by Mark Neuman

Former KIRO-TV reporter and anchor Susan Hutchison spoke with The B-Town Blog recently. She and County Council Chair Dow Constantine are going head-to-head to become King County’s next Executive.

PRIMARY RESULTS & ELECTION STRATEGY:
As of August 27th, the most recently updated election results show Susan with about 33% of the primary votes. The results also show the four office-holding Democrats in the primary race (including Dow) with a cumulative 62% of the vote.

How will you go about attracting some of that 62% your way? we asked Susan.

“Dow is so partisan. He just sees everything from the filter of his Democratic point of view. (Primary opponents) Fred Jarrett and Ross Hunter represented outsiders, as I did, and they did rather well,” she said.

“Most people looking at the vote results would say that the bulk of the votes went to outsider candidates. I would suggest that in fact the vote was very clearly for an outsider candidate.

“I think the way the voters divided us up was ‘insider versus outsider.’ And the outsiders won big.”

THE BUDGET:
“I think a ‘rainy day fund’ is absolutely prudent government management,” she said.

“In a (private sector) company, what you have is something called a cash reserve, and the finance department or board of directors is always looking at that cash reserve.

“It’s understood that you are going to have good days and bad days. Good years and bad years. You’ve got to have the capability to cover using that cash reserve. That is just a basic principle of good accounting and money management in a company. And that’s why it’s essential in government as well,” Susan said.

“We are in a budget crisis. We can project now that between this year and next we’re going to have a $110 million budget shortfall. We have to go back to first principles. That is ‘what is the county’s job?’ And the county’s job is to provide safety and protection to its people.

“It is really essential that we keep that in mind as we go through this process of trying to figure out how to make ends meet.

“This budget crisis we are now in falls directly at the feet of the county council and its chair, Dow Constantine, because the council carries the power of the purse.

“We cannot trust a politician who helped get us into this mess to get us out of it,” Susan said.

COMMENTS ABOUT BURIEN?
“Oh, absolutely. I was there recently for two (campaign) forums. Burien has that ‘Main Street USA’ feel,” she said. “It’s terrific. Oh, and there’s great access to the airport when you’re in Burien!”

Susan says she supports annexation efforts.

“I just think it’s important that the choice be given to the people. There’ve been some efforts throughout the county to annex without the residents (of the unincorporated area) weighing in on that decision and I think that’s wrong.

“I’m always with the people.”

THE KIRO YEARS:
Susan spent 20 years with the KIRO-TV News department.

“Certainly one my most treasured memories of the job I did there was to write and produce a documentary on Chinese culture and history called ‘Son of Heaven’. I spent a lot of time in China doing the shooting and research. It won several Emmy awards and had a year-long run of attention.”

Susan recounted the course of events that led up to her coming to KIRO:

After attending the University of Florida, she was working in television in Hawaii in the late 1970’s. Lloyd Cooney, who ran KIRO at the time, was visiting Hawaii and happened to see her delivering the news on a local channel. Cooney sent her a letter inviting her to consider working in Seattle.

“It was months before I actually met Lloyd, but I eventually came to work at KIRO. I just loved Lloyd when I met him. He’s an amazing fellow.

“I still have the letter he sent me. It’s very precious.”

NOTES:

• The General Election is November 3, and, like the primary, will be an all mail-in election.
• The B-Town Blog interviewed Dow Constantine the night of the August 18th primary and ran the interview the next day – click here to read it.

by Mark Neuman

We spoke recently with Ross Hunter, candidate for King County Executive.

Ross, a Medina Democrat, managed a political miracle, if you will, seven years ago.

The 48th District (Bellevue, Redmond and Kirkland) had not sent a Democrat to the House in over 100 years. Ross got himself elected.

“That was back when it wasn’t fashionable to be a Democrat on the east side. It was hard work. I raised and spent about a quarter of a million dollars. I knocked on eight thousand doors. I worked pretty hard.”

Was there a particular selling point?

“Sure. I’m competent. And I care about public education, the paramount duty of the state legislature.”

