Announcer: Welcome to the
King County Video Voters' Guide,
your chance to hear directly
from the candidates
on the Nov. 2
general election.
In this edition,
we've invited the candidates
who will appear on the ballot
for King County Executive
and King County Council
and the Seattle Port Commission
to make a statement.
The offices in this video
are nonpartisan.
Each of the statements
is up to two minutes long
and unedited.
The speakers appear on
your screen in the same order
as they will on the ballot.
This is a vote-by-mail election.
Instead of going to
a polling place,
ballots will be sent
to all registered voters.
First up, the office of
King County Executive.
The county executive
manages the delivery
of such regional services
as criminal justice,
metro transit,
and wastewater treatment.
In 2020, the voters of
King County amended the charter
so that the sheriff became
an appointed position.
Beginning in 2022,
the sheriff will be appointed
by the executive
and confirmed
by the county council.
The executive also directs
the local services provided to
those in the unincorporated
areas outside of cities.
This is a nonpartisan position
and is elected
for a four-year term.
All voters in King County
can vote for county executive.
When COVID arrived here,
the first place in the country
impacted by this deadly virus,
I took swift, decisive action.
We led with science and reason
and saved thousands of lives
and reduced our infection rate
to among the lowest in the nation.
The New York Times reported
that had the rest of America
followed our lead,
the nation could have avoided
more than 300,000 deaths.
As we emerge from the pandemic,
I'm bringing that same clarity
and resolve to the toughest challenges
and uniting our region
for an economic recovery
where everyone can thrive.
We're taking bold action
on homelessness,
moving thousands off the streets
and into housing
with services to restore lives.
And through my
Best Starts for Kids initiative,
we've kept 10,000 children
and families safely housed.
This housing crisis,
made worse by the pandemic,
requires both compassion
and the proven ability to drive real change.
We're improving public safety and public trust
by investing in gun violence prevention
and aid to victims of domestic violence and other crimes,
and collaborating with communities
to create real safety.
I've asked community leaders to work with me
as we appoint a new sheriff who is accountable to me,
the council, and the people.
We're helping kids stay in school,
graduate, and avoid the criminal legal system,
and I've succeeded in driving down
the youth detention rate nearly tenfold.
And I'm taking urgent action on climate,
leading the fight for regional light rail,
and converting metro to an all-electric fleet.
And there's more exciting progress to come.
I'm grateful for the endorsements
of Govs. Inslee, Gregoire, and Locke.
Over 40 Democratic legislators,
the MLK Labor Council,
health care workers, firefighters,
building trades,
the Washington Conservation Voters,
and the Alliance for Gun Responsibility.
My commitment to public service was instilled in me
by my parents, retired public school teachers.
Today, Shirley and I are raising our daughter
in the same West Seattle neighborhood where I grew up.
Let's keep working together to help
all King County families thrive.
Thank you.
After 12 years of current leadership
failing to solve our biggest problems like homelessness,
it's time for change.
And as we recover from this pandemic,
we need an executive who understands how hard
working families in King County have struggled
to make ends meet even before this crisis.
I'm the son of refugees from White Center
and worked as a janitor at my own high school,
and despite great adversity,
I built a successful career in the private sector
and now I represent my community in the state Senate.
We can build a brighter future
for every family in King County.
We can build a community
where everyone has a safe place to call home.
Every senior can age in place with dignity,
and every parent can provide for their kids.
We can achieve all of this if we had an executive
who will act with the urgency needed,
to actually solve problems.
For years, the communities I grew up in
haven't gotten the same investments
to support working people
that made my success possible.
And as a result, residents of South King County
got sick and died from COVID-19
at twice the rates
of those in other parts of the county.
Those deaths were preventable
if the county had prioritized every community's safety.
The pandemic wasn't the first crisis
where our current leadership neglected working families
who've been pushed out of their neighborhoods.
The status quo has given us
12 years of unaffordable housing,
longer commutes, inaction on climate change,
and worsening gun violence in our communities.
We need bold solutions
implemented with transparency and accountability.
And I have the private and public sector experience
to get things done. Let's get to work.
Announcer: King County Council.
As the legislative branch
of county government,
the nine members of the
Metropolitan King County Council
set the policies,
enact the laws,
and adopt the budgets that guide
the largest jurisdiction
in Washington state.
