| Text transcript for video voters
guide
King County and the Port of Seattle for the 2005 General & Special
Election
Announcer:
You have spoken through your votes in the primary. Now it’s time
to cast your ballot for the finalists who advanced in the November general
election. Welcome to the Video Voters Guide for King County. This program
is produced on behalf of King County Records Elections and Licensing Services
and the Seattle Ethics and Elections Commission. In this edition you will
see statements from the candidates for King County Executive, King County
Sheriff, the Metropolitan King County Council and the Port of Seattle
Commission. You will also learn about a ballot measure on funding for
human services and veterans. Each of the statements you will see is two
minutes long and unedited. The speakers will appear on screen in the same
order as they will on your ballot.
Announcer:
One countywide ballot measure concerns funding for regional health and
human services. King County Proposition 1 would fund such human services
as housing assistance, mental health counseling, substance abuse prevention
and treatment, and job assistance. It would also fund capital facilities
and services for veterans and military personnel and their families. This
measure would authorize a property tax levy of five cents per thousand
of assessed valuation for the next six years.
King County Proposition 1
Hello, I’m Pete Lewis, Mayor of the City of Auburn. As a veteran
of Vietnam I remember coming home from the war and the reception that
I received. Now our veterans are coming home again. Regardless of how
we might feel about this war, another generation of young men and women
are at risk. They have seen what no one should have to see, done things
no one should have to do in freedom’s name. Their lives have been
forever changed, but it’s not just them. Husbands and wives and
children have been put at risk as our military and our national guard
families wait for the return of their loved ones. They have lost homes
and medical care and been put into terrible positions because of their
commitment to defend us. For a half century the Veteran’s Levy has
been part of our commitment to our veterans. An unforeseen consequence
of the recent property tax initiative has been to reduce the value of
that levy and more of our veterans are coming home. Honor our veterans.
Provide care for their families and provide for healthy families in our
community. Vote yes for King County Proposition 1.
King County Executive
Announcer:
The King County Executive manages the delivery of such regional services
as Metro Transit and wastewater treatment that are provided to everyone
in King County. The Executive also directs the local services provided
to those in the unincorporated areas outside of cities. This is a partisan
position and is elected for a four-year term. All voters in King County
are eligible to vote for County Executive.
Ron Sims:
Hi, I’m Ron Sims and I’m running for King County Executive
and I would be honored to have your support. Over the last four years
I’ve had to reduce King County’s budget by $130 million yet
maintain essential services to the poor and to public safety services.
We had new initiatives I had to take. We have soldiers going over to fight
wars in foreign countries and I didn’t want them to lose their homes
or their benefits or their seniority. We were successful. Most importantly,
I wanted to make sure we maintained the highest credit rating of the counties
in the United States and I was successful in doing it. It is called Fiscal
Discipline and that is important to the operations of government. Over
the next four years I want to work with the State and our members of Congress
and other counties to save Puget Sound. I also want to save our health
care system and part of a very large public/private partnership dedicated
to changing the health care delivery system so that you and I can have
health care at lower cost growth. I want to make sure that we have trails
that connect our communities and our cities so that we can ride our bicycles
and jog and hike and enjoy the wonders of King County. I look forward
to serving you. I would be honored to have your support and thank you.
David Irons:
Hello, I’m David Irons. I have a vision for King County. In this
vision traffic congestion is reduced and truly a balanced transportation
plan is integrated. Everyone stuck in traffic today knows that by adding
a few more lane miles congestion will be reduced. It’s time to add
these lane miles. I read a study recently that said by adding a mere 6%
more lane miles we can reduce congestion by 36%. Traffic congestion is
costing all of us way too much. It’s time that we fixed it, truly
fixed it. Last years elections have made us a laughing stock of the nation.
I have suggested that we implement an elected auditor just like every
other county in our state has. We can do this to protect the most basic
of American institutions and that is the right to vote. Finally, growth
management is about management not about a one-size-fits-all set of rules
that takes away personal property rights to feed the political philosophy
of a few. What’s good for downtown Seattle is not necessarily best
for the rural residents. We can find a plan that manages growth and at
the same time protecting personal property rights and also protecting
our environment. With David Irons there will be no $40 million computer
fiasco or election embarrassments. I will use my 25 years of private sector
business experience along with my 6 years on the King County Council to
bring about efficiencies in King County government. It will be my goal
to make this county one that sets the standard for how government should
work. I can bring confidence back to this office and I promise to restore
that. I would be honored to serve you and humbly ask for your vote November
8th. Thank you.
King County Sheriff
Announcer:
The King County Sheriff protects the safety of more than a half million
people in the unincorporated areas of King County and in 13 cities that
buy police protection from King County. The Sheriff also provides such
regional services as SWAT teams and police helicopters for everyone in
King County. This is a non-partisan position that serves a four-year term.
All voters in King County can vote for Sheriff.
Sue Rahr:
Hello, I’m Sue Rahr. I’m your King County Sheriff and I am
proud to lead over 1,000 members of the sheriff’s office keeping
this region safe. I’ve paid my dues during my 26 years of service
with the sheriff’s office steadily working my way through the ranks.
