by Just 21 votes separate 34th Legislative District candidates Mike Heavey and Joe Fitzgibbon after a second day of counting ballots cast in the Aug. 17 primary election.
Fitzgibbon gained more than a hundred votes in the updated totals released by King County Elections on Wednesday afternoon (Aug. 18) to virtually erase Heavey’s slim election-night lead.
But whoever emerges as winner in this neck-in-neck race will walk away with little more than bragging rights. As the clear front runners, Heavy and Fitzgibbon, both Democrats, will advance beyond the top-two primary and face each other in the Nov. 2 general election.
Ballots cast by 27.49 percent of voters in the 34th Legislative District have been counted. Unreported is how many of its 75,415 registered voters mailed in ballots.
Heavey now has 33.43 percent of the vote, with Fitzgibbon at 33.32 percent. Independent Geoffrey “Mac” McElroy is at 18.47 percent, and Democrat Marcee Stone has 14.27 percent.
The two finalists seek to replace Sharon Nelson as state representative from Position 2. Nelson is unopposed in her move to the Senate, where she will replace former Sen. Joe McDermott. He easily won his contest for the King County Council and will face Diana Toledo in November.
Reached Wednesday morning (Aug. 18) by The B-Town Blog, Heavey reflected on his campaign that now has seven more weeks to go, noting, “I’ve been working since six months ago. There’s no rest for the weary.
“I’m very positive and I’m really humbled by all the support I got. It wasn’t a fluke. I did a lot of hard work from door belling to phone banking to visibility. It paid off.”
Fitzgibbon said “it’s just really gratifying to see all the hard work that we put in during the last five months paid off, and that our message has resonated with the voters of the district. I wouldn’t be surprised if I moved into the lead in the next day or so.”
Fitzgibbon has been a legislative assistant to Rep. Nelson, and also a King County Council legislative aide. He is chairman of the Burien Planning Commission, and was a member of the Burien Shoreline Advisory Committee.
Heavey is director of Outreach and Constituent Relations for the King County Council, focusing on public safety, crime and youth violence. Previously he worked at Expedia.com in fraud and identity theft prevention.
Despite their apparent similar positions on major issues that will confront the next Legislature, both say voters will have a clear choice.
Joe Fitzgibbon on election night. Photo by Mark Neuman.
“I think things look very good. People have known the Heavey name for years, and I have only gotten my name out in the last few months. If we keep doing what we’re doing, I’ll be in a strong position.
“Mike’s a good guy and has been working hard, but one of the big differences is that I have a track record of service to our communities. I’ve demonstrated a stronger grasp of the issues, a better grasp of what’s going on in state government for our communities.
“On most big issues, Mike and I have had similar positions. We differ on a matter of style. I hope that will come out in the fall campaign.”
Heavey:
Mike Heavey. Photo courtesy his website.
“I think the voters will have a clear choice come November. It will be my job to articulate those differences and it will be up to the voters to decide who they want to represent them in Olympia.
“On paper and in personality, there are some striking differences between us. I’m confident that at the end of the day, the voters will make that decision.
“The biggest issue is the state budget. The question is, do the residents of the 34th District want someone acting in the Legislature on behalf of all the citizens of the state, or acting for only a select few?”
Neither McElroy nor the Stone campaign returned calls from The B-Town Blog for comment.
After a second day of counting ballots cast in the Aug. 17 primary election, Joe McDermott maintains a lopsided lead in the King County Council race from District 8.
McDermott has almost 60 percent of the votes counted in the district with the release of updated totals by King County Elections on Wednesday afternoon (Aug. 18).
Diana Toledo at The B-Town Blog's Candidates Forum July 20th. Photo by Michael Brunk.
Diana Toledo appears headed for a second-place finish with 19.69 percent of the vote. The top two finishers qualify for the Nov. 2 general election ballot.
Normandy Park City Councilman and former mayor Shawn McEvoy is third with 13.14 percent of the vote. Tim Fahey, a South Park carpenter who based his campaign on getting a new bridge there, has 6.89 percent.
The totals for McDermott and McEvoy increased slightly, while those for Toledo and Fahey slipped a little – but all changes were well under 1 percent.
Ballots cast by 26.62 percent of voters in the district have been counted. Unreported is how many of its 109,557 registered voters mailed in ballots:
METROPOLITAN KING COUNTY COUNCIL DISTRICT NO. 8
Ballots Cast/Registered Voters: * 28,466 / 109,557 25.98%
County Council District No. 8 Unexpired 1-year Term
Diana Toledo 4,879 19.63%
Tim Fahey 1,711 6.89%
Joe McDermott 14,859 59.79%
Shawn McEvoy 3,265 13.14%
Write-in 136 0.55%
“I’m surprised with how high [his vote total] was,” McDermott told The B-Town Blog. “I thought I would place first, but had no idea it would be with numbers as high as I received last night. I’m very pleased.”
