t need them. Our district is rich in innovation, diversity, natural resources and compassion. I’m proud to represent you and I would be honored to have your vote. Visit Website
US Senate
Maria Cantwell - US Senate
Maria fights to do what’s right for Washingtonians. She knows too many Washington families struggle to get by. Maria has worked to help create family-wage jobs and prepare America’s workforce for 21st century innovation. She has passed laws to help our agriculture, aviation, maritime, fishing, and bustling port economies. Housing costs are skyrocketing. That’s why Maria successfully worked across the aisle to increase federal incentives to build more affordable housing. She fought to save the Affordable Care Act. Maria kept her promise to protect Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. She supported new laws to ensure veterans receive the healthcare they deserve. Maria believes prescription drugs should be affordable and pharmaceutical companies should be held accountable for flooding communities with addictive painkillers and she helped secure increased funding for law enforcement and treatment. Making the dream of college education more affordable, Maria supports increasing Pell grants, allowing students to refinance loans, and she helped pass a 21st Century GI Bill to expand educational opportunities for veterans. Washington leads in aerospace and manufacturing trades. That’s why Maria’s bipartisan legislation creates the first federal tax incentive for apprenticeships - retraining veterans and laid-offworkers at community colleges. Maria helps grow Washington’s tech industry by fighting for Net Neutrality and cybersecurity. first responders are heroes who need support. Maria fought for wildfire funding focusing on prevention, protecting lives, and growing rural jobs. A vibrant outdoor economy supports rural communities. Maria led the charge to stop fee hikes in our National Parks and prevented oil exploration off Washington’s coasts. She believes in state tax deductibility. Congress, like small business, needs to live within its means. Maria believes PAYGO measures fight our deficit. Our American values are being challenged. We need to keep Maria in the other Washington fighting for our Washington values. Visit Website
Initiatives
I-1600 - Whole Washington - Single Payer Healthcare
AN ACT Relating to health care financing and development of the whole Washington health trust to ensure all Washington residents can enroll in nonprofit health insurance coverage providing an essential set of health benefits; adding new sections to chapter 82.02 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 82.32 RCW; adding a new chapter to Title 43 RCW; adding a new chapter to Title 82 RCW; prescribing penalties; providing effective dates; providing a contingent effective date; and providing contingent expiration dates. Visit Website
I-1631 - Pollution Fee & Clean Energy Investment
AN ACT Relating to reducing pollution by investing in clean air, clean energy, clean water, healthy forests, and healthy communities by imposing a fee on large emitters based on their pollution; and adding a new chapter to Title 70 RCW. Visit Website
I-1639 - Safe Communities, Safe Schools
AN ACT Relating to increasing public safety by implementing firearm safety measures, including requiring enhanced background checks, waiting periods, and increased age requirements for semiautomatic assault rifles and secure gun storage for all firearms. View The Initiative
2017 Endorsements
Edmonds
Josh Thompson - Edmonds City Council Position 1
I have the background and experience to make an immediate impact on the Edmonds City Council. My wife and I have lived in Edmonds for 16 years, purchasing a home that’s been in her family 53 years. We love the natural beauty and small-town feel of our city. Edmonds off ers thriving businesses, art, and cultural events that draw visitors from around the region. Neighbors look out for each other and have a strong sense of civic pride. I’m running to protect our natural beauty, strengthen our economic core, and ensure everyone is included and has a real voice. Together we can make Edmonds the best it can be. I ask you to join law enforcement, fi refi ghters, along with many business and community leaders in supporting our campaign. Visit ThompsonforEdmonds.com for more information. Visit Website
Kristiana Johnson - Edmonds City Council Position 1
Mitchell Below - Edmonds School District Position 2
