For 30 years, King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer has ably represented parts of South King County. He shows up and works closely with constituents and leaders throughout District 7, which includes Federal Way, Auburn and Algona as well as the Pacific area.
The former state senator brings a regional approach to his service, chairing the Regional Policy Committee, which engages leaders from all of the county’s 39 cities to address common issues, such as crime, homelessness and job creation. He is particularly proud of working to create alternative job opportunities for young people, including his collaboration with Federal Way School District Superintendent Dani Pfeiffer and former state Rep. Jesse Johnson, for Federal Way High School’s pre-apprenticeship program.
While his two challengers for the nonpartisan position praise von Reichbauer for his service, neither voiced specific criticism. However, both suggest District 7 is due for change.
Pahaliyah Brown of Auburn also has worked for the county for 30 years, most recently as a project manager for the county’s Department of Natural Resources and Parks. He describes himself as a neighborhood organizer in Auburn and has coached youth sports. His concerns center on trash and graffiti, and he would work for economic revitalization, better transportation and cleaner neighborhoods. He does not present a specific plan to achieve those.
Maya Vengadasalam of Covington, an education leadership consultant, is a former member of the Kent School Board and the Washington State Charter Commission. Her focus would be on fiscal responsibility while working on issues around affordability and economic opportunity.
Both challengers are well-intentioned but do not make the case for change.
Voters should reelect Pete von Reichbauer to represent District 7.
