Election Night Final Results

FOR NOVEMBER 2011 ELECTION RESULTS GO HERE. 

http://redmondcity.blogspot.com/p/2011-election-voting-guide.html

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Election Night Summarry:  (next report is 4:30pm  11/4).

NO - I-1033;     YES - Referendum 71   YES Charter Amendment 1-4;
Dow Constatine over Hutchison,  Kim Allen over Chen, Charles Pilcher over Linquist.

http://your.kingcounty.gov/elections/200911/results.aspx

Election Night Final
KING COUNTY   11/3/2009    8:07:20 PM

Ballots Cast/Registered Voters: 254261 / 1079842 23.55%

Initiative Measure No. 1033
YES    78111        34.28%
NO    149739       65.72%

Referendum Measure No. 71  PASSED, 11/4
APPROVED 164724    65.91%
REJECTED    85188    34.09%

Ballots Cast/Registered Voters: 254261 / 1079842   23.55%

King County Charter Amendment No. 1
YES  176174   85.09%
NO      30863   14.91%

King County Charter Amendment No. 2
YES   166128    82.05%
NO       36345    17.95%

King County Charter Amendment No. 3
YES 191012     91.13%
NO     18597      8.87%

King County Charter Amendment No. 4
YES   170222    80.49%
NO      41257     19.51%

KING COUNTY
Ballots Cast/Registered Voters: 254261 / 1079842   23.55%

County Executive short and full term
Susan Hutchison  104622   42.76%
Dow Constantine 139501   57.01%
Write-in                    561      0.23%

Ballots Cast/Registered Voters: 5547 / 25447 21.80%
Redmond City Council
Council Position No. 2
John P. (Pat) Vache 3614 98.61%
Write-in 51 1.39%

Council Position No. 4
Sally J. Chen    1778    37.69%
Kim Allen         2920    61.90%
Write-in              19       0.40%

PUBLIC HOSPITAL DISTRICT NO. 2  (Evergreen Hospital)

Ballots Cast/Registered Voters: 36086 / 157168 22.96%
Commissioner District No. 1
Al F. DeYoung 22633      98.87%
Write-in               259         1.13%

Commissioner Position No. 4
Charles A. Pilcher 19156        72.06%
Rex H. Lindquist     7352        27.66%

Kathy Lambert gives her insight into Dow Constantine and endorses Susan Hutchison

In the King County Executive race primary there were many excellent candidates. I have worked with Fred Jarrett in the legislature and Larry Phillips on the council, and I find them both fine and intelligent men who are a pleasure to work with. But instead Dow Constantine won the second position.

Dow has rarely been helpful on the projects important to this district. Example - He sponsored the CAO – Critical Areas Ordinance – and there were many times I asked him to reconsider and to listen to the citizens at town halls. Often, he left early. Several years later the court found a part of it unconstitutional. Four years later when the update was done to the CAO, Larry Gossett chaired the committee. Larry was wonderful and went out with me to see various issues first hand and talk with citizens who were facing the problems created by the CAO. Larry listened to citizens and worked with me to make the rules better.

Last year the citizens voted to make the council and executive positions nonpartisan. I was eager to see the “system” change and made several proposals on how the council could work in a nonpartisan manner. This plan would rotate each week who met for briefings – so that each member of the council would be with every other member of the council in a caucus at least once a month to share ideas, needs and concerns. Under Dow’s chairmanship it is unfortunately still the same members meeting in Republican or Democrat caucuses that have been changed to Formerly Republican or Formerly Democrat caucuses. That is the only change…..

Last October I wrote a new labor policy. The Seattle Times Editorial Board supported my idea and said it was a “good first step”. Unfortunately, some of my peers thought it was too controversial and would not let it come up for a hearing. The bill says that employees do not automatically get a minimum of 2 % raises in a year of recession. Without this bill, the employees of the county will get an automatic 2% raise unless they are already at the top of their pay scale. We cannot afford those kinds of raises in this economy and when citizens are facing a nearly 10% unemployment rate. So imagine my surprise when Dow said in the televised debate that he supports the labor policy change to reduce the 2%. Where has he been for the last year?

