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August 16, 2011 Primary Election
City of Seattle Offices and Ballot Issues
Written and Video Statements for Each Candidate and Ballot Issue:
Seattle City Council Position 1
Seattle City Council Position 9
Seattle Referendum 1
or Click Links To Each Race on Right →
Video Voters' Guide
Pick and Choose your Videos:
Click Links To Each Race →
Or Watch the Whole Thing:
at The Seattle Channel
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City of Seattle Ballots only
Full King County Pamphlet
Other Offices and Ballot Issues
on City of Seattle ballots
Information on candidates for these offices,
Court of Appeals, Division No. 1,
District No. 1, Judge Position No. 2
King County Council District No. 8
Seattle School District Director
Districts 1,2,3 and 6
Can be found at the:
King County Elections'
Candidate Voters' Guide
Information on this ballot issue
King County Proposition No. 1 - Veterans and Human Services Levy
Can be found at the:
King County Elections'
Ballot Issue Voters' Guide
Seattle City Council Candidates
City Council Positions on the ballot in the Primary:
City Council Position 1 (Godden)
City Council Position 9 (Clark)
City Council Positions on the ballot in the November 8, 2011 General Election:
City Council Position 3 (Harrell)
City Council Position 5 (Rasmussen)
City Council Position 7 (Burgess)
if there are only one or two declared candidacies for a position there is no Primary.
Information on all registered City Council campaigns can be found on our:
2011 Campaigns page
Seattle Ballot Issues in the
November 8, 2011 General Election
The Families and Education Levy will be on this year's general election ballot:
Families and Education Levy - Council Bill 117103
Other Local Ballot Issues may still be added to this year's General Election ballots.
For information on campaigns promoting or opposing this year's ballot issues, please check out our:
2011 Campaigns page
Seattle Mayoral Candidates and Campaigns
The next regularly scheduled election for Seattle Mayor is in 2013.
The next regularly scheduled election for Seattle City Attorney is also in 2013.
Information on all registered campaigns for Mayor and City Attorney can be found on our:
2013 Campaigns page
Voting and Ballot FAQs
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What is the registration deadline?
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Contact King County Elections
State and Federal Offices and Ballot Issues
There are no regularly scheduled elections for State or Federal Offices in 2011. One Appeals Court Judge position will be on the ballot in 2011.
Seattle voters will see statewide ballot issues on their General Election ballot in November, 2011. You can find out more at the:
Secretary of State's website
Voters' Guide Deadlines
Running for City office? Promoting or opposing a Ballot Issue? Here are the:
Rules and deadlines for participating
in the Seattle Voters' Guide.
Voter Registration, Polling Places & Absentee Ballots
King County Records & Elections administers the voting process for Seattle City Offices and City Ballot Issues. All inquiries regarding the following subjects should be directed to them:
Links are here...
King County Records and Elections
Another source of information on this subject is the Washington Secretary of State, they can be found at...
The Seattle Ethics & Elections Commission is responsible for administering Campaign Finance regulations and the Voters' Pamphlet for Seattle campaigns, not the actual voting process.
Seattle Form of Government
Seattle is a Charter City with a Mayor-Council form of government. The Mayor is directly elected by the voters and most executive departments report to the Mayor. There are nine City Councilmembers, all of whom are elected at-large. The only other elected position is the City Attorney, who is also elected at-large. The regular term of all offices is four years.
Candidates for these offices must be U.S. Citizens, registered voters in the City of Seattle at the time they file their declaration of candidacy, and able to read and write the English language.
All City office elections are non-partisan, which means the top two vote-getters in the primary election are placed on the general election ballot. This is true regardless of whether or not one candidate received a majority of the primary vote. If two people or less file declarations of candidacy for any of these offices, that office does not appear on the primary election ballot, but does appear on the general election ballot. Parties do not nominate candidates to appear on the ballot and the ballots do not identify the candidates by party. Parties can and do endorse and support certain candidates, but play no other role in nominating candidates or determining who is placed on the primary or general election ballot.
Ballot issues may appear on your ballot in the primary, general or special election. Those issues are decided in the election where they appear.
Districts, Wards and Precincts
The offices of Mayor, City Attorney and City Council are all elected at-large in Seattle, there are no districts or wards.
To see Federal and State Legislative District maps, and Voting Precinct maps:
City Council Pos. 1
Click on a candidate to view
their statement →
Seattle City Council Position 1 will appear on the Primary Election Ballot August 16, 2011. The incumbent is Jean Godden.
