Since May, The Seattle Times editorial board has been interviewing candidates for the Seattle and Bellevue city councils and the Port of Seattle, as well as vetting the Seattle library and King County parks levy.
Primary election ballots should arrive in mailboxes by about July 18 and should be returned or postmarked by Aug. 6, but if you’re mailing your postage-paid ballot instead of using a drop box, election officials suggest you return them by Aug. 2.
To read more about the importance of local elections, read Opinion editor Kate Riley’s column.
Agree or disagree with our recommendations, please be sure to vote.
Here are our endorsements so far. Check back later this month for a complete list.
Jump to endorsements for:
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Port of Seattle Commission
Grant Degginger, Position 2
Degginger’s depth of high level civic experience with major capital projects as well as his professional experience in construction law would be a boon for a port embarking on a construction spree.
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Fred Felleman, Position 5
Strengths: He brought his environmental-protection sensibilities to a port that already was making inroads, urging the commission to create the Energy and Sustainability Committee to further explore ways the port could reduce emissions. Felleman also has embraced the larger economic development mission of the port.
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Seattle City Council
Phillip Tavel, District 1
Seattle needs fresh perspective and expertise at City Hall. Voters in District 1 should elect defense attorney Phillip Tavel to City Council.
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Mark Solomon, District 2
Strengths: Solomon has a nuanced understanding of District 2’s residents and the city’s challenges with transportation, affordability, crime and supporting homeless residents.
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Egan Orion, District 3
Strengths: Orion is distinguished by his breadth of experience, community advocacy and commitment to making the council more collaborative and responsive to constituents.
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Alex Pedersen, District 4
Strengths: His blend of public and private experience, and deep knowledge of what Seattle can do to produce housing and secure funding for homeless services, makes Pedersen one of the best candidates among all seven open council races this year.
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Ann Davison Sattler, District 5
Strengths: Her experience in pro sports operations and commercial negotiations would be a valuable addition to the council as Seattle Center arena redevelopment proceeds and the city works to return the NBA.
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Heidi Wills, District 6
Strengths: Wills is also a former King County legislative staffer who appreciates the importance of a regional response to homelessness. She would be a valuable asset on a council working through the transition to a new regional human-services governance model Seattle and King County are developing.
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Jim Pugel, District 7
Strengths: Pugel has the most knowledge of any city candidate about reducing crime while maintaining a compassionate response to homelessness and progressing on police reforms.
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Seattle library levy
Voters should say yes to the Seattle library renewal levy, a modest tax increase for one of the city’s most important services.
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Bellevue City Council
John Stokes, Position 1
Strengths: During a time of rapid regional growth, Bellevue has consistently been among the Eastside’s most livable and vibrant cities. The leadership of Council member John Stokes has contributed to the city’s success, and voters should elect him to a third term.
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Jeremy Barksdale, Position 3
Strengths: Planning commissioner and technology professional Jeremy Barksdale has the ability to improve the Eastside city’s ability to adapt to the demands of ongoing regional growth.
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Janice Zahn, Position 5
Strengths: Incumbent Janice Zahn has shown the insight and broad governmental knowledge to deserve reelection to the Bellevue City Council.
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Jennifer Robertson, Position 7
Strengths: Through three terms on Bellevue’s council, land-use attorney Jennifer Robertson has shown commendable stewardship of the prosperous city’s resources. She deserves election to a fourth term.
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The Seattle Times editorial board
members are editorial page editor Kate Riley, Frank A. Blethen, Alex Fryer, Mark Higgins, Claudia Rowe, Carlton Winfrey and William K. Blethen (emeritus).
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The opinions expressed in reader comments are those of the author only and do not reflect the opinions of The Seattle Times.