For more information, see Endorsements 2021.
Ryan Calkins
Ryan Calkins was elected to the Port of Seattle Commission in 2017, hit the ground running, and hasn’t stopped. He has focused on sustainable economic development at the Port, working to ensure that all our communities can share our region’s prosperity. Ryan is working to balance current needs with a long-term vision for the Port and to ensure that one of our region’s most valuable public assets will continue to thrive for generations. He is championing the Port’s effort to mitigate its ecological, social, and economic impacts on residents, communities, and the environment.
Kali Clark
Kali Clark is eager to bring her experience with natural-resource management, emergency management, and sustainable transportation to the Sammamish City Council. She is a lifelong Washingtonian whose entire career has been in public service. Sammamish greatly needs Kali’s ability to collaborate with the diverse perspectives on the council while hearing and respecting all voices in the community.
Dow Constantine
County Executive Dow Constantine is a proven leader, a regional problem solver, and an effective advocate for our families and communities. He is recognized for his leadership in combating the early outbreak of COVID-19 and driving the county’s recovery efforts. Throughout his service in the Legislature, on the King County Council, and as King County Executive, Dow built an efficient, well-run government and consistently fought for and delivered transportation and transit solutions, environmental conservation and climate action, and public health and safety. He is also fourth-generation Washingtonian and a life-long resident of King County.
Toshiko Grace Hasegawa
As the executive director of the Washington State Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs, Toshiko Grace Hasegawa is the youngest member of Governor Inslee’s cabinet. She also currently sits on the board of both Densho and the Seattle chapter of the Japanese American Citizens League. As we work to rebuild the economy through and after the COVID-19 pandemic, Toshiko will draw on her experience in community building and civil-rights advocacy and work hard to ensure that the recovery includes all our historically disadvantaged and excluded communities.
Karen Howe
Karen Howe will use her experience in youth advocacy to inform the equity lens she’ll apply to the council’s work. Karen’s top priorities are understanding who is helped and harmed by planned projects and bringing in community voices. She understands the regional nature of the issues around transit and intends to partner with other communities to address the challenge.
Jo Johnson
Jo Johnson knows Snoqualmie is special and is committed to making sure it is a good place to live, work, and play for generations to come. While serving on and chairing Snoqualmie’s Planning Commission, he has learned about the issues facing Snoqualmie. Jolyon’s impressive service in a wide variety of roles indicates a willingness to listen to others and to use their experience and concerns to inform his decisions.
Amy Lam
Amy Lam believes that local government should embrace diverse backgrounds and that leadership from individuals with a variety of lived experiences allows for more innovative solutions. Currently the creative director of MOHAI, Amy brings a refreshing new way of seeing her community through a design career of more than 25 years. Amy’s commitment to prioritize innovation, sustainability, human services, and inclusion will ensure that she serves the city well.
Tanya Lavoy
Tanya Lavoy is a dedicated public servant and a community organizer. Not only is she familiar with Snoqualmie politics, policies, and community needs but Tanya also has extensive knowledge of state politics and policies. She understands complex issues around addressing affordable housing, helping small businesses thrive, and protecting green spaces. Tanya is committed to solving problems in a collaborative, sustainable way.
Tola Marts
As a dedicated member of the Issaquah City Council since 2009, Tola Marts is committed to addressing the need for affordable housing while combating the traffic issues and downstream environmental impacts of people not being able to live and work in the same area. If elected to another term, he will focus on projects such as the Transit Oriented Development/Opportunity Center to address workforce housing and living-wage jobs, while maintaining his commitment to anti-discrimination efforts.
Nazir Harb Michel
Nazir Harb Michel will use knowledge, data, and intellect to guide policies of inclusivity and livability in Sammamish. He will be a voice and an advocate for all city residents, including those currently underrepresented. Nazir will work to improve transit and traffic management and to make Sammamish friendlier for pedestrians and bicyclists.
Barbara de Michele
Barbara de Michele has served as an active and dedicated member of the Issaquah City Council since she was elected in 2019, and Barbara has executed on her priorities while taking necessary actions to address the community’s challenges during the pandemic. She has furthered her understanding of the needs and interests of low-income and unsheltered residents, as well as the growing necessity for mental-health support. In Barbara’s second term, she will continue to prioritize affordable housing, improved transit options, and the development of an opportunity center to provide resources. Barbara has proven that she is an asset to the community as a council member.
Hamdi Mohamed
Hamdi Mohamed’s lived experience and expertise will be a tremendous asset to the commission, especially now when our communities need champions for the issues of working people. With more than a decade of experience in government, non-profit organizations, and politics, she is currently policy advisor for the King County Executive Office of Equity and Social Justice. Hamdi will be a strong, effective voice on the commission from her first day in office. When elected, Hamdi will be the first woman of color elected to the commission and the only commissioner who represents the airport’s neighborhood.