We asked Ross about one of his opponents for King County Executive, Susan Hutchison. In a recent direct mail piece Susan said she, if elected, would establish a transportation czar.

“Susan seems to be confused about the powers the King County Executive actually has.

“For her to come in and say she is going to have a czar that takes over the functions of the cities and the state is a fundamental misreading of what the King County Executive is actually allowed to do.

“The job of Executive is a complicated one with a lot of moving parts and a $5 billion budget.

“Unless we coordinate our transportation with our land use we are making the problem worse.”

Ross recently received the endorsement of the Seattle Times.

“Of course it makes you feel good that they (the Times) share your belief that you are competent to do the job.

“Next to the Seattle Times endorsement, I am most proud of the endorsement of the Eastside Business Alliance. This is a group of various chambers of commerce who know their business doesn’t succeed if they don’t have quality education for their kids, or if they don’t have roads.

“Our economy and quality of life depends on us making the wisest use of limited transportation dollars. We are one county, one region, and we should act like it.

“The solution to improving the business climate isn’t always to cut taxes. Making the system fairer and easier to comply with could have much more impact. More service, less overhead. Simplifying and regionalizing how King County does business with its businesses is one way the county can potentially save businesses thousands and thousands of dollars.

“We can simplify the permitting process for builders and contractors. Instead of making a business owner waste time traveling throughout the county to revisit city permitting offices, King County can provide a regional office where businesses can manage their permits at one location.

“Many cities in King County are already doing this and there’s no reason we can’t provide such a service countywide.”

“I propose that King County provides a simple web service for businesses to apply for licenses and calculate and pay business taxes. One tax return, one tax bill.”

Regarding recent budget cuts Ross said “I think we probably need more prosecutors. It’s not a place I would have cut. I also wouldn’t have cut into the public defenders.

“There are normal times and there are special times. This is a special time, because of the unprecedented downturn in the economy.”

Ross said he expects voters of North Highline to approve annexation on August 18.

He supports annexation because with it “There will be somebody to answer residents’ phone calls.”

(EDITOR’S NOTE: B-Town Blog Editor Scott Schaefer, and Mark Neuman, Reporter, first met Bill Hoffman back at James Madison Junior High School in West Seattle, when Richard Nixon was president and Jim McDermott was a freshman in the Washington State House of Representatives.)

We took some time recently to sit with our “old” buddy, Bill Hoffman.

Bill’s raising a family in West Seattle, where he grew up, returning from California where he delved into filmmaking.

And now he’s going to see if he can make lawmaking his next vocation.

“I am running to unseat Jim McDermott,” Bill told the B-Town Blog at the Burien Farmer’s Market, referring to the 7th District congressman who was first elected to the position in 1988.

Bill is getting a head start, in a way (the general election is not for another sixteen months), and he’s quite serious. He’s hired a political veteran, Bob Stout, who is a professional fundraiser, having worked on Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign and also a successful Congressional race in Idaho.

Bill, who has already met with Washington State Democratic Party officials, has indicated he’s willing and able to supply some of his own money to fund his campaign.

“All the research we’ve done so far tells us that a lot of McDermott’s support is not support for him,” Bill said. “He has  a core group of 15% to 20% who simply like Jim. The rest vote liberal.

“Our strategy is to make it through the August 2010 primary and take McDermott on head-to-head in the general election.

“In a place where a Democrat gets 75% to 80% of the vote, he should be running against another Democrat.”

We asked Bill: It’s January, 2011. You’ve won the election. You’re sworn in. You’ve moved in to your new Washington, D.C., office. Excluding finding out where the cafeteria is, what are you going to focus on first?

“Health care and global warming,” he said without delay.

“(The) current (environmental) legislation in front of Congress is not enough. We need to change the way we do things. We need to change the cars that we drive. We need to change the fuel that we use.

“It will be one of my absolute primary goals to do everything I can to help the country move in that direction.

“I have a strong interest in science. The (earth’s) poles are warming faster than the equator is, consequently the total amount of wind around the world has dropped ten percent in the past decades. So wind turbines are losing their ability to produce maximum power.

