﻿1
00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:01,710
♪♪

2
00:00:01,710 --> 00:00:05,922
♪♪

3
00:00:05,922 --> 00:00:09,300
-Welcome to the Seattle
Video Voters’ Guide,

4
00:00:09,300 --> 00:00:12,095
your chance to hear directly
from the candidates on

5
00:00:12,095 --> 00:00:13,596
the August primary ballot.

6
00:00:14,681 --> 00:00:17,058
This is a vote-by-mail election.

7
00:00:17,058 --> 00:00:20,395
Instead of going to a polling
place, ballots will be sent

8
00:00:20,395 --> 00:00:22,439
to all registered voters.

9
00:00:22,439 --> 00:00:25,150
In this edition, you will hear
from the candidates who will

10
00:00:25,150 --> 00:00:29,612
appear on the primary ballot for
Seattle City Council District 5,

11
00:00:29,612 --> 00:00:33,033
Seattle Municipal
Court Judge, Position 5,

12
00:00:33,033 --> 00:00:35,827
and Seattle Proposition
Number 1, 

13
00:00:35,827 --> 00:00:39,164
The Seattle Public Library
 Renewal Levy.

14
00:00:39,164 --> 00:00:42,083
All offices included in
this guide are nonpartisan.

15
00:00:43,209 --> 00:00:46,755
Each of the statements is up to
two minutes long and unedited.

16
00:00:46,755 --> 00:00:49,883
The candidates appear on your
screen in the same order

17
00:00:49,883 --> 00:00:51,384
as they will on the ballot.

18
00:00:52,010 --> 00:00:54,804
♪♪

19
00:00:55,221 --> 00:00:57,724
First up, Seattle City Council.

20
00:00:58,725 --> 00:01:02,520
The Seattle City Council is the 
legislative branch of government.

21
00:01:02,520 --> 00:01:06,191
Members set the City's direction
by enacting ordinances

22
00:01:06,191 --> 00:01:07,901
and passing resolutions.

23
00:01:08,359 --> 00:01:11,362
The council authorizes
expenditures, adopts

24
00:01:11,362 --> 00:01:15,450
regulations, levies taxes,
controls the finances

25
00:01:15,450 --> 00:01:18,119
and property of the
City, and performs many

26
00:01:18,119 --> 00:01:20,288
related legislative tasks.

27
00:01:20,955 --> 00:01:23,792
This year, there is a
special election to fill the

28
00:01:23,792 --> 00:01:27,003
unexpired term in District 5.

29
00:01:27,003 --> 00:01:30,507
Only voters in District 5, which
is at the north end of Seattle,

30
00:01:30,507 --> 00:01:32,550
will vote in this election.

31
00:01:33,009 --> 00:01:35,470
The candidate elected to
this position will serve

32
00:01:35,470 --> 00:01:38,389
the remaining year of the
four-year term and be on

33
00:01:38,389 --> 00:01:41,142
the ballot again in 2027.

34
00:01:41,643 --> 00:01:44,395
Only voters in District 5
can vote in the special

35
00:01:44,395 --> 00:01:47,941
election for Seattle
City Council District 5.

36
00:01:48,775 --> 00:01:55,782
♪♪

37
00:01:57,951 --> 00:01:59,911
-My name is Dimitri
Georgakopoulos.

38
00:01:59,911 --> 00:02:01,871
I'm running for the Seattle City

39
00:02:01,871 --> 00:02:03,581
Council District 5 seat.

40
00:02:04,290 --> 00:02:06,042
I was born and
raised in Seattle.

41
00:02:06,042 --> 00:02:08,211
I grew up in Montlake
and have called

42
00:02:08,211 --> 00:02:10,755
Seattle home for 58 years.

43
00:02:10,755 --> 00:02:13,967
I was very active at a young age
at Montlake Community Center.

44
00:02:13,967 --> 00:02:16,553
I graduated from Garfield
High School and earned a

45
00:02:16,553 --> 00:02:19,764
degree in history with a
minor in political science

46
00:02:19,764 --> 00:02:21,266
from Seattle University.

47
00:02:21,266 --> 00:02:24,561
I love the city and I've
watched it evolve through

48
00:02:24,561 --> 00:02:28,189
every critical moment of its
growth over those years.

49
00:02:28,189 --> 00:02:31,693
I've lived in District 5 for
the past 15 years and I can

50
00:02:31,693 --> 00:02:35,321
say once again, we are at one
of those critical moments.

51
00:02:35,321 --> 00:02:39,075
I know we can do better and
here's what sets me apart.

52
00:02:39,075 --> 00:02:42,162
For the past 30 years, I've
been an entrepreneur, owning

53
00:02:42,162 --> 00:02:45,331
and operating restaurants, as
well as helping others build

54
00:02:45,331 --> 00:02:47,292
theirs from the ground up.

55
00:02:47,292 --> 00:02:50,670
For the last 13 years, I've been
selling real estate with Windermere.

56
00:02:50,670 --> 00:02:54,007
In both worlds,
time is of the essence.

57
00:02:54,007 --> 00:02:55,967
It's not just a phrase, it's how

58
00:02:55,967 --> 00:02:56,634
I operate.

