King County
Proposition No. 1
Regular Property Tax Levy for Children, Youth, Families and Communities
King County Council passed Ordinance 19267 concerning renewed funding for support of children, youth, families and communities. If approved, this proposition would fund prevention and early intervention services and capital investments to promote health and well-being, including child care; prenatal and newborn family services; youth development programs; social, emotional and mental health supports; and homelessness prevention. It would authorize an additional six-year property tax beginning in 2022 at $0.19 per $1,000 of assessed valuation. The 2022 levy amount would be the base for calculating annual increases of up to 3% in 2023 – 2027. Should this proposition be:
Approved
King County, Executive
Dow Constantine
With his handling of the COVID pandemic, Constantine has proven to be an effective leader. Under his leadership, the County made sure that under-represented and underserved communities had access to the resources that were desperately needed to navigate the pitfalls of the pandemic.
City of Seattle, Mayor
Bruce Harrell
During a time when Seattle needs strong leadership, Harrell stands out from a crowded field as the right person at the right time. Harrell’s unique perspective of equity, inclusion, job growth and common-sense policies is a combination for meaningful progress that voters should not overlook. As a former Seattle City Councilmember, Harrell sponsored Seattle’s first anti-bias police law and championed the use of body cameras by SPD.
City of Seattle
City Attorney
While the Seattle Medium is not issuing an endorsement in this race for the Primary, we do welcome the opportunity to have new face to lead the City Attorney’s Office. History has shown us that business as usual is not a good thing when it comes to the City Attorney’s office and the African American community.
City of Seattle
Council Position No. 9
Brianna K. Thomas
Thomas has been quietly doing the work behind the scenes, and now voters have an opportunity to let her lead. Having worked as a Field Director at the Washington Housing Alliance Action Fund, a campaign manager for Honest Elections in Seattle and a $15 minimum wage in SeaTac, and most recently as Chief of Staff to the Seattle City Council President, Thomas could be a welcome addition to the city council.
City of Kent
Council Position No. 6
Brenda Fincher
As a councilmember, Fincher led the passage of renter protections and secured significant funding for mental health counseling for Kent youth. Voters should reward her by once again electing her to the council.
City of Renton
Council Position No. 1
James Alberson
As a Renton Planning Commissioner and small business owner, Alberson has the knowledge, vision and expertise to help drive Renton towards a strong post-COVID economic recovery, increase affordable housing, and create an atmosphere of inclusion that provides opportunities for all Renton residents.
City of Burien
Council Position No. 3
Jimmy Matta
As Mayor, Matta helped move Burien forward as a city and he deserves an opportunity to continue that work as a member of the city council.
City of Des Moines
Council Position No. 7
Soleil Lewis
Lewis has a vision of Des Moines being the shinning star of South King County. Not only does she want to create employment opportunities in the area for youth and adults re-entering the workforce, but she also wants to allocate the necessary resources to fix “neglected roads” and make local utilities more accountable to residents.
Seattle School Board
Director District No. 5
Michelle Sarju
The Seattle School Board needs a director that knows the problems facing many parents in Seattle Public Schools. Sarju, who has lived in the Central District for over 34 years, knows first hand what its like to advocate for fair and basic treatment for kids of colored when compared to their White peers. As a midwife, social worker, and maternal-child health professional, Sarju will bring a much needed voice to the school board.
Kent School District
Director District No. 5
Sara Franklin
Franklin, a long-time advocate and public servant, and a current member of the Commission on African American Affairs, will be a welcome addition to one of the areas most diverse school districts.