“Let’s create tax incentives for living near where you work.”

We also asked Bill: Who is more liberal, Bill Hoffman or Jim McDermott?

“I think in the classic definition, I am. I think (using) the definition conservatives use today, McDermott is.

“I do believe in big projects to a point. I think we have to use some fiscal responsibility.”

Bill was at one time the youngest licensed real estate agent in the state of Washington. He earned a BA in Sociology specializing in social psychology at the University of Washington.

He moved to Los Angeles where he attended USC, earning a Masters of Professional Writing degree in screenwriting.

He went on to write, produce and direct a few feature-length motion pictures, in addition to his employment in IT support and graphic design.

While living in Los Angeles Bill was elected to the South Robertson Neighborhood Council.

Unrelated to that responsibility, Bill’s next door neighbor down there for a while was Dallas Taylor, best known as the drummer on Crosby, Stills and Nash’s debut album, Crosby, Stills & Nash and their follow-up with Neil Young, Déjà Vu.

“Let’s just say that living next door to Dallas was interesting. Also, sometimes I’d see Lou Ferrigno (The Incredible Hulk) jogging past my house.”

Bill and his wife, Elena, moved back to West Seattle about six years ago.

They have two kids, Naum and Sirma, both of whom attend Schmitz Park Elementary in West Seattle.

“Schmitz Park is an outstanding school,” Bill said.

Bill will soon be serving as vice-president of the school’s PTA.

Elena is not only very skilled with software (she is an analyst for PACCAR), she’s also quite a proficient writer of Haiku, the classic five-seven-five form of Japanese poetry.

Going to introduce any Haiku into the campaign? we asked Bill.

“Not a bad idea.
I’ll have to give it some thought.
I’ll get back to you,”

Bill said, unwittingly delivering Haiku in thoughtful response.

Upon further reflection perhaps his next Haiku will read:

Twenty years of Jim
Enough already says Bill
Now is time for change

To contact Bill Hoffman, here you go:

Hoffman for Congress
PO Box 99458
Seattle, WA  98139-0458

Email: bill.hoffman@hoffmanforcongress.org

Website: www.hoffmanforcongress.org

by Mark Neuman

I spoke Friday (June 5th) with Burien City Councilmember Rose Clark, who is running for re-election, Position No. 5.

As of press time (or in this electronic era, as of “hit send” time), Clark has no opposition in her bid for another four-year term on the council:

MIKE MARTIN PROTEST
A May 20th B-Town Blog story covered a public protest by Burien resident Tai Oh concerning the April 19 arrest of Burien City Manager Mike Martin for suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. Martin entered a plea of “not guilty” on May 15.

In that story, Oh, who is calling for the resignation or firing of Martin, said he contacted the Burien city council as a body and each member individually via e-mail and voicemail and not a single councilmember responded to him.

“My office phone number is everywhere. I never received a phone call from him,” Clark said, referring to Oh.

“I would have been happy to talk to him if had he called me, but he didn’t.

“We did receive some emails from him over our city website.

“He has sent several (emails),” Clark said. “I can’t tell how many. (On) all of them the tone is very derogatory towards Mr. Martin, expressing anger that ‘a man like that’ is holding ‘that job’ (city manager). And demanding that he leave the city. On one email he called (Martin) an unkind word. I can’t even remember what the word was. But I’m not very impressed when people come on like that. They need to be a little bit more intelligent about their language.”

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
Among her major accomplishments over the recent four years, Clark says “I was very, very gratified to have pushed emergency preparedness enough that we hired an Emergency Preparedness Coordinator (Karen Ferreira) which would have been a costly position except we share it with Normandy Park and Sea Tac.

“I think that is what I am most proud of.”

ANNEXATION VOTE:
Regarding the August 18 annexation vote, Clark said “I think the people north of here will vote to come to Burien, a small city, more able to serve their needs.”

BUDGET CUTS:
Will coming budget cuts result in the reduction of officer positions in the Burien Police Department?