Or click on another race to see those statements →
City Council Pos. 1
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Maurice Classen |
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Video Voters' Guide Statement
Written Voters' Guide Statement
Maurice Classen: New Leadership; Shared Values
I am a Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, small business owner, and teacher at the University of Washington School of Law. I'm running for City Council because I believe that to reach our potential as a city we need new leaders, new vision, and new ideas rooted in our shared Seattle values.
We are a forward-thinking, innovative community – on the forefront of technology, aerospace, clean energy and home to world-class research and higher education. We value our diversity, small businesses, distinctive neighborhoods, and natural environment. I'm proud to call Seattle home.
A Personal Commitment to Victims and Families
As a prosecutor on domestic violence and sex assault cases, I have earned the respect and support of victim advocates and families. I oppose the Mayor’s efforts to cut advocates for these crimes, and will work to ensure funding for these vital services.
For me, protecting crime victims—especially women and children— is personal as well as professional. I lost my mother to an act of domestic violence, and have dedicated my career—a commitment to protecting the vulnerable —to her memory.
New Energy and a Positive Vision
On the Council, I will champion realistic solutions that set us on a path to sustainability, prosperity, and equality without slashing funding to meet budgets.
Maurice Classen: Leadership We Need Now!
I have a passion for keeping Seattle a place for families—a safe, affordable city with great schools, transit-friendly business districts, and strong neighborhoods.
I’m proudly endorsed by the King County Democrats, 43rd District Democrats, 36th District Democrats, Judy Maleng and hundreds more!
This statement was provided by the candidate, who is solely responsible for the contents therein.
City Council Pos. 1
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Bobby Forch |
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Video Voters' Guide Statement
Written Voters' Guide Statement
I’m running for Seattle City Council because our city government needs to do a better job getting results.
I started out twenty years ago as a laborer putting in parking meters and painting crosswalks. I worked my way up to become the city’s public works contracting manager administering over $100 million in public works projects. Throughout my career, I’ve worked to ensure equity and fairness in the city’s contracting process to create more opportunities for small and local businesses. I’m ready to bring those same values to the City Council.
My priorities have been shaped by my unique background as a small business owner and advocate, and experience working within government.
I am the only candidate who has worked within city government to create real, family wage jobs. We need to fight to ensure Seattle is always the economic engine of the northwest by working with our business leaders to ensure this is the best place in the northwest to own a business. We need to not only work with companies like Boeing and Microsoft but we need to work with our innovative smaller companies and individual small businesses too.
While some on the City Council have waffled on council oversight of our police, I've worked on a detailed plan to renew trust between our neighborhoods and our police officers. My plan includes better communication training, setting up an anonymous complaint hotline, and putting a civilian on the Firearms Review Board. You can read the full plan at www.bobbyforch.com/police-plan.
I am also the only candidate with real experience working on transportation projects and will prioritize fixing potholes quickly, synchronizing streetlights and providing more transportation choices.
I’ve helped our small businesses. I’ve made city government work smarter. I’ve championed our city’s kids. I believe I have the experience and proven record of results to hit the ground running as your next Seattle City Councilmember.
I’ve lived in Seattle’s Central District for over twenty years with my wife and son. I’ve been a board member for Northwest Children’s Fund and am a current member of the 37th District Democrats. I’m endorsed by King County Democrats, the 34th District Democrats, 36th District Democrats, 37th District Democrats, 46th District Democrats, Laborers Local 440, King County Councilmember Larry Gossett, Port Commissioner Rob Holland, Rep. Eric Pettigrew and Rep. Zack Hudgins. I am committed to ensuring Seattle continues to be a world-class city.
This statement was provided by the candidate, who is solely responsible for the contents therein.
City Council Pos. 1
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Jean Godden |
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Video Voters' Guide Statement
Written Voters' Guide Statement
You’ve known me as a longtime journalist, your City Councilmember for the past seven years, and more recently as the Budget Chair empowered to balance our city’s budget. Through the toughest recession in recent history, we managed to prioritize public safety – and restore other services you value most like domestic violence prevention, community health clinics, and libraries. Unlike other communities, Seattle’s budget was handled fairly and respectfully.
One accomplishment of which I am very proud is bringing jobs to Seattle. I personally negotiated with Frank Russell Company to close the deal on their move to Seattle, delivering hundreds of jobs that would have gone to Chicago if I had not been involved. Endorsed by Martin Luther King County Labor Council and Seattle Firefighters.
I’m an unapologetic, driven environmentalist who chaired the council committee when Seattle City Light became the first carbon neutral utility in the country. Endorsed by Washington Conservation Voters.
I expanded public access to city information – especially the budget – and brought our budget hearings into neighborhoods all over town. Endorsed by King County Democrats.