The council's mission
is to protect public health
and safety,
enhance quality of life,
and ensure public trust.
Council positions
are nonpartisan,
and council members are elected
to four-year terms.
This year, five of the nine
council positions will appear
on the general election ballot.
♪♪
Hi. I'm Sally Caverzan.
I'm very new to politics,
but I am not new to King County.
I came to Seattle in 2005
to do direct service work with the unhoused.
The 10-year plan to end homelessness
had just been unveiled,
and I wanted to be part of the solution.
I come from privilege and trauma,
along with an internalized notion
of coping and healing through service work
and by connecting to nature.
I worked for years in nonprofit and government services,
including long-term care, home-visiting social work.
I have seen it all, folks.
I know the daily hardships
that our most marginalized and vulnerable residents
and their families face.
I understand the realities
of housing and unemployment barriers.
Like many of you, I see the direct correlation
of our drug and mental health crisis,
crime, and an overburdened system
in our escalating social disorder.
The creation of a King County regional treatment facility
is my highest priority.
There is a lack of access to inpatient treatment beds.
Our hospitals, our jails have become revolving doors.
We need reintegration housing.
There must be a realistic porch light
at the end of the tunnel.
With the climate crisis,
our solutions must be more than rapid transit,
expensive cars, and localized solar.
We need systemic infrastructure
towards underground cables
to keep our tree canopy
and to prevent wildfires,
natural drainage projects
and rainwater collection approaches
that will save our beloved Pacific Northwest salmon
and orca populations.
We need to build up
a King County Conservation Corps.
We can keep people in their homes.
We can find stability for self and others
through contributing to the public good.
I'm Sally C.
And now for something completely different.
Hi, my name is Rod Dembowski, and it's a privilege
and honor to represent you on the King County Council.
I represent District 1,
which is North Seattle,
and the cities of Shoreline,
Lake Forest Park, Kenmore, Bothell,
Woodinville, and North Kirkland.
I chair the Mobility Environment Committee
and serve as vice chair of the Budget Committee.
In my time on the council, I've prioritized work
in the environmental space,
helping secure new parklands at Bothell,
the Wayne Golf Course, preventing its development,
a new waterfront park in Lake Forest Park,
and expanding Big Finn Hill Park in Kirkland.
I've also made a priority to invest in our urban streams,
from Lyon Creek to McAleer Creek,
Bear Creek, Denny Creek.
We've got to restore their health.
Housing and human services
have been a major piece of the work I've done.
I led the effort to form
the Behavioral Health Institute at Harborview
to have the best behavioral health program in the country.
The pandemic -- we're coming out of that.
I'm very proud of King County's response.
And we've led the nation in reducing infections,
deaths, the spread,
and reopening our economy.
Going forward, there's lots of work to do,
but a couple priorities.
First, the environment and climate change.
We have the best climate change plan
from a local government in the country.
We've got to implement it and speed it up.
I've proposed a climate bond
to make investments in greening our transit fleet,
preserving the last 60,000 acres of open space in King County,
and decarbonizing our built environment.
We can't wait any longer.
Second, homelessness.
I'm very proud of our Health Through Housing initiative,
where we're acquiring 1,600 units.
We got to quadruple down on that
and move faster and more effectively.
Very proud of the endorsements I've received for reelection.
The Washington Conservation Voters,
King County Democrats,
all of the mayors in my district outside of Seattle,
the Alliance for Gun Responsibility,
the Labor Council, and many others.
My time on the council, I've never missed a vote,
not in committee and not at full council.
I'd like to continue working for you,
and I ask for your support.
♪♪
Hi. My name is Kathy Lambert,
and I am the King County Councilmember for District 3,
King County's largest district with rural,
urban, and suburban areas.
And I'm running for reelection.
We are seeing many changes in our communities
happen so fast as we try to come out of this pandemic.
The Eastside is at a crossroads.
Will we cave into partisan politics?
With such a diverse group of voters in this district,
it's important that we continue to elect experienced
and nonpartisan candidates to this seat.
I am endorsed from both sides of the aisle.
We need leaders who will treat everyone fairly
and help us navigate the many financial,
social, and transportation issues we face.
Among my varied endorsements are The Seattle Times,
the Amalgamated Transit Union,
the Eastside Business Alliance,
the King County Police Officers Guild,
and many more.
This position is about bringing local
and regional services to our constituents.
