ELECTION 2019: 34th District Democrats make their endorsements

(WSB photos. Above, endorsement-ballot counters)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

With eight weeks until the August 6th primary election -and five weeks until ballots go out – our area’s largest political organization made its endorsement decisions tonight.

The 34th District Democrats did so with a full house at The Hall at Fauntleroy. Just over 100 members were present and eligible to vote.

We start with the marquee race:

SEATTLE CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 1: Incumbent Lisa Herbold and challengers Phil Tavel and Brendan Kolding were all nominated for endorsement in the West Seattle/South Park race. The endorsement went to Herbold with 76 votes; Tavel got 19, Kolding got 5. Here’s the announcement:

Here’s what happened before the voting:

Councilmember Lorena González (above, with Herbold) spoke in support of Herbold, calling her a strong colleague and a voice for “those who need our representation the most.” She called Herbold a champion for democratic and progressive values, and received loud cheers and applause. She also said Herbold has “delivered directly for District 1 … she is our champion, she deserves to be re-elected.” Herbold herself asked for support so she could continue to fight for equity and justice.

A speaker opposed to Herbold, Jordan Crawley, said Herbold has not achieved enough. He alleged she had not “take(n) the fight” on tough issues far enough, and urged endorsement of Tavel.

Then Sen. Joe Nguyen spoke in favor of Herbold.

He said he was impressed that she contacted him to talk about major local issues, and praised her ability to “rally local folks.”

Next, Tavel spoke. He mentioned running four years ago (he finished third in the 2015 primary) and said he thinks that Seattle “can do better” than the years since. “The city isn’t doing enough … Every four years we get the chance to say are we going in the right direction or not …” and he believes they’re not. “We need to be able to understand what we’re spending (city dollars) on and what we’re getting for that.” He also said the city isn’t doing enough to support businesses and says local businesses asked him to run. “We need to work on fixing the city.”

Speaking against Tavel, a woman said she hadn’t heard anything about continuing “the good work” that had already been done, only about change.

Pete Spalding then spoke for Tavel, calling him thoughtful, smart, educated, and citing his experience as a business owner, lawyer, and educator. “Phil is tireless in his pursuit of knowledge about” what’s going on in the city,” and Spalding touted Tavel’s problem-solving skills.

Brendan Kolding said he’s running because he believes the city is in crisis “and I want something better for my family.” He said homelessness must be solved because it is “completely unacceptable to continue to let people live and die on the streets.” He said he had traveled to San Diego for firsthand research on the “FEMA-style tents” he believes could be deployed to house and deliver services to more people. He also talked about the need for better police staffing and mentioned his experience as an SPD lieutenant.

One opponent said she hadn’t heard anything from Kolding about where the money would come from for his proposals. He replied by saying he had worked for the city and believes it wastes a lot of money, so he is confident the money exists.

Side note: Four years ago, the 34th DDs endorsed both Herbold and her eventual general-election opponent Shannon Braddock (here’s our 2015 coverage).

Other races/issues:

KING COUNTY COUNCIL DISTRICT 8: Incumbent Joe McDermott, who has two challengers on the primary ballot, was the only nominee for endorsement and was endorsed by acclamation (voice vote).

SEATTLE SCHOOL BOARD DISTRICT 6: Leslie Harris, the West Seattleite who is also board president, said via a video speech (she couldn’t be present because of a board meeting), said she’s running for re-election because “we’re not there yet.” Also nominated for endorsement, one of her two opponents, Molly Mitchell; a supporter cited Mitchell’s experience as an educator and battles in which she’s fought. Harris was endorsed with 41 votes to Mitchell’s 18 (this was the last vote of the night and the room had half-emptied).

SEATTLE PORT COMMISSION POSITION 2 Sam Cho just missed 60 percent on the first ballot, 60 of 101 votes, but got the endorsement over Nina Martinez on the second ballot. (They are two of seven candidates for this open position.)

SEATTLE PORT COMMISSION POSITION 5 – Incumbent Fred Felleman was the lone nominee (he has two challenges in the primary) and was endorsed by a show of credentials.

Ballot measures:

SEATTLE PUBLIC LIBRARY LEVY: A rep for the pro-levy campaign Yes! Seattle Libraries made a presentation: “The libraries are the heart and soul of our neighborhoods.” This is a followup to the 2012 levy, seven years and $123 million, which “currently supports 24 percent of the (SPL) budget.” This one would raise $219 million, “maintain(ing) hours and staffing from 2012 plan” and adding 10,000 operating hours, among other things. The controversial proposal to eliminate fines was part of the pitch. “What we don’t want to do is create artificial barriers” to library use and learning, the levy supporter said, noting that dozens of other library systems around the country have made that move. The measure was endorsed by a show of hands.