As one of only three women on the Seattle City Council, I have continually worked for women’s equality by making sure homeless women and children are protected, domestic violence programs are funded, and trafficking of women is aggressively addressed. Endorsed by Washington State Women’s Political Caucus.
I am for the deep bore tunnel and want to move on from this 10-year-old debate and fix the Viaduct. I am a friend of local business and our Chamber, but disagree with them when necessary to ensure fair taxation and fees. Endorsed by King County Realtors.
My commitment to you is to tell you the truth about our budget, proposed cuts, and revenue forecasts, even if they hurt. We are slowly making our way through this debilitating recession, and I will work hard not to take any more money out of your pockets unless it affects our immediate public health and safety, transportation, or the environment.
Though the recession lingers on, we need to be striving towards being a better, more inclusive city. I love this city, and as a reporter and now your City Councilmember, I work seven days a week, visiting our neighborhoods and listening to people about how we can be a better Seattle.
I’m Jean Godden … still reporting to you.
I humbly ask for your vote.
This statement was provided by the candidate, who is solely responsible for the contents therein.
City Council Pos. 1
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Michael Taylor-Judd |
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Video Voters' Guide Statement
Written Voters' Guide Statement
I am the only candidate in the Primary opposed to the fiscally irresponsible Deep Bore Tunnel proposal. Data from the State, County and City Departments of Transportation tell us the tunnel will be a certain failure without $190 million in increased transit funding and a workable tolling mechanism. This project must be fixed or stopped.
I am running for City Council because I am frustrated with political leaders who support our shared values in private, but fail to stand up for us when in office. I’m frustrated with leaders who refuse to make tough decisions and deal honestly with Seattle citizens. And I’m frustrated with politicians who retreat in the face of big money and insider deals. I will fight hard for our shared values.
Short-sighted decision making has costs. No one can say who will pay for the necessary street improvements to handle the 45,000-plus vehicles that will flood Downtown streets as a result of the Deep Bore Tunnel. Our elected officials don’t care that regular citizens cannot afford $4 tolls each way. How much more will they cut funding for our remaining community centers, libraries, parks and dwindling social services?
As your Councilmember, I will advocate for an efficient and equitable transportation system that serves the needs of all users. I will fight for affordable housing and thriving urban neighborhoods. And I will promote neighborhood safety through a more effective relationship with Seattle Police.
I will work for quality K-12 education and equal access to tools and resources for all students and families. I strongly support the renewal of our Families and Education Levy.
My background as the manager of a non-profit healthcare foundation, and my 10-plus years of political involvement and volunteer work in Seattle have prepared me to be your Councilmember. I’ve walked door-to-door for health care reform, served as a PCO and local Democratic leader, campaigned successfully for LGBT rights, and won increased transit for Seattle neighborhoods.
My campaign is about you. I believe everyday voters are just as important as well-connected donors. I believe all citizens have the right to access their elected leaders to share ideas and concerns. Every citizen deserves a response. As your Councilmember, I promise you this basic respect.
To see a list of the wide range of community organizations and individuals supporting my campaign, please visit my website at www.ElectMichaelTaylor.com.
I respectfully ask for your vote.
This statement was provided by the candidate, who is solely responsible for the contents therein.
City Council Pos. 1
Click on a candidate to view
their statement →
Seattle City Council Position 9 will appear on the Primary Election Ballot August 16, 2011. The incumbent is Sally Clark.
Or click on another race to see those statements →
City Council Pos. 9
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Sally Clark |
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Video Voters' Guide Statement
Written Voters' Guide Statement
Re-Elect Sally Clark: A Positive Vision
It is an honor to work for you on behalf of the city we love. Seattle has weathered the past few years better than many American cities. However, we have too many people out of work, too many vacant storefronts, and too many people in need of a meal and shelter. My priorities for the next four years will be job creation, building a mobility-focused transportation system with healthy transit, bike and pedestrian options, and keeping Seattle neighborhoods not just safe, but sought after for great small businesses, parks and housing for all.
I’ll work to position our city and our neighborhoods for a successful rebound by stretching tax dollars further and reprioritizing spending. I’d appreciate your vote!
Re-Elect Sally Clark: Serving Our Neighborhoods
Seattle’s acknowledged leader in serving our diverse, dynamic neighborhoods, Sally brings a commitment to listening and a focus on pragmatic solutions to the tough issues we face:
Smart Development: Sally strengthened the rules to curb mega-houses that dwarf neighbors in single-family areas; made it easier to remove derelict homes; improved energy efficiency in new construction.
Stronger Neighborhood Planning: Sally believes in community-driven neighborhood planning. The result: revitalization and investment in keeping with the character of our neighborhoods.
