Councilmember Dan Strauss' Staff

Email Anthony

Anthony Rodriguez was born in Paso Robles, CA but grew up in Central Texas where he attended college at Baylor University for Political Science, History, and Communications. After graduating, he moved to Austin where he worked in political fundraising for progressive causes until getting a job with the Texas Office of the Attorney General in Child Support and then the Constituent Affairs Division. Seeking adventure and wanting to return to his West Coast roots, Anthony moved to Seattle and has been loving the city ever since.

Anthony’s responsibilities include supporting the office’s communications work, assisting the District Director with community events, assisting policy advisors with research, and being the point-of-contact for administrative tasks such as managing the Councilmember’s calendar and scheduling. In his free time, Anthony loves bouldering, spending time outdoors, and is a PC gaming nerd.

Email Joel

Joel Raphael was born and raised in Seattle's District 6, earning his Eagle Scout award from Ballard's historic Boy Scout Troop 100. He then served as a Combat Medic in the United States Army's 101st Airborne Division, deploying twice in Operation Iraqi Freedom, including to the Triangle of Death during the Surge. After leaving the military to care for his daughter as a single father, he returned home to study Physics and Philosophy at the University of Washington. During the pandemic, he joined the United States Postal Service as a Letter Carrier and Postal Supervisor, personally delivering mail all across Crown Hill, Ballard, Fremont, and Magnolia during the quarantine.

Joel currently serves as the District Director for District 6, and as an Officer in the Washington Army National Guard.

Email Megan

Megan Bartol is originally from Utah and received her BA in Political Science from Washington State University. During her time in undergrad, Megan served as the Senator for the Honors College and interned at the Washington State Legislature. She previously worked on health care and insurance policy at the state level.

Megan joins the District 6 office as the Operations Manager and Deputy District Director. Her responsibilities include supporting the office’s communications work, assisting the District Director with community events, assisting policy advisors with research, and being the point-of-contact for administrative tasks such as managing the Councilmember’s calendar and scheduling.

When not at the office, Megan loves to ski, play soccer, and be out on the water.

Email Jesse

Jesse Franz lives in Ballard and serves as Policy and Communications Director for Councilmember Dan Strauss. He’s worked for the City of Seattle since 2018, including three years with the Seattle City Council’s Communications Team serving all nine council members. Prior to that, he worked as a journalist for television and print news publications up and down the West Coast.