KING COUNTY PARKS LEVY: The 6-year, $810 million levy was pitched by Christie True, director of the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks (and a 34th District resident, she said – Maury Island, to be specific). 15 percent of it will go toward expanding habitat and open space. The “typical homeowner” pays $5/month for the current levy and will pay 50 percent more for the new one, about $7.60/month. The measure also was endorsed by a show of hands.

P.S. In case you’re interested in the Burien City Council races, endorsed were Kevin Schilling for Position 4 with 62 votes (over Omaha Sternberg with 30 votes). Sofia Aragon unanimously for Position 6.

Other notes from tonight’s meeting:

FUNDRAISER: The group’s recent annual party “met (its) goal” with more than $17,000, said chair Gina Topp.

MEMBERSHIP: The group’s current membership is 262, it was reported during a budget update.

DEBATE PARTY: King County Executive Dow Constantine is hosting a debate-watch party on the second night of the presidential debates, June 27th, at Endolyne Joe’s (9261 45th SW; WSB sponsor).

LIGHTHOUSE TOURS: Debra Alderman of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary reminded the group that the Alki Point Lighthouse tours are happening every Sunday afternoon this summer (with a few exceptions, as noted in our weekly event-calendar listings).

The 34th District Democrats meet second Wednesdays most months, 7 pm at The Hall at Fauntleroy. Check 34dems.org for updates between meetings.

71 Replies to "ELECTION 2019: 34th District Democrats make their endorsements"

  • Plf June 12, 2019 (11:41 pm)

    Really they endorsed  Lisa,?  I’m surprised based on her miserable performance. The 34th is out of touch or or Lisa group show up in larger numbers

    • delridge72 June 13, 2019 (8:33 am)

      The groupthink and elitism is painfully obvious at this point.

    • _M_H June 14, 2019 (10:30 am)

      “The 34th is out of touch “Sadly, its been that way for a long time.

  • Sixbuck June 12, 2019 (11:55 pm)

    More reasons why I’m not a democrat. 

    • St June 13, 2019 (1:19 am)

      Same here. 

    • delridge72 June 13, 2019 (9:35 am)

      Me too. I finally left last fall. Walking away from insanity feels good.

      • Peter June 13, 2019 (12:48 pm)

        Yep. And not just the 34th D’s, who I left years ago due to their dysfunctionality. Democrats in general, sadly including many of my friends and family, have become intolerant of dissent or criticism over the last few years. It’s not a party I want to be associated with anymore.

  • Bradley June 13, 2019 (12:51 am)

    The 34th District Democrats are a big reason that I stopped voting for Democrats several elections ago.

  • Amazing lack of protection June 13, 2019 (2:42 am)

    Talk about a bad winner,  many of us witnessed a supporter of an opposing candidate throw a glass of wine on a Tavel supporter for nominating Phil for endorsement.  The Tavel supporter is a prominent fundraiser and an overall great guy in the community.  It was childish and petty.  The more shocking thing was when another well respected member was given the mic and brought up the issue he was told he was out of order and cutoff by the head of the 34D.  “Progressive” Democrats say they fight for the rights of the people, yet if you disagree with a free formed thought that is different than theirs they allow  wine to be tossed on you and shut down the person speaking out against such acts.  The opposition supporter made a claim that Tavel was a part or supported by an group with Nazi ties.  I am not sure if there is a more offensive statement to be made when talking about a candidate of Jewish heritage.  West Seattle is no place for this sort of ignorance and the fact only one principled man named Jim called it out in the meeting is disheartening.  Lisa should have gone on the mic and said something. Senator Joe N should have said something. Lorena Gonzales should have said something. Joe McDermott should have said something.  The head of the 34th Democrats should have said something.  It happened near the front row and was seen by many while happening.  This is a shameful day and my membership is already cancelled!!! Is this what politics has become in this city? 