59
00:02:56,634 --> 00:02:59,304
What I bring to this
position is the ability

60
00:02:59,304 --> 00:03:03,308
to work across personalities,
communicate clearly, pivot when

61
00:03:03,308 --> 00:03:06,895
necessary, and move efficiently
to get problems solved.

62
00:03:06,895 --> 00:03:10,940
That skill set is exactly what
District 5 needs right now.

63
00:03:10,940 --> 00:03:13,443
because the challenges
here are real.

64
00:03:13,443 --> 00:03:16,237
From the violence
along Aurora Avenue

65
00:03:16,237 --> 00:03:19,199
between 95th and
145th to the growing

66
00:03:19,199 --> 00:03:21,910
number of vacancies as
businesses close or

67
00:03:21,910 --> 00:03:23,620
leave our neighborhoods.

68
00:03:23,620 --> 00:03:25,955
These aren't abstract
policy issues.

69
00:03:25,955 --> 00:03:27,790
They are a crisis.

70
00:03:27,790 --> 00:03:29,542
The time to act is now.

71
00:03:29,542 --> 00:03:33,171
When elected, I will be your
loudest and strongest advocate.

72
00:03:33,171 --> 00:03:35,715
I encourage you to
follow my Facebook page.

73
00:03:35,715 --> 00:03:36,716
Please do reach out.

74
00:03:36,716 --> 00:03:39,844
Let's work together to set
an example of how effective

75
00:03:39,844 --> 00:03:44,098
leadership in District 5 can
reset the tone and table for

76
00:03:44,098 --> 00:03:46,059
the rest of the Emerald City.

77
00:03:46,059 --> 00:03:48,561
Once again, my name is
Dimitri Georgakopoulos,

78
00:03:48,561 --> 00:03:52,982
and I'm running for the City
Council seat for District 5.

79
00:03:52,982 --> 00:03:53,441
Thank you.

80
00:03:55,485 --> 00:04:00,073
-I'm Silas James, a healthcare
educator, advocate, researcher,

81
00:04:00,073 --> 00:04:02,951
Democratic Socialist,
union member, and former

82
00:04:02,951 --> 00:04:05,036
chair of the Seattle
Disability Commission.

83
00:04:05,036 --> 00:04:07,914
I'm running for Seattle
City Council in District 5

84
00:04:07,914 --> 00:04:10,208
because I love Seattle.

85
00:04:10,208 --> 00:04:11,709
District 5 is my home.

86
00:04:11,709 --> 00:04:16,005
I want Seattle to live up to its
promise as a welcoming city.

87
00:04:16,005 --> 00:04:19,842
Immigrants and refugees seeking
sanctuary from abroad or fleeing

88
00:04:19,842 --> 00:04:23,513
another state for reproductive
access, gender-affirming care,

89
00:04:23,513 --> 00:04:26,641
or personal safety should know
our city welcomes and will

90
00:04:26,641 --> 00:04:27,725
protect them.

91
00:04:28,268 --> 00:04:31,854
Seattle's corporate surveillance
program is expensive and puts

92
00:04:31,854 --> 00:04:35,316
the very people we promise
to protect in danger.

93
00:04:35,316 --> 00:04:36,317
It must be ended.

94
00:04:37,318 --> 00:04:40,363
But for Seattle to be
truly welcoming, it also

95
00:04:40,363 --> 00:04:41,823
has to be affordable.

96
00:04:41,823 --> 00:04:44,200
The gap between Seattle's
wealthiest and the

97
00:04:44,200 --> 00:04:46,536
rest of us is growing.

98
00:04:46,536 --> 00:04:50,164
Renters and homeowners are
being priced out of our city.

99
00:04:50,164 --> 00:04:51,332
I'm not a millionaire.

100
00:04:51,332 --> 00:04:53,293
I don't have a
six-figure income.

101
00:04:53,293 --> 00:04:56,754
Just like you, I'm reminded
every single day of how

102
00:04:56,754 --> 00:04:58,339
expensive Seattle is.

103
00:04:58,339 --> 00:05:00,842
The answer to Seattle's
problems isn't more cops,

104
00:05:00,842 --> 00:05:02,010
and it's not more cameras.

105
00:05:02,010 --> 00:05:04,804
It's making Seattle
more affordable.

106
00:05:04,804 --> 00:05:08,224
For true public safety, we
need to address poverty.

107
00:05:08,224 --> 00:05:12,228
And that means guaranteeing
a basic income that people

108
00:05:12,228 --> 00:05:14,397
can count on no matter what.

109
00:05:14,689 --> 00:05:16,691
Housing people can afford;

110
00:05:16,691 --> 00:05:19,610
fast, reliable, and free
public transportation;

111
00:05:19,610 --> 00:05:22,780
healthcare access and support
for people in crisis.

112
00:05:22,780 --> 00:05:26,701
For almost 20 years, I've worked
tirelessly helping people

113
00:05:26,701 --> 00:05:30,330
find housing, get healthcare,
access public benefits,

114
00:05:30,330 --> 00:05:31,748
and graduate college.

115
00:05:31,748 --> 00:05:33,750
I understand these systems.

116
00:05:33,750 --> 00:05:35,376
I've used them myself.

117
00:05:35,376 --> 00:05:38,588
I know where they're broken,
and I know how to fix them.

118
00:05:38,588 --> 00:05:40,006
I'm Silas James.

119
00:05:40,006 --> 00:05:44,052
Let's create a safer, more
affordable Seattle together.