Toledo said she is “very excited and looking forward to working very hard over the next few months to close the gap [with McDermott] and to win in November. I’m encouraged by my numbers given the fact that I came into the race so late.”
If Toledo holds her primary position, which now appears likely, the election for this seat will take on a pivotal dimension for the King County Council despite the fact that she is a long shot.
McDermott, who has served 10 years in the Legislature, seven in the House and the last three in the Senate, will continue to run on his record as a liberal Democrat from West Seattle, which he points to with pride.
“I think voters will continue to have a strong choice and I look forward to continuing to knock on as many doors as I can and talk to as many voters as I can about transit and transport, environmental protection, human services and public safety, as I have thus far in the campaign,” he added.”
A political newcomer from West Seattle, Toledo, who worked for King County for 15 years, campaigned on conservative themes – government reform, reduce spending and taxes, cut waste, and public safety as the top priority.
She planned to hit the ground running the day after the primary to increase her visibility and “tell voters who I am and point out the differences between Joe and me. I have a lot of people supporting me and I believe that that number is going to grow.”
They are running to fill the council position vacated by Dow Constantine when he was elected county executive last year. The winner will serve one year, then must run for election to a full four-year term in 2011.
Both highlighted their opposing positions in interviews with The B-Town Blog.
Joe McDermott at our July 20th Candidates Forum. Photo by Michael Brunk.
McDermott:
“I’ve had the opportunity over the last 10 years to demonstrate my priorities and my values in my service in the Legislature. They have meshed well with the district I represented and they mesh well with the larger 8th County District. It is those priorities and those values that I took to the voters, asking them to support me in yesterday’s primary.
“Certainly the council positions are now non-partisan and I have a track record of working with a variety of people in Olympia and I look forward to continuing to do that if elected to the county council. At the same time, I think the voters have a right to know what my values and priorities are and a party label is an initial indicator of that to the public.”
Toledo:
“Shawn McEvoy ran a great race. I’m very honored that I have been able to make it through to the general election. I’m grateful for the support from all the people who believe in the issues that are part of my campaign – who want change in King County government, who want reform in King County government.
“We can’t afford politics as usual. We can’t sustain unsustainable budgets. King County cannot afford to continue the excesses of career politicians and career appointees whose policies have devastated our communities, a projected budget deficit of $60 million next year, with talk of sales and property taxes and the slashing of law enforcement positions. We have to protect our senior citizens who are being taxed out of their homes.”
Illustration by Michael Owsley.
Can Toledo win despite McDermott’s lead? “I have to. We’ve got too much to lose.”
But McEvoy isn’t ready to concede the race. “It’s going to be one of those multi-day adventures,” he said about the continuing vote count. Elections will continue to update results at 4:30 p.m. every weekday through Aug. 31.
“I’d rather be in second place, but I’m not that concerned. I’m looking forward the late vote during the rest of the week. That’s where I’ll swing back.”
He added, “My goal always was to be in second place in the primary. The race is still on. It’s the first turn of the horse race.”
Fahey expressed hope that the second posting of votes would improve his fortunes. With that apparently not in the cards, “Diana has my complete and absolute endorsement. I agree with her platform, she’s bright, and I’ll be delighted to have her as my councilman. I don’t think there is any way I can come close at this point, and I will campaign for her.”
He added, “I’m happy. We didn’t make it but I’m happy. I did something I never thought that I’d do … I will continue to work to see that a new bridge is built and that things like this don’t happen again. This is a silly way to run a government.”
King County Executive Dow Constantine’s office announced Wednesday (Aug. 18) that an independent board charged with advocating for state funding to improve freight mobility has made a preliminary recommendation to contribute up to $5 million toward construction of a new South Park Bridge.
This brings firm pledges of funding to a total of $95 million so far. The estimated cost of the project is $130.8 million.
The recommendation from the Project Selection Committee of the Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board (FMSIB) will be considered at the Board’s next meeting in September, for action during the next state legislative session.
“This latest funding recommendation dramatizes just how important a new South Park Bridge is to the economy and mobility of our region,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine. “On behalf of all the stakehers who have been working tirelessly to obtain funding for this bridge, I want to thank the Freight Mobility Board for its support and for moving us another step closer to the finish line.”
“The support of the Freight Mobility Board is greatly appreciated. It adds to the incredible momentum we’ve built with our partner agencies, stakeholders and the community to get this bridge rebuilt,” said Metropolitan King County Councilmember Jan Drago, who represents the South Park and Georgetown neighborhoods.
According to the statement:
The $5 million contribution approved by the FMSIB is the latest in a series of pledges from state and local governments over the past two months. The county estimates the cost of demolishing the old bridge and building a new structure to be more than $130 million. The county is about to submit its application for a federal TIGER II grant for the balance of the funding.
Meanwhile, county road engineers are moving forward with demolition and pre-construction work. Crews are currently in the process of removing vacant buildings on county-owned property adjacent to the bridge. The property will be needed to accommodate the staging of equipment and materials once construction begins on a new bridge. Crews will then prepare the bascule leaves for removal.
