Announcer: Welcome to the 2019 City of Seattle
General Election Video Voters' Guide,
your chance to hear directly
from the candidates appearing
on the November 5th general election ballot.
This is a vote-by-mail election.
Instead of going to a polling place,
ballots will be mailed to all registered voters.
All ballots must be returned
on or before Election Day,
November 5th.
Each statement in this guide is up to two minutes long
and unedited.
The speakers appear on your screen in the order
they will appear on the ballot.
The candidates appearing in these videos
represent campaigns for each of the seven
Seattle City Council district seats
and the four seats on the Seattle School Board.
All the elective positions included in this guide
are nonpartisan.
Seattle City Council.
The Seattle City Council is the legislative branch
of government.
Members set the city's direction by enacting ordinances
and passing resolutions.
The council authorizes expenditures,
adopts regulations, levies taxes,
controls the finances and property of the city,
and performs many related legislative tasks.
Council members serve four-year terms.
This year, the City of Seattle will elect
the seven council members representing
Seattle's seven geographic districts.
Districts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7
will appear on the general election ballot.
The two at-large council candidates
will be on the ballot in 2021.
All city voters will have the opportunity
to vote for a candidate
representing their voting district.
♪♪
I work hard for District 1.
Added bus service to Alki, Admiral, and Highland Park,
restoring police Community Service Officers,
keeping the Concord Elementary Learning Center open,
and more hours for Colman Pool.
No issue is too big or small.
I've passed laws against exhaust noise at Alki
and legislation to fix derelict buildings
in Delridge and South Park.
I've worked with Sound Transit
so light rail doesn't tear apart the Junction.
I've increased opportunity.
Better laws for renters and workers
and a green jobs career pathway
so everyone has a place to live and work.
I've gone to the mat
for small businesses all over the city --
from Luna Park and Fauntleroy
to the University District
and the Central District.
I insist on accountability.
When City Hall wanted $1.4 million
to bail out the Pronto! bike company, I said no.
Now downtown's demanding
a First Avenue streetcar.
It's $143 million over budget.
I say, let's invest that money
in real transportation infrastructure.
I'm requiring new oversight
on big construction projects.
Government can't do everything.
We must do the important things and do them well.
On addressing our homelessness crisis,
I led passage of a $29 million bond
to boost affordable housing built in 2018.
We're requiring developers,
for the first time, to pay for
affordable housing that's truly affordable.
I've helped families and seniors pay their bills,
stay in their homes,
and prevent homelessness before it starts.
We must have the political will to do more.
I'm endorsed by MLK Labor,
the King County 34th
and 11th District Democrats,
Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal,
King County council member Joe McDermott,
State Senator Joe Nguyen,
and Seattle council member Lorena González.
I've lived in District 1 for 19 years.
My grandchildren attend
Sanislo Elementary and Chief Sealth High.
I hope I've earned your vote.
Hello, my name is Phil Tavel,
and I'm running for Seattle City Council,
District 1 because like so many of you,
I believe that Seattle can do better.
Seattle has to change the way
we're addressing homelessness and public safety.
We must do a better job helping people with
untreated mental health disorders
and unaddressed substance abuse issues,
and we need to properly fund and staff
our police department to ensure that they
can enforce all the laws of our city
fairly and evenly for all of us that live here.
I will work to make sure that bureaucracy
and politics don't keep us from implementing
real-life solutions to these problems.
We all know Seattle's a great place to live,
and that's why people continue to move here.
We need to be forward thinking
in how we grow and how we get around.
Whether by bus, boat, car, bike, or on foot,
the leaders of our city need to make sure
it's safe for everyone to get home.
It's time to end the divisive politics,
restore common sense to our government,
and focus on effectively,
efficiently, and equitably
delivering services to the people of our city.
Seattle can do better.
I've been a business owner, a physics teacher,
a pro tem judge, and a public defender for 15 years.
I'm a community volunteer
and serve on the board of
the Morgan Community Association,
Allied Arts, and the Seattle Green Spaces Coalition.
I've lived in West Seattle for over 20 years.
I'm a renter, a father of a second grader
at Arbor Heights Elementary,
and a youth coach at West Seattle Bowl.
I am your neighbor,
and I want to work for neighborhood solutions.
I am proud to be supported by
over a hundred small businesses
that form the heart and the soul of our community.
Just drive down California Avenue and you can see
all the community establishments
with my sign in their window.
They know that I will listen,
that I am an everyday part of our community,
and that I care deeply about making Seattle
a better, safer,
and more productive city for everyone.
Four years ago, we were talking about
skyrocketing costs of living,
a lack of affordable housing,
more and more people living unsheltered,
traffic problems, and cost overruns in civic projects.
I've seen no improvement in these and several
other issues, while many have gotten worse.
It's time to make a change
in our city's leadership.
I'll bring back reasonable
and rational solutions to our council,
and I ask you for your support and your vote.
Thank you.
♪♪
Hello, I'm Tammy Morales,
running for city council in District 2.
Seattle is at a crossroads this election.