This gives some insights on how our district and county have been treated by an executive candidate and some issues that have not been handled in ways that show good leadership in my opinion.

I have gotten to know Susan Hutchison over the last few years. She is a woman of integrity, a hard worker, a collaborator and one that is willing to look for new and better ways to do things. It would be so refreshing to work with an executive that cares about all the citizens in this county.

Kathy Lambert
Redmond, WA.
by email, 10/24

The King County Elections ballots are in the mail! "Let the games begin"!

Council President Nancy McCormick is retiring after 6 terms of dedicated service to the City of Redmond.

Redmond Council Vice President Pat Vache' and Arts Commissioner John Stilin are both running unopposed. 

Councilmember Kimberly Allen is running for re-election (Seat #4) against upstart Sally J. Chen.   

Chuck Pilcher is running for commissioner of  Evergreen County Hospital District #2 against Rex Lindquist.  Dr. Pilcher is endorsed by every hospital district commissioner except Lindquist.  Redmond Fire and Medics endorse Pilcher. 

King County Charter Amendments One, Two, and Three are mostly housekeeping.   Charter Amendment Four is significant and deserves study.   The Municipal League of Woman Voters recommends "yes" on all four. 

LWSD Directors Nancy Bernard ("Kirkland" area District 3) and Doug Eglington ("Sammamish Plateau" District 4) are again running unopposed.   Julie Wright has withdrawn from the race, according to LWSD. 

King County Councilmember Kathy Lambert is running unopposed.

The Big Race is for King County Excecutive.   "Outsider" Susan Hutchinson is running against King County Councilmember Dow Constantine.   Do you care who just got the Seattle Times endorsement?

All local candidate websites and charter amendments are posted on this sidebar.

For these and all other Eastside races, the link to the King County Candidate website is:    http://www.kingcounty.gov/elections/elections/200911/contestscandidates.aspx

text and photo by Bob Yoder

Remember to mail your ballot in TODAY!

Today (8/18) is the last remaining days to vote!

Vote today by mail (only) for the next King County Executive and two Port Commissioners!

VISIT HERE FOR VOTER RESOURCES AND MY ENDORSEMENT...

The Seattle Times says "The sky is falling on King County government," and adds that "the next leader must have the guts and experience to move the county beyond its structural and self-inflicted budget woes." And PubliCola says "It's time for voters to demand major changes in the top spot at King County."

King County Election endorsements & resources

OPINION: According to a county candidate running in the Primary election, only 4% of the completed ballots have been mailed in, as of August 7. This is the first year all voting will take place by mail, with ballots postmarked by August 18.

Below, is a listing of the entire King County Voter's Guide, for your convenience. I urge you to vote; and even if you are short a penny or two on stamps, I believe your ballot will be counted. I am endorsing all the county candidates you see in bold. My endorsements are founded on: King County Muni League recommendations, Seattle Times endorsements, The Voter's Guide and my personal study and experience with candidates.

On our local level, I have a special fondness for Ross Hunter from the action he took as State Finance Chair to press for funding the restoration of Bear Creek during SR520 widening. Ross coordinated funding with the City of Redmond, W.S.D.O.T., and King Conservation District to fund the State project. The result: Severe flood hazards on SR520 and to Redmond's commercial flood plain are mitigated, and Federally Listed Chinook salmon protections are sustained. In addition, Ross is a fiscal conservative and just the person we need to find answers to the County's debt crisis. (scroll down for my his "Top 10 numbers...." story). His pragmatism makes room for passing and funding critical programs that, for example, improve public safety and health safeguards for those involuntarily committed for brain disorders....something near and dear to me.

I hope you'll take a few minutes to vote this week. I hope the resources on this blog help you.