By Aug. 30 the Duwamish Waterway will be the scene of major activity as barges and a crane detach and remove the huge 225-ton leaves. This phase will likely require some nighttime work due to restrictions in closing the navigational waterway. The leaves will be barged to a remote site for further demolition and salvage.
The 81-year-old South Park Bridge has reached the end of its useful life and was closed earlier this summer for public safety. Engineers believe the bridge foundation buried beneath the Duwamish River is severely deteriorated. Recognizing the crucial role the bridge plays in supporting the local economy and moving vehicles and freight, Executive Constantine has led an aggressive effort with agency partners and community members to assemble funding to get a new bridge built.
Firm pledges of funding total $95 million, with other funds pending:
- King County – $30 million
- State of Washington – $20 million
- City of Seattle – $15 million
- Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) – $15 million
- State Transportation Improvement Board – $10 million
- Port of Seattle – $5 million
- Federal DOT-HUD funding bill – $3 million (pending Congressional approval
- FMSIB – up to $5 million (pending approval by full board and state legislature)
We stopped in to say Hi to returning WCB Advertiser White Center Glass & Upholstery, where, we found, things are hoppin’ as usual.
(Note: Within these very paragraphs is a tip for White Center Blog Readers on how to save up to $500 in actual cash money. Read on!)
White Center Glass & Upholstery started over 48 years ago at 9443 Delridge Way SW, just north of Roxbury in the historic Delridge Triangle.
They provide and install windows, mirrors, patterned glass, shower doors, tabletops and shelving, and can custom-size and sand them down for you right at the shop.
“We’re busy, doing great, and we just hired an additional worker,” Fern Falaschi, White Center Glass & Upholstery proprietor, said. She asked us to tell our readers: “Winter will be here before you know it. So get your Charlies in here!”
“What’s a ‘Charlie’,” innocently asked our naive WCB reporter.
“You don’t know what a ‘Charlie’ is? Shall I use a different word!?”
“Mom, let me handle this,” offered Abby, Fern’s highly capable daughter and office manager.
“Say, White Center Blog reporter, why don’t I show you some of our vinyl windows and tell you about some great savings we have going on,” Abby suggested.
She continued: “We have a wide variety of vinyl windows. Weathervane is the power player brand. These windows are locally made, and their warranty is excellent. They have outstanding customer service.
“Federal tax credits for installing new vinyl windows run out just after winter sets in. Some rules apply, but the potential savings are amazing. Call or stop by for details.”
Some things to think about now that Fall is just six weeks away: Cut down on energy waste by finding that snug fit for your fireplace door. Fern and Abby and the crew have the glass you need. Is your cat or dog clawing away at screens this summer? White Center Glass & Upholstery has the solution.
And now, the secret deal that will save our Readers $500:
Abby Fisher of White Center Glass & Upholstery highlights the benefits of Weathervane vinyl windows.
“We’ll provide a 10% discount for customers who pay by cash or check, up to a maximum customer savings of $500. Just whisper the code words: ‘White Center Blog Special Savings!’” Abby said.
Or, just go in and say: “I’ve brought in my Charlies!”
White Center Glass & Upholstery
9443 Delridge Way SW
Seattle, WA 98106
206-762-8088 main
206-762-6794 fax
email: abbyf@whitecenterglass.com
[Would you like to have a "Blogvertorial" story, Ad and/or Event Listing like this on a popular, fast-growing website seen by thousands of interested Local Readers every month? Email us for more info, or check out our Advertise page!]
The Seattle Police Department reported early Wednesday morning (Aug. 11) that they’ve arrested a 50-year old male suspect in the recent “smash-and-grab” crime sprees that hit small businesses in an area from Burien north into West Seattle.
The suspect is alleged to have been responsible for at least 40 similar burglaries since July 1st (we’ve been following these cases closely – read our previous coverage here).
Here’s the report from SPD:
On August 11th, at approximately 2:30 AM, Seattle Police and King County Sheriff detectives working in conjunction on a series of commercial “smash and grab” burglaries, arrested a 50-year old male for a burglary in the Burien area.
This suspect is believed to be responsible for at least 40 similar type burglaries in the West Seattle and Burien area since July 1st.
Detectives from the two agencies will continue to follow up on these burglaries as they put together their cases for prosecution.
The suspect was booked into the King County Jail for Investigation of Burglary.
We’d like to welcome our latest Advertiser, Shawn McEvoy, running for King County Council, District 8.
Here’s what Shawn would like us to share with our Readers:
Thank you for taking the time to learn about me. I’d like to share a little about myself with you; perhaps you’ll gain some insight into why I’m running for King County Council and why I care so much about good government.
Shawn McEvoy
I grew up in Normandy Park and pretty much have lived here all of my life. I’ve seen when things didn’t work in this city and community and how things deteriorated. I’ve been involved in my community and city government because I care and because I feel I can make a real difference and I have. Whether it’s been serving as the Mayor and Council member for the city of Normandy Park, or as President and board member for the Normandy Park Community Club (Cove), I have always made great strides in improving the quality of life for my community and city. I’m proud of the many accomplishments and honors I’ve received for our successes.