Will we allow corporate special interests
to dictate local policy,
or will we shift power
to the people of our city?
I'm a community organizer,
a long-time budget and policy analyst,
and a mom with two kids
in Seattle public schools.
I've spent my career
building healthy neighborhoods
with greater food security,
better housing, and stronger protections
for working people.
I did this work in coalition with many
of our community organizations,
joining to find solutions and advocate
for our district priorities.
That's how I lead,
by joining with neighbors
and those most impacted
to advance equity and shared prosperity.
I'm running to build power
for the people of District 2
so we all feel safe, we all thrive,
and so we make decisions
that are good for all of us,
not just the most privileged.
We know that cities must lead the way
in protecting our communities.
I'll work to create a city
where we can live without fear
of displacement by building
more housing to serve low-income families,
seniors, and to support
the transition out of homelessness.
I'll invest in our young people,
from those needing more childcare options
to students who are transitioning to
college or to union apprenticeship programs.
Together, we can transition to green building
and better transportation choices
so we end our reliance on fossil fuel,
because we can't call it an investment
if it destroys the planet.
And we must fix our upside-down tax structure.
I'll work to find the right mix
of progressive revenue
so we can stop funding the city
on the backs of our low-income neighbors.
For Seattle to thrive,
we need wealthy corporations to pay their fair share.
I'm proud to have the endorsement of grocery, healthcare,
and warehouse workers
who know my commitment to working families.
I've been endorsed by
Representative Jayapal,
State Senator Saldaña,
City Council Members Mosqueda and González,
and County Council Member Larry Gossett,
as well as the Washington Progressive Caucus,
Latino Caucus, 37th District Democrats,
and the Sierra Club.
I'm Tammy Morales,
and I'm asking for your vote
so together we can build power
for our community.
I'm Mark Solomon,
and I'm running to serve you
on Seattle City Council for District 2
because I believe this city can do better
in addressing the concerns of our communities,
from public safety to homelessness
to pushing back on the displacement
of our families and neighborhood businesses.
As a retired Air Force Officer,
a former small business owner,
a community leader, and a current
Crime Prevention Coordinator with Seattle Police,
I bring a depth of experience,
community involvement,
and coalition building
necessary to affect positive change
for the people of our district.
I know our community.
I was born and raised here.
I know the concerns facing District 2,
and I am prepared to fight for you
from day one to address them.
Regarding public safety,
I will allocate additional funding
to community-based crime and violence prevention efforts,
and will promote comprehensive community policing
and relational policing programs.
To address homelessness,
I will allocate more funding to diversion programs
to prevent people from becoming homeless in the first place,
increase and enhance shelter capacity,
and provide more resources
to place people in permanent housing.
I will champion efforts to minimize
displacement of our long-term neighbors,
and will work to retain
our current stock of affordable housing
while streamlining the process
to bring more housing units online now.
To support our neighborhood businesses,
I will introduce legislation
to designate a portion of
the Equitable Development fund
specifically for small commercial space development
and will pursue tax credits
for small commercial space lease rates.
Addressing our city's needs
takes thoughtful leadership
that will seek input, listen,
include community in the decisions that impact them,
and work in collaboration
and partnership to get things done.
We must enact policies
that make this city safe, equitable,
affordable, inclusive, and functioning.
This city deserves leaders that are
accessible, responsive,
and accountable to you.
I pledge to be that leader.
Thank you for your time,
and I ask you for your support
and your vote November 5th.
♪♪
What's at stake this year is who runs Seattle,
big business or working people?
Last year, the corporate elite
bullied our city to defeat the Amazon tax,
which would have funded housing and services.
Now they are trying to buy this election
with an unprecedented
$1.5 million in three corporate PACs.
15 Amazon executives,
along with big developers
and corporate lobbyists,
have donated to my opponent.
This is a struggle for the soul of Seattle.
The Chamber of Commerce has gotten
its candidates into every city council race.
Their mission -- take over City Hall
and flip it to the right.
But we can fight back.
I've used my two terms
to help build powerful movements
and coalitions to win historic victories.
I'm proud to have helped lead the way in making Seattle
the first major city to win the $15 minimum wage.
Since then, we've won
tens of millions of dollars
for affordable housing
and landmark renters' rights laws.
We won crucial funding for LGBTQ services.
Now we are bringing back
the Central District Post Office.
Despite a major construction boom,
Seattle's housing affordability
and homelessness crisis remain
among the nation's worst.
The for-profit housing market
and political establishment have failed us.
We need rent control,
free of corporate loopholes,
and a massive expansion of social housing,
paid for by taxing big business and the rich,
not ordinary workers,
middle-class homeowners,
people of color, or small businesses,
who are already overtaxed.
Seattle needs a Green New Deal
to make our city 100 percent renewable
by 2030,
creating thousands of union jobs.
As a socialist and union member,
I'm proud to have the support of
The Stranger, Sierra Club,
Nick Licata, Cary Moon,
Nikkita Oliver, Noam Chomsky,
and 15 labor unions.
