2005 PRIMARY ENDORSEMENTS: NONPARTISAN RACES
Every year, the Northwest Progressive Institute teams with its Permanent Defense division to produce an endorsements guide for members and supporters. While we encourage you to vote the Democratic ballot in the primary, we recognize that some Permanent Defense supporters are Republicans. We therefore strive to provide them with an endorsements guide for their party.
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, let’s continue with the Nonpartisan Endorsements Guide. Click here to jump to the Democratic section. Or, return to the 2005 Elections Center.
King County Sheriff: SUE RAHR
Our Statement: King County Sheriff is a tough and demanding job. The current Sheriff, Sue Rahr, who was appointed to the position after Dave Reichert won election to Congress, is the best candidate for the office. She was unanimously endorsed by all thirteen members of the King County Council to replace Reichert. During her twenty six tenure in the sheriff's office, she states she has worked evert precinct and has worked in many different units of the department. Her priorities are addressing the problem of meth and the crimes associated with that drug (including auto and identity theft) and a strong focus on ending domestic violence.
Other Endorsements: Notable endorsements include King County Democrats Chair Susan Sheary, King County Council Chair Larry Phillips, King County Young Democrats, Governor Christine Gregoire, eighteen other WA county sheriffs.
Seattle Port Commission Position #1: LAWRENCE MOLLOY
Our Statement: This is the year that we can take back the Port of Seattle from the control of conservatives. We also need to return progressive members of the Commission back to office. Lawrence Molloy was first elected to the Port Commission in 2001 and is now finishing his first term. He's an independent voice for integrity at the port. He's a fighter for labor, the envronment, and the GLBT community. Lawrence has also fought to defend the Port and its property from condominium developers. While on the commission, he voted against the port tax and defeated the reinvestment plan in Bellevue's Meydenbauer Convention Center (which the Port didn't need to be involved in) . He has repeatedly questioned and challenged cruise lines about dumping in Puget Sound. His opponent, John Creighton, was on Rossi's transition team and is the business establishment candidate. Keep Lawrence Molloy on the Port Commission fighting for us.
Other Endorsements: Notable endorsements include King County Labor Council, Executive Ron Sims, Washington Conservation Voters, Progressive Majority, and the Sierra Club
Seattle Port Commission Position #3: PETER COATES or LLOYD HARA
Our Statement: Position 3 is the open seat this year in the three Port Commission races. There are five candidates vying for the office. Of the five, there are only two real choices for Port Commisioner: Peter Coates and Lloyd Hara. After carefully examining both candidates, we decided to go with Peter Coates. However, before making our endorsement, we read that Coates supports drilling in the Arctic Wildlife Refuge, which led to our decision to make a dual endorsement. We have since learned that Coates does not support drilling. Lloyd Hara is for another viaduct - a position we dislike just as much as a pro-drilling position, although Coates is not for drilling. Coates is a former police officer whose priorities are safety and jobs. Hara was formerly the city treasurer and county auditor and served as regional director of FEMA during Clinton's presidency. Coates hopes to build partnerships between environmental, labor, and business interests. We have observed that he has reaffirmed his commitment to environmental protection in his rejection of a pro-drilling stance. Hara is focused on making the Port more accountable and responsive. He attacks the current conservative majority for holding meetings in the afternoon when few can come and holding them in a hard to find location. And frequently, the Commission is in "executive session", not doing business in public. Hara promises to change this. Either could be the progressive voice and vote we need on the Port Commission.
Other Endorsements: Coates' endorsements include the Port of Seattle Firefighters and Police, Port Commissioner Lawrence Molloy, King County Labor Council (and many other unions), Executive Ron Sims, Mayor Greg Nickels, Washington Conservation Voters, Progressive Majority. Hara's endorsements include the King County Police Officers Guild, former Gov. Gary Locke, King County Councilmember Larry Gossett, the Honorable Phil Talmadge, and many state legislators.