The proof of my commitment to good leadership and government is easy to verify. During my twelve years on the board of trustees for the Normandy Park Community Club as President and Board member, add to that, eight years as Mayor and Councilmember for the city of Normandy Park, my service was completely voluntary. That’s right, even though elected, we are not paid a thing for our services. In volunteering I believe it is perhaps the truest form of leadership and democracy.
Our success is because we act in a non-partison fashion. I’m here to tell you non-partisanship works. I believe one of the problems we have today is that politics is getting in the way of solving problems and making progress. Career politicians at the County level are the problem not the solution. That is why our citizens of King County voted to have a non-partisan Council. Instead of career politicians, we want council members that work together on the problems of today and are focused on our future, not theirs.
I can make a difference at the County level. I have the experience, skills and the abilities to help solve the problems of political bickering, as well as help solve King County’s other problems. I can bring real change to the County Council. I’m endorsed by the 11th District Democrats, many Independents and Republicans. I’m rated Very Good by the Municipal League of King County. Because you want a moderate with an excellent environmental record, great leadership skills, strong council experience, and impressive regional involvement, I’m asking for your vote and I’m looking forward to earning your trust.
More information on Shawn is available at his website: http://friendsofshawnmcevoy.com.
[Would you like to have a "Blogvertorial" story, Ad and/or Event Listing like this on a popular, fast-growing website seen by over 51,000 interested Local Readers every month? Email us for more info, or check out our Advertise page!]
by Jack Mayne
The Seattle-Tacoma International Taxicab Association (STITA) lost another round in its fight to retain a contract with the Port of Seattle to be the sole provider of cab service leaving the airport, a contract it has held for about 20 years.
The Washington Supreme Court on Thursday (Aug. 5) declined to review an appeals court decision upholding the Port of Seattle’s award of the outbound taxi service contract to Yellow Cab. The Court also dissolved a stay preventing a new contract between Yellow and the Port and, within moments of the high court’s decision being announced Friday morning, the Port signed a new contract with Yellow that will take effect on Nov. 1
Chris Van Dyk, the principal of the Bainbridge Media Group and the person who authored the Yellow Cab bid, issued a news release Friday:
“You will be pleased to know that . . . the Washington State Supreme Court denied certiorari (review) of the STITA appeal of the temporary injunction that had been issued, blocking contract signing between the Port and Yellow, in this case,” Van Dyk wrote. “Accordingly, the Port of Seattle has signed the contract for outbound taxicab services with Puget Sound Dispatch dba Yellow Taxi Association, and Yellow will begin outbound on-demand (curbside pickup) taxicab service at SeaTac on Nov. 1, 2010.”
The original STITA contract was supposed to have ended on August 31, but was extended by the port for 60 days because of the legal battle, plus the fact Yellow would need time to redeploy cabs to the airport and to make other arrangement to take over the service, said Perry Cooper, spokesman for the airport.
Despite the setback, STITA attorney Michael Goldfarb of the Seattle firm of Peterson Young and Putra, said the case was still a long way from being over.
Goldfarb says he plans to file a motion in another suit involving cab service at the airport. STITA will allege the contract signed between Yellow and the Port is illegal because there were “significant changes: made after the contract outlined in Yellow’s original bid.
“Our position is that the Port negotiated wholesale changes to the agreement and any such changes were never approved by the Port Commission (in a public meeting),” said Goldfarb. “We will ask the (King County Superior Court) to nullify the contract,” the attorney said.
“Even though the important issues raised by this first case won’t be heard by the state’s highest court, we still have a strong position in a second case,” said Jesse Buttar, STITA spokesman. “We still look to the Port to restore the public trust in this contract and process.”
This past week the final boxes, desks, chairs and “all things academic” were unloaded and moved into Westside School’s new facility in the former E.C. Hughes building in nearby West Seattle.
The daunting task of moving an entire school took just three days, according to Admission Director David Bergler. Teachers have been arriving earlier than in past summers, anxious to set up their new classrooms. Westside School (www.westsideschool.org) currently offers classes from Preschool through 5th grade.
The school, formerly located in Arbor Heights, will be holding a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, Sept. 7th at 4pm. The first day of school is the following day, Wednesday, Sept. 8th.
Here’s more info from our friends at Westside:
Westside School parent volunteers are giving up their weekends to help ready the new campus for students and families for the big ribbon cutting on Tuesday, September 7th at 4:00. Volunteers have been supporting the move with a variety of tasks including landscape work and setting up the new library. Pictured above is a group of volunteers helping assemble the new playground structure.
“One of the cornerstones of Westside School is the high value that is placed on a caring community,” said Bergler. He adds, “That spirit of community can be seen in the tremendous support we have had from our families during our move.”
by All four candidates vying to represent District 8, which includes Burien and North Highline, on the King County Council met in their last scheduled pre-primary face-off at Seattle First Baptist Church on Aug. 5.
