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-Welcome to the King County Video Voters' Guide,
your chance to hear directly from the candidates
in the August primary.
This is a vote-by-mail election.
Instead of going to a polling place,
ballots will be sent to all registered voters.
In this edition, we've invited the candidates
who will appear on the primary ballot
for King County Council,
the Port of Seattle Commission and representatives
who support and oppose King County Proposition 1.
The offices are nonpartisan.
Each of the statements is up to two minutes long and unedited.
The speakers appear on your screen in the same order
as they will appear on the ballot.
If only one or two candidates filed for a seat,
that position goes straight to the general election
and does not appear on this primary ballot.
First up, King County Proposition 1,
the Veterans, Seniors and Human Services Levy.
King County Proposition 1 concerns replacement
of an expiring veterans, seniors and human services levy.
If approved, this proposition
would fund capital facilities and services
for veterans, service members, and their families.
It would promote housing and financial stability,
healthy living, social engagement,
and service access and improvements for seniors,
caregivers, and resilient communities.
If approved by the voters, King County Proposition 1
would authorize an additional 6-year property tax levy
beginning in 2024
at the rate of $0.10 per $1,000 of assessed property value.
The amount collected in 2024 would be the base
for calculating annual increases of the tax
by 3.5% through 2029.
The proposition would exempt eligible seniors,
veterans, and disabled persons from paying this tax.
This measure will appear only on the primary ballot.
All voters in King County are eligible
to vote on King County Proposition 1.
-Hello, King County.
My name is Karen Lee, and I'm the CEO of Plymouth Housing.
Please renew this levy to maintain
vital King County services
for veterans, seniors, and vulnerable populations.
Voter approved in 2005, 2011, and 2017,
your vote will build on levy's success by preserving housing,
employment, counseling, and other services.
Veterans will keep one-stop service centers,
job training, financial assistance,
housing, and supportive services.
Since 2018,
the levy has contributed to a 40% reduction
in veteran homelessness.
Seniors will keep expanded county-wide services
at 39 senior centers,
as well as housing tax relief support,
food assistance, and programs for healthy aging in place.
Each year, 28,000 seniors use levy-funded senior centers.
Neighbors facing barriers
will keep mobile and 24-hour assistance
for gender-based violence survivors,
legal assistance, shelter,
mobile medical vans assisting
people experiencing homelessness,
and supports for individuals with disabilities.
Since 2021, more than 8,000 domestic violence
or sexual assault survivors have received levy-funded services.
Since 2017, the levy has helped over 185,000
veterans, seniors and vulnerable people.
Programs are independently audited for efficiency.
The rate is identical to 2017,
and the median valued home will pay $17 more per year.
King County Prop 1 is endorsed by veterans' advocates,
housing and health providers, unions, senior organizations,
Executive Constantine, County Council, and more.
Please join me and vote "yes" to renew this important resource
for so many neighbors.
Thank you.
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-Metropolitan King County Council.
As the legislative branch of county government,
the Metropolitan King County Council sets the policies,
enacts the laws, and adopts the budgets that guide
the largest jurisdiction in Washington state.
Its mission is to protect public health and safety,
enhance quality of life, and ensure public trust.
This is a nonpartisan position.
Members are elected by geographic district
to four-year terms.
This year, four of the nine council seats
are up for election.
Only two of those four seats
will appear on the primary ballot,
District 4 and District 8.
If you live in one of those two districts,
you will be able to cast a vote in the primary.
The top two vote-getters in those two districts
will advance to the general election in November.
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-I'm Becka Johnson Poppe and I'm running
to serve District 4 on King County Council.
I know what it takes
to move progressive policy forward in King County,
because I've been doing it for over a decade.
As budget and policy manager for King County,
I direct half of the county's $16 billion budget,
including Metro Transit and Parks.
I've advanced environmental and racial justice imperatives
to create a $20 million climate equity program
that funds green home energy conversions
and new affordable housing.
As the UW's Director of
Policy, Planning, and State Operations,
I implemented paid family and medical leave
and championed legislation that delivered
affordable higher education to thousands of new students.
King County is bigger than 15 states.
We have the responsibility to lead on issues
from homelessness to transit to climate change.