Protecting what we value: Sally believes we don’t have to trade character for economic growth. She works for historic preservation and revitalization in all neighborhoods, especially Pioneer Square and Pike Place Market.
Re-Elect Sally Clark: Protecting Businesses, Creating Jobs
Sally is committed to job creation and retention:
Vibrant Business Districts: Promoting development along light rail and bus routes, facilitating arts jobs, and fighting for effective transit, Sally is helping local business thrive.
Expanding Clean Jobs: Sally supports expansion of biotechnology and research jobs, worked to keep Children’s Hospital in Seattle, and advocates for middle class jobs at our Port.
Re-Elect Sally Clark: Protecting People
Sally has used innovation to expand and protect programs that serve the poor, our homeless neighbors and crime victims:
Protection from Predatory Lenders: To protect low-income people from high fees and interest rates, Sally launched a bank program that serves more than 40,000 people.
Preserving Human Services: Facing unprecedented cuts, Sally protected services for victims of domestic violence. Sally opened City Hall to serve as a winter homeless shelter and is the leading voice for affordable housing so families of all income levels can make a home in Seattle.
This statement was provided by the candidate, who is solely responsible for the contents therein.
City Council Pos. 9
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Dian Ferguson |
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Video Voters' Guide Statement
Written Voters' Guide Statement
Education
“DIAN FERGUSON: PROVEN LEADERSHIP”
Dian Ferguson is a leader who gets things done, and a former executive director of several nonprofits including SCAN-TV, the public access television station. Dian is a small business owner; the proud mom of Elliott, a recent college graduate, and worked as a senior advisor to Mayor Paul Schell. Dian served on the founding board of Town Hall, was a PTA President and is a past chair of NARAL Pro Choice Washington.
ARE YOU TIRED OF ENDLESS PROCESS?
Are you impatient with a city government that devotes endless meetings to "listening," and then ignores public sentiment anyway? Ten years ago, Barack Obama was an Illinois state senator, while in Seattle, we had the Nisqually Earthquake. Today, Obama is President and we’re still arguing about what to do about the Viaduct. It is incredible that it has taken ten years to decide how to replace a viaduct.
Are you tired of process that wastes time and costs money at the expense of efficiencies and basic needs being met? Dian will listen...to all Seattleites...and then she will act in a timely manner not bogged down by process.
A FOCUS ON WHAT MATTERS
Job creation....public safety and real police accountability....affordable housing for those making under $50,000, not favors for developers cashing in on tax breaks under the guise of affordable housing...maintaining a safety net in social services...better use of city education dollars...a business climate where small businesses can thrive….transportation solutions based on moving people and goods,..Dian Ferguson will provide a desperately needed voice on city council for Seattleites who can barely afford to live in Seattle, whose kids are not achieving academic success and for those who continue to remain unemployed. In the middle of the worst recession of our lives, the Seattle City Council should have a committee focused on bringing jobs here! Seattle continues to miss opportunities and is failing to reach our potential as a great city.
TIME FOR A NEW VOICE!
Endorsed by King County Council Chair Larry Gossett, Seattle School Board member Betty Patu, former City Council members Judy Nicastro and David Della, former state legislator Dawn Mason, Tsuguo “Ike” Ikeda, Lembhard Howell, Jeanne Legault, and thousands of citizens wanting to be heard.
This statement was provided by the candidate, who is solely responsible for the contents therein.
City Council Pos. 9
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Fathi Karshie |
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Video Voters' Guide Statement
Written Voters' Guide Statement
Fathi Karshie born in Ethiopia came to the US as a refugee. For most of his life he has lived in Seattle. He opted out of school at an early age in order to work and help sponsor his family left back in Africa. Though for the most part he worked as a janitor, Karshie’s first job was in a factory assembling auto parts. Karshie has also owned and operated small start-up companies. Currently he owns and operates a small paralegal business. In addition to being active with various communities, Karshie is also the Director of Global Aid Against Poverty an organization with international reach.
In the past Karshie has volunteered for various non-profit organizations in Seattle as wells as in other parts of the world. Karshie sees volunteer moments as learning moments. And as a volunteer he enjoys working in the background. However, he states that Occasions do call on those in the background to take charge of leadership roles. Seattle for him is in that moment.
Karshie has traveled to and even studied in other parts of the world and believes Seattle to be uniquely situated as cultural bridge to the rest of the world. His interests in civic and political issues extend to Culture and Language. Karshie speaks six African languages.