As the daughter of a law enforcement officer,
I understand how important it is
to have safety in our community,
and I'm an advocate for increasing the budget
of our sheriff's department so that we can continue
to provide needed coverage and services.
It is so important that we not cut these budgets,
especially with such rapid population growth
in our district.
Services, response times, and overall safety
would be greatly affected.
To help deal with some of these criminal justice issues,
I brought the first community court.
This program provides services to those in need
instead of jail time.
After the pilot's initial success,
this became a countywide program that has been able
to help so many more people.
For transportation, I have supported metro budgets,
worked on more local options,
and expanded the Snoqualmie Valley Transit
as part of our Metro system.
I believe it is a privilege to serve
and now as your independent leader on the council,
there is still much more work to be done,
and I hope to continue being the voice of our diverse community.
I humbly ask for your support
and your vote on the journey forward.
Thank you.
Hi. I'm Sarah Perry.
I'm a small business owner, nonprofit executive,
coalition builder, and candidate
to be your voice on County Council
representing District 3.
After three decades living,
working, and volunteering in Issaquah,
Sammamish, Redmond, Woodinville, and the Snoqualmie Valley,
I'm proud of my record of collaboration and results
building affordable housing,
protecting access to higher education,
and running my own small business
assisting organizations and innovators
in making their dreams a reality.
I'm running for county council because we need a champion
for our communities who will not only listen
but will bring the results that we need
and are depending on at this critical time.
After 20 years of the same representation,
it's time for a leader with a forward-thinking vision,
a deep understanding of the challenges
facing our region, and who will get the job done.
What we need will not be addressed
by out-of-touch career politicians.
With your vote, I'll represent
our shared values and priorities.
I'll tackle climate change and protect our open spaces,
forests, water, and farmland.
I'll build realistic transit alternatives
and connections to meet the needs of our working families.
I'll remove barriers for recovering small businesses,
assist families in need of child care,
fight for safe communities for all,
and help our workers regain a foothold
in a changing economy.
I'm grateful to have earned the endorsements
of Congress members Suzan DelBene and Kim Schrier,
Attorney General Bob Ferguson,
County Executive Dow Constantine,
state Sen. Manka Dhingra,
former candidate Joe Cohen,
our local firefighters, teachers,
and health care workers, MLK Labor,
The Sierra Club, Planned Parenthood Votes,
and dozens of elected and community leaders.
I'm Sarah Perry running for
King County Council District 3,
and I would be honored to earn your support
so that together we can ensure
that all of our families thrive
now and into the future.
ElectSarahPerry.org. Thank you.
♪♪
Hi. My name is Dr. Shukri Olow,
and I'm running for King County Council District 5.
Our diverse South King County communities
deserve authentic representation.
As an immigrant, a former refugee,
and a product of Kent public housing,
I am of this community.
I have lived the challenges
that so many members of our community face
and have felt the beauty of this community
that supported my family when we needed it most.
And for 15 years,
I have served our South King County community,
connecting families to life-changing resources
like public housing, affordable child care,
education, and health care.
And our neighbors have spoken.
It's time for new leadership with lived experience.
And together we will create an environment
where every corner of our district can thrive
and our community-created priorities reflect this
and include building affordable housing as a human right
and increasing tenant protections
to prevent housing instability and displacement,
bending the legal system toward justice
by investing in alternatives to incarceration
through a public health response to social safety,
investing in public health and human services
to provide mental health and trauma-informed care
to our communities reeling from the COVID-19 crisis
and supporting small businesses overlooked by federal
and local pandemic assistance
to fully recover from the economic downturn.
And if elected, it will not just be my voice
on the King County Council,
it will be yours.
It will be the voices of all residents
looking to be heard and valued by our democracy.
I am proud to be endorsed by organizations
such as King County Democrats,
Washington Housing Alliance Action Fund,
SEIU 775,
925, and 1199 Northwest,
and OneAmerica Votes,
as well as a number of elected officials,
including state Reps.
Debra Entenman and David Hackney.
I would be honored to have your vote
and your voice by Nov. 2.
Hi. My name is Dave Upthegrove,
and I'm running for reelection
to the King County Council in District 5,
which includes all or parts of the cities of Kent, Renton,
SeaTac, Des Moines, Burien, Normandy Park, and Tukwila.