I started as a patrol officer and I’ve worked every precinct in
King County. My range of experience includes undercover narcotics detective,
Supervisor of the Special Sexual Assault Unit, Commander of the Gang Unit,
Chief of Police in Shoreline, and the Sheriff’s Patrol Operations
Chief. I understand law enforcement from the ground up. Dave Reichert
appointed me to finish his term when he was elected to Congress. This
appointment was confirmed by all 13 members of the County Council, including
democrats and republicans. I am the first female sheriff in King County.
I am used to leading based on knowledge and experience—broad experience
ranging from directing tactical patrol operations to managing a $110 million
budget. I’ve been endorsed by key leaders in both parties including
State Attorney General Rob McKenna, King County Council Chair Larry Phillips,
King County Prosecutor Norm Maleng, King County Democratic Party Chair
Susan Sherry, former Congresswoman Jennifer Dunn, and nearly every sheriff
in the State of Washington. My endorsements also include a wide range
of labor unions, including the Aerospace Machinists and professional organizations,
including the King County Fire Chiefs and the Women’s Political
Caucus. My husband Bill and I grew up in King County and raised our sons
here. As a parent I know the importance of keeping our neighborhoods safe
and secure. Combating methamphetamine is my number one priority. I’m
actively working with top law enforcement agencies across the state and
a team of community and treatment specialists to stop the spread of this
dangerous drug and the associated crimes of auto theft, identify theft
and fraud. I hope you will vote for me to continue serving as your Sheriff.
I am the best candidate with the best experience to get the job done.
I am Sue Rahr. I’m your King County Sheriff.
Greg Schmidt:
I’m Greg Schmidt, your candidate for King County Sheriff. On November
8th you will be electing a new leader in the Sheriff’s Department.
Your new leader must have a proven track record in three very important
categories. My administrative experience is second to none when you examine
what I have accomplished in the last 20 years. I have extensive experience
analyzing budgets and cutting government waste. I have shared before several
of my accomplishments, which have saved the taxpayers millions of dollars.
I demonstrated my fiscal responsibility to you again during the recent
primary election when my idea and my actions saved the taxpayers thousands
of dollars. My investigative experience confirms that I am a person of
action as when I created the Domestic Violence Unit back in 1994. My work
as an Investigative Commander was visible when I led the Warrant Unit
to an unprecedented reduction of over 300% of our outstanding warrants
while at the same time losing 40% of our personnel. You need an experienced
investigative leader when it comes to combating the substance abuse issues
that plague our society, especially the meth problems in our communities.
I cannot underscore the absolute necessity of your next sheriff having
the field command experience that can keep our community safe. During
a natural disaster or terrorist attack is not the time to find out that
your leader has no experience in the field commanding troops as we found
out during the recent unfortunate disasters in our Gulf States. I was
in the field during the WTO. In fact, one of the very rare praises of
a good decision during the WTO was for actions that I took in the field
as a Commander on the streets of Seattle. Examine the experience of your
two candidates. Do not be fooled by positions held. Look beyond the titles
and look for the accomplishments. Look for that person of action. When
you vote for me on November 8th you will be putting a leader in place
who puts a priority on protecting our families and protecting our communities.
When you vote for me on November 8th you’ll be putting a leader
in the Sheriff’s office who has the command experience that you
deserve. I am Greg Schmidt and I’m asking for your vote for King
County Sheriff on November 8th. Thank you.
Metropolitan King County Council
Announcer:
The Metropolitan King County Council sets the policy and budget for the
second largest government in Washington State. Due to a vote to reduce
council representation and the resulting redistricting, King County has
nine new larger council districts and all nine positions are up in this
election. If you’re not sure which new council district you live
in, check your voter registration card mailed in June. These are partisan
positions. The terms are staggered so that members in even numbered districts
serve two-year terms, odd number districts serve four years. Only voters
in each district can vote in that race.
Metropolitan King County Council District 1
Bob Ferguson:
My name is Bob Ferguson. I’m a democrat running for re-election
for the new First King County Council District. I’m proud to be
the winner of the Democratic Nominating Convention held this summer and
to have the sole endorsement of the 46 district democrats. Two years ago
I ran for the King County Council and defeated a 20-year incumbent with
grassroots door belling campaign. Since taking office I have brought new
energy and common sense leadership to the King County Council. I have
earned the reputation as your most accessible elected official. Any constituent
can meet me for one half hour, one-on-one coffee at a local coffee shop
to discuss any issue they like. In the past 18 months I have met over
200 constituents in this way and these conversations helped me make decisions
on the King County Council. This is the energy and the representation
you deserve from your council member. I am a King County native and a
fourth generation Washingtonian. I attended school in the district and
my wife, Colleen, works at Shoreline Community College. As your council
member I am committed to four priorities. First, improving our transportation
system. I support fast, reliable and cost-effective solutions to gridlock.
I am the only member of the King County Council who takes the bus to work.