Regards,
Bob Yoder

Watch the entire Video Voters Guide or watch portions of the Guide:

Introduction

King County Executive Introduction
Larry Phillips Fred Jarrett Stan Lippmann Alan Lobdell Susan Hutchison Dow Constantine Ross Hunter Goodspaceguy

Metropolitan King County Council Introduction
Council District 9 Mark Greene Beverly Harison Tonda Reagan Dunn (not in Redmond's District)

Port of Seattle Introduction
Commissioner Position No. 3 Rob Holland David Doud Al Yuen
Commissioner Position No. 4 Juan Paraiso - was unable or chose not to participate Max Vekich Tom Albro Robert Walker

NO on I-1033
YES on Charter Open Space Amendment #4

Closing

If you have not received your ballot, or need a replacement sent to you, contact King County Elections right away to have your ballot mailed with enough time for you to vote and return it by the August 18 deadline. Voters with questions about their registration or the August 18 primary can call 206-296-VOTE or visit www.kingcounty.gov/elections

My source for the King County Voter Guide is Rob Butcher's "KirklandViews".

King County Video Voter Guide for August primary now available online & on TV
Posted using ShareThis

Hunter Outlines 10 Numbers Every Voter Should Know Before They Vote.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 29, 2009 For More Information Please Contact: Cynara Lilly 206.915.7821

Video release: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ySk8wiHo8dQ
"Seattle Times" endorsement editorial.

1) $42 million. King County wasted $42 million on a failed accounting system.

2) Ten. King County could provide ten times the amount of bus service for the taxes collected for the King County Foot Ferries.

3) $25 million. The cost of providing services to King County's unincorporated areas inside the urban growth area exceeds the revenue from those areas by $25-30 million dollars a year.

4) 22 percent. Metro’s cost per revenue service hour in 2005 was $120.30, compared $114.80 for the average of the 15 largest transit agencies in the country and $98.70 for the average of all transit agencies nationally. Metro’s cost per hour is 22% above the national average

5) 38 percent. The cost per boarding for Metro was $4.10 in 2005, compared to $2.50 among the 15 largest agencies and $2.97, the national average. Metro’s cost per boarding is 38% above the national average.

6) Eleven. Eleven cities have a B&O tax. Those cities each have different rates and different rules, requiring a separate tax return for each city in which an owner does business.

7) 1.4 million. Nearly 1.9 million people currently live in King County and the Puget Sound Regional Council predicts that by 2040 we’ll be home to 1.4 million more people and 1.1 million more jobs.

8) $1.8 billion. The Brightwater treatment plant is now expected to cost $1.8 billion — roughly double what the Metropolitan King County Council was told when it first approved the project.

9) 100 percent. King County currently pays 100 percent of employee health care unlike most employers in the county, state and country.

10) 2 million. The amount King County charged local school districts to run an investment board above and beyond the cost of administering the program.

-- Cynara Lilly 206.915.7821

Muni League Rates Candidates

SEATTLE - The Municipal League of King County today released its nonpartisan evaluations of 113 candidates running for dozens of local offices. Below, are some evaluations of local interest:

KING COUNTY EXECUTIVE Dow Constantine: Very Good Ross Hunter: Very Good, Susan Hutchison: Good, Fred Jarrett: Very Good, Goodspaceguy Nelson: Not Qualified, Larry Phillips: Very Good, Alan Lobdell: GoodStan Lippmann: Not Qualified

PORT OF SEATTLE COMMISSION Pos. 3 David Doud: Good Rob Holland: Very Good Al Yuen: Good

PORT OF SEATTLE COMMISSION Pos. 4 Tom Albro: Outstanding Juan Paraiso: Insufficient Info Robert Walker: Adequate Max Vekich: Good

KIRKLAND CITY COUNCIL Pos. 1 Joan McBride: Very Good Martin Morgan: Insufficient Info KIRKLAND CITY COUNCIL Pos. 3 Brad Larssen: Very Good Penny Sweet: Outstanding KIRKLAND CITY COUNCIL Pos. 5 Matt Gregory: Very Good Karen Tennyson: Very Good Amy Walen: Good KIRKLAND CITY COUNCIL Pos. 7 Tom Hodgson: Good Doreen Marchione: Outstanding