I am honored to be endorsed by more than 100 leaders
from communities of color in South King County,
and I work hard to treat everyone in our community
with respect.
You know, the first COVID death in the nation
was right here in King County,
and our county public health department
is the front line of defense.
I'm proud that by following the science
and supporting our public health professionals,
we have the lowest COVID rate of any major urban county
in the continental United States.
As we emerge from this pandemic, however,
our region faces serious challenges.
We need to get homeless individuals off the streets
and into housing with services.
We need to prioritize public safety and our first responders
while improving accountability, transparency,
and justice for all.
We all deserve to feel safe in our community,
and we need to support local small businesses
to help boost our economy and create jobs
and economic opportunity for all.
The solutions to homelessness, public safety, and our economy
aren't going to come from Seattle.
They will come from those of us here in South King County
working together to solve problems.
These are serious times,
and I will use my experience and proven leadership
to fight for our community and deliver results.
Nobody will work harder for South King County.
I'm proud to be endorsed by the King County Democrats,
King County Labor Council,
Sierra Club, teachers, nurses, and firefighters,
Attorney General Bob Ferguson, Congressman Adam Smith,
King County Executive Dow Constantine,
and many other trusted local leaders.
My name is Dave Upthegrove,
and I would be honored to earn your vote.
♪♪
Hello. My name is Dominique Torgerson,
and I am running for King County Council
for District 7 because we need change.
I know all too well the issues that we face
in our rural, unincorporated areas of King County.
With completely unreasonable and overburdensome
permitting and zoning codes,
it is otherwise a miracle if someone can even make it
through the permitting process at all,
much less without great financial and mental difficulty.
It took our business 2 1/2 years
to make it through what should have been
an over-the-counter permit.
King County does little to nothing to support its rural
or unincorporated businesses,
which is completely evident by the fact
that we have the absolute lowest percentage of sales
that comes from the unincorporated areas
out of any county in this entire state
at a minimal 3.2 percent,
and that is based on 2016 numbers.
King County basically has two principal sources
of tax revenue -- property tax and sales tax.
Property taxes levied by counties
can only increase by 1% every year.
With that limitation, we have to be able to
supplement our revenue by getting sales tax.
But the only way to create this foundation
of stable sales tax revenue
is to support unincorporated businesses.
With such limited sales tax
coming back from the general fund,
we have absolutely no way
to continue to support the rural areas,
much less get funding for anything else.
My second issue that I want to address
is our effect on the environment.
We have such an inefficient recycling program
where most of what we recycle
still ends up in the landfills.
With the technology that is available,
there is absolutely no reason
we should even have landfills anymore,
and that is something I want to change.
Lastly, we need to get back
to listening to the people.
As elected officials,
it is our duty to be servants to the people.
The words "career" and "politician"
should never go hand in hand.
But unfortunately, it is now all too common,
continually reinforced by greed
and need to excessively control.
If I am elected, I will push for term limits
that will effectively remove the incentive for someone to try
and make an elected position a career.
♪♪
I'm Reagan Dunn, and it's been an honor
to serve you as your voice on the King County Council.
I'm troubled by the dramatic increase in crime
and homelessness in this county,
and I believe we can do better.
The murder rate is up by a staggering 86 percent
over the last two years,
and our crime rate is the highest it's been
in 30 years.
I am one of the few voices on the council
fighting to give law enforcement
the tools they need to do their jobs.
I believe that we can fully fund
our criminal justice system.
And at the same time,
we can strive for increased accountability
within that system.
I'm the only member of the King County Council
with real crime-fighting experience,
having spent many years working for the Department of Justice.
I was appointed by the President of the United States,
and I served as a federal prosecutor
with top secret clearance.
In Seattle, I worked in the Terrorism
and Violent Crime Unit
of the U.S. Attorney's Office.
I also led the Justice Department's national initiative
to fight gun violence.
As you may know,
voters recently placed oversight of the County Sheriff's Office
in the hands of the King County Council.
Our county needs at least one council member
who understands the need to keep our neighborhoods safe.
I'm proud to have earned the endorsement
of all eight nonpartisan mayors in this district,
plus, firefighters and police.
And I have also been honored as Washington State's
outstanding local elected official of the year.
County government faces significant challenges,
and I will work in a bipartisan manner
to fight crime, reduce homelessness,
protect the environment, recover from the pandemic,
keep your taxes low, and continue to help
those who suffer from drug and alcohol addiction.