The primary election forum, sponsored by The League of Women Voters of Seattle will be broadcast on King County TV, cable Channel 22. Check KCTV at the county website – kingcounty.gov – for program times.
Considered a pivotal race that could change the complexion of the County Council, the top two finishers in this non-partisan field of Tim Fahey, Joe McDermott, Shawn McEvoy and Diana Toledo will advance from the Aug. 17 primary to November’s general election.
[Note: Candidate comments appear below in the pre-determined order they answered the questions, which are paraphrased from the original wording.]
What is your position on the proposed King County sales tax increase of 0.2 cents per dollar to avoid cutting sheriff’s deputies, prosecuting attorneys, and a new juvenile justice facility? (Note: Half of the tax would be scheduled to expire after three years; the remainder would stay on the books for 20 years to pay for the juvenile facility.)
McEvoy: “I’m not a big fan of raising taxes, but I will vote for it reluctantly … with my nose plugged … I think it stinks.” He committed to voting for the measure after talking with Sheriff Sue Rahr and Prosecuting Attorney Dan Satterberg, who said told him it is needed to avoid sharp cuts in public safety services.
Toledo: “I oppose this tax.” Public safety is the county’s top priority and “we can find money within the existing budget without raising taxes … this recession is not the right time to raise taxes” Some people in county government who aren’t qualified earn six-figure salaries and care only about collecting their paychecks. “First look within the budget we have.”
McDermott: Innovative programs like drug courts “that turn people’s lives around … would be the first to go in this round of cuts. Sixty sheriff’s [deputies] and 12 prosecutors would be laid off. This is only 2 cents on a $10 purchase … I will vote for it.”
Fahey: “I’m not in favor of the tax increase.” Several deputies have told him “there are plenty of places where savings can be found” in the sheriff’s office budget. “There is so much waste” throughout county government, why do they “always start cuts in my community?” In White Center and Boulevard Park?
What is your view on privatization of county services?
Toledo: Having worked with King County for so long … I’ve seen some of the benefits of privatization,” like private management of the county’s parking garage. “Good places to start” privatizing services can be found in any part of the county “where people are passionate to help.”
McDermott: “Of course there are important roles for privatization.” Some services can be provided better by government – people “coming together collectively” – and some provided better through privatization. The garage “with private management is a good example,” but public transit is done better by government.
Fahey: “Privatization in the current political climate seems to be a poison pill.” Yet there are some “functions of King County that never should have been made part of government in the first place.” Some social services could be privatized. “We must stand up and use our hearts because government can’t do it” and give tax dollars to private service providers.
McEvoy: Efficiencies can be achieved with privatization … one area is transit” with the use of smaller busses and shuttle vans by private operators. The West Seattle water taxi is an example of “how inefficient government can be. It costs three times more to operate under the county than when it was run by Argosy.”
How will your background help you on the King County Council?
McDermott: He served in the Legislature from 2000 to 2010 “when difficult decisions needed to be made.” This year “I voted for furloughs for state employees” and for funding cuts that resulted in layoffs for others. “I did support new revenue, including a tax on candy, gum and bottled water” that will benefit schools and teachers around the state.
Fahey: He has been an employee, run his own business, “and succeeded and failed … and as a carpenter I know how to build things and I know how to fix things, and I can find problems and rectify them … As a businessman I can recognize what business needs and help business grow.”
McEvoy: As the owner of two small businesses, “I know the pitfalls and rewards of small business ownership.” He is also a member of the South King County Economic Development Partnership and the Highline Forum, which encourage “small business growth, job opportunities, public/private partnerships, and less regulation, not more.”
Toledo: “I’ve seen first-hand how overregulation affects people … a small business owner in my community who no longer sells certain products based on the cost of increased taxes.” Unsustainable budgets passed by “career politicians,” taxes and regulations have impacts “we overlook” on those “who can least afford it” like senior citizens being taxed out of their homes.”
[Photo of King County Council candidates by Michael Brunk, taken at The B-Town Blog's July 20th Forum.]
WCB Real Estate Sponsor Prudential Northwest’s featured Open House for this week is a beautifully-maintained, spacious 5-bedroom home, right on Glen Acres golf course.
Charming landscaping boasts a park-like setting. There’s also an attached garage, 12×16 shop and updated kitchen. Downstairs features generous family room with fireplace.
Two huge bedrooms with his and her closet space and a full bathroom – A MUST SEE.
Here are the details:
WHEN: Open House will be this Sunday, Aug. 8th, from 1pm to 4pm.
WHERE: 11011 14th Ave South; West Seattle, WA 98168
INFO:
- List Price: $278,000
- Listing #: 103612
- Beds: 5
- Baths: 2
- Year Built: 1961
- Garage-Attached
- Approximate House SqFt: 2,080
- Lot Square Footage: 8,142
Interior Features:
- Dble Pane/Strm Windw
- Dining Room
Site Features:
- Cable TV
- Deck
- Fenced-Partially
- Gas Available
- Outbuildings
- Patio
- Shop
Marketing Remarks:
Beautifully maintained home, right on Glen Acres golf course.