Karshie Strongly believes that he is well placed to contribute to Seattle’s vibrant and diverse cultural make up. Karshie is running for Seattle City Council to inject an independent outsider voice and to advance sustainable thriving economy, to make Seatle a better dwelling place for us all.
Karshie’s holds an BA in Political Science from university and a Law degree from university of Warwick.
This statement was provided by the candidate, who is solely responsible for the contents therein.
Referendum 1
CITY OF SEATTLE
REFERENDUM 1
The Seattle City Council passed Ordinance Number 123542 entering into agreements related to the Alaskan Way Viaduct replacement. Section 6 of that ordinance has been referred to the voters for approval or rejection.
Section 6, if approved, would authorize the City Council to give notice to proceed, beyond preliminary design work, with three agreements concerning the State’s proposal to replace the Alaskan Way Viaduct with a deep-bore tunnel. Section 6 states: “The City Council is authorized to decide whether to issue the notice referenced in Section 2.3 of each Agreement. That decision shall be made at an open public meeting held after issuance of the Final Environmental Impact Statement.” Should this ordinance section be:
Approved?
Rejected?
Referendum 1
EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
Alaskan Way Viaduct replacement agreements referendum measure
(Ord. 123542, Section 6)
1. Ordinance Number 123542, Section 6, and the referendum process
This ballot measure will neither approve nor reject the deep-bore tunnel as an alternative to replace the Alaskan Way Viaduct. Rather, as explained below, your vote will affect how the City Council will decide whether to proceed with current agreements on the deep-bore tunnel beyond preliminary design work, after environmental review is completed.
The Seattle City Council enacted Ordinance 123542 (the Ordinance) on February 28, 2011, accepting three agreements between the City of Seattle and the Washington State Department of Transportation (the State). The agreements relate to the City’s and the State’s preferred alternative to replace the Alaskan Way Viaduct along Seattle’s central waterfront with a deep-bore tunnel. The three agreements address utility design, utility relocation, property issues, environmental remediation, design review, permitting, and construction coordination. Construction of the proposed deep-bore tunnel is the subject of a separate contract between the State and a contractor. The City is not a party to that construction contract.
A sufficient number of Seattle voters signed referendum petitions to refer the Ordinance to a public vote. The King County Superior Court, however, determined that Section 6 of the Ordinance is subject to a public vote. The rest of the Ordinance, now in effect, accepts the agreements (Sections 1 and 2); authorizes the Clerk to sign the agreements (Section 3); directs the Mayor to see that the agreements are faithfully kept and performed (Section 4); provides that the agreements may only be amended as authorized by ordinance (Section 5); ratifies and confirms prior consistent acts (Section 7); and provides for an effective date (Section 8).
Section 6 of the Ordinance references an identical Section 2.3 in each of the three agreements currently in effect. Under Section 2.3 only preliminary design work is permitted before issuance of the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) and the federal Record of Decision (ROD). An FEIS provides an analysis of the environmental impact of a proposed action and reasonable alternatives to the proposed action. In its ROD, the Federal Highway Administration will select an alternative from the FEIS for purposes of federal funding. Section 2.3 specifies that the City Council will decide whether to issue the notices to proceed with work under the agreements beyond preliminary design work if the deep-bore tunnel alternative is selected. If the deep-bore tunnel alternative is not selected, the agreements terminate.
Section 6 authorizes the City Council to decide whether to issue the notice to proceed with work under the agreements at an open public meeting after issuance of the FEIS and ROD without passing another ordinance.
2. The law as it presently exists
The Ordinance accepted the three agreements regarding replacement of the Alaskan Way Viaduct. Section 6 of the Ordinance is suspended pending the results of this referendum. These agreements between the City of Seattle and the State are currently in effect as they relate to preliminary design work on the proposed deep-bore tunnel. The three agreements are available on the City’s website at: http://www.seattle.gov/leg/clerk/tunnelagreements.pdf
In order for the agreements to be effective beyond the preliminary design phase of the project, the following must occur: (i) the Federal Highway Administration must issue a ROD selecting the deep-bore tunnel; (ii) the State must issue a notice of its decision to proceed; and (iii) the City Council must issue a notice of its decision to proceed. After issuance of the federal ROD, the City Council may decide whether to proceed with these agreements. Under present law, the City Council has the authority to make this decision only by enacting another ordinance. An ordinance is subject to potential veto and potential referendum.
3. The effect of Ordinance 123542, Section 6, if approved by the voters
Section 6 would authorize the City Council to issue the notice to proceed with the agreements beyond the initial design phase without requiring an ordinance. A decision by the City Council to issue the notice must still be made at an open public meeting after issuance of the FEIS and the federal ROD.