SEATTLE MAYOR Elizabeth Campbell: Not QualifiedJames Donaldson: Adequate Jan Drago: GoodKwame Wyking Garrett: Insufficient Info Joseph Mallahan: Outstanding Michael McGinn: Good Greg Nickels: Very Good Norman Sigler: Adequate SEATTLE SCHOOL BOARD Pos. 5 Mary Bass: Adequate Joanna Cullen: Adequate Andre Helmstetter: GoodKay Smith-Blum: Very Good

REDMOND CITY COUNCIL: No Rating. No Primary Election for any candidate. (Allen, Chen, Stilin, Vache'). Ms. Kim Allen was rated "very good" in the 2005 elections. (see comments)

The ratings are available online at www.munileague.org. The ratings are based on four criteria: Knowledge, Involvement, Effectiveness and Character. They assess each candidate's potential to be effective in office and ability to serve the community. Political affiliations or stands on specific issues are not considered and candidates are not rated against each other. This year's ratings are the result of the work of 65 citizens from throughout King County who volunteered for the Municipal League's Candidate Evaluation Committee. They studied the public record, reviewed candidate questionnaires, checked references and conducted live interviews with the candidates. Each rating was carefully reviewed by the Municipal League's trustees. "The League's rating process is similar to a job interview for candidates, with a diverse group of citizens serving as hiring managers," said Brad Meacham, Municipal League Chair. "This result is a useful tool to help voters make decisions." Candidates received one of six ratings: Outstanding, Very Good, Good, Adequate, Not Qualified, or No Active Campaign. The Municipal League attempted to contact every candidate. Candidates were rated even if they declined to participate in the process. This year's Candidate Evaluation Committee conducted interviews in Seattle, Bellevue and Renton, and was led by Gabe Meyer, Chair of the Candidate Evaluation Program

Hunter raises $250,000 in less than three months: "I am excited that there is so much support for a change in King County government."

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 22, 2009

Bellevue--The Ross Hunter Campaign for King County Executive announced that Hunter has raised $250,000 since he declared his candidacy on April 27, 2009. Hunter has consistently raised more than his democratic opponents, including having raised $31,000 last week (week of July 13).

"I really believe that it is time for a change in King County government, " Hunter said. "We are facing drastic cuts this year because for too long we've allowed the executive and council to mismanage county functions and money. The level of support that I've received shows that people are ready for government that is strategic about providing essential services like transportation, public health and public safety."

Hunter was the first candidate in the race to begin running television ads on Monday. His first spot is available to watch here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IC0_HtiEP7c

Hunter also recently released a 16 page strategic policy document outlining his plan for King County 2.0 if elected. It can be downloaded at http://www.rosshunter.com/

Former Microsoft Executive Ross Hunter is a four-term legislator from the 48th Legislative District on the Eastside. He is Chair of the Finance Committee in the Washington State House of Representatives.

You can learn more about the campaign at http://www.rosshunter.com/

Background on "Goodspaceguy" - Yes, he's a registered King County Executive candidate

Michael Nelson is registered as a candidate on the King County Executive ballot under the name, "Goodspaceguy". He emailed his profile for posting. Below, is an example of how he thinks:

"As an amateur astronomer, I, Goodspaceguy, believe that global warming and global cooling is caused by small variations in the energy output of the Sun. I do not believe that carbon dioxide is causing global warming on the Earth. "

"Because some workers want more leisure, government should lead by creating many flexible, part-time employment programs, such as the three day and four day work week options."

-- Michael Nelson, author of "Our Spaceship Earth", http://colonizespace.blogspot.com/

Now you know a little something about Goodspaceguy. His opinions appear as wacky as his name, actually more so...... Read his blog if your're looking for laughs.