Number two, protecting the environment. I work to protect open space on
the council and as an attorney I helped establish the Kruckeberg Botanic
Garden Foundation in Shoreline. Third, protecting human services. I have
hands-on experience directing an inner-city emergency services office
where I assisted low-income families. As a council member I proposed creating
transitional housing for the homeless with the money we’ll be saving
from the council reduction from 13 members down to 9. Fourth, and perhaps
most important we need to restore faith in King County elections. I’ve
taken the lead on election reform with the council and proposed an independent
audit of our elections division to ensure that every eligible vote counts.
My name is Bob Ferguson and I ask for your support on September 20th.
Steven Pyeatt:
The definition of insanity is repeating the same action and expecting
a different result. So why would we send nine incumbents back to the county
and expect anything to change next year? Hello, my name is Steven Pyeatt
and I want to serve you on the King County Council so that I can bring
this change. We are all aware of the problems plaguing King County government.
Nearly weekly another story hits the news sometimes on a national scale.
We are the smartest region in the country. So why would we accept this
embarrassment and not demand change? Serving you on the council I will
bring this change. As a businessman and football official I am used to
making critical decisions on dealing with emotional-charged issues. I
am a problem solver with the common sense and leadership skills required
to serve you on the council. I am dedicated to restoring responsibility
and accountability to the county. In order to have a fresh start and turn
around the culture of mismanagement we must have a change in leadership
on the council. I am the only candidate that can provide this change.
Be it cleaning the voter roles of all the illegal voters, something that
a year later has not been done; to common sense solutions to our transportation
nightmare rather than a gold-plated solutions that are decades from completion;
to trimming the fat from the county government. Over 200 people making
over $100,000 a year and the executive staff has tripled in size under
the last two executives in a county that wastes millions without even
a thought. We can change the culture that doesn’t respect the hard
working discipline and responsibility that our families live by every
day. Unlike the current leadership on the council I know what it’s
like to live on a budget and there’s no reason King County cannot
do the same. We can fix these problems and provide desperately needed
services. My name is Steven Pyeatt. I thank you for your vote and look
forward to serving you on the King County Council.
Metropolitan King County Council District 2
Larry Gossett:
Hi, my name is Larry Gossett and I am currently a member of the King County
Council and I am running for re-election and I’m asking for your
vote this coming November 8th at our general election. I have been a member
of the King County Council for 12 years now. I’m running for my
fifth term. I am a Democrat and I live in the center area, which is the
heart of the new District 2. I’m very excited about the opportunity
of representing a district that will have 197,000 people in it next year
and it runs from the northeast part of our city, N.E. 75th southward to
include the University District, Laurelhurst, Fremont, Mountlake center
area, Mt. Baker, Rainier Valley, Rainier Beach and Skyway. It’s
a very diverse district and I’ve had a lot of experience representing
districts that look like the one I’m currently running in. I have
been a leader in the King County Council particularly in the law, justice
and human services arenas. For five years I led the Law, Justice and Human
Services Committee and sponsored a large number of innovative programs
that have helped to improve the criminal justice system in our community.
By way of example we were putting 2,900 people in jail in 2002 on an average
daily population basis. Today it’s only 2,300. We developed a lot
of programs to help keep people out of jail and make our community healthier.
That’s just one example of many and I really look forward to having
you support me on Tuesday, November 8th. Thank you very much for your
vote.
Morgan Catha:
Hello, I’m Morgan Catha. I would like to touch on three ideas that
are central to my campaign—accountability, accessibility and respect.
A public servant should respect the hard-working taxpayers who he represents,
as well as respect the rights that we have as citizens of the United States.
I think it is absolutely essential that an elected official be accessible
to the citizens he represents. That’s why as a council member I’ll
be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week ready to listen to the concerns
of King County residents. But the most important point I can make today
is that our government needs to be far more accountable to the taxpayers
than it is now. The county budget this year is $3.4 billion. That’s
$3,000 per taxpayer. Now you would think out of all of those billions
of dollars the county could spare maybe a few thousand to tell us how
the rest is being spent. Unfortunately, public disclosure is the one thing
our current elected officials can’t seem to find a way to budget
for. Once I’m a member of the King County Council my first order
of business will be to introduce a new ordinance, the Citizen Audit. This
ordinance will require that every office in the county government report
its expenditures in detail to the public. This information will be published
as widely as possible on the Internet, in the libraries, on television—you
name it. Most of us can balance our checkbooks. Well, maybe having a few
thousand extra eyes scrutinizing the county’s spending habits will
help the Executive find a way to shave a few extra dollars or hundreds
of millions of dollars off the bill that we have to pay at the end of
the year. If you would like to find out more about my campaign visit my
web site at cathaforcouncil.com. I welcome your support and your vote.
Thank you.