    • delridge72 June 13, 2019 (8:11 am)

      First incivility and threats of violence against District 2 candidate Ari Hoffman, not this against a supporter of District 1 candidate Phil Tavel. The Democratic Party is filled with hateful elitists. And it’s why this minority finally walked away last fall after 29 years of being a loyal Dem voter.  I didn’t leave the Democratic Party. The Democratic Party left me. #walkaway#walkawayfromthehate

      • milo bloom June 13, 2019 (9:45 am)

        This is a pretty interesting take on the events that transpired. Unfortunately, they are not factual. 1) It was a glass of water, not wine. 2) The motivation stated couldn’t be further from the truth.  Here’s some actual facts:Said prominent fundraiser called another party a “cocksucker”, after he was unable to sway a vote.  The person’s partner/husband taking offense, then tossed a glass of water on mr. prominent fundraiser. Mr. prominent fundraiser then went on to harass CM Gonzalez in a physically threatening manner before exiting the event.Does issuing a homophobic slur deserve a lap full of water? Probably not, but at least the action is understandable.   The leadership of the 34th said they will be reviewing the matter and issuing a response after doing some fact-finding. Since it’s their event, that’s a proper response.

        • Gospel June 13, 2019 (10:48 am)

          I find your take equally as interesting.  I was there and one table away from it. The OP’s version is way closer to what I saw and I definitely heard the Nazi comment from the “tosser” and the “tossee” took offense and defended Phil (a Jewish guy) from it and wore a drink for it.  It was quit the topic of conversation out side and that is what was seen and confirmed by most people including two from the table.  ✌🏽

        • delridge72 June 13, 2019 (11:14 am)

          From another attendee who witnessed this incident last night:”I saw it go down.
          The assaulter approached a man who was seated and not facing him, said
          something to the seated man, walked to the bar, grabbed a full white
          wine, walk back to the seated man that had his back to the assaulter,
          and dumped and tossed th
          e cup of wine
          onto the victim. The wine hit another person who was a guest and at
          their first meeting. Most likely the guest and the victim will never
          return. The coward bully assaulter headed straight for the door, tossed
          off his name tag and stormed off. The victim did not want to call the
          police. This behavior is driving people away from the Dem party. The
          perpetrator should be banned from attending meetings for 1 year, in my
          opinion.”From a comment on the most recent post on Tavel’s FB page: https://www.facebook.com/TavelForSeattle/

    • Sixbuck June 13, 2019 (12:04 pm)

      Yes. The New Democrat believes very strongly in free speech as long as that speech agrees with their own. Nazi?  Pot, meet kettle…

      • Peter June 13, 2019 (2:16 pm)

        Just to be clear, this is not the New Democrats. The New Democrats were a movement of fiscal moderates in the ’90s working to undo the economic insanity of Republican fiscal policies from the ’80s. The New Democrats were actually very good at listening to dissent and objections, and finding compromises. If the New Democrats still had any influence in the party, then I might still be a Democrat.

    • milo bloom June 13, 2019 (1:20 pm)

      So there are at least two sides to this story, which is why it’s proper that the 34th  does some digging before rushing to statements.

      • Phil Tavel June 13, 2019 (3:26 pm)

        Actually, there are not two sides to this. There’s one side. A member of the 34th, while speaking against my endorsement, mischaracterized answers to a questionnaire that I filled out which were posted on a website as being “an interview.” Then, a supporter of one of my opponents confronted the person who had been kind enough to nominate me for endorsement and called me a Nazi. I’m Jewish and I cannot understate the level of offense I take to that. That supporter then waited for the person who nominated me to get back to the table he was sitting at with his wife, a guest at the 34th and several other people, and threw a glass of wine on him (hitting several others as well) and cursed him out. That’s what happened. That was deplorable, intolerant and inexcusable. I feel terrible that my request of someone I truly respect to be my nominator at a local democratic meeting lead to him being assaulted (and as a criminal lawyer, I can quite confidently tell you that throwing wine on someone is the definition of an “unwanted touching”) and cursed out. I truly hope that the 34th Dems hold this person accountable for his actions. I’m just appalled and saddened by the whole thing. The person who did this claims to be a progressive democrat, and is calling a Jewish defense attorney a Nazi while assaulting and cursing out someone who is just participating in a local democratic meeting. Ask yourself if that’s reasonable. 

        • milo bloom June 13, 2019 (5:55 pm)

          There are at least two sides to every story.  That’s lawyer 101. 

        • newnative June 14, 2019 (9:16 am)

          Well, according to Milo Bloom there is a different version of what happened. 

  • Cool Rick June 13, 2019 (5:36 am)

    Pathetic that they’ve chosen to endorse such a failure. Herbold needs to go.

