2009 Endorsements

The 39th Legislative District Democratic Party Organization is proud to endorse the following candidates for the 2009 election year.

Snohomish County Endorsements

Ellen Hiatt Watson - Snohomish County Council District 1

Ellen is a passionate leader of community, a communicator, an organized leader. She understands that government should work for the community - not against it.

With a solid background of small business, community organization and exceptional communication abilities - we need her voice.

Read more about Ellen Hiatt Watson at: http://ellenhiattwatson.net/.

Dave Somers - Snohomish County Council District 5

Dave is running for re-election so that he can continue his work towards public safety improvements, promote sustainable economic development and continue to make our transportation system safer and more efficient. Somers has made real progress in bringing together traditional foes to find common ground and work towards lasting solutions.

Dave has been the leading opponent against a King County developers' proposal to build up to 8000 homes in rural Snohomish County along Lake Roesiger. The developer, Dave Barnett, has pledged to spend $2.5 million to unseat Somers if he refused to back down. Despite the threats, Somers remains strongly opposed to Barnett's ill-conceived "mini-city" proposal because he knows taxpayers would be forced to pay for massive infrastructure costs including new roads, schools, parks, fire and police protection.

Read more about Dave Somers at: http://www.davesomers.org/.

Joe Wilson - Snohomish County Superior Court Judge

"I am running for Superior Court Judge to bring fairness, broad experience, and a commitment to victim rights to the bench. As a judge, I'll bring a professional and personal background that makes me uniquely qualified to serve as a Superior Court Judge."

Successfully served as a Judge Pro Tem and am widely supported by current and retired judges in our community. Has 15 years of diverse legal background in Snohomish County which encompasses complex criminal and civil cases, victim rights and defense work, as well as appellate experience.

Read more about Joe Wilson at: http://www.joewilsonforjudge.com/.

King County Endorsements

Dow Constantine - King County Executive

Building on his strong record as a reformer unafraid of taking the lead on tough issues, Dow Constantine is running for King County Executive to bring needed change to a government that has become too bureaucratic and is no longer able to provide the critical services expected by KingCounty residents.

Dow will unify our county-not rely on worn out political divisions that pit regions of our county against each other for short term political gain. He has a track record of working across geographical boundaries and partisan divides to zero in on effective solutions to the problems we face as a region.

Read more about Dow Constantine at: http://www.dowconstantine.com/.

John Creighton - Port of Seattle Commissioner Position 1

John is working to make sure that the Port
strengthens its historical role as a major creator of family wage jobs for the region, now more important than ever in the down economy,
ensures that our airport and seaport are secure from the threats of the 21st century,
meets critical Western Washington infrastructure needs,
and significantly increases its commitment to the environment and becomes a more accountable, socially responsible public agency.

Read more about John Creighton at: http://www.johncreighton.org/.

Rob Holland - Port of Seattle Commissioner Position 3

"My occupational experience with seaports, shipping industry and industrial real estate can make a useful contribution to the Port Commission. I will be working on behalf of King County taxpayers to ensure that the Port of Seattle is the most efficient of West Coast ports. By placing greater emphasis on partnering with organized labor, private businesses and other governmental entities, we can free up much needed resources. Working with the Puget Sound Partnership and other organizations we can take vital steps towards environmental stewardship."

Read more about Rob Holland at: http://robforport.com/.

Bob Rosenberger - King County Assessor

Bob brings 24 years of experience in the King County Assessor's Office with a track record of success. He is a respected leader in his industry who helped start the local chapter of the International Association of Assessing Officers where he served as president for two terms. The Chapter won the "Chapter of the Year" award twice.

Bob understands the importance of accurate valuation of property, prior to joining the Assessor's Office, he spent seven years selling residential real estate. Currently he is a real estate investor.

Read more about Bob Rosenberger at: http://www.bobrosenberger.com.

Lloyd Hara - King County Assessor

"I am proud of my years as both Seattle City Treasurer and Seattle Port Commissioner. I always put the interest of taxpayers first. The same would be true if I was selected as King County Assessor.

And because I have previous experience running a public office, I am ready to lead the office from Day One. In addition, I intend to fill out my term on the Seattle Port Commission."

Read more about Lloyd Hara at: http://lloydhara.com/.

Other Endorsements

A Human Rights Commission Ordinance to the Snohomish County Council.

More information can be found at

• http://www.sccchr.org/
• http://www.forwashington.org/node/38

Open Space Preservation Act

This King County Charter Amendment, which will appear on the November ballot, will provide enhanced protection for more than 156,000 acres of open space land that is either owned or held in a conservation easement by King County.

No on I-1033

39th Legislative District Democratic Party Organization hereby takes an official position in support of the "NO on I-1033" campaign.