I'm Reagan Dunn.
I work for you, and I appreciate your vote.
Hi, neighbors. My name is Kim-Khanh Van.
I'm running to represent you,
our region's working families, veterans, seniors,
and those who don't have a seat at the table
on the King County Council.
As a refugee from Vietnam,
my family came here seeking a better future.
Working multiple jobs
and the first of my family to graduate college,
I value hard work, the importance of opportunity,
and the strength of community.
Our district deserves leadership
committed to the same principles.
Unfortunately, the 16-year incumbent
was the sole vote against critical funding for housing,
stepped down from the regional authority
addressing homelessness,
and failed to provide leadership necessary
to prevent a dangerous asphalt plant
sited along the Cedar River.
Our district deserves representation
in touch with local priorities
and willing to embrace opportunities
for regional progress.
I'm the only candidate for this position
with a proven track record as an elected official
and small business owner.
I've expanded access to apprenticeships
and career pathways
on the Renton Technical College Foundation Board,
advocated for seniors and veterans
through Sound City Seniors Aging and Disability Council.
With your vote, I'll build on my record of leadership
on the Renton City Council to coordinate regional action
on homelessness and affordable housing,
make overdue transit and transportation improvements,
ensure fiscal responsibility,
stand up for struggling local businesses,
and step-up safeguards protecting our climate
and quality of life.
As we rebuild trust in our sheriff's office,
I will demand needed public safety improvements,
support for victims, and hire officers
who reflect our communities, as I have in Renton.
Together, we can recover,
grow, and move our region forward.
I'm grateful for the endorsements
of regional organizations
and leaders like Washington Conservation Voters,
SEIU 1199 Northwest Healthcare Workers,
Executive Constantine, and Treasurer Pellicciotti,
and many more.
So, I ask for your vote. Thank you.
♪♪
Announcer: Port of Seattle.
The Port of Seattle Commission
is a countywide
municipal corporation.
The five Port Commissioners
oversee the Seattle-Tacoma
International Airport,
the Seattle Seaport,
Fishermen's Terminal,
four recreational marinas,
and two cruise terminals.
Commissioners also appoint
and evaluate the port's
chief executive officer,
approve the annual port budget,
established financial policies,
and approve labor agreements.
This year, Port Commission
positions 1, 3, and 4
will appear on the November
general election ballot.
All voters in King County are
eligible to vote in this race.
♪♪
Hello, King County voters.
My name is Norman Sigler.
Thank you for taking the time to learn about me
and my reasons for wanting to be your next
Port of Seattle Commissioner in Position No. 1.
I plan to lead with bold actions
such as moving to carbon neutrality by 2030,
designating a portion of the operating budget
to eliminate port pollution,
and designating a percentage of the port's profit
to mitigate environmental injustices
in communities impacted by port operations.
I moved here in 2003
to be the manager of finance and contracts
for the then $55 million engine budget
at Alaska Airlines.
This was my third time working for an airline
after getting my MBA in finance and accounting
from the University of Michigan.
My aviation experience also includes
planning new airline routes
and building airline partnerships.
I loved working in the airline industry
because of the exposure to so many
different people and places,
and because the engineering of flying is magical.
SeaTac International Airport is a magical place
and represents about 75 percent
of all Port of Seattle operations,
that also includes a state-of-the-art
regional container port alliance,
cruise ship terminals,
the marina that houses the Alaskan fishing fleet,
and a park.
The port's current operating budget is $670 million.
That includes $76 million a year
in support from your property taxes.
Clear-Consulting.biz, my executive search firm,
helps Puget Sound social profits
diversify their leadership teams,
my past work as a strategy consultant
for Blue Cross Blue Shield Association,
and as an environmental scientist,
assessing commercial properties for environmental hazards
mean I will be the only port commissioner
to bring institutional knowledge on day one
from the executive recruiting, aviation,
health care, and environmental sectors.
110 years ago,
residents of this county created the Port of Seattle
to build the foundation of the economy we enjoy today.
I humbly ask for your vote to help lay the foundation
for the port's next 110 years.
Thank you.
As your port commissioner, it's my honor to create
living wage careers,
support workers and small businesses,
and advance the port's actions to defeat climate change.
I'm running for reelection to build
a port aligned with our community's
forward-thinking priorities and values.