    • Rob June 13, 2019 (12:26 pm)

      agree

  • CandrewB June 13, 2019 (5:43 am)

    To the machine!

  • Seriously People ? June 13, 2019 (9:08 am)

    I am so frustrated by the lack of civility and compassion shown last night after the incident. There was no acknowledgement or condemnation of the incident. Classic Herbold–ignoring the real issues, only standing up when it’s convenient for her, and snubbing her nose at everyone else. I am voting for Phil now just because of her lack of response. 

  • DogTheBuntyHunter June 13, 2019 (9:18 am)

    Brendan Kolding is the best.  Clean up the mess in this city.  No Rv’s , No Tents on sidewalks and trash!   NO MORE crazy ideas and dumb property tax proposals.   He’s got my vote!  Bye Lisa,  Don’t let the door hit you on the way out. New Leadership is clearly  NEEDED!

    • delridge72 June 13, 2019 (9:32 am)

      ^ This. (Tavel is good, too. I will be happy with either of them.)

    • Ann June 13, 2019 (1:45 pm)

      I agree with this response.

      • Alkimark June 14, 2019 (8:23 pm)

        As do I.

  • MJ June 13, 2019 (10:14 am)

    As an independent voter I find both political parties disgusting!  

    • Peter June 13, 2019 (12:29 pm)

      Agreed. I’ve always been a fiscal and economic moderate, which was fine and perfectly compatible with being a Democrat until 2016. Since then, many Democrat I know, including friends and family who know better, have accused me of being a Trump supporter because of my moderate economic views, even though my views are not even remotely like Trump’s or the Republicans’. The attacks are part of a concerted effort by Democrats to silence all criticism of their candidates and  shame people into voting for them, and in doing so they’ve driven out all the moderates, just like the Republicans. Neither party represents me.    

      • B.W. June 14, 2019 (11:20 am)

        100% agree with you Peter. I’ve been called a Trump supporter (even though I didn’t or won’t vote for him) just because of my moderate views. The Democratic party does not represent me and neither does the Republican Party. Unless I support one of the extremist views, I have no party. So what is a moderate person supposed to do? Sit on the sidelines while the wacky lefts and extreme rights wage political war affecting ALL of Americans?

  • Nolan June 13, 2019 (10:41 am)

    It’s pretty obvious that Tavel and (particularly) Kolding supporters are a noisy minority, so take this as a wake-up call. Your candidates need to speak to the district’s successes and problems in specific, actionable, and (ideally) empirically tested policy proposals. Neither “increase accountability” or “harass the homeless” are anything close to that standard. Herbold has consistently met it, even if you don’t personally like her proposals or actions.

    • Cool Rick June 13, 2019 (10:53 am)

      A noisy minority, really? I would love to know how you’ve come to that conclusion. The entire city council’s approval ratings were HORRIBLE last year. Herbold won her seat by a razor thin margin, and based on the terrible approval ratings and the head tax disaster would it really be surprising if the majority of her district wanted her out? The head tax fiasco (which was EXTREMELY unpopular and basically resulted in a revolt), the anger at council meetings, Mike O’Brien being shouted down in public meetings in Ballard, terrible approval polling, the anger expressed on here and any other West Seattle focused groups, etc all seem to point to constituents who want different leadership and feel disrespected.

      • CAM June 13, 2019 (5:15 pm)

        The majority of voters and constituents do not attend those meeting but a much higher percentage of constituents who are angry about something generally do. You can’t judge support for someone over another candidate by who shows up and yells. 

    • The Truth June 13, 2019 (10:56 am)

      Herbold supporters are the vocal minority. Won by 39 votes last time.  And more voters have defected from her than she has gained.  Rest in your progressive tower and she can be as confident and smug as she wants.  A battle is coming and it will be glorious.  She got 79 votes from this group out of a district with 18k voters who will speak there minds soon.  She has been making policy in this city for 21 years.  The city is a mess and she either helped us get there or let us get there.  She votes with Sawant 98.3% of the time, let that sink in.  

      • Peter June 13, 2019 (11:47 am)

        You’re the noisy minority. No you’re the noisy minority. No YOU are the noisy minority! No YOU are the noisy minority! LOL! Seriously, I think there’s a silent majority that doesn’t like any of them. Voter turnout will tell. I predict all three combined will not even add up to half of registered voters.

        • CAM June 13, 2019 (5:11 pm)

          Considering most elections have less than 30% turnout among registered voters the metric you propose has little meaning. 