120
00:05:44,052 --> 00:05:45,970
We deserve a city
where working people

121
00:05:45,970 --> 00:05:47,847
can still have a future.

122
00:05:49,140 --> 00:05:52,685
- I'm Julie Kang, and I'm
running to represent District 5

123
00:05:52,685 --> 00:05:54,312
on the Seattle City Council.

124
00:05:54,312 --> 00:05:57,440
I'm a 30-year North Seattle
resident, an educator,

125
00:05:57,440 --> 00:06:00,151
union household member,
civic leader, and a

126
00:06:00,151 --> 00:06:02,028
first-generation immigrant.

127
00:06:02,028 --> 00:06:04,572
Throughout my career, I
have focused on making

128
00:06:04,572 --> 00:06:06,074
systems work for everyone.

129
00:06:06,074 --> 00:06:09,243
As a co-founder of a
community bank in District 5,

130
00:06:09,243 --> 00:06:12,205
I expanded access to
capital for small businesses

131
00:06:12,205 --> 00:06:14,957
and learn the importance
of accountability,

132
00:06:14,957 --> 00:06:18,544
transparency, and responsible
stewardship of public funds.

133
00:06:18,544 --> 00:06:21,214
District 5 needs
a leader with practical

134
00:06:21,214 --> 00:06:24,342
problem-solving experience
who will advocate for

135
00:06:24,342 --> 00:06:26,761
equitable resources
for our community.

136
00:06:26,761 --> 00:06:29,305
On the Council, I'll
advance middle housing

137
00:06:29,305 --> 00:06:31,849
and transit-oriented
development to create

138
00:06:31,849 --> 00:06:34,602
mixed-income neighborhoods
with walkability,

139
00:06:34,602 --> 00:06:36,813
infrastructure,
and affordability.

140
00:06:36,813 --> 00:06:39,524
I'll integrate climate
planning into housing

141
00:06:39,524 --> 00:06:43,361
and fight for safer access
to parks, transits, schools,

142
00:06:43,361 --> 00:06:44,487
and businesses.

143
00:06:44,487 --> 00:06:46,239
I'll strengthen public safety

144
00:06:46,239 --> 00:06:49,117
through transparent
reporting, coordinated crisis

145
00:06:49,117 --> 00:06:52,412
response, and measurable
improvements across SPD,

146
00:06:52,412 --> 00:06:55,873
the CARE team, behavioral
health systems, and community

147
00:06:55,873 --> 00:06:58,709
partners. To reduce gun
violence, I'll invest in

148
00:06:58,709 --> 00:07:02,630
in behavioral health, suicide
prevention, youth intervention,

149
00:07:02,630 --> 00:07:06,717
safe firearm storage education,
and trauma-informed services.

150
00:07:06,717 --> 00:07:09,387
I'll support small
businesses through public

151
00:07:09,387 --> 00:07:12,306
safety coordination,
storefront stabilization,

152
00:07:12,306 --> 00:07:14,809
neighborhood activation,
and investments that

153
00:07:14,809 --> 00:07:18,229
increase foot traffic and
economic opportunity.

154
00:07:18,229 --> 00:07:21,816
As your councilmember, I will
always strive to improve the

155
00:07:21,816 --> 00:07:25,111
lives of working families,
seniors, and immigrants,

156
00:07:25,111 --> 00:07:28,656
and I'll stand up to threats
from our federal government

157
00:07:28,656 --> 00:07:30,783
that undermine our city's value.

158
00:07:30,783 --> 00:07:34,787
I'm proud to be endorsed by
the 32nd LD Democrats, elected

159
00:07:34,787 --> 00:07:38,833
officials, and community
leaders from across District 5.

160
00:07:38,833 --> 00:07:41,919
I'm Julie Kang, running
for Seattle City Council

161
00:07:41,919 --> 00:07:45,006
District 5, and I'll be
honored to earn your vote.

162
00:07:46,924 --> 00:07:49,177
-Hi, I'm Nilu Jenks,
candidate for Seattle

163
00:07:49,177 --> 00:07:51,053
City Council District 5.

164
00:07:51,053 --> 00:07:53,890
I'm running because the issues
facing North Seattle are

165
00:07:53,890 --> 00:07:54,807
not being solved.

166
00:07:54,807 --> 00:07:56,726
Seattle is a deeply
progressive city.

167
00:07:56,726 --> 00:07:59,395
We have the resources, the
talent, and the votes to

168
00:07:59,395 --> 00:08:01,898
tackle major challenges,
but often City Hall feels

169
00:08:01,898 --> 00:08:05,526
disconnected from what
people are facing every day.

170
00:08:05,526 --> 00:08:08,237
When the Fred Meyer in Lake
City closed, my kids asked

171
00:08:08,237 --> 00:08:10,865
me why nobody fought harder
to save it or replace it.

172
00:08:10,865 --> 00:08:12,575
I didn't have a good answer.

173
00:08:12,575 --> 00:08:15,369
Families without cars lost
access to groceries and

174
00:08:15,369 --> 00:08:18,831
pharmacy services overnight,
and our city had no real plan.

175
00:08:18,831 --> 00:08:20,833
That's not acceptable.

