West Seattle politics: Sabra Schneider also in State House running

And now, there are three declared candidates for 34th District State House Representative, Position 2, which Rep. Sharon Nelson says she’ll leave to run for State Senate (since Sen. Joe McDermott is running for County Council): Arbor Heights-residing Democrat Sabra Schneider has just announced she’s running; previous announcements have come from Democrat Marcee Stone and independent “Mac” McElroy. Read on for the news release sent by Schneider’s campaign:

Today, former South Seattle Community College teacher Sabra Schneider announced her intention to seek the 34th District House Seat being vacated by current Representative Sharon Nelson. Schneider, a resident of Arbor Heights in West Seattle, currently manages online communications for King County.

“Now more than ever, we need legislators who will make education and family wage jobs a priority in Olympia” said Sabra, 36. “My background in government communications coupled with a decade of teaching the work force of the future makes me uniquely qualified to take on the challenges facing citizens across the 34th District and across our state.”

Sabra Schneider has been a leader in King County’s efforts to increase efficiency and transparency through the innovative use of technology and community partnerships. Sabra has been instrumental in emergency communications, working closely with other local governments to ensure citizens have the most up-to-date information, during the most critical times. A strong proponent of transparency and accountability in government, Sabra is currently helping to organize the Open Government Northwest conference at the end of March.

Prior to serving in King County government, Sabra worked for 10 years as a teacher at South Seattle Community College (SSCC) in West Seattle where she developed a two year degree program in computing technologies. The program has helped graduates go on to family-wage jobs in technology careers. While at SSCC, Sabra also worked with the Seattle Jobs Initiative to build and deliver a fast-track technology program for low-income job seekers.

As a 15-year union member, fighting on behalf of working class families in the 34th District will be a top priority for Sabra in the legislature. Sabra helped bargain the current contract enjoyed by members of the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE) Local 17. While working at South Seattle Community College, Sabra was a member of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) Local 1789.

John February 25, 2010 (10:22 am)

Sabra will be GREAT in Olympia! She works harder than anyone I know and will fight for jobs and education. Go Sabra go!

Robert February 25, 2010 (11:00 am)

I’ve known Sabra for years and as a resident of Burien, I can’t think of anyone better to represent my interests and that of my neighbors. I’m so excited she’s running.

Danno February 25, 2010 (11:07 am)

Yawwwwn……..

Koree February 25, 2010 (11:16 am)

Sabra is collaborative and energetic. She truly cares about the citizens and their needs. You won’t find anyone who will harder for the 34th!

Erin L February 25, 2010 (11:18 am)

I’m excited that Sabra has thrown her hat in the ring. She has a unique, powerful blend of experience and is an excellent problem-solver. Sabra also has a talent for encourging participation, even from typically overlooked sources.

katydid February 25, 2010 (12:20 pm)

I had Sabra as a teacher at SSCC and she was one of the bests and kindest teachers I’ve ever had. I think she would be a great legislator….go Sabra!

Sargon Bighorn February 25, 2010 (1:20 pm)

I won’t vote for either Dem nor Rep. I’m voting for a third party candidate. The foolishness in government has to be shaken. America has more than two voices.

LMA February 25, 2010 (2:09 pm)

Sabra comes to Cafe Rozella , she was there this Sunday and last Sunday too. she is a regular

Shelley K February 25, 2010 (2:47 pm)

Sabra will bring a badly needed new voice and fresh perspective to the Legislature. She is personable, smart, compassionate, and will work hard to listen to constituents and get the job done. The 34th is fortunate to have a dedicated woman like this in the race.

Sara Newman February 25, 2010 (3:18 pm)

Whenever Sabra is invited to our IT classrooms, to lecture on career strategies beyond college, she always makes time for us. Our faculty and students LOVE her candid, realistic take on what they need to do to prepare for successful employment in today’s workplace. Sabra Schneider walks the talk in community partnership and innovative communication.

Eden February 25, 2010 (3:25 pm)

I was a student of Sabra’s at SSCC and have also had the pleasure of working with her at King County. Sabra is smart, VERY hard working (a complete understatement), and is a real innovator. She was a fabulous teacher. I agree that she would bring a fresh new progressive voice to the 34th District. Please vote for her!

Suits are not boring February 25, 2010 (5:24 pm)

I am very impressed with Sabra. It think she will bring a great perspective as an IT teacher from the Community College system. It also is a plus that she has worked in local government and has contacts there. Very excited for her!

Jen February 25, 2010 (8:30 pm)

Sabra will be an excellent representative for our district! She is passionate about the issues facing our district and is a proven leader. I will definitely not only vote for Sabra but encourage everyone I know to support her.

Megan February 25, 2010 (9:25 pm)

Sabra is a great friend and colleague and the 34th is very lucky to have her as a choice this fall. She will do great things in Oly!

Sabra Schneider February 25, 2010 (11:19 pm)

Thanks very much for all of your kind compliments. I’m honored and thrilled with all of your support!

Best,
Sabra Schneider

msw February 27, 2010 (11:19 am)

If elected, perhaps she should read our state auditor’s report and recommendations and use those findings to reduce our state’s deficits first, before hiking taxes on everything and everyone.

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