My 2019 Candidate Endorsements

My Seattle/King County Endorsement List

I have created this list because, as an Average Joe who ran for office, I have met a number of your candidates at various events/meetings and was able to observe them from the inside in how they would interact with others, whether or not they have manners and the energy/excitement they have for the position they are running for.

Here we go!

I have noticed that the Seattle School Board Director Candidates are usually the last to be introduced at endorsement events, the last group in the voters guide and shit on by The Stranger so I have decided to put them first in my endorsement lists.

SEATTLE SCHOOL DIRECTOR POSITION 1 : Liza Rankin

Why Liza? Simple. Liza has my heart. She is a mom and an avid volunteer in our public schools just like me. She has volunteered in half the schools - that's 51 schools - which is huge as no other current school board director or candidate has done this! I also continue to bump into her at various school events and appreciate her presence and devotion to our schools, parents and especially students.

SEATTLE SCHOOL DIRECTOR POSITION 2: Rebecca Muniz

Why Rebecca? I saw Rebecca at every damn event I went to. I really appreciated her devotion to her campaign and participating in face time which is so important when campaigning. Many candidates who are overly confident will not attend events and shake hands and are automatically suspect in my book. She is young, queer, bilingual and has a ton of experience in working with youth in various ways (just read her Voter's Pamphlet bio). But the biggest reason I am endorsing Rebecca is that she was a stand for me. I was at an endorsement event where I needed someone to nominate me so I could speak to 150 people for 2 minutes and Rebecca was the only on who raised her hand! That is huge in my book. However, I will not lie...Chandra Hampson is a great candidate as well. You can't go wrong with either. I just think we need some youth on this board as us old white ladies are getting out dated.

SEATTLE SCHOOL DIRECTOR POSITION 6: Molly Mitchell

Why Molly? This was the position I was running for and the day after I lost in the primary election Molly reached out and asked if I would like to work with her as she was diggin where I was coming from during my campaign. This woman is dynamic, brilliant and actually getting in there and working on keeping youth from going to prison. This Woman Of Color will make a most excellent school board director and, for all of my white sisters out there, she will take NOTHING away from our white children if you vote for her as I know this is a concern. She will just create true equity for our students/communities of color in our district - wow - how cool would that be?! She is also accessible to the public and open to ideas (a bonus). Oh, and for those considering incumbent Leslie Harris...yes, she has had 4 years on the board and I would like to make it clear, we all go in green, so don't be fooled by that.

KING COUNTY DISTRICT 2: Girmay Zahilay

Why? Wow, I heard him speak at an endorsement event and the man gave me goosebumps! He is dynamic, young and gettin it. I sent him one of my vouchers before the primary election as I really believe in his youth and the work he has already done in our communty. Just read his bio in the Voters Pamphlet as it is what he spoke about the evening I heard him speak. Just full of good energy and brilliance.

PORT OF SEATTLE COMMISSIONER POSITION 2: Sam Cho

Why? Truth be told my guy didn't make it through the primary (Kelly Charlton) but Sam nailed it at the event I was at and heard him speak. This job sounds like a nightmare! The Port Commissioner is in charge of the fucking Seattle port AND the airport!!! They have to work with cruise ships, shipping containers, longshoreman (mafia - I just know it) all the tourist shit down at the piers, customs and then there's the airport. He want's the job and has a background that works for the position. Holy crap...I'm exhausted just thinking about it but he loves this and is ready for the challenge.

SEATTLE CITY COUNCIL POSITION 1: Lisa Herbold

Why? I met Lisa at the LGBTQ/GSBA event and she came right over to me and introduced herself. We had a nice conversation about why I was running for office, etc. but what got my attention is she had no problem correcting me when I said something out of line and helped me get my head out of my butt. I really respect her for that and appreciate her candor and want to see how she uses that in office.

SEATTLE CITY COUNCIL POSITION 2: Tammy Morales

Why? Because duh.

SEATTLE CITY COUNCIL POSITION 3: Egan Orion

Why? I am going to get shit for this, I know. I voted for Kshama when she ran the first time...I was groovin on a candidate that would put herself in the line of fire and be arrested while protesting with fellow constituents. How cool is that? However, I have changed tracks and am choosing Egan because Egan has shown character and that has value for me. What do I mean by this? I was at an endorsement event (we go to a lot of these) and was a deer in headlights. I didn't know where I was, what I was supposed to do but knew I needed to put in face time. This bearded character came up to me and asked if I needed help...it was Egan. There were over a hundred people there and he was busy campaigning but came over to me and then proceeded to help me figure out where I needed to be and who to talk to. He didn't have to do that and I can tell you no other candidate ever helped me out like that over the course of months. I see him in the neighborhood walking his dog, saying hello to people in the neighborhood. He is out and a part of our community and that is something I value. He is approachable and kind; a candidate that will respond to your emails/calls. Will he make a good council member? I don't fucking know. But he will still be walking his dog and saying hello to his neighbors either way.

SEATTLE CITY COUNCIL POSITION 4: Shawn Scott

Why? I met Shawn a number of times at various events and he has passion and a fresh, new perspective. I shook his hand and told him I sent him one of my vouchers because I really believe in this guy. He is tall.

There you have it. I made a choice to not endorse people I didn't meet as endorsing everyone wasn't the point. I did endorse many young people as I am not afraid of youth, having run for office when I was 25, and knowing young people are capable of great things. I am also not afraid to vote for people of color as it is important for healthy communities to have equal representation knowing that equity takes nothing away from me. Go vote you guys!