176
00:08:20,833 --> 00:08:23,002
Housing costs continue to
skyrocket, pushing more

177
00:08:23,002 --> 00:08:25,213
people into disability
and homelessness,

178
00:08:25,213 --> 00:08:27,215
while longtime residents
struggle to stay in the

179
00:08:27,215 --> 00:08:28,966
neighborhoods they love.

180
00:08:28,966 --> 00:08:31,427
My priorities are
straightforward and reflect

181
00:08:31,427 --> 00:08:34,347
my conversations with my
neighbors across the district.

182
00:08:34,347 --> 00:08:37,016
Build more affordable
housing, improve safety on

183
00:08:37,016 --> 00:08:38,976
Lake City Way and Aurora,
support neighborhood

184
00:08:38,976 --> 00:08:41,854
businesses, strengthen
gun violence prevention,

185
00:08:41,854 --> 00:08:43,648
protect immigrant
communities from federal

186
00:08:43,648 --> 00:08:46,484
overreach, move us toward
meeting our climate goals,

187
00:08:46,484 --> 00:08:48,945
and make sure ranked choice
voting is successfully

188
00:08:48,945 --> 00:08:51,822
implemented in 2027
so voters trust and

189
00:08:51,822 --> 00:08:53,449
understand the system.

190
00:08:53,449 --> 00:08:56,869
From serving as a PTA advocacy
chair at John Rogers Elementary

191
00:08:56,869 --> 00:08:59,372
to organizing one of the
largest gun buyback programs

192
00:08:59,372 --> 00:09:02,416
after the Parkland shootings
to working to implement ranked

193
00:09:02,416 --> 00:09:05,628
choice voting in Seattle in 2027
as the Fair Vote Washington

194
00:09:05,628 --> 00:09:08,089
political director, my
work has always been

195
00:09:08,089 --> 00:09:10,967
about connecting people
and delivering results.

196
00:09:10,967 --> 00:09:14,053
I'm endorsed by the King County
Democrats, the 32nd, 36th,

197
00:09:14,053 --> 00:09:17,765
and 46th District Democrats,
Washington Conservation Action,

198
00:09:17,765 --> 00:09:21,435
the Working Families Party,
United Auto Workers, Seattle

199
00:09:21,435 --> 00:09:24,897
City Workers, Grocery Workers,
King County Executive Girmay

200
00:09:24,897 --> 00:09:27,942
Zahilay, Seattle City 
Councilmembers Alexis Mercedes

201
00:09:27,942 --> 00:09:30,945
Rinck and Joy Hollingsworth,
Senators Javier Valdez and

202
00:09:30,945 --> 00:09:34,115
Noel Frame, Representatives
Darya Farivar, Julia Reed,

203
00:09:34,115 --> 00:09:36,117
Liz Berry, and more.

204
00:09:36,117 --> 00:09:38,411
And I would be honored
to earn your vote.

205
00:09:38,411 --> 00:09:39,537
Thank you.

206
00:09:40,079 --> 00:09:42,331
♪♪

207
00:09:42,331 --> 00:09:45,209
-Seattle Municipal Court
Judge, Position Number Five.

208
00:09:46,252 --> 00:09:49,630
Seattle Municipal Court's
seven judges hear cases

209
00:09:49,630 --> 00:09:52,883
involving misdemeanors
and gross misdemeanors,

210
00:09:52,883 --> 00:09:56,387
including domestic violence,
DUI, parking tickets,

211
00:09:56,387 --> 00:09:59,015
and traffic infractions.

212
00:09:59,015 --> 00:10:03,227
The municipal court also hears
cases involving civil offenses,

213
00:10:03,227 --> 00:10:08,399
such as violations of the city's
fire, housing, or zoning codes.

214
00:10:08,399 --> 00:10:11,569
Each municipal court judge
serves a four-year term

215
00:10:11,569 --> 00:10:14,322
in this nonpartisan office.

216
00:10:14,322 --> 00:10:17,658
Only judges in Position
Five will appear on the

217
00:10:17,658 --> 00:10:19,535
primary ballot this year.

218
00:10:19,535 --> 00:10:22,663
All voters in Seattle
can vote in this race.

219
00:10:24,582 --> 00:10:27,209
-My name is Lindsay Calkins,
and I'm running for Seattle

220
00:10:27,209 --> 00:10:29,670
Municipal Court Open Seat 5.

221
00:10:29,670 --> 00:10:31,797
I'm the daughter of an
Air Force flight surgeon,

222
00:10:31,797 --> 00:10:34,216
and I was taught to serve
the public from a young age.

223
00:10:34,550 --> 00:10:36,385
I currently serve
as co-chair of the King

224
00:10:36,385 --> 00:10:39,180
County Bar Association
Judicial and Litigation

225
00:10:39,180 --> 00:10:42,642
Committee. I graduated from
Princeton University with honors

226
00:10:42,642 --> 00:10:45,478
and served on the University
of Chicago Law Review.

227
00:10:45,478 --> 00:10:46,937
I'm a trial and appellate

228
00:10:46,937 --> 00:10:50,483
attorney with nearly 15 years
of litigation experience

229
00:10:50,483 --> 00:10:54,111
focused on criminal appeals
and resentencing work.

230
00:10:54,111 --> 00:10:55,529
I also have substantive civil

231
00:10:55,529 --> 00:10:57,823
experience and was part
of the team that brought

232
00:10:57,823 --> 00:11:00,451
the minimum wage
ordinance to Seattle.