As our community bounces back from COVID,
the port must serve as an engine for job creation.
That's why I fought to keep projects on schedule
despite the pandemic, driving job growth
and investing in infrastructure that supports local businesses.
I'm pushing for critical projects
to ensure our airport and seaport remain world-class.
As a small business owner and economic development leader,
I know the importance of new career
and entrepreneurial pathways.
We need apprenticeships and workforce training
like Maritime High School,
which we helped develop,
to ensure a thriving local economy.
Coupled with equity-driven programs
for underrepresented communities,
we're ensuring everyone has the opportunity
to thrive and prosper.
I first ran for this office to accelerate our actions
to address climate change.
I'm proud to have led efforts to make our port
the nation's most environmentally sustainable.
We'll continue our truly innovative approach
in sustainable aviation fuels
and the decarbonization of the Seattle central waterfront,
and go even further to meet the scale of the climate crisis.
I'm committed to working with others to achieve real results.
And I'm proud my collaborative approach
has been endorsed by King County Democrats,
The Sierra Club, MLK Labor,
firefighters, nurses, and essential workers,
along with members of Congress, legislators,
and local elected officials across the county.
I believe the port can be instrumental
in making our region a global hub for the green economy,
which will bring new jobs and businesses
and a healthier environment.
With your vote, I can and will
continue this important work.
Thank you.
♪♪
Hi. I'm Stephanie Bowman,
your Port of Seattle Commissioner.
I'm excited to be running for reelection
because the port is the region's economic backbone,
and we need steady, experienced leadership
at the helm of our region's most important agency.
I'd like to tell you a few things I've done
and how I'm building on these accomplishments
in the next four years.
I have the sole endorsement
of the King County Building Trades Union
because in 2020, I helped save thousands of workers
from losing their jobs
by continuing with port construction projects
when other agencies shut these jobs down.
Building on this, I have a plan to create 5,000 new,
equitable green jobs through port investments
in carbon reduction,
energy efficiency, and habitat restoration.
We can restore the Duwamish, Seattle's only river,
by cleaning up storm water and clean up our air
by moving towards zero-emission trucks on port terminals
and getting sustainable aviation fuels in airplanes.
I have the endorsement
of the Northwest Women's Political Caucus
and Gov. Gary Locke for my commitment
to helping women and people of color.
I led the effort to create a COVID vaccination clinic
at the airport for workers,
which has already helped more than 5,000 workers of color
be safe from the pandemic.
I also led the effort to triple the number of women
and minority firms that contract with the port.
Moving forward, I'll continue my focus
on helping those furthest from opportunity,
building on my work to create more than 600 jobs
for youth from underserved communities.
You probably don't think about the port
when you think about the homelessness crisis.
However, two years ago, I worked with community leaders
to create the first tiny house village ever on port property,
helping those living unsheltered on our streets
to have a safe, stable place to go.
Moving forward, I'm already working on expanding this site.
I'm thrilled to be endorsed by dozens of community
and elected leaders like Gov. Gregoire,
Dow Constantine,
Seattle firefighters, and our maritime unions.
I'd be proud to have your vote. Thank you.
Hi. My name is Hamdi Mohamed,
and I'm running to be your next
Port of Seattle Commissioner.
As we recover from COVID-19,
we must rethink our port's policies
and promote transparency, accountability,
and public participation.
My father was a trucker,
my mother was a SeaTac airport worker,
and my husband was an airline employee.
I know firsthand how important it is
that working families are protected.
At the King County Executive office,
I advise on the county's $12 billion budget
and manage initiatives that invest millions
into our small businesses, community organizations,
and COVID-19 response.
I have served on multiple boards
and as the regional organizing director
for President Biden's campaign.
I have the skills, relationships, and expertise
in economic development
to achieve real results for communities
in and around the port.
My priorities include reentry programs
for COVID-19 impacted workers,
establishing the first small business recovery task force,
streamlining our operations at our waterfront,
and improving freight mobility
while creating thousands of jobs.
The Port of Seattle's largest revenue stream
is SeaTac Airport,
located in the heart of South King County.
When elected, I will become the first-ever commissioner
living in South King County.
I am prepared to be a strong voice
for cleaner aviation fuels,
sound installation programs,
and tackling ultra-fine particle pollutions with local leaders.
I am the only candidate endorsed
by all 19 King County Democratic Party organizations
and MLK Labor.