4. The effect of this referendum vote
If a majority of voters casting ballots in this referendum vote to approve Section 6 of the Ordinance, it will become law, and the City Council would have the authority to decide to proceed with the agreements beyond the preliminary design phase of the project without enacting another ordinance.
If a majority of voters casting ballots in this referendum vote to reject Section 6 of the Ordinance, then it will not become law, the law will remain as it is now, and the City Council would have the authority to proceed with the agreements beyond preliminary design phase of the project only by enacting another ordinance, which would be subject to a potential veto and potential referendum.
Referendum 1
Video Voters' Guide Statement
It’s Time to Move Forward: APPROVE Referendum 1
Enough is enough. We all know the Alaskan Way Viaduct is dangerous and needs to be replaced.
For ten years, we’ve studied every conceivable option. As representatives of Pike Place Market, neighborhood businesses, and working families, we participated in many of these discussions, and we were happy to reach consensus with transportation engineers, citizen advisory panels, the Seattle City Council, King County Executive and Governor to move people and freight with a tunnel. Construction contracts have been awarded and work has begun—ahead of schedule and under budget. Why are we second-guessing this now?
The tunnel is the only option with funding from the state and the only option that keeps the Viaduct open during construction.
APPROVE Ref 1: We Cannot Afford More Delay, Broken Promises
We’ve talked about replacing the Viaduct longer than it took to fight WW II. Mayor Mike McGinn and other Ref 1 opponents use delay and obstruction to push their own agenda, which is to replace the Viaduct with nothing and force 110,000 cars on city streets and I-5, with no state money for transit or road improvements. What does this “surface option” means for you? More traffic, more delay, busses and freight caught in gridlock.
APPROVE Ref 1: To Hold Politicians Accountable
During his campaign, Mayor McGinn promised to NOT stand in the way of the tunnel but quickly broke his promise: creating legal and political paralysis. Mayor McGinn, with Tim Eyman’s support, worked to get Ref 1 on the ballot. Tell them to stop by approving Ref. 1.
APPROVE Ref 1: For Environmental Improvements on our Waterfront
The tunnel package includes bike and pedestrian investments, parks and open space, salmon habitat and storm water improvements that will protect the Sound.
APPROVE Ref 1: Progress over Endless Process
The text of Ref. 1 is confusing and voters have a right to be angry and impatient. Legal experts and reporters acknowledge it’s not an up-or-down vote on the tunnel. But we are at a crossroads: Either we reaffirm the progress we’ve made, or waste time and taxpayer money with more litigation. We urge you to APPROVE Ref. 1, and let’s move forward.
Carol M. Binder, former Executive Director, Pike Place Market
David Freiboth, Executive Secretary, M.L King County Labor Council
Patricia Mullen, President, West Seattle Chamber of Commerce
The tunnel is not a done deal. It's a bad plan, and we can stop it.
Imagine it was up to you to approve a $4.2 billion replacement of the Viaduct with the world’s largest tunnel, but the design included no downtown exits, cost hundreds of millions more than your budget, and stuck Seattle taxpayers with cost overruns.
You’d say, “There must be a better way.”
There is, and other options that have been largely ignored cost at least $1billion less than this luxury project.
Seattle’s healthy future depends on a practical solution that saves money for other priorities.
Instead of arguing the tolled tunnel’s merits, or addressing the project’s many serious problems, tunnel backers simply say we’re too far down the road to reconsider. They make this about personalities as opposed to facts, and say the vote doesn’t matter. Seattle, we are smarter than that.
REJECT Referendum 1.
Reject Referendum 1
Campaign Manager: Esther Handy, protectseattlenow@gmail.com, 206-913-3725
PO Box 17385, Seattle, WA 98127
www.protectseattlenow.org
Referendum 1
Video Voters' Guide Statement
Referendum 1 is your opportunity to tell the politicians to reject a tolled deep-bore tunnel replacement of the Alaskan Way Viaduct.
In Seattle, we consistently vote to spend our limited public dollars on things that align with our priorities and will create a better future for our city – things like parks, libraries, community centers, transit, families and education, housing, Pike Place Market, and fixing our streets – things we all use and value.
In the past, when politicians have tried to push through projects that don’t fit our priorities, like razing Pike Place Market or building an expressway through the Arboretum, we’ve come together as a city, rejected their plan and told them we deserve better.
In 2009, politicians cut a risky and expensive backroom deal to pursue a tolled tunnel under Seattle. In an economic downturn, they chose a Viaduct replacement option with no exits downtown, and a price tag one billion dollars more than other solutions. Since that day, they have refused to have a transparent conversation about the project or explain how they will address the project’s practical and financial failures.