Metropolitan King County Council District 3
Kathy Lambert:
Thank you for taking the time to be an informed voter. My name is Kathy
Lambert and I’m running for re-election to District 3 of the King
County Council. My district encompasses the northeast quarter of this
county. It’s a very large district with about 193,000 people. I’d
like to talk to you today about three issues—criminal justice, transportation
and elections. In criminal justice we have made many changes in the last
three years. These changes are helping us to get to the root of people’s
problems and break the criminal justice cycle that they have been. These
will help us to reduce our costs, as well as help their lives. As you
know, 70% of the general fund is spent on criminal justice issues. In
transportation we have worked as three county councils - Pierce, King
and Snohomish to come up with a plan that will reduce congestion. This
plan has varied because of the different dollar amounts that have been
available, but it is an important plan and together we need to solve our
transportation problems. So when this is released I hope that you will
take a very serious look at how we can work together as a region in solving
these problems. In elections we have had a group come in to evaluate what
has gone on in our elections department. These are the experts from Texas
as known as the Elections Center. We are very pleased with their preliminary
work and they will be providing us with their final draft in October.
At that point we will look at their implementations and the best practices
that they will be giving us. These are important issues before our county.
It is important that we work together and to solve the problems that effect
the quality of life in our county. I look forward to working with you
in the next four years and hope that you elect me again King County Council,
Kathy Lambert. Thank you.
Metropolitan King County Council District 4
Larry Phillips:
As a citizen of King County my entire life I know how blessed we are to
call this region home. From spectacular natural resources to a dynamic
and evolved public, our quality of life is the envy of many. I’m
Larry Phillips running for re-election to the Metropolitan King County
Council and I’d like your vote this fall. For the past decade I’ve
represented the Ballard, Magnolia and Queen Anne communities and soon
I will represent Capital Hill, Downtown and Eastlake on the County Council.
Day-to-day we deliver services key to our quality of life be it our Metro
bus system, restaurant inspections, domestic violence and sexual assault
investigations, treating waste water before it returns to Puget Sound
or maintaining access to our criminal justice system. But these days we
face serious questions about what government services we want and how
to pay for them. As Chair of the County Council I’ve worked with
my colleagues to make tough decisions about how to continue basic county
services in the face of shrinking revenues. Previous generations took
on monumental regional challenges like cleaning up pollution in Lake Washington
so we could swim and fish there again. I believe, like those previous
generations, we are able to rise to the challenge and make the difficult
decisions to maintain our public legacy. Keeping our county parks and
trail system open, our criminal justice system fair and efficient and
services available to seniors and our most vulnerable citizens. King County
government is vital to maintaining our regional goals of improving mobility
through increased transit services, protecting our waterways and open
space, containing urban sprawl, and providing core regional services in
a consistent and efficient manner for all 1.7 million county residents.
I hope you will show your confidence in me again by re-electing me as
your representative on the King County Council. Thank you.
Ed Pottharst:
Each one of us matters. That’s my I’m running for the King
County Council District 4. You want to be able to find someone who can
help you with the neighborhood problems. You want to be able to live in
a community that looks out for everyone. You want someone who will end
partisan division and exercise leadership. That’s why I’m
running as an independent. I will bring together people with different
views and work with them for the benefit of the common good. As a neighborhood
coordinator for the City of Seattle I have always made it my business
to go into the community, to hear a concern, and work towards a solution.
As an avid bicycle commuter I have found it very frustrating the lack
of leadership about rapid transit and transportation choices. Voters gave
our leaders a task of building the Monorail and our leaders are failing
us. King County is in a transit crunch and we need cost-effective rapid
transit now. If we’re going to solve this problem we need our separate
transit authority to communicate and collaborate. As a parent and a mentor
to youth I know that the youth of our generation have an incredible capacity
for compassion and involvement to make the world a better place. That’s
why we need more community government partnerships such as King County’s
Digital Bridge Technology Academy, which provides technology training
to low income, at-risk youth. Every one of us in King County matters.
My deafness has taught me the value of listening and ensuring that everyone
is heard. I would like your vote. Together you and I will help make our
King County a better and more caring community. I would love to hear your
thoughts. Please contact me at our web site: www.edpottharst.com or call
me at (206) 494-9255.
Metropolitan King County Council District 5
Julia Patterson:
My name is Julia Patterson and I want to continue working for you on the
King County Council. My family has been in south King County for four
generations. I know this community and I care deeply about it. I helped
incorporate the City of SeaTac and served as a founding member on the
City Council. I served you in the State House of Representatives and also
as a State Senator. Because of this I have the experience that you expect
and deserve. Now I serve as a member of the King County Council where
I have stood up for south King County. When Sound Transit announced that
Light Rail would not connect to the airport I insisted that we come up
with a plan to get there. I would not ask for new taxes to fund an old
promise. Today, Light Rail will go all the way to the airport. When the
state proposed placing a facility for sex offenders in one of our Kent
neighborhoods I stood with our community and said, “No,” and
together we made the state find a safer alternative. After years of underinvestment
in bus service to the suburbs, I provided the pivotal vote to change that
policy and increase service to south King County. Today I’m running
for re-election because we still have much to accomplish together. We
must improve our elections system. I was the first elected official in
King County to propose election reforms and we’ve passed many of
those reforms, but we must continue to hold our elections division accountable.