Charming landscaping boasts park like setting.
Come home to your spacious 5 bedroom home with attached garage, 12×16 shop and updated kitchen.
Downstairs features generous family room with fireplace.
Two huge bedrooms with his and her closet space and a full bathroom.
A MUST SEE!
Click here to see the full, detailed listing.
Click here to view all of Prudential Northwest’s Open Houses.
[Would you like to have a "Blogvertorial" story, Ad and/or Event Listing like this on a popular, fast-growing website seen by thousands of interested Local Readers every month? Email us for more info, or check out our Advertise page!]
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Twelfth Night Productions is holding auditions for “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” this weekend – June 5th and 6th.
Auditions will be held Saturday (June 5) and Sunday (June 6) from Noon – 5pm at St James Place, which is located at 9421 18th Ave SW.
Here are the details:
“How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” follows the rise of J. Pierrepont Finch, who uses a little handbook called “How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying” to climb the corporate ladder from lowly window washer to high-powered executive, tackling such familiar but potent dangers as the aggressively compliant “company man,” the boss’ whiny, nephew, the office party, backstabbing co-workers, caffeine addiction and, of course, true love.
AUDITIONS: Please prepare a short comedic monologue and 32 bars of a song from a musical that showcases your vocal range. Please bring your own music, an accompanist will be provided. Wear comfortable clothing for the dance portion of the audition. Please email tnpauditions@gmail.com for an audition time.
WHEN: June 5th and 6th from 12 – 5 PM Callbacks June 9th 6:30 – 9:30 PM
WHERE: St James place; 9421 18th Ave SW; Seattle
SCHEDULE AUDITION: please email preferred audition times to tnpauditions@gmail.com
PRODUCTION INFORMATION: How to Succeed will run Aug. 6 – 22nd at West Seattle High School; 3000 California Ave SW. Rehearsals will begin June 13th.
Auditions: June 5th and 6th from 12 – 5 PM’ Callbacks: June 9th, 6;30 – 9:30.
Please contact for an audition time: tnpauditions@gmail.com
Audition Requirements: Please prepare a short comedic monologue and 32 bars of a song from a musical that showcases your vocal range. No songs from the show, please. Bring your own music, an accompanist will be provided.
by Mark Neuman
Receiving about two-thirds of the votes cast, Marcee Stone earned the endorsement of the 34th District Democrats last night (May 12), in the race to replace Sharon Nelson as State Representative, Position 2.
The 34th District covers most of Burien, and all of Vashon and Maury Islands, White Center and West Seattle.
Contender Joe Fitzgibbon came in second with the remaining votes.
Candidate Mike Heavey, in the early minutes of the meeting, surprised many by withdrawing his name from contention for the coveted endorsement.
“I am still in the race,” Heavey told The White Center Blog. “With respect to the 34th District Democratic organization, I could see I did not have the degree of support that Marcee and Joe had. So to streamline the (endorsement) process and keep the meeting moving, I took my name out.”
Heavey said he has more “cash on hand” than each of his opponents have and that he intends to advance into the general election.
The primary election is August 17. Mail-in voting begins in late July.
“I wish we’d gotten the endorsement. But this is just one of many endorsements I am seeking." - Joe Fitzgibbon
Fitzgibbon told The White Center Blog “I wish we’d gotten the endorsement. But this is just one of many endorsements I am seeking. It’s onward and upward. I’ll be knocking on doors and working to win the primary.”
Regarding Heavey’s removing his name from endorsement contention, Fitzgibbon said “Mike made a very practical decision. The 34 District organization is a group who has known each other a long time. He knew it would be an uphill fight for him (to win the endorsement).”
Stone told The White Center Blog Wednesday night “I am very happy to have won this endorsement. I could not have done this without the help of many wonderful supporters and volunteers.”
A fourth candidate in the race is local businessman and Navy veteran Geoffrey “Mac” McElroy. He is running as an independent.
Contacted by The White Center Blog Thursday (May 13) McElroy said “I congratulate Marcee on her endorsement. I welcome her as the top contender, and I’d like to express my enthusiasm for lively debate and the opportunity to serve the people of the 34 th District through the democratic process.”
State Rep. Sharon Nelson is running for the State Senate from the 34th District.
On Tuesday (May 11), South Seattle Community College announced that after a nationwide headhunting search, they have named Gary Oertli (pictured, left), widely-known college leader and current interim president at Seattle Central Community College, as its new president.
Oertli, who has worked at community colleges and baccalaureate institutions throughout Western Washington, will begin his responsibilities at South before the start of fall quarter.
He was selected following a national search and recommendations made by a college-wide committee to Jill A. Wakefield, chancellor of the Seattle Community Colleges, which include South, North and Seattle Central Community Colleges.
