King County, Proposition 1: Parks Levy Renewal: Yes

This is as straightforward a proposition as they come: Seattle’s world-class parks, trails, and facilities, like the Woodland Park Zoo and Seattle Aquarium, have been dependent in part on the funds raised by this levy. The measure asks whether King County residents would like to renew this six-year property tax, at approximately $196 per year for the median homeowner. Considering how much Seattleites love their public outdoor spaces and rely on the county to maintain their operations and upkeep, continuing that funding seems like a no-brainer to us. Vote Yes on King County Proposition 1.

King County, County Executive: Girmay Zahilay

It’s unusual for the writers at The Stranger to be on the same page as their governor, let alone someone like Bob Ferguson, but their respective endorsements of Girmay Zahilay shows how the King County councilman has the right policies and platform for the job, earning the trust of Washingtonians of many different stripes in the process. As a representative of our more politically diverse county, rather than our city, being able to cast a wider net without sacrificing principle is a great skill for an executive to have. Our deciding factor, however, was his commitment to take a more “on-the-ground” approach. He’d achieve this by redefining the jobs of county employees, to ensure they properly interact with community members and not just with each other. For a job that’s less commonly known compared to others, creating some genuine public awareness around the work of the county executive would be a great step forward. Vote Zahilay.

City of Seattle, Proposition 1: Democracy Vouchers

In an ideal world, Seattle’s one-of-a-kind voucher program would be recognized nationally as a political success story. Since its introduction, the number of small donors to local campaigns has increased fivefold. Candidates are no longer relying on the support of wealthy donors. They’re actively going out to rallies, parks, and festivals, where everyday, working-class people are. Our Democracy Vouchers are a genuine force in the direction of income-based equality in our city. If we ever went without them again, we’d regret it. Vote Yes on Seattle Proposition 1.

Renton City Council, Position 2: Carmen Rivera

As Renton’s first openly Queer councilmember, we are thrilled to endorse Carmen Rivera in her reelection campaign. Rivera has worked diligently to uplift Queer voices in Renton, create more affordable housing, and connect with the community. Her goals for the upcoming term are clear and driven: to expand accessibility to housing, to invest in parks and outdoor spaces, and to protect Queer people and immigrants. We are excited to see her continue her work and advocacy for marginalized people in Renton. Vote Rivera.

Note: Rivera has received criticism in the past for conversations with community leaders, which the SGN editorial board is aware of. Rivera has denied the claims that she was bullying people, and no police reports were filed. We recognize that her passion may be seen as threatening to some, and would encourage voters to do their own research. Renton needs a strong, dedicated leader who is unafraid to stand up for marginalized people and we believe that is Rivera. Vote Rivera.

Tacoma City Council, Position 5: Zev Cook

For Tacoma City Council Position 5, we are excited to endorse Zev Cook. She has spent the last seven years working in her community for housing accessibility, workers’ rights, and providing meals to the homeless community. Cook is the young, progressive leadership needed in Tacoma and would continue to fight so that the working class can thrive there, by increasing housing, raising the minimum wage, and increasing taxes on large companies. If elected, she would be the first openly Transgender woman elected to office in Tacoma. Vote Cook.

Tacoma School District No. 10, Director Position 1: Lisa Keating

Schools have, for years now, been avenues through which inexperienced, far-right politicians try to sneak their way into power, using cultural fearmongering to take out existing incumbents. Washington is not immune to this trend. Software engineer Brian Wolk is trying to join the Tacoma School District by positioning himself as a “commonsense” candidate, despite clearly targeting Transgender students and referring to them by their biological sexes in his voter’s guide bio.

Lisa Keating, by comparison, is real, genuine common sense. Rather than obsessing over identity politics, she’s been working hard to prevent a $30 million budget deficit from impacting students. She’s an advocate for her district’s nonfaculty staff. She provided hope and leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her empathy and thoughtfulness is more necessary than ever, and not worth losing over a guy who does amateur jiu-jitsu. (She is also the executive director of the Washington State LGBTQ Commission.) Vote Keating.

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