My wife and I have three children; our oldest is a fi rst-grader in the district, and our twins will follow in a few years. We are working parents who understand the sacrifi ces that parents make to give their children every advantage. I will work to more equitably extend these advantages through sensible start times, expanded access to STEM and IB programs, and increased availability of pre-school.As a classroom volunteer, I have seen the amazing job teachers do. But good teachers need time to plan and collaborate, smaller class sizes to provide individual aid, and the freedom to teach. I will advocate for more time and resources to meet students’ needs, and better facilities that reduce class sizes and overcrowding.We live in a diverse community, and our schools refl ect that diversity. Every student deserves a safe, supportive environment in which to learn, regardless of language, ethnic or religious background, sexual orientation, or gender identity. I will strongly oppose hatred and intimidation and support inclusive policies. Visit Website
Cathy Baylor - Edmonds School District Position 4
Our students must be prepared for a global workforce and economy. This means they need strong STEM courses, but it’s also crucial that they develop an understanding and respect for diff erent cultural views. As a school board director, I will seek equity for all students, and promote multicultural-based curricula that teach students to value cultural diff erences. As a professional educator, I know fi rst hand that students who have exposure to arts education have improved creative problem solving and critical thinking skills in all academic disciplines. Arts programs are essential to a well-rounded basic education. Our teachers care deeply about their students. I will advocate for the working conditions they need to be eff ective in assuring academic sucess for every child. Visit Website
Angela Harris – Edmonds Port Commissioner Position 1
Over the last 20 years I have built a track record of responsible budget management and civic leadership. I believe the Port of Edmonds can be a leader in fi nancial and environmental stewardship, and I pledge to carefully manage these valuable community assets.Protecting and improving the Edmonds Marsh and the Port’s shoreline are crucial, as is increasing economic development through expanded tourism. In partnership with the community, I will identify storm water management solutions, create a Climate Action Plan, create a Restoration Plan for Edmonds Marsh, support daylighting of Willow Creek, and assess long-term impact of any Harbor Square development. I will also work to grow our vibrant waterfront and operate a fi rst-class marina for our boating community.My fi rst objective is to listen, engage and collaborate with the Port, City Staff , Council, residents and Port tenants. Since 1962, our Port has represented a welcoming gateway for people visiting our city. I would be honored to protect and enhance this legacy for the next generation. Visit Website
Judge Linda Coburn - Edmonds Municipal Court Judge
Judge Linda Coburn was appointed as the Edmonds Municipal Court judge in January 2015. Born in Taiwan, Judge Coburn immigrated to the U.S. when she was 4 years old. After graduating from the University of Washington, she earned an advanced degree in journalism and spent 13 years as a reporter and editor at the Seattle Times. Her reporting career and connection to stories of injustice led her to the law, and in 2005, she graduated with honors from Seattle University Law School.Judge Coburn’s legal career has been dedicated to public service – as a public defender and now as a judge in her own community. As a 25-year resident of Edmonds, she is committed to making justice equally accessible to all. Judge Coburn has received the highest rating -- “Exceptionally Well Qualifi ed” -- from seven statewide judicial evaluation organizations and has been endorsed by all nine members of the State Supreme Court. Visit Website
Everett
Judy Tuohy - Mayor of City of Everett
It’s time for a new direction in Everett. We need to do things diff erently so we get results we want. I will bring new accountability to the challenge of homelessness. It’s not humane for people to live this way and it is also not fair to the citizens of Everett to experience the negative impacts of uncontrolled street-level issues. As Mayor, I will work to reduce homelessness by increasing access to social services - housing, opioid treatment, jobs; expanding day shelters, so the homeless have a place to go; convening regional partners so that Everett doesn’t bear the brunt of this challenge; and filling long-standing vacancies, equipping our Police with more resources to ensure our streets are safe. We need a better plan for listening and responding to all residents. Every citizen should know who to call when they have an issue and get results. That’s why I support City Council District elections. I bring my strong financial expertise, ability to work with diverse interests, commitment to results and my life long connection with Everett as your hometown choice for Mayor. Visit Website
Alex Lark - Everett Council Position 2