I will bring my experience getting things done
at the county to ensure we protect our environment,
advance equity, and grow our economy.
Helping the unhoused is an urgent priority,
and we must scale up supportive services that save lives
and build healthy communities for everyone.
We need safe, reliable public transportation
throughout District 4, which is why I've proposed
a transportation benefit district for the county.
I will also increase investments in renewable energy
and green development in public
and private projects to ensure our region and world
are livable for generations to come.
Together, we can make real progress
for our families, neighbors, and communities in District 4,
and I would be honored to earn your vote.
My endorsements include
the National Women's Political Caucus,
King County Young Democrats,
UW Young Democrats,
Public Lands Commissioner Hilary Franz,
King County Councilmember Joe McDermott,
State Representatives Liz Berry and Kristine Reeves,
community leaders Dorothy Bullitt and Cary Moon,
City Councilmember Lisa Herbold,
former city councilmembers Nick Licata and Abel Pacheco,
and dozens of local business, nonprofit and elected leaders.
I would be honored to have your support.
My name is Becka Johnson Poppe. Thank you.
-My name is Jorge Barón,
and I'm running to serve you on the King County Council
because I believe that together we can build a stronger,
more just future for everyone in King County.
As an immigrant who arrived in the United States from Colombia
at the age of 13
and who was bullied for not speaking English,
and as the proud parent of a trans daughter,
I understand the importance of confronting injustice.
For the past 15 years as the executive director
of the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project,
I have been at the forefront of the fight for immigrant rights
and working to serve marginalized communities.
My track record reflects a proven ability
to tackle complex challenges and build coalitions.
From successfully halting deportations
in the aftermath of the Trump travel ban
to serving on the state task force on
the use of deadly force in policing,
I have consistently made a tangible impact
by working alongside diverse communities
to develop solutions.
Now I aim to bring the same commitment to equity and justice
to the King County Council.
My vision for King County is rooted in integrity and service.
I will invest in preventative, community-based
and data-driven approaches to improve public safety,
climate resilience initiatives,
universally affordable child care,
expanded behavioral health services,
and a robust and sustainable transportation system.
I am determined to develop affordable
and dignified housing for all
and lead on comprehensive strategies
to support our unhoused neighbors.
To realize this vision, I will work urgently
with our state legislative partners
to establish progressive revenue sources that are crucial
for funding necessary investments in the future.
With my understanding of the challenges
faced by diverse communities in King County,
I will be a strong advocate for equitable policies
that address the needs of all residents.
Collaboration will be critical to our success as we strive
to ensure that Martin Luther King Junior County
is a welcoming and prosperous place for everyone.
I am grateful to be endorsed by Washington Conservation Action
and a coalition of local Democrats,
labor unions, business and community leaders,
including Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal,
Representative Liz Berry and others.
To learn more about my campaign
and all of my endorsements,
please visit ElectJorgeBaron.com.
It would be an honor to earn your vote
and continue serving our community.
-Hello, my name is Sarah Reyneveld,
and I am running for
King County Council position number 4.
I am a managing Assistant Attorney General,
public school parent, transit rider, union member,
community advocate and 25-year District 4 neighbor.
I am running for King County Council
because we need bold and transformative action
to urgently address the scale of the challenges
facing our region.
I'll bring my 20-year public service career
in state and local government,
advancing complex legal, policy, and budgetary solutions,
and building broad coalitions
to deliver results for King County.
As an Assistant Attorney General for over 10 years,
I have fought for wages and protections
for working families
and held environmental violators accountable.
Since 2016, I have served as the current councilmember,
Jeanne Kohl-Welles' representative
to the King County Women's Advisory Board,
where I've worked with communities and councilmembers
to secure investments in affordable housing,
behavioral health, child care, and services
for survivors of gender-based violence.
I want to continue this track record of leadership,
working with our communities to advance progressive,
evidence-based solutions for King County.
With your vote, I will fight for an equitable, sustainable,
and just future, investing in solutions
that center equity and opportunity.
I'll work collaboratively with communities
to build affordable housing and expand emergency shelter,
behavioral health and substance use treatment.