We must also tackle the problem of methamphetamine use and we must work
to reduce auto theft in south King County. I believe that the best solutions
to these issues are developed in a bipartisan manner. That’s why
I’m endorsed by every mayor in the Fifth District—democrats
and republicans alike. Together we will stand up and insist on our shared
values of a safe, a vibrant, and a clean community. I’m Julia Patterson
and I would be honored to have your vote.
Orin Wells:
The voters in the Fifth District hold the key to the future of King County.
You have the power to change the county government. We are building a
$300 million per mile light rail system that will not even begin to address
the regional transportation problems. Meanwhile Salt Lake City built an
entire 20-mile light rail system at under $26 million per mile. We need
to make a change. The voters have asked that the voter roles be clean.
This is not happening and it’s not going to happen until we change
the county government. The 2004 Critical Areas Ordinance has effectively
taken property from landowners without just compensation. We also have
contributed to the cost of the $375,000 median house price in the county.
This means that with a $100,000 family income you could afford such a
house, but the median family income in the county is $51,000. Our grandchildren
will not be able to afford the American dream in this county. We need
to make a change. The Fifth District has the best opportunity to change
the council. If we elect a new County Executive and do not change the
council then he will be blocked at every turn with his reforms. If we
re-elect the current County Executive and do not change the council we
will have the same rubber stamp council that we have seen for the last
four years. Consider me your insurance policy for either contingency.
If we change the council, we change the county. I would like to ask not
only for your vote, but for a mandate so it is abundantly clear to the
council and to the administration that we want change and we want it now.
Let’s tell Seattle we’re tired of them controlling the rest
of King County.
Metropolitan King County Council District 6
Jane Hague:
Hello, I’m Jane Hague, and I’m proud to be your representative
from the Sixth District on the King County Council. Since I first joined
the county I have been committed to the same principles, to make county
government more understandable, more accessible and more accountable.
I’m proud of my work on your behalf and I’m committed to making
you, the voters I’m elected to represent, my top priority. Together
we were successful in repealing the county’s annual property tax
increases. And recently I led a fight to pass a budget that maintained
essential services without raising general taxes. We still have much to
do. We must restore trust in this county’s elections. And we must
do everything we can to get traffic moving again. Last year the voters
approved a reduction in the size of the County Council. My new district
includes much of my existing district, but also in large parts of Kirkland,
Bellevue, Mercer Island and Redmond. I look forward to representing this
enlarged Sixth District and today I’m asking for your vote. Thank
you.
Metropolitan King County Council District 7
Geni Hawkins:
Hello, I’m Geni Hawkins, and I’m running for King County Council
District 7 and I’d like to tell you how I will better represent
you on King County Council. Those of us in south King County understand
that our needs are different from those of the urban districts of the
county. Your council representative should understand those needs and
have your interests at heart. I will be a voice for our community when
I represent you on the council. It is time to put a stop to the meth labs
and their associated crime. Our families deserve to be safe. I will make
public safety a top priority and work to make south King County a safe
place to live and raise our families. Our community relies on strong local
business and good paying jobs to maintain a healthy economy. As the employee
of a public school district and a wife of a small business owner I understand
the need for every public dollar to be spent wisely and responsibly. I
will fight for good jobs, health care benefits and a strong local economy.
Transportation continues to be a serious problem in our region. It’s
time for leadership and change to get realistic, affordable transportation
solutions implemented. It is time for local transportation plans to become
reality. I’m a 25-year information technology professional and the
Network Systems Manager for the Highline School District. I bring much
needed technology expertise to the Council. The Council oversees millions
of dollars in technology expenses every year and needs a high tech professional
to make sure those dollars are spent wisely. The Council also needs a
high tech professional to oversee any proposed technological elections
solutions—someone who understands both the advantages and pitfalls
of such systems. I will be a voice of moderation, a voice of reason, and
a voice for you on King County Council. I’m Geni Hawkins and I appreciate
your vote for me for King County Council District 7. Thank you.
Metropolitan King County Council District 8
Dow Constantine:
I’m Dow Constantine. It is an honor to serve you on the King County
Council. Whether you live in the current 8th Council District or the newly
expanded District that reaches downtown Seattle, Beacon Avenue and Normandy
Park, I ask for your vote this fall. My values are the values of the tight-knit
West Seattle community in which I was raised. My priorities reflect the
priorities of our communities and our entire region. I have worked hard
in the State House, the State Senate and now at the County Council to
bring accountability, efficiency and fairness to government. Today we
are working to get the most value from each tax dollar so that we can
continue to provide the level of services King County residents expect.