I'm endorsed by Congresswoman Jayapal,
Congressman Smith, King County Executive Constantine,
Attorney General Bob Ferguson,
Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz,
300 organizations, business leaders, and more.
Folks are ready for a regional leader
that will make the port's numerous operations
more accessible and transparent.
I hope to earn your vote.
♪♪
Hello, I'm Port Commissioner Peter Steinbrueck,
and I'm running for reelection to the Seattle Port Commission.
The port's core mission is to promote economic opportunity,
quality jobs, and environmental sustainability.
As port commissioner, I've worked hard
to create thousands of family-wage dockworker
and construction jobs.
And with less than 5 percent property tax support,
we're self-funding billions in public works projects.
In 2019, I created a $10 million
South King County community impact fund
to develop equity-based partnerships
and provide economic resources
to historically underserved
near-airport communities.
During these challenging times,
I bring strong, experienced leadership
to the port that delivers.
Together, we're building the nation's most progressive port
through equitable middle-income jobs,
leading on climate protection,
environmental sustainability,
and ending systemic racism.
I'm committed to the port's core mission
while ensuring open, accountable government.
Together, we're moving the port of the future forward.
I'm proud to be endorsed by great local leaders
such as Ron Sims, Gael Tarleton,
Earth Day founder Denis Hayes,
Bellevue Mayor Lynne Robinson,
Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus,
Des Moines Mayor Matt Pina,
along with the Eastside Business Alliance,
Metropolitan Democratic Club,
King County Building Trades,
Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 32,
the Port of Seattle firefighters,
and many more.
You can learn more about my campaign
at www.PeterForPort.org.
Thank you, and I'd be so honored to have your vote.
My name is Toshiko Hasegawa, and I'm running
for the Seattle Port Commission Position No. 4.
As a lifelong resident of the Beacon Hill neighborhood,
I've seen our port's impact on communities.
As director of a state agency,
I've witnessed how, once again, when crises struck,
working families were hit hardest.
The disparities have deepened,
and the port is still one of the top polluters
of carbon emissions in our state.
It's fallen short of answering
to the challenges of our time.
I'm running to ensure that the rising tide
of our recovery lifts all ships.
Our port is a connector, the gateway to the world,
an economic heartbeat of our region.
It's uniquely positioned to bring together stakeholders
in industry, business, labor, and community
to build our economy back better.
But we need new leadership committed to getting it done.
As commissioner,
I'll prioritize sustainably growing our industries
while modernizing with green infrastructure,
projects like electric shore power, high-speed rail,
offshore wind, and solar panels
can promote international trade
and a flowing supply chain,
all while reducing pollution and traffic congestion.
These projects will create family-wage jobs for workers
and contracts for businesses
so people get the economic stability that they deserve.
The fierce urgency of this moment
requires new leadership with a bold vision
and unwavering commitment to our goals.
I am the unifying Democrat in this race
that people trust to get the job done.
That's why I'm endorsed by the Washington Conservation Voters
and the Sierra Club, MLK Labor Council,
ironworkers, carpenters, business leaders,
every legislative Democratic organization in King County,
and over 50 elected officials,
including Gov. Jay Inslee,
Lt. Gov. Denny Heck,
Congressman Adam Smith, and Congresswoman Jayapal.
Let's build a port that works for everyone.
My name is Toshiko Hasegawa, and I hope to earn your vote.
Announcer: You've just seen
all the video statements
recorded by candidates
for King County Executive
and County Council,
along with candidates for
Port of Seattle Commissioner.
This program is a collaboration
of the Seattle Ethics
& Elections Commission,
the Seattle Channel,
and King County TV.
Ballots will be sent
to all registered voters.
Look for your ballot in the mail
after Oct. 13
and vote and return it
by Tuesday, Nov. 2.
Ballots can be returned
via U.S. Mail
or at one of King County's
secured ballot drop boxes.
Ballots must be postmarked
by November 2nd.
To learn about
accessible voting options,
go to kingcounty.gov/elections.
You can track the progress
of your ballot online
and find the location
of drop boxes by visiting
King County Elections
at kingcounty.gov/elections.
Thanks for joining us.
We'd like to hear from you
about the Video Voters' Guide.
To comment on this guide,
please call (206) 684-8500
or e-mail
ethicsandelections@seattle.gov.