The facts about the tolled tunnel are clear – it will:
The tolled tunnel is a terrible idea that does not align with our priorities. We can’t afford it, and it puts the future of our city at risk. That’s why the politicians fought so hard to prevent a vote on it – because they know that if the public knew the facts about the tolled tunnel, then we would once again come together as a city and demand a better solution.
Seattle deserves a solution for replacing the Alaskan Way Viaduct that we can afford, makes it easier to get around, improves transit service, and does not threaten our other, more important priorities. The most important step to a better solution is this vote, when we stand up to the politicians and reject Referendum 1.
Reject Referendum 1
Campaign Manager: Esther Handy, protectseattlenow@gmail.com, 206-913-3725
PO Box 17385, Seattle, WA 98127
www.protectseattlenow.org
The opponents of Ref. 1 say things that simply aren’t true. Here are the facts:
Let’s move forward: Approve Ref. 1
Carol M. Binder, former Executive Director, Pike Place Market
David Freiboth, Executive Secretary, M.L King County Labor Council
Patricia Mullen, President, West Seattle Chamber of Commerce
Referendum 1
AN ORDINANCE relating to the State Route 99 Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall Replacement Program; entering into certain agreements with the State of Washington as provided in RCW 39.34.080, RCW chapter 47.12, and other applicable law; and ratifying and confirming certain prior acts.
WHEREAS, in the 1950s, the City of Seattle and the Washington State Department of Transportation jointly designed and built the Alaskan Way Viaduct to accommodate passenger and freight mobility into the foreseeable future; and
WHEREAS, in 2001 the Nisqually earthquake damaged the Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall; and
WHEREAS, the Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall are at risk of sudden and catastrophic failure in an earthquake and are nearing the end of their useful lives; and
WHEREAS, various studies have determined that it is not fiscally responsible to retrofit the viaduct, and that retrofitting would cause significant construction impacts; and
WHEREAS, in March 2007, the Washington State Governor, the King County Executive, and the Mayor of Seattle pledged to advance a series of key State Route 99 projects (Moving Forward Projects) that will facilitate the removal and/or repair of key portions of SR 99, including the Yesler Way Vicinity Stabilization Project, Electrical Line Relocation, the SR 99 South Holgate Street to South King Street Viaduct Replacement Project, and Transit Enhancements and Other Improvements; and
WHEREAS, in 2008 the State and City agreed to guiding principles for replacing the Alaskan Way Viaduct: improve public safety; provide efficient movement of people and goods now and in the future; maintain or improve downtown Seattle, regional, Port of Seattle and state economies; enhance Seattle's waterfront, downtown and adjacent neighborhoods as a place for people; create solutions that are fiscally responsible; and improve the health of the environment; and
WHEREAS, in 2008 the State and the City considered feedback from 16 meetings of a stakeholder advisory committee made up of representatives from business, labor, environmental, and neighborhood interests, and more than one thousand public comments collected during quarterly public meetings and more than 50 community briefings; and
WHEREAS, in January 2009, the Governor of Washington, the Mayor of Seattle and the King County Executive jointly recommended replacing the Alaskan Way Viaduct with a bored tunnel beneath downtown Seattle; and
WHEREAS, the Washington State Legislature passed Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5768 and the Governor signed the bill into law designating and funding the preferred Bored Tunnel Program as the replacement for the Alaskan Way Viaduct, pending the completion of environmental review; and
WHEREAS, the proposed Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall Replacement (AWVSR) Program consists of a four-lane bored tunnel and improvements to City streets, the waterfront, and transit, and the Moving Forward Projects; and
WHEREAS, in October 2009, the City Council passed and the Mayor signed Ordinance Number: 123133, which established the Bored Tunnel Alternative as the City's preferred alternative and which authorized a memorandum of agreement between the State of Washington and the City of Seattle; and
WHEREAS, that agreement contemplated that the State and City would negotiate further agreements detailing the State and City's relative rights and responsibilities in the State highway project; and
WHEREAS, In August 2010, the City Council passed Resolution Number: 31235, which expressed the City Council's intent to authorize additional agreements with the State if:
1) The State awarded a contract consistent with the Draft Design- Build Contract;
2) The State demonstrated it could complete all elements of WSDOT's Program within the Program Budget;
3) The State provided the City with clear documentation identifying all changes between the Draft Design-Build Contract and the awarded construction contract; and