Like you, I spend part of each day sitting in traffic. Our district includes
not just bridges, highways and roads, but also a seaport, two international
airports, four ferry docks, the Elliott Bay Water Taxi and soon Light
Rail. I’m working hard to bring our fair share of transportation
dollars to the 8th District to benefit your quality of life, our economic
future and the economic future of the entire state. I’m very concerned
about the proposed expansion of Boeing Field. I worked hard against the
third runway at SeaTac Airport. I am not going to stand by and see a second
regional airport established at Boeing Field. The last two years I have
been the Chair of the Environment and Land Use Committee at the King County
Council. We took on the toughest issues to come before county government—land
use regulation, but I worked with reasonable farmers and foresters, land
owners, environmental groups and, yes, development groups to craft regulations
that protect salmon and wildlife, protect neighbors from flooding and
land slides, protect groundwater and preserve the right to reasonably
develop property. I ask for your vote this fall. Thank you.
John Potter:
Hi, I’m John Potter. I’m your independent candidate for King
County Council District 8. I am a long-time resident of the North Highline
unincorporated area and I’m a homeowner there. I have been a Scouting
leader for about the last 25 years. I work with the Highline School District
where I work with special needs and at-risk youth. I want to work for
you on King County Council to eliminate the career politician squeeze.
Some of the problems with the career politician squeeze, and you know
the squeeze, are higher license tab for this Monorail boondoggle that
is pushing private vehicle ownership and job opportunities out of reach.
As your voice on council I will battle any incorporation of North Highline
that sticks you with this Monorail tax. Two, higher gas taxes. For the
outrageous destruction of our Viaduct it would plunge District 8 into
gridlock for five or more years. As the only remedy for avoiding the undisclosed
economic devastation of our industrial base due to tunnel construction
we must retrofit the Viaduct. Three, higher utility bill taxes. I will
vote against any regressive utility taxes. Four, higher housing costs
ignited by property use restrictions of dubious benefit. These pump up
real estate valuations and the King County Assessor loves and makes all
county residents pay for this. I will never belittle you by criminalizing
the cutting of blackberries from your yard or washing your car in your
own driveway. You and I are citizen legislators and it is important that
we all go out and cast our votes in November. You deserve daily protection
from the career politicians and by putting me on council you will have
that protection for the next four years. I am endorsed by the Citizens
Alliance for Property Rights. Thank you for listening. Once again I am
John Potter, your independent candidate for King County Council District
8. I will work hard for you.
Metropolitan King County Council District 9
Shirley Gaunt-Smith:
Hi, I’m Shirley Gaunt-Smith and I’m running for King County
Council Position 9. I have been a resident of south King County all my
life and I’ve lived in both rural and urban areas. I retired from
Boeing in 1995 after a 38-year career as a Boeing Computer Engineer and
Manager. After retiring I returned to the University of Washington to
complete my education that circumstances prevented me from attaining in
my youth. I received a Bachelor of Arts in 2000 and a Masters in Public
Administration from the Dan Evans School in 2004. I’ve been a Precinct
Committee Officer for the last two years and I have voted in every election
since 1959 when I turned 21. Other than being an active and involved citizen
I am a newcomer to politics and strongly believe that I will bring a fresh
perspective to the issues confronting District 9 voters. King County Council
Position 9 covers the area from I-90 as a narrow rectangle then widens
below Renton, down the Maple Valley Highway to Enumclaw and then to the
King/Pierce County line. It contains parts of five legislative districts
and eight cities. It is a large district with a lot of diversity among
its residents. I am currently in the process of finding out more about
the concerns of District 9 constituents so I will be able to serve intelligently
when I’m elected. I am open minded and willing to listen and to
learn. My goal is to represent you and the ordinary citizen. To fulfill
our common goal I need your support and your vote. Thank you.
Reagan Dunn:
Hello. My name is Regan Dunn and I’m the incumbent member of the
King County Council representing southeast King County. Last month I won
a primary election to become the republican nominee and now I’m
facing a democrat in the general election on November 8th. Most of the
issues that face the King County Council are not especially partisan.
We all want better transportation, efficient government, and capable law
enforcement. But first we need to be serious about improving our transportation
system. It’s always controversial about how to get there, but we
need to work hard to find real solutions and to make the compromises needed
so that we’re putting in place more roads and more transit and reducing
congestion. After the problems with the election in 2004 with ballots
misplaced and some of them not counted I have made it a special priority
to see that our elections are fair and accurate. I was the first member
of the County Council to call for the resignation of the King County Elections
Director. We cannot have incompetent managers managing any department
within government. So that’s a priority; to see that our tax dollars
are spent wisely and that capable people are in charge of our departments.
Finally, I hope to be able to work with the Sheriff and the Prosecutor,
two top-notch public servants to improve our response to methamphetamine
and other drug activity. I was a federal prosecutor before I joined the
Council and some of the work I did involved drug prosecutions. It’s
a very serious problem and just last month I implemented a meth watch
program that has already put a number of criminals behind bars, but much
more needs to be done. More than anything I want you to know that you
have an advocate on the King County Council. My name is Reagan Dunn. I
work for you and I’d appreciate your vote.
Port of Seattle
Announcer:
It’s called the Port of Seattle, but the Port is actually a countywide
corporation that operates SeaTac Airport and the marine terminals with
a focus on economic development for the region. Five commissioners are
elected at large by all voters in King County. Three of these seats are
on the November ballots. These are non-partisan positions elected to four-year
terms.
