My name is Toshiko Hasegawa, and I'm running
for the Seattle Port Commission Position No. 4.
As a lifelong resident of the Beacon Hill neighborhood,
I've seen our port's impact on communities.
As director of a state agency,
I've witnessed how, once again, when crises struck,
working families were hit hardest.
The disparities have deepened,
and the port is still one of the top polluters
of carbon emissions in our state.
It's fallen short of answering
to the challenges of our time.
I'm running to ensure that the rising tide
of our recovery lifts all ships.
Our port is a connector, the gateway to the world,
an economic heartbeat of our region.
It's uniquely positioned to bring together stakeholders
in industry, business, labor, and community
to build our economy back better.
But we need new leadership committed to getting it done.
As commissioner,
I'll prioritize sustainably growing our industries
while modernizing with green infrastructure,
projects like electric shore power, high-speed rail,
offshore wind, and solar panels
can promote international trade
and a flowing supply chain,
all while reducing pollution and traffic congestion.
These projects will create family-wage jobs for workers
and contracts for businesses
so people get the economic stability that they deserve.
The fierce urgency of this moment
requires new leadership with a bold vision
and unwavering commitment to our goals.
I am the unifying Democrat in this race
that people trust to get the job done.
That's why I'm endorsed by the Washington Conservation Voters
and the Sierra Club, MLK Labor Council,
ironworkers, carpenters, business leaders,
every legislative Democratic organization in King County,
and over 50 elected officials,
including Gov. Jay Inslee,
Lt. Gov. Denny Heck,
Congressman Adam Smith, and Congresswoman Jayapal.
Let's build a port that works for everyone.
My name is Toshiko Hasegawa, and I hope to earn your vote.