Join me in fighting for a city we need,
not a playground for the wealthy.
Hi, my name is Egan Orion,
and I'm running for Seattle City Council
in District 3.
This summer I called on you
to join my campaign for innovation
and pragmatic solutions for the very real challenges we face.
On August 6th, I heard loud and clear
that neighbors across the district
share these same priorities.
Heading into the general,
I see a new day in Seattle
and a new way forward for city council.
As a fourth generation District 3 resident,
I have deep ties to this place we call home.
I've started two small businesses
and a nonprofit from the district,
and throughout my career,
I've learned a lot about the people
who live and work in this great city of ours.
I love Seattle and all its diversity.
I celebrate it every day.
I celebrate it by throwing PrideFest,
the single largest festival day in all the city.
On Capitol Hill, I celebrate our small businesses
and all they contribute to a healthy, vibrant community.
In the Central District,
I celebrate my neighborhood's
beautiful intersectionality
and all its identities
and cultural heritages.
Across the city, I celebrate
the hardworking people of Seattle
and the unions who fight for them every day.
To all my D3 neighbors,
I vow to represent you
and be accountable to you.
Throughout this election, I've heard
your frustrations about the inaction
on our homelessness crisis.
We need strong leadership
and real solutions now.
Let's use our expanded partnership
with the county to bond over 1,500 new
permanent supportive housing units
and expand our shelter and bridge housing,
ensuring 24/7 low-barrier access
and treatment on demand
for mental health and addiction.
Despite our prosperity, we are leaving our
unsheltered neighbors out in the cold every night.
Let's bring people together,
use collaborative solutions,
and remedy this human crisis
that the current council has failed
to adequately address.
The current council member from D3
has failed to adequately address
our district's and our city's challenges.
While I celebrate my opponent's progressiveness,
ideas aren't enough.
We have to pair it with a plan
and a coalition to actually get something done,
and that's something I've done throughout my career.
There is so much to do, Seattle.
Join me. Let's get started.
♪♪
Hi. I'm Alex Pedersen,
and I'm running for City Council
to bring accountability
to our city government.
Many people have lost faith in city council
because of politicians who don't listen.
I will listen to the communities in our district,
and I will deliver results
for your priorities.
We should be seeing better results on homelessness.
I will use my experience
to fund only the best strategies
proven to reduce homelessness in other cities.
I will maximize mental health
and drug addiction programs
to achieve real results on this regional crisis.
Compassion requires results.
To increase public safety,
city council needs to support our police officers
and hold the criminal justice system accountable.
Our city's traffic and roads are a mess.
City council must wisely invest your tax dollars
to move the most people by repairing roads,
maximizing transit,
and improving sidewalks.
After earning a master's degree in government,
I worked at the Department of Housing
and Urban Development
during the Clinton administration
to reduce homelessness.
My career includes 15 years in the private sector,
preserving affordable housing.
When I worked as an analyst for the city council,
I crafted legislation,
creating the nationally acclaimed
Seattle Preschool Program,
and I led efforts to fully fund
the Nurse-Family Partnership that empowers
low-income moms and their babies.
As a progressive Democrat focused on results,
I'm proud to be endorsed by
former King County Executive Ron Sims,
Tim Burgess, Nick Licata,
Ruth Kagi, Daniel J. Evans,
State Rep Gerry Pollet,
Port Commissioner Peter Steinbrueck,
the 46th Legislative District Democrats,
and by neighborhood businesses.
I'm Alex Pederson,
and I would be honored to earn your vote.
I'm Shaun Scott, and I'm running for
Seattle City Council, District 4.
The question before us in this election cycle
is whether we want to be a city of compassion
or a city of cruelty.
A compassionate city is one that builds enough
deeply affordable social housing
for those already here
and for those on the way.
A compassionate city is one with a fair tax code,
where working people, renters,
and homeowners don't shoulder
a disproportionate share of our tax burden
with regressive sales and property taxes.
A compassionate city is one where every Seattleite
can enjoy public parks, free public transit,
and mental health and supportive housing services.
As a former journalist
and editor of Real Change News
and a field organizer
for Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal's
2018 reelection campaign,
I've worked almost my entire life
towards studying and organizing
for policies that make Seattle
a more compassionate city.
I've been endorsed in this race by Cary Moon,
the Washington State High School Democrats,
Jessyn Farrell, Seattle Subway,
the Transit Riders Union,
Our Revolution, and The Stranger
because of my commitment to creating
a more compassionate city.
Some forces in this city
would turn us into a cruel city,
a city that wastes $10 million a year
on ineffective sweeps of the homeless,
that displaces vulnerable homeowners
and only builds housing for the richest among us,
a city with no treatment centers
and no investment in social services
like childcare.
I think that we can do better.
I think that we can have a compassionate city.
As a Seattle City Council member
representing District 4,
I'll work to build a unified,
progressive coalition with organized labor,
environmentalists, and everyday Seattleites
to build a compassionate city.
And in the November general election,
I'm asking for your vote to help build that city.