“Gary Oertli has excellent depth of experience as a college leader,” Wakefield said. “With his skills at inspiring employees and at creating community support for the college, and his strong commitment to student success, he will be an outstanding president for South.”
According to an SSCC press release:
Oertli is currently serving as interim president at Seattle Central Community College. He also was recent interim president and interim vice president for instruction at South Seattle Community College, former dean at Seattle Central, and director of development for International Affairs and Alumni Relations at the University of Washington. He was honored as president emeritus when he retired from Shoreline Community College, Shoreline, Wash., where he served as president and CEO from 1995 to 2000. He also served for 18 years at Edmonds Community College, Lynnwood, Wash., where he was interim president and CEO, executive vice president for instruction and student services, dean of instruction, vocational director, Business Programs director and tenured faculty member. He started his community college career as a part-time faculty member at North Seattle Community College. Mr. Oertli is a graduate of the Executive Management program in the graduate school of Business Administration at the University of Washington, where he also earned master’s and bachelor’s degrees. He received an honorary doctorate of Humane Letters from Schiller International University in London.
In his previous positions, Oertli developed several important partnerships and is well-known for his successful history of obtaining gifts, grants and in working with college foundations. His service also includes membership on the Governor’s 2020 Commission on Higher Education and president of the U of W Alumni Association. He has been recognized with higher education awards for his work in communications, community relations and by the American Association of Women in Community Colleges for enhancing opportunities for women.
South Seattle Community College serves a multicultural population of almost 17,500 credit and non-credit students from an 87-acre, wooded campus in residential West Seattle, and satellite campuses in the nearby neighborhoods of Georgetown and Beacon Hill.
Students of color make up more than half of the student body, making South one of the most culturally and ethnically diverse colleges in the state, and inspiring the college to match its high student diversity with equally high student success. The college is recognized as one of the leaders and originators of the IBEST curriculum (integrated Basic Education and Training), which combines technical training with basic English skills. In 2008, the college received a two-year, $2.4 million federal grant to support student retention and success, with a special focus on Asian-American and Pacific Islander students. South is among only six recipients from across the country, including both two-year and four-year institutions.
South offers one of the state’s first four-year degree programs at a community college. A Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Hospitality Management launched in 2007 is the only one of its kind in Western Washington. A Wine Studies program features an on-campus winery, unique to the Puget Sound region, where students are creating award-winning wines.
The president will direct a workforce of 650 full- and part-time employees; he replaces former president Jill A. Wakefield, who was selected by the board of Trustees to serve as the district chancellor in January 2009.
The Seattle Community Colleges educate 53,000 students every year at North Seattle, Seattle Central and South Seattle Community Colleges, and at the Seattle Vocational Institute. College presidents are part of the district-wide leadership team who report to the district chancellor and also serve as vice chancellors responsible for coordinating specific district-wide areas such as instruction and student services.
by Candidate filing for this year’s primary and general elections doesn’t begin for another month, but the four hopefuls for state representative from the 34th Legislative District, Position 2, are already on the campaign trail.
And Joe Fitzgibbon, Mike Heavey, Geoffrey “Mac” McElroy and Marcee Stone brought their campaigns to Burien on Tuesday April 27 for an exchange of views on a variety of issues in a forum moderated by KVI/KOMO Radio talk show host John Carlson and sponsored by The B-Town Blog.
They are running to replace Rep. Sharon Nelson who, in turn, is running to replace state Sen. Joe McDermott, now a candidate for King County Council, Position 8.
The first question focused on Washington’s bottom line: with an anticipated revenue shortfall of $2 billion next year, where would they cut the state budget? Especially if voters again pass an initiative to require a 2/3 majority vote in the Legislature to raise taxes or impose new ones?
Stone said she does not believe in cutting “essential services” including health care and education. “I believe in tax reform,” but Initiative 1077 to establish an income tax on high earners “does not go far enough,” she added. “It doesn’t address the sales tax.”
“Clearly we have to prioritize spending, McElroy said. “We have to listen to our constituents.” He noted that there is “no objective measurement of success” for spending on education.
Heavey rejected the premise that voters are going to re-institute the supermajority requirement for tax increases, which would let the legislature fill the revenue gap with new taxes.
“The Legislature cut $4 billion from the budget in the last two years,” Fitzgibbon said. “I don’t think there are many places for us to cut from. I don’t think the voters will ask us to cut another $2 billion.”
Asked what programs they would cut, only McElroy suggested a specific target. Because “you can’t spend money you don’t have,” he would “cut state environmental programs right off the bat for two years.”
Stone said she would eliminate tax incentives to large corporations like Boeing and Microsoft.
But Fitzgibbon said he “will not vote for any budget that cuts state spending another $2 billion.”
Heavey defended education funding but offered no specific program cuts.
Fitzgibbon said his first legislative priority would be comprehensive tax reform. He supports I-1077 and, “if it is not successful, we need a backup plan.” That would include a state value added tax (VAT) and a tax on polluters.
