To help prepare you to vote in the Aug. 4 primary, The Seattle Times editorial board has interviewed candidates and made recommendations for legislative positions that represent parts of King and Snohomish counties. Additionally, some local offices are on this ballot, as well as four state Supreme Court seats. (One more drew only two candidates, so that race will appear on the general election ballot.)
In our endorsements, we explain our reasoning so readers can decide for themselves if they agree. These recommendations are offered for consideration as voters do their other homework.
The editorial board is taking a slightly different approach to endorsements this year, particularly for legislative seats. The upshot is this: We are carefully scrutinizing incumbents’ records and how they voted on a number of issues, including unbalanced budgets and an outcome that resulted in bonding agencies giving Washington a negative outlook; this could lead to a reduction in the state’s stellar AAA rating if lawmakers don’t change their approach.
Here is Opinion editor Kate Riley’s explanation of our revised endorsement process.
If you mail your ballot, it must be postmarked by Aug. 4, Election Day. If you deposit your ballot in an official drop box, it’s due by 8 p.m. on Election Day.
Agree or disagree with our recommendations, please be sure to vote.
Here are our endorsements:
FEDERAL
STATE
State Senate
Legislative District 43: Jamie Pedersen
Pedersen has represented the Seattle neighborhoods of Capitol Hill, downtown and Wallingford ably and honestly since he was elected to the state House in 2006. But he must do better in balancing the progressive demands of his district with the need for more responsible government. Read full endorsement →
State House of Representatives
Legislative District 11, Position 1: David Hackney
Hackney has been a strong voice for sensible police reform, public safety and consumer fraud issues. Read full endorsement →
Legislative District 26, Position 1: Adison Richards
Voters should send Richards, a smart and principled lawmaker with a finely-tuned ear to his district, back to Olympia. Read full endorsement →
Legislative District 32, Position 1: Keith Scully
Scully has spent a decade representing voters in Shoreline as City Council member and mayor, where he’s managed to keep the social safety net intact in a burgeoning city, without blowing the budget. Read full endorsement →
Legislative District 33, Position 2: Alex Andrade
Andrade would bring to Olympia the experience of a job creator and business taxpayer, and two years of Burien City Council experience. Read full endorsement →
Legislative District 41, Position 1: Janice Zahn
Zahn’s distinct skill set as an engineer, combined with a willingness to dig in for solutions, have earned her another term in Olympia. Read full endorsement →
Legislative District 45, Position 2: Chandler Torbett
Torbett is a political newcomer emphasizing that state government must earn back trust by showing that it can produce results with taxpayer money. Read full endorsement →
Legislative District 46, Position 1: Gerry Pollet
Pollet has ably served the 46th Legislative District in North Seattle, focusing on education, the environment and gun violence. He deserves reelection. Read full endorsement →
Legislative District 47, Position 1: No endorsement
The editorial board notes that while the hopefuls for the 47th Legislative District, Position 1, are qualified in different ways, no one stood out as a changemaker. Read full position →
Supreme Court
Supreme Court, Position 1: Colleen Melody
Melody possesses a sharp intellect, deep legal knowledge and a commitment to making the court more transparent and accessible to all Washingtonians. Read full endorsement →
Supreme Court, Position 3: Michael Diaz
Diaz, a first generation American serving as an appeals court judge, has shown he has a measured temperament needed on the state’s highest court. Read full endorsement →
Supreme Court, Position 5: Sharonda Amamilo
Amamilo’s 360-degree view of the judicial system and its impacts will serve Washingtonians well. Also noteworthy is Amamilo’s experience providing representation for youth in child welfare court proceedings and serving as a public defender in Thurston County. Read full endorsement →
Supreme Court, Position 7: Debra Stephens
With the turnover on the court, Stephens, with her experience as chief justice and institutional knowledge, is the better choice. Read full endorsement →
SEATTLE
City Council
Position: 5: Julie Kang
Residents who want an advocate instead of an ideologue in City Hall ought to choose Kang. North Seattle voters deserve hardworking, honest representation that reflects the concerns and values of the community. Read full endorsement →
Municipal Court
Municipal Court Judge Position No. 5: Garmon Newsom
Newsom represents the kind of experienced and thoughtful jurist that residents deserve on the bench. Read full endorsement →
Prop. No. 1, property tax levy for the Seattle Public Library: Vote No
This editorial board treasures libraries. We also fear painting the city into an impossible corner. With both factors in mind, we cannot endorse this version of the library levy. Read full position →
KING COUNTY
Assessor: Rob Foxcurran
Foxcurran is best positioned to bring a fresh perspective to the office and lead it long-term. Currently a senior appraiser for the city of Seattle, he has worked as an appraiser in the private sector as well. Read full endorsement →
Metropolitan King County Council
King County Council, District 2: Toshiko Hasegawa
Hasegawa stands out as the best choice to serve District 2 residents. Her vast experience in various areas of governance would be an asset to the Metropolitan King County Council. Read full endorsement →
King County Council, District 8: Nick Duda
Duda would bring a fresh approach to solving some of King County’s most pressing and longstanding problems. Read full endorsement →