Thank you.
♪♪
Hi. I'm Debora Juarez,
and I'm on the Seattle City Council.
I represent the city,
but I honor the needs of my district,
our district -- District 5.
I've lived in the north end for over 30 years
as a renter and as a homeowner.
It's where I raised my children.
I'm running for reelection
for three reasons --
I want to keep listening
to the needs of our city in D5,
I want to continue to deliver
the projects and programs
that support our city and make it great,
and I want to finish the work we've started.
I've been a lawyer for 33 years.
I've worked as a public defender,
legal services,
a King County Superior Court judge.
I represented two governors
and many tribal governments.
I know how to get things done,
and I know how to build things.
Let me share what we've done.
We have a new $1.6 billion world-class arena
at Seattle Center
at no cost to the taxpayers.
We've raised $18 million
for our new Lake City Community Center
that will serve elders and kids.
And we secured a new NHL training facility
and headquarters located at Northgate
in D5 for jobs and opportunities.
And we are fully funding
the pedestrian bike bridge
that will connect Northgate Mall
to North Seattle College.
This is a game changer
for walkability in D5.
Homelessness is one of the biggest issues we face.
That is why I've secured millions of dollars
and directed these funds to nonprofits
that address homelessness,
addiction, and mental health.
In addition, we are building
1,200 units of affordable housing in D5.
And you all know how hard we fought to
bring light rail to Northgate.
Now we're bringing it
to 130th Street Station.
And we plan to bring that Light Rail station
in seven years earlier.
On public safety,
I voted to add 40 new police officers
to our force,
and I will continue to support
a new police station in the north end.
And sidewalks --
I have delivered 12 new sidewalk
projects in D5 last year,
and we won't stop there.
With that being said,
I am fiercely optimistic
about the future of our city in D5.
It's been an honor to represent you
on city council,
to be your councilwoman,
and I humbly ask for your support and vote.
Thank you.
Hello, Seattleites.
My name is Ann, and I'm an attorney,
teacher, mom, and community leader.
I've lived in Seattle for 23 years
and began working with
the Seattle SuperSonics team in the '90s.
After that, I became an attorney
and now raise my two kids in D5.
From my work, I've earned
the endorsement of former Sonics head coach
Nate McMillan.
I've taught English in Thailand
and now teach international business law
at the UW Continuum College.
I've also been a congressional caseworker,
resolving constituents' problems.
From volunteering with individuals
transitioning out of incarceration,
working with the UN
in a Cambodian refugee camp,
leading efforts to raise money
for Seattle Public Schools,
and helping in local
environmental clean-ups,
my dedication to improve
communities is clear.
These causes drove me
to take civic action here,
focusing on issues that have been
neglected by our current city council,
like homelessness and housing,
public safety,
addiction prevention and recovery.
These are issues we can do better on.
We can redirect city dollars
towards effective measures,
by increasing access to
underfunded addiction treatment
and shortening wait times
for detox beds instead of
funding drug injection sites.
Because of my focus on addiction,
I'm endorsed by
the Director of Addictions Department
at the UW School of Medicine
and Harborview Medical Center,
Dr. Rick Ries.
We can have an emergency,
Red Cross-like response to homelessness
to care for our neighbors
and protect green spaces.
We can have a city council obligated
to Seattleites' safety,
and I will ensure victims are heard and respected.
That's why I'm endorsed by
retired King County Judge Philip Hubbard.
We can work with neighboring leaders
to discuss regional responses
to issues where there has been none.
That's one of the reasons I'm endorsed by
the Mayor of Kenmore, David Baker.
For residents facing
neglectful leadership in D5,
I will bring responsiveness
in addressing our urgent problems head-on.
I'm ready to listen,
passionate, and prepared to be
our forgotten neighborhoods' voice.
I'm excited to bring people together
to get things done.
You may have seen me in your
neighborhood in my Sonics gear,
passed my sign on your block,
or met me at your front door.
I'm out in the community,
ready to hear you.
We can do better for District 5
as we make changes together,
for the city we know and love.
I invite you to join the movement
and ask for your vote this November.
♪♪
My name is Dan Strauss,
and I was born and raised in Ballard.
I'm running because I love this community,
and I know that together,
we can guide Seattle's growth
to build a sustainable,
affordable, and equitable city
that works for everyone,
whether you've been here
for one year or 40.
I've dedicated my life
to public service.
I served with AmeriCorps
in low-income communities
all across the nation,
working on projects from disaster relief
to after-school programs.
I have nearly a decade
of legislative experience,
and I know how to make change happen.
My everyday job is to bring different levels
of government, community organizations,
and people together to solve problems.
I've already coordinated
work groups with the state,
county, city, port,
Sound Transit, and community
to successfully fund
transportation projects,
develop green building codes,
and improve our parks.
As your next council member,
I'll use my experience to serve you.
I worked on gun-responsibility policy,
passing the Extreme Risk Protection Order,
and on city council,
I'll continue to implement
gun-violence prevention
by investing in community-based programs
that intervene in the cycle of violence.