I have the privilege of serving Everett as a planning commissioner, Snohomish County through Housing Hope, and our country as an officer in the Army Reserve. Now, I ask to serve as your city councilmember. Opportunity is the cornerstone of the American Dream. A family should be able to save for a home, invest in their child’s future, or start a business. Now, too often these opportunities are out of reach because so much of a family’s paycheck goes to rent. I will fight to increase housing affordability, so Everett families can create a solid foundation for their future. Families also need to feel safe. We must invest in public safety with fully funded fire and police departments. That means placing embedded social workers and supplying the tools needed to fight the opioid epidemic and combat homelessness. We also need to empower residents to achieve their dreams. By investing in public-private partnerships, staff, and innovation to help small business owners, we can spur economic development and create living-wage jobs in Everett. I will represent and listen to you. Visit Website
Pam LeSesne - Everett School Board of Directors Position 5
It has been my honor serving children and families in the Everett Public Schools. Considerable strides have been made over these past 5 years: 4 year graduation rates have increased to over 90% and 5 year rates are over 94%; more students are taking Advance Placement, Honors and Challenging classes; STEM and 21st Century skills integration is in every class from Kindergarten through 12th grade; Strings and Orchestra programs have returned; and this fall we will begin one-to-one computer technology for all students in the district.I remain committed to improving our educational system by continuing the promotion of Excellence in Education, Strong Partnerships with Teachers, Staff and Community and Strengthening Core Educational Skills. If re-elected I will spend my next term advocating for increased opportunities in internships and apprenticeships, eliminating the achievement gap, and confronting the overcrowded classrooms and schools we face in our district.These goals are achievable and within our grasp. I understand the challenges we face and I’m excited for the challenge! Visit Website
Amy Kaestner - Everett Municipal Court Judge Position 1
Amy Kaestner is a respected Snohomish County Public Defender. She understands that untreated mental illness and substance abuse are often the underlying causes of criminal behavior. She knows that community courts are in the best position to provide the structure, individualized attention, and continuous monitoring necessary to disrupt the cycle of repeated contacts with the law. She also recognizes that incarceration is a necessary motivating factor when therapeutic alternatives fail. With her understanding of these complex issues, Amy Kaestner will work to expand proven cost-saving, therapeutic alternative programs in Everett. She is the kind of judge we deserve for our community court. Amy has spent most of her life in Everett. She and her husband, Zack, are proud to be raising their sons Isaac and Gavin, in our community. Visit Website
Lynnwood
George Hurst - Mayor City of Lynnwood
The next four years are crucial as we prepare for Light Rail. As your Mayor, I will focus on fi nancial stability, safe roads and livable neighborhoods. The last two City budgets have been fi nancial failures. The taxes you pay have not been enough to cover the overspending and in four years the City’s general fund has gone from nearly $20 million to under $5 million. We need a new mindset about fi nancial responsibility. Where’s the money? Obviously, it is not being spent on neighborhood streets and sidewalks. For example, because of deferred maintenance 36th Ave W has deteriorated so much that it has to be torn down and rebuilt at a cost of over $14 million. Millions of dollars more than a simple repaving project. The city has great plans for developing the City Center around 196th and 44th with lots of concentrated population growth. But what about our single-family neighborhoods? How do we make sure there is aff ordable housing available for both seniors and young families who want to call Lynnwood home? These are the kind of challenges that requires new leadership and action to make Lynnwood thrive. Visit Website
Van Aubuchon - Lynnwood City Council Position 1
In the last four years the city has gone on a tax and spend binge. Nearly every city tax was increased to the maximum allowed by law. In spite of this Tax to the Max strategy, the city’s budget still runs a deficit of over $5million. If this continues, the city will be bankrupt in four years. The current unbalanced budget passed by a 4-3 vote of the city council. If elected, I will be the fourth vote restoring fiscal responsibility. I will vote to decrease property taxes as the result of the new regional fire authority. If nothing is done, Lynnwood citizens will see an $8million increase. I will be your fourth vote to prevent this huge tax hike. Most of our current financial trouble was caused by spending on The Administration’s wants instead of The City’s needs. The Executive Department’s staff has more than doubled in just two years. We need to place your priorities first. Public safety, reliable utilities, and transportation must come before remodeling city hall, catered parties for city employees, and ill-maintained street banners. I will only vote to support a balanced budget. Visit Website