Port of Seattle Commissioner – Position 1
John Creighton:
Hello. My name is John Creighton and I’m running for Position Number
1 on the Seattle Port Commission. For 95 years the Port of Seattle has
been a major economic driver for our region creating thousands of family
wage jobs. Today, however, the Port is drifting. During a decade of steady
decline hundreds of jobs have been lost to other West Coast ports. Despite
raising our taxes the current Port Commission has failed to solve critical
transportation problems or adequately protect our environment. And now
as the Port is making costly improvements to SeaTac Airport, airlines
are threatening to leave because it’s just too expensive to do business
there. It’s time for a change. The Port must act now to extend the
loss of jobs to California, address critical infrastructure needs, protect
our environment and ensure that our airport and seaport are secure and
safe. I will fight to restore the Port as a reliable jobs provider and
a responsible public citizen. I have a Master’s in International
Relations from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies
and a Law Degree from Columbia University. As an international lawyer
whose practice in the port cities of Istanbul, Helsinki and Singapore
prior to returning to Seattle I’ve worked on complex international
transactions successfully bringing people of diverse backgrounds and diverse
cultures together for a common purpose. As a Director and later Co-President
of the World Trade Club since returning to Seattle I fostered debate and
promoted discussion on trade issues critical to the economic success of
our region. I grew up in King County and I care about our community. I’m
an independent progressive thinker who has the skills and the energy necessary
to reinvigorate the Port of Seattle. That’s why I have the endorsement
of both The Seattle Times and The King County Journal and the support
of a broad coalition of our communities leaders including Gary Locke,
Norm Rice, Charlie Royer, Slade Gorton, Rob McKenna, Bill Ruckelshaus
and other labor, business and environmental leaders. Thank you for listening
and I would be honored to have your vote.
Lawrence Molloy:
Hello. My name is Lawrence Molloy and I’m a Commissioner with the
Port of Seattle and I’m up for re-election and I would very much
like your vote this fall. After finishing my first term I’ve been
able to keep my integrity and my voice of independence while advocating
for you and our interests here in King County. In my first term I introduced
legislation for equal benefits for all Port contracts. I challenged the
cruise lines when they were dumping their wastewater in the Puget Sound.
I helped convert the Port’s fleet to bio diesel and move forward
with an aggressive maritime air pollution strategy. Twice I have voted
against the Port tax and other irresponsible financial ventures by the
Port. In the area of accountability and transparency I have provided a
newsletter, as well as see that the Port Commission meetings are now audio
streamed on the web. Most of all I have worked to protect our working
waterfront from development by condo developers. If re-elected we will
match the State and King County in its green building codes. We will work
to eliminate the port subsidy. For 94 years we have subsidized the seaport.
That has gone on too long. I will make sure that Light Rail goes the final
mile to SeaTac Airport. I will also work to see that we have 24-hour daycare
for employees at the airport. Most of all, I will see that all Port jobs,
current and future, are family wage jobs. My goal, our goal, is ultimately
to have a Port that is reflective of our values in this community. I have
been endorsed by County Executive Ron Sims, Speaker Frank Chop, the Sierra
Club, Washington Conservation Voters, Washington…the King County
Labor Council, Seattle Building Trades, Congressman Jay Insley, as well
as State Representatives Ross Hunter, Mark Miloscia, Eric Pettigrew and
many more. I would like your vote this fall. Thank you very much.
Port of Seattle Commissioner – Position 3
Lloyd Hara:
Hi, I’m Lloyd Hara, a third generation Washingtonian. I am proud
of my public service record. As King County Auditor I pioneered and won
national acclaims for performance audits. I pledge to do the same at the
Port of Seattle. Did you know that most ports make money? We subsidize
the Port of Seattle to the tune of $63 million in property tax subsidy.
If you elect me, I pledge to eliminate the need for a property tax subsidy.
Our Port continues to lose business. With new leadership we can reverse
this trend. Now is the time to compete and win our fair share of business
with the big wave of trade coming from Asia. It is time to rebuild the
Viaduct. Our waterfront transportation system is near collapse. One major
earthquake can bring it down. A common sense solution is at hand. We need
to build it now. Our Port accountability, I pledge to work for all customers
at the airport. The airlines, the vendors, and you the traveling public.
We need to achieve success for all of us. This is a once in a generation
opportunity to ensure our port works for all our future prosperity. I
am an experienced professional who understands how to make government
agencies work for all of us and not for special interests. It would be
my honor to be the first Asian American elected as a Commissioner to grow
our Port’s business and to grow jobs and to serve all of you in
King County. I ask for your vote. Vote for Lloyd Hara for Port Commission
and you can contact us at lloydhara.com.