RATED "NOT QUALIFIED" BY THE MUNI LEAGUE OF KING COUNTY

Somthing to think about: The Primary Election for King County Executive is coming up.

The seven (7) Candidates for King County Executive must hurdle over two voter elections to win the race.

• A PRIMARY ELECTION WILL BE HELD ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 18 where the field will be narrowed to only two (2) candidates. This is a nonpartisan election.

• The two top vote getters from the primary election will appear on the ballot for the General Election in November.

I could not find a description in the county website on how the election process works and emailed the county yesterday for an answer.

The following King County Executive candidates (7) must be narrowed down to two candidates(2) in the August 18 primary election:

• Larry Phillips Fred Jarrett Stan Lippmann Alan Lobdell Susan Hutchison Dow Constantine Ross Hunter Goodspaceguy

I think Eastsiders will have a vote on two (2) Port of Seattle seats:

• Port of Seattle Commissioner Position No. 3
  Rob Holland David Doud Al Yuen
  Port of Seattle Commissioner Position No. 4
  Juan Paraiso Max Vekich Tom Albro

I want to thank Ross Hunter http://www.rosshunter.com/ and Larry Phillips http://larryphillips.com/welcome/ for submitting their background information for my readers.

All candidates are invited to send their background information for posting on the Redmond Neighborhood Blog to: redmondblog@gmail.com

The King County Election Web site: http://www.kingcounty.gov/elections.aspx

CONTACT: Janice Case Election Operations Supervisor (206) 296-1565 http://www.kingcounty.gov/

Updated: Ross Hunter and Kathy Lambert respond to State Audit - many issues need to be resolved.

Updated: FROM ROSS HUNTER'S PRESS RELEASES of 6/23/09
"The State Audit of King County Finances was released today. The report found that King County's internal financial controls are a combination of numerous systems with significant holes, leaving the system open for potential abuse of public funds.

"It's clear that King County government has been grossly mismanaged by the executive and existing council offices," says Hunter. "This audit proves that current government has been asleep at the wheel. The next executive must be someone who comes from outside county government and has real experience managing budgets."

[Phillips called for interim director Triplett to come up with a plan to address the situation within 60 days, while Dow asked that a King County Audit Commission be created.

"Calling for a plan now is like yelling for the horses after you left the barn door open all night," says Hunter.]

Hunter wants to replace the antiquated accounting system with a modern computer system to manage county government, create cooperatives with local cities to streamline processes, and to readjust the permitting process. "We cannot achieve our housing, transportation and public health goals without seriously changing how we do business. I am ready to tackle the problems facing King County and get out financial systems in order."

- Former Microsoft Executive Ross Hunter is a four-term legislator from the 48th Legislative District on the Eastside. He is Chair of the Finance Committee in the Washington State House of Representatives.

FROM KATHY LAMBERT, by email on June 23, '09
"There is a county audit that came out this morning. It has many issues that need to be resolved. The basis of the issue is that the county charter does not allow the council to have direct oversight of the departments. This is a strong home rule charter county where the executive has more powers than I think are appropriate for one branch of government. This is the 14th largest county in the nation and should have more people doing oversight of more details than our charter allows."

- Kathy Lambert, King County Councilmember serves Redmond, Woodinville, NE Bellevue, Sammamish, Duvall, Issaquah, N. Bend, Preston...

Kathy's home page: http://www.kingcounty.gov/Lambert.aspx
Ross's home page: http://rosshunter.com/

Background on Larry Phillips - candidate for King County Executive

From Larry Phillips, submitted by Christina Gebreab

I was born and raised in King County and I am proud to call it home. I grew up hiking in the Cascades, earning my Eagle Scout medal, swimming in Lake Washington and playing varsity basketball for my high school.

After earning a B.A. from the University of Washington in Political Science, and a law degree from Willamette University, I went to work as a legislative aide for U.S. Senator Henry “Scoop” Jackson. While working for Scoop, I earned a Masters degree in labor law from George Washington University.