Heavey said he would make full funding of public schools a priority and indicated that he, too, supports I-1077.
“I would streamline the process to give greater information to small businesses … that helps keep small businesses in businesses,” McElroy said.
Stone’s top legislative priority would be a pro-union move to exempt employees from attending “meetings imposed by their employer.”
None of the four supports enactment of a Washington law similar to the measure recently enacted in Arizona, which mandates state enforcement of federal immigration laws to stem the tide of illegal immigrants and denies state benefits to persons who are there illegally.
During her response on this subject, Stone paused to object “to the conservative tone of the questions” being asked.
McElroy said such a state law is “not pragmatic” and “would cost more than it’s worth.”
Saying he did not support the Arizona law, Heavey added, “We’re a nation built on immigrants … every Nazi movie begins with, ‘Show me your papers.’”
Fitzgibbon thinks the law is unconstitutional because of racial profiling, and that it will be overturned in the federal courts.
Each candidate also expressed support for increased funding for mass transit, primarily light rail, while indicating no interest for increasing highway traffic lanes to reduce congestion.
Responding to Burien City Councilwoman Kathy Keene’s inquiry about a $1.50 per barrel of oil tax to pay for stormwater control required of local governments, which was considered during this year’s legislative session, Fitzgibbon replied “it is absolutely the right thing to do to ask polluters to pay.”
Heavey also said “it is absolutely the right thing to do.”
Stone said the state needs “to make sure we have a way to take care of this runoff … I have no problem with taxing … corporate profits.”
McElroy, however, said if such a program is mandated by the federal government, “then the federal government should, by God, pay for it.”
Asked by former Burien City Councilman Stephen Lamphear if they support removing the state sales tax exemption for providers of professional services, Stone said yes, Heavey indicated his support, and Fitzgibbon gave it a “qualified yes” to avoid a pyramid effect. McElroy said “leave the exemption where it is.”
The deadline for candidate filings with King County elections is June 11. In-person filing begins June 7, filing by mail begins May 21, and filing online begins the first Monday in June and continues through the following Friday.
AUDIO: Here’s the audio of the forum in its entirety (running time is 1-hour and 25-minutes; click the “Play” button to listen):
PHOTOS: Here’s a Photo Slideshow of the evening, as shot by Scott Schaefer:
Click to Play Scott Schaefer’s Photo Slideshow
Our sister site The B-Town Blog is holding its first-ever 34th District Candidates Forum Tuesday night, April 27th, from 7pm – 8:30pm at the Highline Performing Arts Center, which is less than 5 miles south of White Center at 401 South 152nd Street in Burien.
This free event will be hosted by KVI Radio Host John Carlson, and it should be a lively evening (you do the math: conservative radio talk show host + 3 Dems + 1 Indie + a stage + YOU = ???).
The goal of the forum of course is to allow YOU, our Readers a chance to actually question the candidates yourself, in hopes that it will help make your mind up for the primary election, which will be held Aug. 17th.
KVI's John Carlson will host.
In alphabetical order by last name, here are the four candidates you’ll get to grill:
Remember, one of the four candidates you’ll meet Tuesday night will go on to become your new representative in Olympia in January 2011.
So come on down and let them know what’s on your mind!
Westside School, technically located in Arbor Heights, but close enough to White Center to be considered “local,” is in negotiations with the Seattle Public School District to lease the historic E.C. Hughes School building at 7740 34th Ave SW, with hopes of starting the 2010-11 school year there in the fall.
“All the lease options for the inventoried Seattle Public School buildings were presented at the School Board meeting last night, and the vote will take place May 5th,” said Jana Riggin, Westside’s Director of Marketing & Development.
Here’s more info provided by Jana:
Westside School has put in a proposal to lease the E.C. Hughes building on 7740 34th Ave SW, and hopes to start the 2010-2011 school year in this new location.
Westside has been growing since 2006, and has outgrown its current location at 10015 28th Ave SW. Portable buildings have been the short-term solution, but the school is excited about this new building that has enough square feet to meet all its current program needs.
Next year, Westside will have about 230 students, grades preschool – 5th, and has not only run out of classroom space but also room for other important programs like PE, music and art. Currently, Westside shares its space with another independent, private middle school and both schools need more room.
The move to E.C. Hughes will give the needed space for all day PE classes, office space for our Spanish and Chinese teachers, and classrooms for music and art while allowing every classroom to be in one building and bring our community together.
Westside School’s current location goes back to 1993, when they made a deal with the Highline School District to take over the former North Shorewood School on 28th Avenue SW.
And now, like the 230 young kids they teach, they’re growing again.
On a personal note, Hazel Schaefer, grandmother of Publisher/Editor Scott Schaefer, once taught Kindergarten at E.C. Hughes, and if all goes according to plan, Schaefer’s own daughter will be attending school this fall in that very same building.
[PHOTO CREDIT: Joe Mabel, Wikimedia Commons]
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