Rich Berkowitz:
Hi, I’m Rich Berkowitz, and I’m running for Seattle Port Commission
Position Number 3. I am the only candidate who has worked in maritime
labor, business and public policy. My informed and independent perspective
provides me with the ability to reform Port policies and drastically reduce
the tax burden that has nearly doubled in recent years. I believe the
Port of Seattle is at a crossroad. It needs to decide whether to seek
opportunities in moving passengers and trade through the airport and seaport
or focus its attention on real estate speculation. As Seattle Port Commissioner
I believe the Port should maximize its economic utility by enhancing its
capacity to foster trade. By following this course we can capture the
anticipated tripling of cargo volumes creating jobs averaging $70,000
a year. The Port spent over $7 million pursuing office real estate deals
at Seattle’s Inner Bay and recently sold public property in a private
sale to a firm that resold the land for 50% profit at our expense. Now,
spending at SeaTac is driving airlines away, bringing noise and other
impacts to new neighborhoods and threatening plans to connect Light Rail
to the airport. I will seek a new direction for the Port where increased
terminal efficiencies will lead to higher volumes at lower costs. My work
with shipping companies to improve environmental practices has won national
awards. Now I am working to reduce marine and seaport air emissions. I
have a degree from Cornell University in Labor Relations and an MBA from
the UW. I have years of experience in bringing labor and management together
to expand opportunities. Your vote for me will bring the expertise needed
to make our Port work better for us. Thank you.
Port of Seattle Commissioner – Position 4
Patricia Davis:
I am Pat Davis and I am running for re-election to the Seattle Port Commission
to promote our common ideals of accessibility, well paid jobs and a clean
environment. Let’s talk about accessibility. I have opened a closed
port to public participation and scrutiny. The first public budget, the
first public hearings, the first advisory groups. I have kept the Port’s
waterfront accessible to the public. Let’s talk about a clean environment.
No one has delivered more. I have been actively involved with the Duwamish
and other super fund site clean ups, restoration of habitat to get the
fish back, no dumping in Puget Sound, 100% organic landscaping, reducing
air pollution from diesel emissions and I won’t support the spread
of airplane noise to new neighborhoods. Let’s talk about well-paid
jobs. After 9/11 and the deepest recession this area has seen in decades,
I made sure the Port kept its focus on creating thousands of family wage
jobs. Let’s talk about traffic congestion. I have championed our
freight mobility projects. I strongly support Port participation in the
Viaduct and I am committed to making sure the last mile of Light Rail
gets to SeaTac Airport. Let’s talk about smart financial management.
I have driven the tax levy rate down over 33% and we have the best bond
ratings of any port in the nation. Let’s talk about inclusion. I
was the first woman elected to the Commission and the only one who will
be on the Commission after the election. I have established diversity
in employment and outreach with programs that help minority and women
businesses. I want you to know that experience matters. Sound decisions
require difficult choices. I am not afraid to make the tough decisions.
I have support from major environmentalists, businesses, and labor unions.
I ask for your continued support now. Thank you.
Jack Jolley:
Hi, I’m Jack Jolley. I’m running for Port Commissioner to
bring stability, responsibility and accountability to the Port of Seattle.
I’ve worked in finance and business for 23 years—more experience
than any candidate for Port Commissioner. I’m also endorsed by State
Treasurer Mike Murphy because I can use my experience to bring stability
to a troubled port. A port that has lost 40% of its share of maritime
business in the past ten years, a port that has consistently increased
taxes for the past two decades. In 2003, the Commission voted to increase
our taxes by 37% and in 2005 we will pay 195% more than we paid 20 years
ago. Higher taxes and falling business volumes point to a troubled port,
a port that has lost its stability and its focus and is now forcing taxpayers
to subsidize its bad decisions. I will bring the leadership and experience
to change this. We also need a port that is a responsible neighbor and
citizen. That means timely noise mitigation for our SeaTac community and
that means a focus on clean land, air and water. Our current Commission
is failing to promote this type of responsibility. It has lobbied in Olympia
for the Dirty Fill Bill, which would replace toxic fill on top of a regional
aquifer. It has voted against the Maritime Air Pollution Resolution and
opposed regulating the dumping of bilging gray water directly into Puget
Sound. I am endorsed by Washington Conservation voters in the Sierra Club
because I will work with all interested parties to make the Port a responsible,
profitable partner for a cleaner environment. I will bring accountability
to business and personal spending at the Port of Seattle, reducing extravagant
spending at SeaTac and curbing inappropriate expenses on junkets by Port
Commissioners. Under my leadership, the Port of Seattle will be accountable
to the real needs of our communities and our families. My name is Jack
Jolley. I ask for your vote in November.
Announcer:
You’ve just seen all the video statements submitted by candidates
for King County offices and speakers on countywide measures for the general
election. Thanks for joining us. These statements were taped at the studios
of the Seattle Channel with postproduction services provided by King County
Television. Remember, your vote is your voice. Be heard November 8th.
Announcer:
Under the Federal Voting Rights Act you can get candidate statements in
Chinese as presented in the Voter’s Pamphlet. Please call King County
Elections at (206) 296-1544.
Announcer:
We would like to hear from you about the Video Voters Guide. To comment
on this guide or to get the schedule for cablecasts, please call (206)
684-8500.
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