In 1981, I returned home to manage Randy Revelle’s successful Democratic campaign for King County Executive and then became an integral member of his Executive Office staff, working as his Chief of Staff, serving in that capacity until 1986. In 1988, I was elected by the voters of the 36th legislative district to represent them in the Washington State House of Representatives.

As a legislator, I successfully fought for lower class sizes and better funding for education. I also was a prime sponsor of the state’s Growth Management Act to rein in urban sprawl.
After winning two terms in the legislature, the voters of King County Council District Four elected me to serve them on the Metropolitan King County Council.

As a councilmember, I have championed open space and natural resource protection, expanded local and regional parks and trails, led salmon recovery efforts, and fought for mass transit implementation and expansion.

In 2003, I was elected Chair of the King County Council and served three years in this leadership role. In 2008, I served as the chair of the council’s budget committee. I have served as the chair of the council’s budget committee four times, and despite intense budget pressures, I have made funding for human services, public health and public safety services top priorities each time.

I serve on many local boards, including Sound Transit, the Woodland Park Zoo, the WRIA 8 Salmon Recovery Council and the Cedar River Council. I am the National Co-Chair to Climate Communities, a national alliance of locally elected officials who work to secure federal funding for climate change initiatives.

My executive and management experience in both the public and private sectors and my vision for King County’s future make me the best qualified candidate to lead our region through these difficult times. I know what initiatives in King County work, how to hire and motivate people to support them, and how to successfully implement them once adopted. But I also know what needs to change, and am the only candidate with significant knowledge of county government and our region to make the changes King County needs.

As King County Executive, I will lead King County to create more family-wage jobs through development of regional infrastructure projects, to protect basic, core services like public health, public safety, transit, and human services despite our tough budget circumstances, and to protect our environment and natural resources.

--Excerpts from larryphillips.com and KCDCC questionnaire, submitted by Christina Gebreab

This is for informational purposes only and not to be construed as an endorsement. The candidate pool for King County Executive is large. I am posting background information from other candidates, as received.

I will post background information on any of those King County Executive Candidates submitting information to redmondblog@gmail.com

Background on Ross Hunter - candidate for King County Executive

FROM ROSS HUNTER HQ, June 12, 2009
" I am a 4-term incumbent in the Washington State House of Representatives, representing the 48th District since 2003. I currently serve as chair of the Finance committee, and have been a member of the powerful Ways and Means committee since I joined the legislature.

While in the legislature I've served on the information Services Board, responsible for managing complex software projects, particularly those that cross jurisdictional boundaries. I've helped save the state millions of dollars and fixed broken projects.

In a previous life I worked at Microsoft for 17 years, winding up as a General Manager responsible for several hundred people and multiple products. I hold patents related to Microsoft Access, a product I worked on for a very long time. I have substantial experience in managing complex projects, most specifically software development projects.

I attended Yale University, graduating in 1983 with a BS in Computer Science.

I serve on the boards of the Bellevue Schools Foundation and Hopelink, the Eastside's largest human service agency. This gives me insight into the human services needs of King County in a way it would be difficult to learn in the legislature. I've previously served the community as leader of a large Cub Scout pack, and as a member of the Cascade District Committee, helping organize the Scouting program on the Eastside. I received a "District Award of Merit" for the time spent on this."

-- Hunter Releases Questionnaires, excerpt
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 12, 2009

FOR MORE INFORMATION Cynara Lilly 206.915.7821

http://www.rosshunter.com/

Comment: This is for informational purposes only and not to be construed as an endorsement. The candidate pool for King County Executive is large. I am posting background information from other candidates as I receive it. I can say, last year Mr. Hunter responded to a visit from Mr. Cole, Ms. Allen and Mayor Marchione to help secure WSDOT funding for the restoration of Lower Bear Creek. The $10 million restoration will help manage flood hazards and improve habitat for Federally Endangered Chinook salmon. B. Y.

I will post background information on any of those King County Executive Candidates submitting information to redmondblog@gmail.com