4) The State Legislature has not enacted legislation to overturn WSDOT's responsibility for Program costs, including cost overruns, as set out in the proposed agreements between the State and City; and
WHEREAS those conditions have been met; and,
WHEREAS Resolution 31235 also restated the City's policy that the State is solely responsible for all costs, including any cost overruns, related to implementing WSDOT's Program; and
WHEREAS the City and State have negotiated final versions of interlocal agreements, which are attached to this ordinance as Exhibit A, Attachments 1, 2 , and 3 ("The Agreements");
WHEREAS in a letter dated January 28, 2011, the State has offered to enter into the Agreements as legally binding contracts between the State and the City; and
WHEREAS the City's timely acceptance of the Agreements by enactment of this ordinance will protect the City's vital interests;
NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY OF SEATTLE AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. In a letter dated January 28, 2011, (Exhibit A to this Ordinance), the State of Washington has offered to enter into and be legally bound by the Agreements, in the form of Attachments 1, 2 and 3 to Exhibit A, if the City accepts the Agreements by ordinance as provided in RCW 39.34.080, Chapter RCW 47.12, and other applicable law. The Agreements" are:
1. MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT NO. GCA 6486, SR 99 ALASKAN WAY VIADUCT, PROPERTY, ENVIRONMENTAL REMEDIATION, DESIGN REVIEW, PERMITTING, AND CONSTRUCTION COORDINATION AGREEMENT FOR SR 99 BORED TUNNEL PROJECT, attached as Attachment 1 to Exhibit A;
2. MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT UT 01476 SR 99 ALASKAN WAY VIADUCT REPLACEMENT BORED TUNNEL PROJECT SPU FACILITIES WORK, attached as Attachment 2 to Exhibit A; and
3. MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT UT 01474 SR 99 ALASKAN WAY VIADUCT REPLACEMENT BORED TUNNEL PROJECT SCL FACILITIES WORK, attached as Attachment 3 to Exhibit A.
Section 2. Acceptance of the Agreements. By enacting this ordinance, the City of Seattle accepts the offer made by the State and agrees that the City shall be legally bound by the Agreements attached as Exhibit A, Attachments 1, 2, and 3. The Agreements, having been accepted by the legislative authority of the City of Seattle by this ordinance as provided in RCW 39.34.080, RCW Chapter 47.12, and other applicable law, shall be effective as of the effective date of this ordinance.
Section 3. Signature as a Ministerial Act. The City Clerk is authorized to sign the Agreements as a ministerial act evidencing the City's acceptance of the Agreements.
Section 4. As provided in Seattle City Charter Article V, Section 7, the Mayor shall see that the Agreements are faithfully kept and performed.
Section 5. Authority to Amend the Agreements. Section 30.4 of Exhibit A, Attachment 1 provides:
This Agreement including the definition of the PROJECT as more particularly described in the Project Description attached as Exhibit A may be amended only by a written instrument, duly authorized by the CITY and the STATE, and executed by their duly authorized representatives.
For purposes of Section 30.4, "duly authorized by the City" means expressly authorized by ordinance and the City's "duly authorized representative" means the person identified in that authorizing ordinance.
Section 6. The City Council is authorized to decide whether to issue the notice referenced in Section 2.3 of each Agreement. That decision shall be made at an open public meeting held after issuance of the Final Environmental Impact Statement.
Section 7. Any act consistent with the authority of this ordinance taken after the passage of this ordinance and prior to its effective date is hereby ratified and confirmed.
Section 8. This ordinance shall take effect and be in force thirty (30) days from and after its approval by the Mayor, but if not approved and returned by the Mayor within ten (10) days after presentation, it shall take effect as provided by Municipal Code Section 1.04.020.
Passed by the City Council the ____ day of _________, 20__, and signed by me in open session in authentication of its passage this _____ day of __________, 20__.
_________________________________
President __________of the City Council
Approved by me this ____ day of _________, 20__.
_________________________________
Michael McGinn, Mayor
Filed by me this ____ day of _________, 20__.
____________________________________
City Clerk
(Seal)
Exhibit A Letter from State of Washington to the City of Seattle dated January 28, 2011.
Attachments to Exhibit A:
1. MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT NO. GCA 6486 , SR 99 ALASKAN WAY VIADUCT, PROPERTY, ENVIRONMENTAL REMEDIATION, DESIGN REVIEW, PERMITTING, AND CONSTRUCTION COORDINATION AGREEMENT FOR SR 99 BORED TUNNEL PROJECT.
2. MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT UT 01476 SR 99 ALASKAN WAY VIADUCT REPLACEMENT BORED TUNNEL PROJECT SPU FACILITIES WORK.
3. MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT UT 01474 SR 99 ALASKAN WAY VIADUCT REPLACEMENT BORED TUNNEL PROJECT SCL FACILITIES WORK.