I'll enact upstream solutions to improve public safety
and prevent gun violence.
I'll champion frequent, reliable and safe transit service,
urgently tackle the climate crisis,
and protect our environment.
I am proud to be endorsed by councilmembers
such as Kohl-Welles, Zahilay and Dembowski,
statewide leaders such as AG Bob Ferguson,
and Lands Commissioner Hilary Franz,
the Washington Conservation Action,
National Women's Political Caucus,
Democrats and unions
such as the Seattle Building Trades,
State Employees, and Bus Operators.
I'd appreciate your support. Thank you.
♪♪
-I'm Teresa Mosqueda,
running for King County Council District 8.
I'm running for the county because it is the place
to be to improve population, health,
workforce, housing, and invest in child care,
transit, and job training opportunities.
At Seattle City Council, I've built broad coalitions
and delivered on progressive and transformational change.
I led the efforts on progressive revenue,
affordable housing, community safety investments,
small business supports,
and groundbreaking worker protections
through my now six years in office.
And as your King County Councilmember,
I will work to improve community health,
access to housing and greater shared prosperity
for both workers and small businesses.
I'm committed to addressing the compounding
public health crises of violence,
behavioral health, and substance abuse issues
by increasing support for upstream investments,
increasing support for our public health workforce,
and implementing the new crisis care levy
that I proudly helped craft last year.
I will expedite solutions to fund and grow housing,
to prevent displacement and reduce sprawl.
With reduced car emissions and global warming,
this is not only good for our climate,
it's good for our local economy and individual health.
I will work to create economic opportunity for all
by investing in child care workers
and improved affordability.
I'll invest in transit workers and enhanced accessibility,
and in job training and union apprenticeships for more workers
to have economic security.
I am proudly endorsed by U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal,
Attorney General Bob Ferguson,
King County Executive Dow Constantine,
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell,
and all of the endorsing unions that have endorsed
for King County Council District 8 have endorsed me.
Thanks to the 33rd,
the 11th and the 37th Legislative District Democrats
who have endorsed me,
along with Washington Conservation Action
and Northwest Women's Political Caucus.
Please join us.
-My name is Sofia Aragon,
and I'm the Mayor of the City of Burien.
I'm running for King County Council District 8
because I want all county residents to thrive.
This means making sure King County
is a safe, healthy and inclusive place
where families can call home
for a lifetime and businesses can take root.
Growing up in South Seattle,
my mom single-handedly supported our family of four.
With a union job,
she had a living wage and health care.
My parents moved us to unincorporated King County
for affordable housing.
A safe neighborhood and a good public school was the goal.
Like mom, I became a registered nurse.
One of the best jobs I ever had was working
in a community clinic in the Rainier Valley.
I chose to serve people who often spoke different languages,
were immigrants, low income or struggled with housing.
Nursing taught me how to be an advocate for others.
I decided to step up that skill and become a lawyer
to shape and develop public policy.
In Olympia, I advocated for workplace safety,
health care for all, and getting toxics out of the environment.
Strong public policy creates opportunity.
I want to create conditions
where everyone has a chance to succeed.
As Mayor, I know representation matters.
As a woman of color, an Asian immigrant,
I took a stand on anti-Asian hate.
I support a co-response model for police and fire
so that a mental health crisis is not treated like a crime.
I promote collaboration between the county and cities
in building affordable housing.
I voted for federal ARPA dollars to go towards small businesses,
expanding child care,
and apprenticeships that lead to career,
and I work to promote respectful debate on City Council.
So as King County Councilmember,
I will focus on common sense public safety measures
with adequate police presence,
a healthy environment, and affordable housing for all,
so that all county residents have the opportunity to prosper.
♪♪
-Port of Seattle.
It's called the Port of Seattle, but the port is actually
a countywide municipal corporation
that operates Sea-Tac 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.
Two seats are up for election this year.
One of these seats will appear on the primary ballot.
Port Commissioner is a nonpartisan position
and each commissioner is elected to a four-year term.
All voters in King County can vote
for one port commissioner in each position on the ballot.
The top two vote-getters will advance
to the general election in November.
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-The port management has issues that need to be fixed.