          • Peter June 13, 2019 (6:42 pm)

            Actually it proves my point. 

          • delridge72 June 14, 2019 (10:28 am)

            Herbold only won District 1 by 29 votes, which reflected that she was supported by 49.8% of the voters in District 1 during the 2017 general election. Sure, the 34th LD Democrats have endorsed her by about 75%, but that is absolutely no guaranteed that she will enjoy the same margin of the electorate, the overwhelming majority who are not registered Democrats. I have traditionally voted Democrat, but I will not be supporting Herbold. And I know several former Herbold supporters who will also be declining to support her this time around.

      • Seattle Sue June 14, 2019 (4:33 pm)

        “The Truth” makes a strong case for supporting Lisa Herbold when s/he says that Herbold votes with Sawant. I respect both women and will definitely vote for them. BTW, Socialist Democrats are the real progressives.

  • pw June 13, 2019 (11:09 am)

    Please speak up voters. It is not Ok the City Council gets a pass because of a late PR campaign thinking they care, They were paid, they failed and time to go. Regardless of your politcal opinions the City is a complete mess and the Council mus be held accountable. Why does Lisa get a pass?Time for a change. 

  • TJ June 13, 2019 (11:33 am)

    Uhhh, what has Herzold done on accountability and homeless? And regarding “harass the homeless”, why doesn’t she go talk to Bellevue and how they deal with homeless? Bellevue is more expensive and has a worse housing issue than here, yet they do not have a homeless problem. They do harass them in that they don’t allow drug use, don’t allow tents or derelict rv’s, and enforce registration and tabs being up to date. 

  • Ivan Weiss June 13, 2019 (11:34 am)

    I have known Phil Tavel for years, and I like him just fine personally and wish him no ill will whatever,  but I am very surprised and disappointed that he would accept the apparent support of a conservative, punitive, and borderline hate group like “Safe Seattle,” and allow them  to use his name and picture alongside a known right-winger like Ari Hoffman, while at the same time he tells everyone how “progressive” he is..https://www.facebook.com/safeseattle.org/posts/834126923622877If Phil thinks, and if some of the commenters on this thread think, that this provides him with any path to victory, they are in for a rude surprise.  The endorsement vote in the 34th last night was far more representative of the electorate at large than the comments on this blog are.Tavel’s campaign had months of advance notice of this endorsement vote. Several of his known supporters are veteran members of the 34th District Democrats who have been through years of this endorsement process. If 19 votes is the most they can muster,  I ask them in all sincerity what rationale can they offer that he is a viable candidate, any more than he was four years ago?

    • Melissa June 13, 2019 (12:12 pm)

      Thank you, Ivan. I appreciate a calm, reasoned response and analysis. Here, as on so many online forums, the loudest voices are usually not the most thoughtful, compassionate, or reasoned. 

    • Ugh June 13, 2019 (12:29 pm)

      Thank you for this info.  Seeing Tavel with the guy who’s been aggressively harassing a constituent over removing a sign (that was illegally placed to begin with) and casually throwing unsupported claims of anti-Semitism towards anyone who disagrees with him has solidly lost any potential vote I may have had for the guy.  Safe Seattle is a hate group.  They advertised the Proud Boys event on their Facebook page, invented a crime for attention and to bolster their anti-poor people narrative, have endlessly harassed a number of people who disagreed with them (mostly women), including publishing their addresses and other personal information.  I’m beyond disgusted and actually pretty disturbed seeing he’s connected to those guys.  They’re the worst of the worst in this city.  I was “meh” on Herbold but I will gladly give her all of my democracy vouchers to keep a Safe Seattle extremist as far away from the Council as possible.

      • delridge72 June 13, 2019 (12:37 pm)

        The old “everyone I don’t like is a member of a hate group” routine. That schtick is getting old.

        • Nolan June 14, 2019 (9:33 am)

          You mean the “everyone who belongs to a group that targets hate toward underprivileged groups is a member of a hate group” routine. Otherwise known as calling a spade a spade.

      • KM June 13, 2019 (1:16 pm)

        Nailed it. Safe Seattle is a hate group. 

      • Phil Tavel June 13, 2019 (5:23 pm)

        The one thing that I want to clarify is that I haven’t said anything about anti-semitism. What I said was that someone called me a Nazi because I responded to a candidate questionnaire from Safe Seattle in February. I was just pointing out that I was truly offended, being Jewish, that I was being called a Nazi. Nobody said anything anti-semitic to me and I’m not claiming anyone was anti-semitic. Disrespectful, intolerant, rude, inappropriate and assaultive…yes. Anti-Semitic…no.