I'll tackle the homelessness crisis head-on
by advocating for Housing First policies
that bring people experiencing homelessness
into four walls with a door that locks
and is connected to the services
and care they need.
I'll build a connected transit network
with dedicated lanes so that buses
aren't stuck in traffic.
And I'll work to complete our bicycle master plan
with protected bike lanes.
I was hit by a driver while riding my bike,
and I know the importance of safe
and separated infrastructure.
I'm committed to opening a district office
so that you don't have to go downtown
to have your voice heard.
I'll prioritize constituent services
so that if you get stuck
in the bureaucratic gridlock,
my office will be there
to help you through it,
to get you solutions,
because I've got your back.
I have deep roots in our community,
and I'm endorsed by community leaders,
labor unions,
local Democratic organizations,
and current and former elected officials.
I ask for your support and for your vote.
Thank you.
I'm Heidi Wills.
I'm running for people who want safe neighborhoods.
For seniors who built Seattle
and are being priced out of their homes.
And for children who deserve clean parks
and open community centers.
I've taken on challenges
and produced results,
starting as Student Body President at the UW
when I brought recycling to campus
and championed the U-PASS bus program.
As contentious as it was then,
it's now a model across the country.
I have the experience to hit the ground running.
I served on the city council 16 years ago.
I led investments in renewable energy.
I expanded utility rate assistance
so more low-income people could qualify.
Before that, I was a policy advisor
at King County for six years.
I bring a regional approach.
I'm a working mom, a small business owner,
and I led a nonprofit in South Seattle,
empowering thousands of underserved youth
for 13 years.
I'm a grassroots candidate.
Knocking on 21,000 homes so far,
my campaign has the most democracy vouchers.
I've talked with thousands of people,
and I've listened.
Voters want the city to be smarter
about addressing the root causes of homelessness.
Seattle can't solve this crisis in a silo.
We need a regional approach,
especially for mental health and treatment on demand.
We need short-term housing solutions,
like modular homes,
and long-term solutions,
like permanent supportive housing.
Public safety should be a priority.
Our police and fire departments
are stretched too thin.
People deserve to be safe
and to feel safe where they live and work.
We need more affordable housing
of all shapes and sizes
for people of all incomes.
We need more transit service,
and safe pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure.
Seattle must take bold action on climate protection.
I have a long history of leadership
to protect our environment.
And I have broad support from labor,
business, The Seattle Times,
The Sierra Club, Seattle Firefighters,
the 46th District Democrats,
and many more.
My name is Heidi Wills,
and I ask for your support.
Thank you.
♪♪
Hello. My name is Andrew Lewis,
and I am running for Seattle City Council
because it's time for a more responsive
and accountable city government.
This accountability starts with results on
affordable housing and homelessness.
As your council member, I'll fight to build
5,000 units of affordable housing
in three years
by working with state, county,
and nonprofit partners
through the Home and Hope plan.
This plan to create public, tax-exempt,
multi-family housing
along with other initiatives
will allow us to rapidly increase affordable housing
and reduce homelessness.
I'll also advocate
for increased mental-health
and substance-abuse treatment
to address the significant barriers
to helping our neighbors
transition out of homelessness.
On public safety, I'm proud of my work
as a prosecutor obtaining justice
for victims in the public.
We need more police officers
walking our neighborhoods
and more prosecutors reviewing cases.
We also need to increase successful
criminal-diversion programs
like Choose 180,
where only 8 out of 245 participants
have re-offended.
Moreover, we need to make sure
the city is being accountable
with the resources it already has.
I propose an annual
performance auditing plan
similar to King County's,
which has saved $127 million
in the last three years.
This plan will free up
significant resources
for essential services that benefit
Seattle residents and businesses.
On public transportation,
I will partner with Sound Transit
to expand light rail through Interbay,
including a rail tunnel
underneath the ship canal
to ensure reliable service
and prevent displacing
our maritime community.
I will also work with state, port,
and federal stakeholders
to secure a one-for-one replacement
to the Magnolia Bridge.
My experience
as a city and county prosecutor,
a Seattle human rights commissioner,
and a rental-housing stakeholder
committee member
will ensure I hit the ground running
at City Hall.
I'm a fifth-generation Washingtonian
and a proud graduate
of Seattle public schools
and the University of Washington.
I've been endorsed by the
Martin Luther King County Labor Council,
the 36th District Democrats,
the 37th District Democrats,
and State Representative Gail Tarleton.
I ask for your vote,
and it'd be an honor to serve you.
I'm Jim Pugel, and I will be
your next council member from District 7.
I grew up in the Rainier Valley,
graduated from the UW,
served our city for 35 years
as a reform-driven police officer
and chief of police,
reducing non-violent incarceration
and working for solutions to homelessness.
I will bring real hands-on expertise
in public safety and human services,
and a true understanding
of the neighborhood priorities of District 7.
I served as the West Precinct Police Commander,
the same geographic footprint of District 7,
and spent my career keeping neighborhoods safe.