“I think, yes, the possibility is there,” Clark said. “However, our Police Chief, Scott Kimerer, is pursuing grants. We might lose a couple positions, but through the grants, we might gain them back.”

MAYOR CLARK?
The seven-member council will, this January, elect a mayor.

Would Clark want to be elected mayor?

“No I don’t think I have that kind of personality. I would consider serving as deputy mayor again.”

Clark served her first term as Council member earlier in the decade. She has served as deputy mayor six times, her most recent term expiring this past February. The term of deputy mayor runs one year.

She is employed as a library tech at an area high school, and has been there since 1992.

Jack Block, Jr., former Deputy Mayor and Councilmember, on Friday (May 15th) announced his candidacy for Burien City Council, Position 7, currently held by Sally Nelson.

Last we saw Mr. Block was at the April 27th City Council meeting when he voiced his support for City Manager Mike Martin, who was recently charged with a DUI, resulting in Martin’s amended contract.

“I was proud of the investments we made in our community in Burien while I served on the City Council,” said Block in a statement. “But I have unfinished business, and want to ensure that Burien is looking after our working families and their futures.”

The incumbent, Sally Nelson, has held Position 7 since the city was incorporated in 1993.

While on the City Council, Block says he helped lead the effort to create Burien’s Town Square.

Here’s the full press release from Block:

Former Burien Councilmember Jack Block Jr. to enter campaign for Burien City Council
Block seeking Position 7, currently held by Sally Nelson

Burien, WA. – Jack Block, Jr., Former Deputy Mayor and Councilmember today announces his candidacy for Burien City Council, Position 7.

“I was proud of the investments we made in our community in Burien while I served on the City Council,” said Block.  “But I have unfinished business, and want to ensure that Burien is looking after our working families and their futures.”

“We need to get Burien back on track. Great projects such as the reconstruction of First Avenue have been started but three years on sit unfinished. The current city policy of multi-family unit down-zoning has created an economic disincentive towards reconstruction,” Block said.  “We won’t always be in an economic recession or depression. We have to ensure that we don’t create disincentives that will condemn our poorest citizens to live in slum-like conditions.”

While on the City Council, Block helped lead the effort to create Burien’s Town Square.

“When I came on the council, a lot of great ideas such as Town Square were floating around but nothing was happening”, said Block. “Some of our Council members forget that Burien is a diverse town with a large number of people struggling to survive in a challenging economic environment. If we are to grow and thrive as a community-to reinvigorate our downtown business core- we need action. I believe in leadership, not idle talk.”

Burien is facing challenges due to the economic downturn, including the closure of large, tax-generating car dealerships.

“Businesses, whether large or small, provide Burien with tax dollars and jobs,” said Block.  “I will work, as I did in the past, on aggressively bringing in new businesses, tax dollars and jobs, and create policies that protect existing businesses at the same time. A healthy city requires a thriving business community.”

The incumbent, Sally Nelson, has held Position 7 since the city was incorporated.

“Ms. Nelson twice voted against family wage job creating apprenticeship utilization legislation; her priorities are skewed for our community,” said Block.  “Resolutions were passed by the Council in support of comprehensive immigration reform and, following the Enron scandal, supporting equitable electric rates. Ms. Nelson later said passage of these resolutions was a mistake. Ms. Nelson opposed greater public access to the City Council, of making meetings and records more accessible. She also voted in favor of allowing big box retailers such as Wal-Mart to locate in Burien (see our coverage of that issue here), threatening the hard work our city has done to rebuild our downtown business core.”

“I want to address the future,” said Block.  “I want to use my contacts at the Port to ensure Burien is protected from airport noise and expansion; I want to ensure we manage the annexation of North Highline so that services are well delivered and we have enough police and fire coverage; I want to create a non-profit service center to aid the charitable organizations working in our community, and to move the Highline food bank to a safe location with transit access. I want to protect our environment and bring the salmon back to Salmon Creek.”