Ian Cotton - Lynnwood City Council Position 2
Ian Cotton is a Lynnwood native who has lived most of his life here. Three generations of Ian’s family live in Lynnwood. “It’s an honor to serve and represent you on the Lynnwood City Council. You have trusted me with the oversight of your tax dollars. I take that responsibility with the integrity and sincerity we deserve.” Your Money: Ian’s diligent budget oversight has saved thousands of your tax dollars. Ian enacted responsible and transparent financial policy changes. Through his work on the SnoCom Board, we have improved emergency response with Text to 9-1-1 capability. Ian supported robust financial policies so that the City is protected in the event of future economic downturns. Your Voice: Ian listens and has enacted legislative changes brought forward by Lynnwood Residents. This legislation protects our environment, our city and our children. Ian opposed the ‘Sound Transit Maintenance Yard’ protecting our City from the environmental impacts citizens opposed. Ian’s voting record is reflected in the Community Vision Lynnwood residents proposed and the City Council unanimously adopted. Visit Website
Rosamaria Graziani - Lynnwood City Council Position 3
Taxes and fees are out of control in Lynnwood. My family’s utility bill has more than tripled since we moved here 12 years ago. Lynnwood has the highest sales and property taxes and the most expensive utilities in the county. These tax and fee hikes take a human toll, especially on seniors and working families. People are being taxed out of their homes.Lynnwood’s revenues are higher than ever! There should be no need for more taxes. The problem is wasteful spending of taxpayer money. EXECUTIVE expenses increased from $75,000 in March 2015 to $203,000 in March 2017! Also, Lynnwood has a $5 MILLION BUDGET DEFICIT that was “balanced” by reducing the Reserve Funds! If you are not angry at this defi cit-hiding accounting maneuver, you should be! As your councilwoman, I will seek to roll back recent tax and fee increases. I will bring back a balanced budget and transparency.Lynnwood should be a model city. We need to take care of our neighbors and keep the city safe. For our children’s sake, we should reduce waste and not use toxins in our parks. We should raise the minimum wage, not executive pay.
Mukilteo
Sarah Kneller - Mukilteo City Council Position 3
Elected officials are only successful if their communities are thriving. I want to support our community by ensuring the financial fitness of our city, giving voice to community concerns about development, traffi c and safe transportation. I will address community issues related to drug addiction, mental health and crime. I will build a relationship between our school board and council and work to empower residents to positively engage with city government. We are all better when we work together. Listen, learn and engage. I’m a perpetual optimist and active Mukilteo community member as a wife, mother and television media professional. I don’t just research the issues I care about, I walk the walk by volunteering for municipal and family service organizations that make a diff erence. Our city will be faced with a number of big decisions in the coming years and you deserve a representative who will hear and address your concerns. My primary objective is to serve our community with honesty, transparency and open communication. When you elect me, you elect a public servant. I ask for your vote. Visit Website
Shaun Olsen - Mukilteo School District Position 4
As a son of educators, I have always placed a high value on public education. I believe in the idea that a well-educated electorate is the lifeblood of our democracy and fundamental if we wish to keep it. We need to take education seriously. It is an investment in our future that we cannot aff ord to shortchange. We must fully fund our schools and make sure our teachers are well compensated and supported. As well, we need to off er our students the opportunity for a well-rounded education that includes art, music, and civic engagement, along with STEM. I believe it is beneficial to all of us if our students leave our school systems not so much knowing what to think, but knowing how to think. That is why I feel it is so important for us to rethink the details surrounding standardized testing in this state. If elected, I will be active, accessible, and responsive. I would be honored to have your vote for this position. I am proud to have the unanimous endorsement of both the Snohomish County Democrats, and the 21st Legislative District Democrats.