I worked on the Law Enforcement
Assisted Diversion initiative
to get homeless addicts off the streets
and into recovery.
That program led to a 61% reduction in recidivism
and got people housed and working.
That's how I lead -- good ideas that get results.
As Chief of Police, I managed
a $250 million budget,
helped implement the settlement agreement,
and pushed for needed reforms
in a way that was transparent and open.
I will do it again in City Hall.
Transparency, accountability,
honest communications is not too much to expect
from our elected officials.
Serving you, the voter, is exactly what
I will continue to do.
I'm running because experience, service,
maturity, and collaboration matters.
I'm not in this to move up to higher office.
I'm doing this because I love the city
where I raised my family.
I want you to be healthy and safe.
You deserve to live and work in the city
and earn a livable wage
and send your children
to the highest quality public schools.
We need a Seattle that works for everyone.
I'll work hard on replacing the Magnolia Bridge
and reducing property crime.
We all know the issues --
homelessness, affordability, public safety.
You deserve a mature and experienced
council member who can who can follow through
on our district and city's priorities.
I am the candidate with the experience,
proven leadership,
established relationships,
and common-sense solutions
that can get to work on day one.
I'd appreciate your vote. Thank you.
Announcer: Seattle School District number 1,
also known as the Seattle School Board.
The Seattle School Board adopts and purviews
the academic, financial, and operational policies
that govern Seattle public schools.
They also hire and evaluate
the superintendent of Seattle schools.
The school board is comprised of seven directors.
Each director serves a four-year term.
In the November general election,
candidates for director positions
1, 2, 3, and 6 will be on the ballot.
All Seattle voters will have the chance
to vote for each of the four board positions.
♪♪
Hi. I'm Liza Rankin, and I'm running
for Seattle School Board Director in District 1,
because every child deserves a welcoming
and safe school that values
and honors them and their families.
As a board director of the Wedgwood Elementary PTA,
Seattle Council PTSA,
and Sand Point Arts and Cultural Exchange,
I've been getting things done for
Seattle's kids for nearly a decade.
I have fought for stable funding
for special education and family support workers,
for safe and healthy bell times,
and I've supported student
and educator-led efforts like
Black Lives Matter at School and Ethnic Studies.
I'm running to continue this service
and to improve experiences
and outcomes for all students,
ensuring that they graduate prepared
for career, college, or community.
As your School Board Director,
I will narrow the opportunity gap
by championing early learning programs,
working to hire and retain educators
that reflect the racial and cultural
diversity of our student population,
by securing adequate funding for the arts,
and by creating welcoming and safe
school environments that support
equitable family engagement
before, during, and after school.
I will work with district leadership,
staff, and families
to break down walls between
central offices and schools,
and I will hold the district accountable
to their new Strategic Plan
by prioritizing curriculum adoption
that empowers students and educators,
and by requiring professional development
for staff and administration related to
anti-racism, cultural competency,
and learning disabilities and differences.
I'm ready to bring my knowledge,
experience, and community connections
to the next level to work for every student
to meet their full potential
through a quality public education.
I'm proud to be endorsed by
the Seattle Education Association,
The Stranger,
The Alliance for Gun Responsibility,
current school board directors
and state legislators,
and leaders from school communities
all across Seattle.
Together, we can create a school district
that is responsive and inclusive
and gives our students what they need to thrive.
And I'd be honored to have your vote in November.
Thank you for your support.
Hello, I'm Eric Blumhagen,
your candidate for School Board District 1.
I've had children in Seattle Schools for 16 years.
A decade ago, I started speaking up
at the district level
to fight against ill-advised school closures
that cost the district over $60 million.
Since then, I've served on PTA boards
and district-wide advisory committees,
advocating for all students
on issues from assignment area boundaries
to stable funding for strong academic programs
at Rainier Beach and Chief Sealth High Schools.
I'm also proud to have been part of the team
that brought later start times to
Seattle's middle and high schools.
Because of that change,
students get more sleep,
have better attendance,
and earn higher grades.
The school board creates policies based on
voters' progressive ideals,
from community engagement
to inclusive special education services
to racial equity.
I have the experience
to hold the district accountable.
We can deliver results
that match our ideals.
With your vote, I'll prioritize --
Equity -- Seattle students face
an unacceptable opportunity gap.
We can do better, with sustained investments
in restorative justice programs,
culturally responsive curricula,
and de-escalation training for school staff.
Responsible investments --
We must direct our resources
where they'll do the most good --
in the school and in the classroom.
We need more teachers, librarians,
counselors, and special education staff.
And finally, the skilled trades --
There are so many opportunities for students
in the skilled trades.
I will work to improve access
to hands-on classes
that prepare students
to enter the workforce
in these living wage careers.
I am proud to be endorsed by leaders
including former School Board Presidents
Betty Patu and Sue Peters,
Representative Gael Tarleton,
and organizations such as
the King County Democrats,
Laborers Local 242,
and Operating Engineers Local 609.
With your support, we can improve
Seattle Public Schools for all students.