Joe Nguyen
State Senator Joe Nguyen will bring a fresh perspective and new vision to county governance. With strong progressive values, he is a great example of true representational and community-based leadership. From medical and behavioral healthcare to racial equity to housing and homelessness, Joe has the tenacity and skills to follow through and resolve problems. He is running because the pandemic exposed the inequities that many communities have faced for a long time. Joe is the son of Vietnamese refugees and a resident of unincorporated King County,
Debbie Page
Debbie Page will continue to find solutions that benefit the Black Diamond community. She wants Black Diamond to be the gold standard for responsible and sustainable urban growth that protects green spaces, parks, and mixed-use spaces. Debbie works to ensure that small businesses can thrive and that diversity is respected. Both residents and visitors should feel welcome in Black Diamond.
Mary Lou Pauly
During Mary Lou Pauly’s first four years as Issaquah’s mayor, she has made meaningful achievements in planning for growth and transportation needs. Mary Lou has taken a strong leadership role in the City’s response to COVID-19 and the resulting fiscal impact, as well as police accountability. She cares deeply about the environment and residents of Issaquah and the surrounding region. Mary Lou deserves the support of Issaquah voters.
Haley Pendergraft
Haley Pendergraft is a product of the Tahoma School District. With a Master’s in Teaching, she returned to the district as an elementary schoolteacher, where Haley’s passion for public education shined. She has run small local businesses but always takes time for her community. Haley spearheaded the revitalization efforts of bringing the Lions Club back to Maple Valley. She will give back on a larger level by joining the Tahoma School Board and taking her straightforward, hard-working approach to develop the most stellar educational system possible, where all students can thrive.
Sarah Perry
Sarah Perry brings her demonstrated passion for inclusion, community-building skills, and Democratic values to everything she does and will be a strong, effective advocate for District 3. She is committed to listening to, and then solving, the most pressing problems with a focus on helping family farms and other small businesses, improving transportation, and protecting our environment.
Carmen Rivera
Carmen Rivera grew up in a family devoted to service and upholds that legacy today. Her career began at Echo Glen Children’s Center under the state’s Department of Children, Youth, and Families. Currently, she is a member of the adjunct faculty at Seattle University’s Criminal Justice Department. Carmen is committed to ensuring that everyone has access to the services they need and to supporting small businesses and economic development. She seeks to foster clean waterways and preserve the environment for generations to come.
Andrea Robertson
Andrea Robertson was appointed to the King County Superior Court by Governor Inslee in 2020. Before that, she had 22 years’ experience as a trial lawyer, working both as a public defender and in private practice. In those positions, Andrea has gained an extraordinary amount of experience working in the courtroom. She is a strong advocate for Constitutional rights and a voice for victims of domestic violence, sexual misconduct, and harassment. Andrea is rated ‘Exceptionally Well Qualified’ by five independent Bar associations.
Shelby Scovel
Shelby Scovel is running for Renton School Board after having been appointed to the board in early 2021. She strongly supports public education and is committed to helping all students thrive. Shelby’s professional experience includes financial-leadership roles at non-profit organizations that help align strategic priorities with scarce financial resources. She is thoughtful regarding general policy, equity concerns, and lessons learned from the COVID crisis. Shelby has three school-age children.
Therron Smith
Therron Smith will help Black Diamond thrive now and in the future. He will bring knowledge, including a wealth of educational and lived experiences, to this seat. Therron has an education in public policy and brings an abundance of good ideas to the community. He supports community and regional partnerships and tough but productive conversations. Therron will show up and do the work that needs to be done.
Trish Stallard
Trish Stallard is committed to collaboratively ensuring that Black Diamond thrives. She has been a K-12 educator since 1997 and held administration positions at the school or district level since 2006. Trish is a principal at a Title I elementary school. Her leadership experience has centered around transforming school culture, resulting in more inclusive, strength-based practices in lower-income schools. Trish will use her experience to benefit the community at a pivotal moment in Black Diamond’s history.
Joe Todd
As a long-time resident of Renton, Joe Todd is deeply involved in advocating for marginalized communities, believing that every member of our community should have access to all the opportunities that this city, county, region, state, and country has to offer. He is also the deputy chief technology officer for King County, so technology, efficiency, equity, innovation, and leadership have been consistent threads throughout his life. As a councilmember, Joe will focus on addressing the housing crisis, supporting small businesses, and meaningfully addressing homelessness.
Kim-Khánh Văn
Kim-Khánh Văn is an attorney and a member of the Renton City Council. As a refugee and an immigrant to this country, she knows the power of the American Dream. Kim-Khánh’s priorities for the King County Council include not only equitable transportation and housing opportunities but also inclusion and equity for vulnerable and historically marginalized populations, including veterans, seniors, LGBQTIA+ communities, and communities of color.
Rose Zibrat
Rose Zibrat will consider how today’s decisions will affect our children and their children. She has a background in science and experience as a volunteer educator. Rose’s priorities include protecting the environment, taking action against the effects of climate change, improving access to public transportation, and addressing the many faces of social inequity. She will take a data-driven, holistic approach to finding solutions that improve community resilience and well-being.