233
00:11:00,451 --> 00:11:02,828
Throughout my career
I have handled

234
00:11:02,828 --> 00:11:05,539
complex legal issues requiring
careful preparation,

235
00:11:05,539 --> 00:11:08,334
thoughtful decision-making,
and respect for the people

236
00:11:08,334 --> 00:11:11,087
whose lives are affected
by the legal system.

237
00:11:11,545 --> 00:11:14,924
Before law school, I worked
as an immigration paralegal,

238
00:11:14,924 --> 00:11:18,010
helping individuals and families
navigate difficult and often

239
00:11:18,010 --> 00:11:19,887
overwhelming legal processes.

240
00:11:20,179 --> 00:11:22,473
During law school, I worked
in the Civil Rights and

241
00:11:22,473 --> 00:11:25,643
Police Accountability
Clinic, helping to promote

242
00:11:25,643 --> 00:11:29,438
transparency and equity in
the law enforcement system.

243
00:11:29,438 --> 00:11:31,816
These experiences reinforced
my belief that our

244
00:11:31,816 --> 00:11:34,777
legal system works best
when every person is heard

245
00:11:34,777 --> 00:11:37,321
and treated fairly
and with dignity.

246
00:11:37,321 --> 00:11:39,615
I am running for
Seattle Municipal Court

247
00:11:39,615 --> 00:11:42,243
because I believe courts
should be fair, thoughtful,

248
00:11:42,243 --> 00:11:44,412
and grounded in the real
lives of people who come

249
00:11:44,412 --> 00:11:45,162
before them.

250
00:11:45,663 --> 00:11:48,124
Every person who enters
the courtroom deserves

251
00:11:48,124 --> 00:11:50,543
careful consideration and
equal treatment under

252
00:11:50,543 --> 00:11:51,127
the law.

253
00:11:51,127 --> 00:11:54,338
I also believe strongly 
in access to justice.

254
00:11:54,338 --> 00:11:56,841
For many people,
municipal court is the

255
00:11:56,841 --> 00:11:59,176
first and sometimes only
interaction with the

256
00:11:59,176 --> 00:11:59,969
legal system.

257
00:11:59,969 --> 00:12:02,430
It should be a place
where people understand

258
00:12:02,430 --> 00:12:05,766
what's happening, where
language access is prioritized,

259
00:12:05,766 --> 00:12:08,227
and where everyone is
treated with respect

260
00:12:08,227 --> 00:12:10,563
regardless of their
background or circumstances.

261
00:12:10,563 --> 00:12:12,398
My name is Lindsay
Calkins and I would be

262
00:12:12,398 --> 00:12:13,607
honored to have your vote.

263
00:12:15,651 --> 00:12:18,571
-Hi, I'm Garmon Newsom II
and I'm proud to be running

264
00:12:18,571 --> 00:12:21,490
for Seattle Municipal Court
Judge, Position Five.

265
00:12:21,490 --> 00:12:23,492
I'm grateful to be
endorsed by Judge

266
00:12:23,492 --> 00:12:26,162
Willie Gregory to succeed
him in this position.

267
00:12:26,162 --> 00:12:27,705
I'm the son of an auto worker

268
00:12:27,705 --> 00:12:28,706
and an immigrant.

269
00:12:28,706 --> 00:12:30,374
My parents taught me the value

270
00:12:30,374 --> 00:12:33,753
of hard work, integrity, and
the importance of giving back.

271
00:12:33,753 --> 00:12:35,671
I've carried those
values with me

272
00:12:35,671 --> 00:12:38,966
while volunteering as a mentor,
coach, and King County Ethics

273
00:12:38,966 --> 00:12:40,217
Board member.

274
00:12:40,468 --> 00:12:43,137
We need judges who who
have broad experience,

275
00:12:43,137 --> 00:12:45,806
sound judgment, and a deep
commitment to access,

276
00:12:45,806 --> 00:12:47,141
fairness, and dignity.

277
00:12:47,141 --> 00:12:49,393
I've dedicated my
career to these ideals,

278
00:12:49,393 --> 00:12:51,729
which have prepared me
well to be your judge.

279
00:12:53,063 --> 00:12:56,066
I'm proud to be the only
candidate with more than 30

280
00:12:56,066 --> 00:12:59,862
years of experience handling
criminal and civil litigation.

281
00:12:59,862 --> 00:13:02,573
For 12 years, I tried
misdemeanors and felonies and

282
00:13:02,573 --> 00:13:05,910
helped victims obtain safe
shelter, support, and resources.

283
00:13:05,910 --> 00:13:08,913
And for more than two decades
as a civil litigator, I

284
00:13:08,913 --> 00:13:12,291
tried personal injury cases,
land use, and other matters.

285
00:13:12,291 --> 00:13:15,669
And as the Burien City Attorney,
I increased the public defense

286
00:13:15,669 --> 00:13:18,506
budget and secured grants
to enhance public defense

287
00:13:18,506 --> 00:13:19,840
and hire social workers.

288
00:13:19,840 --> 00:13:22,593
I've been a King County
District Court Pro Tem

289
00:13:22,593 --> 00:13:26,430
Judge and now a Seattle
Municipal Court Pro Tem Judge.

