Times/News

Against the backdrop of a sharply divided Burien City Council, 34th District Democrats declined on Aug. 10 to endorse either Councilman Stephen Lamphear or his challenger, former Councilwoman Rose Clark.

Both candidates appeared to receive the support of a majority of party members who voted; however, a two-thirds majority was required for an endorsement.

Lamphear, who is seeking election to a third term on the Burien council, was endorsed by the 34th District Democrats in both 1997 and 2001.

Clark, who was elected to the council in 1999 but lost her bid for re-election in 2003, now identifies herself as a Democrat.

In the past, Clark declared she was a Republican and, later, an Independent. She was not endorsed by the 34th District Democrats in 1997, 1999 or 2003.

This race is a rematch between Clark and Lamphear, who were opponents in the 1997 election.

Party members, meanwhile, gave unanimous endorsements to Burien Councilwoman Joan McGilton and candidate Sue Blazak.

McGilton will face challengers Steve Denmark, currently a Highline School Board member, and Bob Brice in the Sept. 20 primary election.

She was unopposed four years ago.

Blazak is running against Mayor Noel Gibb.

Gibb, Brice and Denmark did not seek endorsements from the 34th District Democrats.

Following his nomination for endorsement, Lamphear told his fellow party members, "I've been a Democrat for more than 30 years....

"Elected Democrats have to walk the talk. I do," he continued, citing his record of support for domestic partnership benefits by the city and a homeless women's shelter in Burien.

He also is a former 34th District Democratic precinct committee officer.

But Burien resident Jennifer James, who opposed his endorsement, charged that "Lamphear is a big problem for Burien because he doesn't vote Democratic values."

By opposing Clark in her bid for re-election two years ago, who lost to Burien businessman Gordon Shaw, Lamphear "hurt our city," she said.

"I have been stunned at Lamphear's vicious attacks on persons who oppose him ... don't fall for his con job again."

In a written statement made available to party members prior to the meeting, James claimed Lamphear's actions on the council benefit developers.

"He ... has consistently supported Republican candidates against Democrats in our city elections," she added.

City council races are non-partisan.

Deborah Rosen of West Seattle countered that Lamphear had been endorsed by 34th District Democrats twice in the past "not just because he is a Democrat but because he is the qualified candidate."

Speaking in support of Clark, former state Rep. Toni Lysen of Burien told party members she "is a good Democrat ... a good and loyal union supporter.

Clark, who "will bring people together ... [and] wants open and responsive government, is supported by the Teamsters and the Sierra Club," Lysen continued.

She stressed that a key reason Clark is running against Lamphear is that Clark supports union apprentice set-asides in Burien, which she suggested Lamphear does not favor.

And Ron Seale of Burien said Clark "works hard for the community. She places community first and personal considerations last....

"Rose is the kind of person Burien needs and Burien needs now."

He called "unethical" the claims by Lamphear that Clark opposed the women"s center or the homeless in Burien when she served on the city council.

But Liz Giba, a 34th District Democratic precinct committee officer who lives in White Center, said if her community is annexed by Burien "I don't want that person [Clark] representing me."

Noting that Clark was both a Republican and an Independent before recently becoming a Democrat, Giba said this was a concern for her and her Democratic values.

Clark has "not represented social justice and economic values," she added.

Although several party members called for Clark to speak on her own behalf, she didn't step forward.