Seattle Port Commission Position #4: JACK JOLLEY
Our Statement: Position #4 of the Seattle Port Commission is currently held by 20 year incumbent Pat Davis, a defender of the status quo at the Port. Davis has received a $10,000 contribution from Citizens for a Healthy Economy, a group of port-oriented businesses that has raised a $96,000 campaign fund. Davis claims that we can "count on her", but we can't. She is a disappointment as a commissioner and needs to be replaced. Her chief opponent, Jack Jolley, has an impressive record of 20 years of experience in trade and financial governance. Jack spent a decade managing investments at Microsoft and is a successful entrepreneur. His priorities are improving security at the seaport, modernizing business practices, and ending development schemes that have nothing to do with the Port's mission. Like us, Jack is tired of seeing Port leaders trying to hold Sound Transit's light rail line hostage over the proposed Southwest move and will instead address the real problems at Sea Tac. He'll also demand accountability for all of us.
Other Endorsements: Notable endorsements include the Sierra Club, King County Democrats, Executive Ron Sims, Port Commissioner Lawrence Molloy, numerous state legislators and unions
Court of Appeals Position #2: SUSAN RANDOLPH AGID
Our Statement: Ms. Agid is running unopposed this year to return to the Court of Appeals on Position No. 2. Ms. Agid used her space in the voters' pamphlet to offer a concise description of what the appeals court does and what her background is. We can see no reason why she should not be returned for another term.
Other Endorsements: None known.
City of Renton Municipal Court Judge: TERRY JURADO
Our Statement: This year, Mr. Jurado faces an exceptionally well qualified challenger who seeks to take over the Renton Municipal Court - Mychal Schwartz. Though we're very impressed with Mr. Schwartz, we don't see a clear reason why we should endorse him over the incumbent, Terry Jurado. Mr. Schwartz's credentials are of the highest caliber, and we think he'd make a great judge. But he has not persuaded us that this judge - Judge Jurado - needs replacing. The current judge explains, "Most of the policies that are in place governing the everday operation of the court were developed and put in place by me. The parties who appear before me know me and what I expect in order to keep the business of the court running smoothly." He also asserts that no one has his breadth of experience. In addition, Mr. Jurado stresses his refined listening skills, non-confrontational personality, and unique background, which we are very impressed by. We believe Judge Jurado deserves another term.
Other Endorsements: Senator Margarita Prentice, Representatives Bob Hasegawa, Eric Pettigrew, Phyllis Kenney, organized labor, numerous judges and lawyers. Rated "Outstanding" by the Municipal League (their highest rating), while opponent Mychal Schwartz received a "Very Good" rating.
City of Seattle Mayor: GREG NICKELS
Our Statement: Over the last few years, Mayor Nickels has had to deal with a lot of criticism and attacks on the way he's leading the city. Nickels has surprised many who did not expect him to be so forceful in his relationship with the City Council. Critics have charged that Mayor Nickels hasn't yet found a transportation project that he doesn't like, and is too cozy with developers, especially Paul Allen. There's also grumbling and resentment that Nickels has not done enough to reach out to Seattle's neighborhoods. That being said, the mayor has done many good things. Nickels is adamant about replacing the Alaskan Way Viaduct, which we like to see, and he realizes how valuable it would be to completely eliminate the Alaskan Way Viaduct and open up Seattle's waterfont. He's also led the way nationwide in an effort to attack global warming on a local level. And he's led in countless other areas, pushing for good causes. We want the Mayor of Seattle to hear this message: you're not doing too badly right now, but you could be doing much better. We hope that, if reelected, Nickels will pay more attention to neighborhoods and pay less attention to developers and other interests.
Other Endorsements: King County Democrats, King County Young Democrats, Sierra Club, Washington Conservation Voters, King County Labor Council, three SEIU locals, Alki Foundation. Rated "Outstanding" by the Municipal League, their highest rating.
Seattle City Council Position #2: RICHARD CONLIN
Our Statement: Richard Conlin is a tough council member who sets priorities and makes effective decisions to improve the quality of life for Seattleites. Richard understands the importance of replacing the viaduct and the SR 520 floating bridge quickly. He is a champion for environmental protection and transportation options. As he noted in his statement to voters, Seattle P-I columnist named him "Gutsy Politico of the Year" and the Puget Sound Business Journal called him a "hero" for asking tough questions about the monorail and other big projects. Richard clearly cares about the people of Seattle and there's no good reason why he shouldn't be returned for another term on the city council. His opponents, including Port of Seattle Commissioner Paige Miller and Darlene Madenwald, are much less impressive.