290
00:13:26,430 --> 00:13:29,600
I became a lawyer to fight
inequities, ensure fairness,

291
00:13:29,600 --> 00:13:31,435
and improve the justice system.

292
00:13:31,435 --> 00:13:34,772
And I'll continue doing so as
a judge while also ensuring

293
00:13:34,772 --> 00:13:37,566
that people have a chance
to access legal services,

294
00:13:37,566 --> 00:13:39,318
treatment, and support.

295
00:13:39,318 --> 00:13:41,570
I'll work with community
partners to break cycles of

296
00:13:41,570 --> 00:13:44,490
violence, addiction, and
repeated system involvement

297
00:13:44,490 --> 00:13:48,786
and advocate for meaningful
alternatives to incarceration

298
00:13:48,786 --> 00:13:51,747
to advance a justice system
that works for everyone.

299
00:13:51,747 --> 00:13:54,458
I'm endorsed by retired
Washington State Supreme

300
00:13:54,458 --> 00:13:57,461
Court Justice Mary Yu, the
32nd District Democrats, and

301
00:13:57,461 --> 00:14:00,548
more King County and Seattle
Municipal Court judges than

302
00:14:00,548 --> 00:14:02,049
any candidate in this race.

303
00:14:02,049 --> 00:14:05,636
I'm rated exceptionally well
qualified by the Latina/Latino

304
00:14:05,636 --> 00:14:08,848
Bar Association and Joint
Asian Bar Association.

305
00:14:08,848 --> 00:14:11,058
I would be honored
to earn your vote.

306
00:14:11,058 --> 00:14:11,433
Thank you.

307
00:14:13,352 --> 00:14:15,145
-Hello, my name is
Gabe Rothstein.

308
00:14:15,145 --> 00:14:17,481
I'm running for judge in
Seattle Municipal Court.

309
00:14:17,481 --> 00:14:20,484
I've lived on Capitol
Hill since 2003.

310
00:14:20,484 --> 00:14:23,070
I've been an advocate for
the poor and underserved

311
00:14:23,070 --> 00:14:24,446
for over 20 years.

312
00:14:24,446 --> 00:14:27,575
I started as a public
defender in 2005, a job

313
00:14:27,575 --> 00:14:29,159
I still proudly hold.

314
00:14:29,159 --> 00:14:31,579
My career has been dedicated
to advocating for real

315
00:14:31,579 --> 00:14:34,915
people, working with
them, fighting for them,

316
00:14:34,915 --> 00:14:36,750
and understanding what it's
like to fight for your

317
00:14:36,750 --> 00:14:40,379
freedom in an often hostile
criminal justice system.

318
00:14:40,379 --> 00:14:43,465
I believe that judges need to
be patient and compassionate,

319
00:14:43,465 --> 00:14:45,301
but also decisive.

320
00:14:45,301 --> 00:14:47,511
People and justice deserve that.

321
00:14:47,511 --> 00:14:50,514
Being a public defender is
my full-time job, but also

322
00:14:50,514 --> 00:14:52,266
I work as a pro tem judge.

323
00:14:52,266 --> 00:14:53,851
A pro tem judge is
similar to a substitute

324
00:14:53,851 --> 00:14:56,103
teacher, just for judges.

325
00:14:56,103 --> 00:14:57,980
Additionally, I'm the
chair of the Washington

326
00:14:57,980 --> 00:15:00,941
State Bar Association
Character and Fitness Board.

327
00:15:00,941 --> 00:15:02,860
And on nights and weekends,
I take calls from

328
00:15:02,860 --> 00:15:05,863
Youth Access to Counsel,
so children can talk to

329
00:15:05,863 --> 00:15:09,158
lawyers before being
interrogated by police officers.

330
00:15:09,158 --> 00:15:11,368
I'm also on the board of
directors of the Home

331
00:15:11,368 --> 00:15:13,662
and Recovery Center,
an inpatient substance

332
00:15:13,662 --> 00:15:15,039
abuse facility.

333
00:15:15,039 --> 00:15:17,791
I believe strongly in treatment,
in the accountability

334
00:15:17,791 --> 00:15:20,294
that comes with recovery,
I believe in redemption,

335
00:15:20,294 --> 00:15:22,671
and I certainly believe
in second chances.

336
00:15:22,671 --> 00:15:25,257
If I've learned anything from
my work with substance abuse,

337
00:15:25,257 --> 00:15:28,886
the opposite of addiction is
not sobriety, but connection.

338
00:15:28,886 --> 00:15:31,305
Connection with friends,
family, and loved ones.

339
00:15:31,680 --> 00:15:32,264
Community!

340
00:15:33,015 --> 00:15:36,185
I'm dedicated to serving the
public interest, something

341
00:15:36,185 --> 00:15:37,686
I would continue as a judge.

342
00:15:38,103 --> 00:15:40,773
Even before becoming a public
defender, I volunteered at

343
00:15:40,773 --> 00:15:44,151
the Housing Justice Project
and Unemployment Law Project,

344
00:15:44,151 --> 00:15:47,112
helping Seattleites fight
eviction and advocating for

345
00:15:47,112 --> 00:15:48,781
their unemployment benefits.

346
00:15:48,781 --> 00:15:51,659
Working in the public
interest is a family value.

347
00:15:51,659 --> 00:15:54,078
My mother was a social
worker in Harlem before

348
00:15:54,078 --> 00:15:56,789
going into private practice
as a psychotherapist.