Thank you for your vote.
♪♪
Hi, I'm Lisa Rivera Smith,
a proud Mexican-American mother of three,
and I am running to be your next
Seattle School Board Director,
representing District 2.
Let's start where we all agree --
Seattle school kids deserve the best.
Yet time after time,
funding falls short,
voices are left out,
and inequities continue.
Seattle Public Schools must rise to the challenge
and provide a great education for every student.
As a proven leader and problem solver,
I'm not afraid to face these challenges
head on, seeking solutions
from every corner.
No stranger to advocacy and activism,
I've been a staunch supporter
of our students, staff,
and communities for years.
I proudly marched with our striking teachers in 2015,
fresh into my first days as a PTSA president.
I worked weekly with students
at Hamilton Middle School
as their Green Team advisor.
I stepped up to establish
the Lincoln High School PTSA,
bringing together a coalition of parents,
students, and teachers.
I engaged with diverse communities
for almost a decade as a MathFest volunteer
at Rainier Community Center,
and I've traveled to Olympia
to speak directly with state legislators
on behalf of our struggling families.
And now, I am honored
to be the sole candidate
for Seattle School Board, Position 2.
I will be a board member
who focuses on listening,
learning, and leading with integrity.
As a former newspaper reporter,
it was my job to be curious
and seek out information,
skills that I will apply to all of my interactions
with families, educators, and staff.
I will amplify community voices,
while shining a light on the decisions
and actions that come out of district headquarters.
I'm grateful for the endorsements
from the 36th, 43rd, and 46th
District Democrats,
as well as current School Board Directors
Leslie Harris, Scott Pinkham,
Rick Burke, and Eden Mack.
They endorse me because they know
I'm a dedicated public servant
who will raise the voices of our diverse
and underserved populations.
There's work to be done,
and we will do it together.
Again, I am Lisa Rivera Smith,
and I look forward to serving
the students of this great city
on the Seattle School Board.
♪♪
Hi, there.
My name is Chandra Hampson,
and I'm running
to be your next school board member.
I'm running because our children
deserve a transformative education.
I began advocating
in our schools six years ago,
when my own children
started attending public schools.
Seattle is a world-class city
that has the potential to be
a national leader in education.
However, like every parent,
I've noticed
the many difficulties.
Seattle public schools
face major challenges
around equity, family engagement,
and fiscal transparency.
You've probably heard the big debates
over our priorities
for Seattle public schools.
Some argue we should focus
on making Seattle
an innovative district
that tackles social inequity
and develops programs
that prepare our kids
for an increasingly global world.
Others say that we should focus
on the fundamentals,
a well-run school district
that provides a safe,
stable learning environment.
The truth is we can do both.
When we address inequity,
we work to foster an environment
that's safe and stable
for all students.
And when we focus on
transparency and accountability,
we build a culture
that demands results
and puts students first.
To accomplish our goals,
we need a school board
with the right combination
of passion and experience.
As president of the Seattle Council PTSA,
I've led groups of parents,
community stakeholders,
and elected officials,
protecting funding
and delivering results
for Seattle students.
I have an MBA from
the University of Washington
and decades of experience in budgeting.
I've consulted
on many educational issues,
including in and around
marginalized groups
and, as a proud
Native American parent,
indigenous populations.
I will be a strong advocate for
well-funded public schools
and equity in education,
including eliminating disparities
around racial and gender lines.
Through my work,
I'm proud to have earned the support of
Representative Gerry Pollet,
former Representative Jessyn Farrell,
the 46th legislative
district Democrats,
Council Member Debora Juarez,
school board members
Jill Geary and Zachary DeWolf,
and many more.
If you're looking for someone
with a passion for social justice
and the experience to get things done,
my name is Chandra Hampson.
I would be honored to have your vote.
Hi. My name is Rebeca Muñiz,
and I'm running to be
your next Seattle school board director,
position 3.
I was raised by my mother, Alma,
who immigrated from Mexico.
I grew up watching her do whatever it took
to take care of her family.
I would sit quietly
while watching her clean offices,
vacuum floors, empty trash bins,
and Windex windows.
Dripping in sweat, she would
apologize again and again,
saying, "I'm sorry.
Just one more office."
Throughout the years,
her encouragement and determination
helped me to pursue an education
and get a good job.
My mentors along the way
have shown me that all it takes
is one person to believe
and invest in a child
for them to believe
in themselves.
I graduated from
the University of Washington
with a master's degree
in education policy
and leadership.
Now I'm running to serve as
a Seattle school board director
in order to help more kids
find their own opportunity
to a brighter future.
I have three things I care about most.
First, transparency
and accountability.
I want to lead
with the community behind me,
not the other way around.
This means I will commit
to weekly office hours
at accessible locations
but also being transparent
about our budget.
Second, I want to increase
opportunities for all students.
I will fight for a greater focus
on racial equity and inclusion
in all levels of the school board.
