While attention is focused on the decision over south North Highline’s annexation to Burien, the Aug. 18 primary will also winnow some candidates off the Nov. general election ballot.
In Des Moines, incumbent council members Susan White and Dave Kaplan are both running for Position 7.
Also on the primary ballot for Position 7 is real estate agent Chris Alexander.
In his voters’ pamphlet statement, Alexander wrote, “When you vote for me, you get a hardworking, passionate advocate who thinks outside the box and has the experience to find unseen efficiencies.”
Alexander listed as his priorities keeping the Mount Rainier Pool open, adding police officers and bringing more businesses to town.
Kaplan withdrew his filing for his old current council position and filed against White.
In his voters’ statement, Kaplan declared, “I don’t believe in government by gut instinct or emotion. Sound, thoughtful and reasoned analysis and debate are my style.”
White cites as her council accomplishments helping to get Beach Park on the landmark National Register, advocating for foot ferry service and serving on the Arts Commission and South King County Economic Development Initiative.
Only two of the candidates will go on to the November general election.
Vying for Des Moines council Position 1 are sales representative Anne Farmer, former Highline School Board member Matt Pina and Highline middle-school teacher John Burdine.
Matt Pina’s father, Ed Pina, who is not running for reelection, currently holds Position 1.
Running for Tukwila City Council Position 3 are David Weaver, a Western Washington University business graduate, Allan Ekberg, Tukwila Planning Commission member and former Tukwila councilman, and Jeremy J. Eide, a real estate consultant.
With Sea-Tac International Airport situated in the middle of the community, Highline voters take special interest in races for Port of Seattle commissioner.
Rob Holland, David Soud and Al Yuen have filed for Position 3.
Holland is a biofuel/truck fleet salesman, who touts his “diverse, hands-on Port experience.” Burien Mayor Joan McGilton, King County Democrats, King County Building Trades Council and U.S. Rep. Adam Smith, endorse him.
Doud is an investment properties broker who says that because the Port is one of the county’s largest landowners, his expertise would be important on the commission. Doud noted both Republicans and Democrats support him.
Yuen is a real estate broker and business consultant. He emphasizes his “experience from blue-collar workers to business owners, from small business issues to the complexities of international relations.
Three candidates are also running for North Highline Fire commissioner, Position 3.
Peggy Noble did not submit a voters’ pamphlet statement or photograph.
David Lawson points to his financial management experience as a North Highline fire commissioner and chief financial officer in two fire service organizations.
Ray Austin has been a firefighter for ten years.
Jerry P. Harris, J. Roger Hershey and John Rickert have served on the South King Fire and Rescue Commission and are running for Position 3. South King serves Des Moines, Federal Way and some south county unincorporated areas.