UPDATE 4pm 5/15/09: Mr. Block emailed us with this correction:

“Just wanted to point out a mistake that was made in your reporting on the council decision regarding big box retail. You have me down as voting for big box retail in the article. As you can see from the attached minutes (PDF file), the vote was 5-1-1, with Nelson, Shaw, McGilton, Clark, and Blazak voting yes, Krakowiac voting no, and I abstained because I was oposed to big box retail in the NERA, (and anywhere else in Burien), but did not oppose the rest of the comp plan amendments.”

Block was elected to the Burien City Council in 2003 and served as Deputy Mayor in 2006. He unsuccessfully ran for Commissioner to the Port of Seattle in 2007. He is a crane operator at the Port of Seattle, a member of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and a former Teamster. A lifetime resident of the Burien area, Block attended Mt. Rainier High School and Seattle University. Jack is a former teamster (Consolidated Freightways) shop steward. In 1998, Jack was a founding member of, and past chair of, the Burien Parks and Recreation Board.

Sherril Huff, current King County Elections Director, holds a more than 2-to-1 lead over former King County Councilman David Irons in the vote for Elections Director, which was held Tuesday.

This special election was held after voters decided last November to choose an Elections Director, who previously had been appointed directly by King County Executive Ron Sims.

As of late this afternoon, Huff had 96,035 votes, or 45 percent of the total, while Irons had 40,884 votes for 19 percent.

And get this – this job pays $146,000 per year.

Not a bad gig during this economy, huh?

More info at The Seattle Times.

With just a handful of weeks to go before Election Day Nov. 4, we at the B-Town Blog welcome our latest Advertiser: Julia Garratt for Judge.

Julia is running for King County Superior Court, Position 22.

Julia served as Judge Pro Tem, King County Superior Court, for ten years.

She has served as both a prosecutor and a public defender.

She earned her BA at the University of Washington and her law degree at Gonzaga.

The Municipal League of King County has rated her “Outstanding.”

She is endorsed by the Seattle Times.

“Judges are public servants and our community is best served if those positions are filled by individuals who can balance hard work, compassion, integrity and wisdom in upholding the laws of the State of Washington,” she said.

Learn more about Julia Garratt at her website:  www.garratt4judge.com

by Mark Neuman

Matt Hale has been starting early and thinking big since his early days here in Burien, and he’s still tackling early and big things today.

The 1998 graduate of Highline High School, who was already taking college courses at age 17, is running for a seat on the King County Superior Court.

He’s wasting little time pursing his longtime dream.

“I’ve always wanted to serve on the bench. I was talking with a friend about my goals and he said ‘Well, why don’t you run now?’ And I decided ‘I’ll do it.’”

You may have seen his orange and blue yard signs around town recently.

He’s taking on two-term incumbent Laura Gene Middaugh, wife of State Senator Adam Kline.

Matt is currently an attorney at Wiener, Lambka & Deutscher, a Seattle-based personal injury firm.

He earned an academic scholarship that helped pay his tuition at Gonzaga University Law School. He earned his BA in Political Science at Gonzaga. Before that, he pursued writing and public speaking while earning his AA at Highline Community College.

His work experience has included employment at local hardware stores. In Spokane, Matt helped counsel people in crisis, answering an emergency telephone hotline.

He feels one change the court might look at is the role played by the citizen juror.

“A friend of mine was called and he told the judge that to serve might literally cost him his house. He was living from check to check,” Matt says.

“Perhaps there might be a way in the future for the court system to ease the burden of jury duty.”

The mere process of running for office has been a learning experience.

“Campaigning has helped me more fully realize how wonderful not only Burien is, but what great people the residents of King County really are.”

“I am moved by the importance of the service to the community that judges provide from the bench. That knowledge and awareness, in itself, is humbling,” he said.

You can meet Matt, his wife Nicole, and his team at a campaign fundraiser this Sunday afternoon, July 20, at HiLine Lanes, 15733 Ambaum Blvd SW, in Burien. It runs from 1 to 4pm.

Find more info go to: www.peopleformatthewrhale.com

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