As a major economic engine and job generator,
port has not been managing well with its revenue
capital improvement project,
with hundreds of million dollars of cost overruns,
$1 billion new terminal filled with financial, construction
and design problems.
Hi, I'm Jesse Tam, a retired banker and a business consultant
for the past four decades in King County.
I'm running for the Port of Seattle Commissioner.
My top priority is to protect our current jobs
for the workers with living wages,
providing clean and green environment
while strengthening our economy.
As a founder of two community banks in Washington State,
I provided financial services to minority and women businesses.
I will continue such efforts to create more jobs in this region.
We need to address traffic and transportation issues
in our area affecting our daily lives.
The port has a lot of social responsibility.
I will promote educational training
apprenticeship programs for advancement of young people.
I work with various nonprofit organizations
to carry out programs to protect young people
from human trafficking and working with programs
to enhance our region with cleaner air.
I have plans to tackle the clean-up as we promised
and develop preventive plans for areas surrounding our port.
With decades of real estate experience,
I have worked with issues of industrial land
and other real estate matters associated
with the port's daily operation, with knowledge and development,
construction and property management.
We must manage our port with strong fiscal responsibility,
integrity, accountability, and transparency.
As a result of being a well-managed port,
we'll be able to distribute our prosperity
equally among many communities in our region.
I believe in diversity, equity, and inclusion.
I am endorsed by ATU 587 labor union,
former governor Gary Locke, and many others.
I respectfully ask for your support. Thank you.
-It's been a great honor to serve the residents
of King County the past 7 1/2 years
on the Seattle Port Commission.
I'm running for a third term
to continue my environmental leadership,
advancing a just and inclusive transition
to a clean energy economy that generates living wage careers.
My service is guided by a triple bottom line --
commerce, community, and climate.
I'm committed to expanding environmental
and economic justice,
especially for near-port communities
as well as small, women, and minority-owned businesses.
My experience is needed to exercise public policy direction
over a growing airport,
home port for Alaskan cruise ships and fishing fleet,
marinas, parks, and a marine cargo alliance
with the Port of Tacoma.
The port generates 121,000 jobs,
which is key to ongoing COVID recovery efforts.
The airport and seaport have won awards for customer service
even while undergoing major construction.
But port activities also impact communities and the climate.
That's why I'm leading initiatives
to electrify airport and seaport operations
and to use alternative fuels for trucks, ships and planes.
I'm also committed to ensuring the protection
and restoration of parks, bicycle safety,
and cleanup of the Duwamish River.
During my next term,
I'll continue reducing the port's carbon footprint
with unprecedented levels of state and federal funding
for clean energy projects,
inspire youth to pursue port-related jobs
by promoting innovation, apprenticeships and internships,
and expand partnerships with tribes
and the Seattle Aquarium for projects ranging
from kelp to killer whales and eco-tourism.
With your support, I'll continue to champion port policies
rooted in fiscal responsibility, ecological integrity,
and I respectfully ask for your vote.
And I'm proudly endorsed by Governor Inslee,
Attorney General Ferguson, Lands Commissioner Franz,
Seattle Mayor Harrell, County Executive Constantine,
County Councilmember Balducci,
Washington Conservation Action,
King County Democrats, labor unions and business leaders,
and many others.
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-You've just seen all the video statements
recorded by candidates for county and port offices
in King County.
We will produce another Video Voters' Guide for candidates
who advance to the November general election.
This program is a collaboration
of the Seattle Ethics and Elections Commission,
the Seattle Channel, and King County TV.
Ballots will be sent to all registered voters.
Look for your ballot in the mail after July 12 and vote
and return it by Tuesday, August 1.
No stamp is needed to return your ballot.
Ballots can be returned via U.S. Mail
or at one of King County's secured ballot drop boxes.
Accessible voting centers, AVCs, are available to voters
who need assistance completing their ballot.
Ballots must be postmarked by August 1.
You can track the progress of your ballot online
and find the location of drop boxes or AVCs
by visiting King County Elections
at kingcounty.gov/elections.
Thanks for joining us.
-We'd like to hear from you about the Video Voters' Guide.
To comment on this guide, please call 206-684-8500.
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