Other Endorsements: Notable endorsements include the King County Democrats, Sierra Club, Washington Conservation Voters, Port Commissioners Lawrence Molloy and Alec Fisken, City Councilman Peter Steinbrueck. Rated "Very Good" by the Municipal League.
Seattle City Council Position #4: JAN DRAGO
Our Statement: Jan Drago is the only sensible choice for Seattle City Council's Position 4. Jan's approach to public service is all about listening and leading. Her opponents are not nearly as qualified as she is and don't have the experience and good record that Jan has. Her priorities include: better transportation, efficient transit, helping schools, new jobs and a strong downtown, neighborhood improvements, new parks and playgrounds, and assisting seniors and the vulnerable. For each priority, Jan has a statement about what she's done in the past and what she plans to do in the future. That's what we like to see - a plan, a vision, for the future.
Other Endorsements: Notable endorsements include the King County Democrats, Washington Conservation Voters, King County Conservation Voters, King County Councilmembers Larry Phillips, Dow Constantine. Rated "Very Good" by the Municipal League.
Seattle City Council Position #8: RICHARD MCIVER or DWIGHT PELZ
Our Statement: It's very rare that we have to make a dual endorsement in a race, and we try not to make it a regular practice, but both of the major candidates in this race appear to be highly qualified and worthy of our endorsement. Councilman McIver is hard working and has set priorities for what he wants to accomplish. What we especially like about McIver, as he points out, is that he isn't a headline-seeker or ego driven (which is not always true of Dwight, who loves media attention). He appears to have a genuine passion for the office he serves in. Like his opponent, Dwight Pelz, he has worked with Sound Transit, and has championed disadvantaged communities. Dwight, on the other hand, has an impressive record on the county council and is a solid Democrat. His priorities? Fixing transportation, improving education, and protecting our environment. Since we like both candidates, we're endorsing both of them: we think either would make a good city council member.
Other Endorsements: They split right down the middle. Mayor Nickels and Executive Sims endorse Richard McIver, while Democratic Party organizations and leaders endorse Dwight Pelz. The Sierra Club and Washington Conservation Voters have also endorsed him, while Richard McIver has the endorsement of outstanding state legislators such as Senator Margarita Prentice, Representatives Ed Murray and Sharon Tomiko Santos.
Seattle Monorail Authority Board Member Pos. #8: CLEVE STOCKMEYER
Our Statement: When it comes to the monorail, we've made no secret of the fact that we're leery of the project, the promises its leaders have made to voters, and the cost and waste that are associated with the agency. We are, however, heartened that some within the monorail have the spirit to continue and have put a lot of energy and effort into trying to reshape the project to make it better. Nobody exemplifies that more than Cleve Stockmeyer. Cleve believes that the monorail project can still be viable with a new finance plan. He's also called for the entire board to be an elected body so people like his opponent, Dick Falkenbury, can get on the board and bring the right vision and leadership back to the agency. We recommend that Cleve be returned to the monorail board. He's one voice the agency can't afford to lose.
Other Endorsements: King County Democrats, Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Seattle Times, numerous Democratic organizations, Washington Conservation Voters, King County Labor Council
Seattle Monorail Authority Board Member Pos. #9: BETH GOLDBERG
Our Statement: After Cindi Laws' inappropriate comments about her opponent, and deciding that the monorail could use more oversight from someone who is more critical of the project, we are endorsing Beth Goldberg for Position 9. Goldberg is a budget analyst for King County who understands numbers and will bring criticism and scrutiny to the project. Laws hasn't necessarily been an all-around cheerleader for the project, but we're disappointed by how she's conducted her campaign and believe the monorail board could use some fresh blood. We want to see some accountability from this agency.
Other Endorsements: Seattle Times, The Seattle Weekly
Note: NPI did not prepare an endorsements guide for other 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.
Click here to jump to the Democratic section. Or, return to the 2005 Elections Center.
© 2005 Northwest Progressive Institute.
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