349
00:15:56,789 --> 00:16:00,000
My father worked as an educator
for 35 years in public

350
00:16:00,000 --> 00:16:01,669
schools in the South Bronx.

351
00:16:01,669 --> 00:16:04,088
I was an EMT in high school
and volunteered for my

352
00:16:04,088 --> 00:16:05,881
local ambulance squad.

353
00:16:05,881 --> 00:16:08,258
I very much hope to be
the kind of judge my

354
00:16:08,258 --> 00:16:09,760
parents will be proud of.

355
00:16:09,760 --> 00:16:10,302
Thank you.

356
00:16:11,804 --> 00:16:14,223
♪♪

357
00:16:14,348 --> 00:16:18,060
-Seattle Proposition 1,
property tax levy for 

358
00:16:18,060 --> 00:16:20,562
The Seattle Public Library.

359
00:16:20,562 --> 00:16:24,024
Seattle Proposition 1, which
would replace an expiring

360
00:16:24,024 --> 00:16:27,653
library services levy,
if approved, is expected

361
00:16:27,653 --> 00:16:36,203
to raise approximately
$479,760,000 over seven years.

362
00:16:36,203 --> 00:16:39,707
Money from this levy would
fund investments in library

363
00:16:39,707 --> 00:16:43,252
operating hours and access,
collections, technology,

364
00:16:43,252 --> 00:16:45,504
maintenance, and administration.

365
00:16:46,547 --> 00:16:50,217
The Executive Director and
Chief Librarian and the Library

366
00:16:50,217 --> 00:16:54,096
Board shall provide an annual
progress report to the Mayor

367
00:16:54,096 --> 00:16:59,476
and City Council from 2028
to 2034 to account for levy

368
00:16:59,476 --> 00:17:04,398
spending and delivery of library
services identified in Section 6

369
00:17:04,398 --> 00:17:08,569
of Ordinance No. 127419.

370
00:17:09,445 --> 00:17:12,406
If the proposition
passes, property owners’

371
00:17:12,406 --> 00:17:16,618
taxes would increase by
approximately 23 cents per

372
00:17:16,618 --> 00:17:20,247
$1,000 of assessed value.

373
00:17:20,247 --> 00:17:25,711
The maximum rate of the total
Seattle levy is $3.14 per

374
00:17:25,711 --> 00:17:28,797
$1,000 of assessed value.

375
00:17:28,797 --> 00:17:33,302
If passed, this property tax
would be collected beginning

376
00:17:33,302 --> 00:17:37,681
in 2027 and ending in 2033.

377
00:17:38,182 --> 00:17:44,271
RCW 84.36.381 exempts
qualified senior citizens,

378
00:17:44,271 --> 00:17:48,108
disabled persons, and
veterans with disabilities

379
00:17:48,108 --> 00:17:51,236
from paying all or a portion
of this property tax.

380
00:17:52,946 --> 00:17:56,075
To see how a proposed
property tax levy anywhere

381
00:17:56,075 --> 00:17:59,244
in King County will affect
your taxes or possibly

382
00:17:59,244 --> 00:18:03,332
your rent, check out the
King County Assessor's

383
00:18:03,332 --> 00:18:07,920
Tax Transparency Tool at
kingcounty.gov/assessor.

384
00:18:09,046 --> 00:18:11,256
Click on the link
for Localscape.

385
00:18:11,256 --> 00:18:14,593
Click on "My Property" to enter
 your residence address,

386
00:18:14,593 --> 00:18:17,596
then click on the 
tab to view proposed

387
00:18:17,596 --> 00:18:20,766
taxes. The tool will
show the estimated

388
00:18:20,766 --> 00:18:24,770
difference in the taxes you
will pay should the levy pass.

389
00:18:24,770 --> 00:18:27,815
If you have questions
about whether the property tax

390
00:18:27,815 --> 00:18:32,319
exemption in Seattle Proposition
1 applies to you, contact

391
00:18:32,319 --> 00:18:34,530
the King County Assessor.

392
00:18:37,783 --> 00:18:39,868
-Seattle's public libraries
are some of the most

393
00:18:39,868 --> 00:18:42,746
trusted and treasured
spaces in our community.

394
00:18:42,746 --> 00:18:45,666
They're the foundation of
an affordable, literate,

395
00:18:45,666 --> 00:18:46,792
and welcoming city.

396
00:18:46,792 --> 00:18:49,586
At a time of nationwide
attacks on education and

397
00:18:49,586 --> 00:18:53,382
information, they stand for
something fundamental: free and

398
00:18:53,382 --> 00:18:55,884
equal access to
knowledge for everyone.

399
00:18:55,884 --> 00:18:58,178
To protect and expand
these vital resources,

400
00:18:58,178 --> 00:19:01,390
we must vote yes on
Proposition 1, the library

401
00:19:01,390 --> 00:19:05,310
levy that provides more than
one-third of library funding.

402
00:19:05,310 --> 00:19:08,397
Seattle is one of the fastest
growing cities in the country,

403
00:19:08,397 --> 00:19:10,482
and our libraries must
be able to keep up with

404
00:19:10,482 --> 00:19:11,900
our changing needs.

