2005 GENERAL ENDORSEMENTS: EASTSIDE MUNICIPAL RACES
Every year, the Northwest Progressive Institute teams with its Permanent Defense division to produce an endorsements guide for members and supporters.
Among Democratic and nonpartisan candidates, we endorse candidates that we believe best reflect our progressive values. If we endorse Republicans, we look for candidates that are closest to our beliefs, giving the nod to moderates and rejecting extremists, while recognizing that such candidates may not share many of our values, vision, or ideals.
We ask three general questions when evaluating every candidate for endorsement:
- What are the candidate’s qualifications and why is he or she the best candidate?
- What is the candidate’s vision, plan, and agenda for the office they are seeking?
- What other endorsements or support does the candidate have?
With that introduction, here's our 2005 general election endorsements for King County Eastside city council and mayoral races. >> Return to the Elections Center
Bellevue City Council Position #4: JOHN ALBERTSON
Our Statement: Incumbent councilwoman and mayor of Bellevue, Connie Marshall, is a sellout to developers and other business interests within Bellevue. John Albertson promises to restore impartiality in council government if elected. He's tired of excessive spending, a failure to curb pollution, and the caving to developers. We're only endorsing Albertson because he appears to be a better candidate than the incumbent. We're angered by his description of Seattle politicians as "half-witted". And we do not appreciate in the least Albertson's unfair attacks on Sound Transit. We are glad to see that Albertson recognizes that widening I-405 would not solve congestion problems. Albertson has 22 years experience in capital projects and business operations. He is not a progressive, but he is more progressive than the current incumbent - Connie Marshall. He is the better choice.
Other Endorsements: King County Young Democrats
Bellevue City Council Position #2: VICKI ORRICO
Our Statement: Bellevue is fortunate to have an excellent challenger to Conrad Lee, the incumbent city councilman, who is known to be a conservative Republican. Orrico would bring a breath of fresh air to the city council. On her website, she boldly proclaims that she has "the passion, the vision and the demonstrated community commitment to be an effective city council member." That's the kind of statement we like to see, and her record backs it up. She has served as a commissioner on the Bellevue Planning Commission and as a trustee Overlake Hospital Foundation, was a municipal attorney with Ogden Murphy Wallace, and has volunteered in Bellevue public schools. She also has a solid vision for Bellevue's future: her four main points are neighborhoods, traffic, economic development, public services. We like what we see in Vicki Orrico. She's the oustanding choice for Bellevue.
Other Endorsements: Notable endorsements include the Seattle Times and the King County Journal, as well as hundreds of Bellevue community members.
Redmond City Council Position #4: KIMBERLY ALLEN
Our Statement: Redmond is where the Northwest Progressive Institute is headquartered, and we're pleased to endorse Kimberly Allen for Redmond City Council. Allen is a lawyer who is currently at home with her children. She is the vice chair of the Redmond Planning Commission and has the experience needed to serve as city councilmember. She envisions more meaningful access to government and implementing citizens' revisions to the city's comprehensive plan. Bittner's main campaign theme is making Redmond friendler to small businesses. While he's a thoughtful candidate, Allen is more involved in the community and is clearly the better choice.
Other Endorsements: Redmond Mayor Rosemarie Ives, The Seattle Times, The King County Journal, Eastside Business Alliance, The King County Women's Political Caucus, Washington Conservation Voters, Cascade Bicycle Club, Affordable Housing Council, The King County Democrats, The 45th District Democrats
Mayor of Issaquah: HANK THOMAS
Our Statement: Issaquah could use a change of leadership. Candidate Hank Thomas, who is challenging the current incumbent, Ava Frisinger, would bring new insight to city government. Thomas is just finishing a term as Issaquah city councilman and has the experience necessary to serve as mayor. He's a progressive who believes the city needs to be better at serving citizens, not developers, and protecting the environment instead of selling out to business interests. Thomas opposes waste and unnecessary projects like the proposed Southeast Bypass. He's a smart, likable candidate who will do a much better job leading Issaquah than the current incumbent.
Other Endorsements: King County Labor Council, Amalgamated Transit Union Local 587, King County Democrats, Fifth District Democrats, Sierra Club
Sammamish City Council Position #1: KATHLEEN HUCKABY
Our Statement: Sammamish has the opportunity to return to its city council a woman who has worked very hard to better the community: Kathleen Huckaby. Kathleen's big strength is clearly her vision for the future, which is clearly detailed. Kathleen favors stronger environmental protections and low impact development techniques. She wants to ensure that city government remains accountable and open to residents, and work for transportation alternatives (Kathleen would like more sidewalks, a better bike and trail system, and believes pedestrian safety needs a higher profile). Kathleen cares about Sammamish and she should be returned to the city council to continue serving the community.
Other Endorsements: King County Journal
Note: NPI did not prepare an endorsements guide for all nonpartisan local races throughout King County. We advise you consult your local voters' pamphlet and local media for information about races we did not endorse in. Additionally, we recommend you visit Progressive Majority's website to learn more about the local candidates they're supporting this year.
© 2005 Northwest Progressive Institute.
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