We need to address
the specific needs of students,
from providing ethnic studies
to increasing girls' participation
in STEM activities
to after-school opportunities
that serve low-income students,
queer students,
and students of color.
Third, student stability.
We need to increase
wraparound services for students
experiencing housing instability.
There should be
a family engagement professional
at every school.
We also need to review and reform
current disciplinary practices
that harm students of color
at higher rates.
I am so grateful for the community leaders
and organizations
who endorse my vision,
including school board directors
Eden Mack and Scott Pinkham,
Council Member Lorena González,
State Senators Joe Nguyen
and Bob Hasegawa,
and the 46th Democrats.
Thank you for engaging,
and I hope to have your vote August 6th.
Again, my name is Rebeca Muñiz,
and I'm running for
Seattle school board position 3.
♪♪
Hi. I'm Leslie Harris.
I'm your Seattle School Board President.
I've served two terms
and four years on the executive committee,
and I am running for re-election,
position number 6,
which is West Seattle and South Park.
In the general election,
the entire city votes.
I've made myself available and accountable
for the entire city,
and we have done some very heavy lifts
in the last four years.
I believe we've made more progress
in the last four years
than in several years prior to that time.
We've put in more curriculum,
we've doubled down on race and equity training,
we've doubled down on social emotional learning.
And we've signed a historic
memorandum of understanding
with the city of Seattle
so that we are collaborating
for your tax dollars at work.
We appreciate those tax dollars.
We passed the BEX V Levy
and the operations levy in February,
and we gave double the points
to high needs schools
for maintenance, etcetera.
We are building our way out
of a maintenance backlog of 30 years.
We're doing a better job of compensating our teachers.
We're doing a better job
of collaborating with other entities,
parents, and others.
Are we there yet? No. We're truly not,
but we're working hard every day to do so.
For trust, transparency, and equity,
what I ran on in 2015,
we're doing a good job.
Next year's board will have several new members.
My experience will assist
coming up to speed quickly
and to making things better for everyone.
It's an honor, it's a privilege,
and it is not a thankless job.
Seeing our students succeed
over sometimes extraordinary odds
is thanks enough.
I would appreciate your vote.
For my endorsements,
Harrisforschoolboard.com.
Thank you.
Hi. My name is Molly Mitchell,
and I'm running for
Seattle School Board Director
to ensure that every student
has a pathway to success.
I want to ensure all voices
in our school district are heard,
that you have a seat at the table,
and that your concerns
and needs are addressed.
Our schools can do more to serve
the needs of diverse students
and families in our city.
In my 20-year career in education,
the core of my work
has been centering equity
and social justice.
This year, I was honored
to be recognized
for my commitment to equity
when I received the Equity Award
from the Washington State
Association of College Trustees.
As the Director
of Student Support Programs
at Seattle Central College,
I am focused on serving students
with the highest barriers
to completion
and students furthest from justice
throughout their entire education,
including their lived experiences
outside the classroom.
I am passionate about
expanding educational opportunities
inside Washington state prisons.
Additionally, I oversee support
for student parents,
student veterans,
and those facing food insecurity.
For all students to succeed,
we must create learning environments
that are safe, welcoming,
and inclusive for all.
When every student
is included and engaged
in their learning environment,
all students benefit.
As a mom and a community organizer,
I believe solutions
are most effective
when they engage all stakeholders
and are accountable to the community,
which is why current school board director
Jill Geary has endorsed my campaign.
The school board can do better
to collaborate with families,
educators,
community organizations,
and local agencies
to generate policies that support
every student's
educational success.
I pledge to represent your voice
and to work for high-quality
education for all students.
My name is Molly Mitchell,
and I would be honored
to earn your vote
for Seattle School Board.
You have just seen the video statements
submitted by candidates
running for each of the seven Seattle City Council positions,
and the four Seattle School Board director seats.
Ballots will be mailed
to all registered voters
on October 16th.
For questions regarding voter registration
or your ballot,
visit the King County Election website
at www.kingcounty.gov/elections.
Or call (206) 296-VOTE.
All ballots must be returned
on or before November 5th.
You can return your ballot
to a ballot drop box -- no stamp required.
Ballots returned to a drop box
must be delivered by 8:00 p.m. Election Day,
November 5th.
Or you can return your ballot by mail.
You do not need a stamp
to return your ballot by mail.
Just drop your completed and signed ballot
in a USPS mailbox.
It must be postmarked by Election Day, November 5th.
We recommend mailing your ballot by November 1st
to make sure it gets postmarked in time.
Or you can go to a vote center.
King County vote centers are available to voters
who need assistance completing their ballot.
Trained staff and specialized equipment
are available to help voters with disabilities
cast a private, independent ballot.
To find a vote center or a drop box
in King County, visit the King County elections website
at www.kingcounty.gov/elections.
Or call (206) 296-VOTE.
Thanks for joining us.
This program is a collaboration
of the Seattle Ethics & Elections Commission,
the Seattle Channel,
and King County TV.
We'd like to hear from you
about the Video Voters' Guide.
To comment on this guide,
please call (206) 684-8500.