405
00:19:12,234 --> 00:19:16,029
Proposition 1 invests in the
collections, programs, services,

406
00:19:16,029 --> 00:19:19,867
and spaces that we and our
neighbors rely on every day.

407
00:19:19,867 --> 00:19:22,286
The levy ensures that
our libraries can meet

408
00:19:22,286 --> 00:19:24,830
the increased demand and
rising costs of books,

409
00:19:24,830 --> 00:19:28,208
especially the digital books
that are more popular than ever.

410
00:19:28,208 --> 00:19:30,752
It expands free learning
programs for children

411
00:19:30,752 --> 00:19:33,463
and families, immigrants
and refugees, seniors,

412
00:19:33,463 --> 00:19:37,176
and people who may not have
other ways to access technology

413
00:19:37,176 --> 00:19:38,760
or educational support.

414
00:19:38,760 --> 00:19:41,180
It ensures that aging
library buildings are

415
00:19:41,180 --> 00:19:44,558
maintained and upgraded,
improving seismic safety,

416
00:19:44,558 --> 00:19:46,977
accessibility, and
energy efficiency at our

417
00:19:46,977 --> 00:19:49,563
neighborhood branches
and at our iconic

418
00:19:49,563 --> 00:19:51,648
Central Library Downtown.

419
00:19:51,648 --> 00:19:53,901
Libraries are essential
for everyone.

420
00:19:53,901 --> 00:19:56,862
Thanks to Proposition
1, all of us can access

421
00:19:56,862 --> 00:19:59,740
trusted information,
explore new ideas, and

422
00:19:59,740 --> 00:20:03,035
feel welcome regardless of
our background or income.

423
00:20:03,035 --> 00:20:06,622
This measure replaces the
expiring 2019 levy and would

424
00:20:06,622 --> 00:20:10,876
cost the average homeowner
about $9 more per month.

425
00:20:10,876 --> 00:20:13,587
Tax exemptions are
available for seniors and

426
00:20:13,587 --> 00:20:15,214
people with disabilities.

427
00:20:15,214 --> 00:20:17,841
The Library Board ensures
levy dollars are spent

428
00:20:17,841 --> 00:20:21,595
properly and provides regular
reports to the public.

429
00:20:21,595 --> 00:20:25,015
Proposition 1 is supported by
library workers, community

430
00:20:25,015 --> 00:20:28,727
organizations, civic leaders,
and neighbors across Seattle.

431
00:20:28,727 --> 00:20:33,357
Please join us to vote yes
on Proposition 1 by August 4th

432
00:20:33,357 --> 00:20:36,068
for Seattle's libraries.

433
00:20:36,068 --> 00:20:49,164
♪♪

434
00:20:51,875 --> 00:20:55,128
-You've just seen all the video
statements recorded by the

435
00:20:55,128 --> 00:20:58,257
candidates that will appear
on the Seattle Primary

436
00:20:58,257 --> 00:21:00,008
Election Ballots.

437
00:21:00,008 --> 00:21:03,345
We will produce another Video
Voters’ Guide for candidates

438
00:21:03,345 --> 00:21:07,015
who advance to the
November General Election.

439
00:21:07,015 --> 00:21:10,727
For King County candidates and
issues, watch the King County

440
00:21:10,727 --> 00:21:13,689
version of the
Video Voters’ Guide.

441
00:21:13,689 --> 00:21:16,817
This program is a collaboration
of the Seattle Ethics

442
00:21:16,817 --> 00:21:20,195
and Elections Commission,
the Seattle Channel,

443
00:21:20,195 --> 00:21:21,780
and King County TV.

444
00:21:22,781 --> 00:21:25,826
This will be a
vote-by-mail election.

445
00:21:25,826 --> 00:21:29,204
Ballots will be sent to
all registered voters.

446
00:21:29,204 --> 00:21:32,416
Look for your ballot in
the mail after July 15th

447
00:21:32,416 --> 00:21:37,546
and vote and return it on or
before Tuesday, August 4th.

448
00:21:37,546 --> 00:21:41,133
Remember to sign the envelope
with your voted ballot.

449
00:21:41,133 --> 00:21:43,927
To learn about accessible
voting options, go to

450
00:21:43,927 --> 00:21:49,057
kingcounty.gov/elections.
You can track the progress

451
00:21:49,057 --> 00:21:52,561
of your ballot online
and find the location of

452
00:21:52,561 --> 00:21:55,564
drop boxes by visiting
King County Elections at

453
00:21:55,564 --> 00:21:59,276
kingcounty.gov/elections.

454
00:21:59,276 --> 00:22:04,531
Remember to check out Localscape
at kingcounty.gov/assessor

455
00:22:04,531 --> 00:22:07,951
to learn how a property
tax levy on the ballot will

456
00:22:07,951 --> 00:22:09,911
affect your property tax.

457
00:22:09,911 --> 00:22:13,540
Ballots must be
postmarked by August 4th.

458
00:22:13,582 --> 00:22:14,666
Thank you for joining us.

459
00:22:15,834 --> 00:22:19,296
We'd like to hear from you
about the Video Voters’ Guide.

460
00:22:19,296 --> 00:22:21,631
To comment on this
guide, please call

461
00:22:21,631 --> 00:22:30,349
206-684-8500 or email us at
ethicsandelections@seattle.gov.

462
00:22:30,724 --> 00:22:35,771
♪♪