        • AMD June 14, 2019 (5:48 am)

          No, but you’re associating with someone (Ari Hoffman) who accused a woman of being an anti-Semite as a bullying tactic when the police refused to take action against her because she wasn’t breaking any laws.  This is all documented (via public records requests of his exchanges with law enforcement and his posts on Social Media).  Your association with Safe Seattle has cost you my vote.  They’re a known hate group.  You may not personally be such an extremist, but I am someone who will absolutely judge you by the company you keep.

          • Melissa June 14, 2019 (10:39 am)

            Phil, you seem like a lovely person and many folks I respect intend to vote for your and have your signs on their yards and in their shop windows. That being said, Safe Seattle is a group that lives off hate, fear, and dehumanization of the homeless population. Ari Hoffman has lied and misrepresented himself repeatedly. Also, I went to your website looking for information about your platform and all I found were bromides. I went to the Facebook page, after being directed there and there were more generalities. I messaged the person keeping track of the page who told me to watch the 45 minute forum that was posted there, and still didn’t direct me to a platform. Someone tabling for you at the Farmer’s Market asked if I wanted information. I recounted the experiences I’ve just listed and she told me that someone would be in touch. No one has. I still don’t know what your platform is because I can’t find it written down anywhere. That’s certainly enough to keep me from voting for you. Then add the association with Hoffman and Safe Seattle and it’s not even a consideration. 

          • Justiceleague34 June 14, 2019 (5:16 pm)

            This is absolutely amazing how a conversation which should center around the condemnation of the Lisa Herbold supporter who decided to assault political opponents and the lack of Lisa her mold and other elected officials to take action to condemn it.  This is absolutely amazing how a conversation which should center around the condemnation of the Lisa Herbold supporter who decided to assault political opponents and the lack of Lisa Herbold and other elected officials to take action to condemn it  instead Lisa her bowl supporters on this thread compound the outrageous behavior by somehow trying to justify the assault because Phil Tavel filled out a questionnaire for a political group they don’t approve of .  Such shameful behavior it really turns a persons stomach.  I think we’ve seen this before .  A group of people assaulting those that dare to have a differing opinion ,  and when the behavior is called out those same as Salters and their supporters begin attacking the person who was victimized . Absolutely shameful behavior on the part of the herbal campaign and everyone who has tried to justify the actions by slandering a good man’s character

          • Gatewood June 14, 2019 (3:18 pm)

            So you are writing off a candidate for having coffee with a guy (Ari) well before the “made up Crime” thing happened and for filling out a questionnaire?  He never sat-down and did an interview, never sought an endorsement from them, never posted on their site and doesn’t like or follow the site.   Just answered some written submitted questions…. which all candidates received.  Just confused how that and Phil calling out intolerance and hate speech in all forms disqualifies him.  Some progressive logic makes no sense to me.

    • milo bloom June 13, 2019 (2:02 pm)

      A large part of the CM job is mobilizing coalitions and getting them to turn out to support you and your policy initiatives when it matters. If 19 votes is all you can muster after months of opportunity, you’ve pretty much failed that job requirement — and miserably.  This is what, Phil’s 3rd run for office? This basically amounts to not doing the homework, and wondering why you’re failing class. 

      • Head tax June 13, 2019 (3:45 pm)

        I am guessing you are referencing the well built and strong coalition Lisa built for her head tax legislation a a shout out to mobilizing groups?  She did, she mobilize the opposition to crush it.  Next argument…

        • milo bloom June 13, 2019 (6:03 pm)

          I guess I missed Amazon dumping a pile of money into a keep Tavel supporters at home campaign.  

  • The truth June 13, 2019 (12:50 pm)

    You folks are way off.  Phil answered every questionnaire sent to him because he felt ever voter should know where he stood.  Spouting that Phil is an extremist because he engaged every question he received is ludicrous.  You understand a council person represents every citizen right?  Not just the ones they agree with.  Also, do you know a lot of rightwing defense attorneys?  Or right wing nut jobs on the Green Space Coalition or the Board of Allied Arts.  Right wing extremists who volunteer for pro-bono  work defend immigrants. Well he is the VP of the right wing Morgan Junction Community Association…..get the F out of here with this garbage! 

    • Will S. June 13, 2019 (1:49 pm)

      Why doesn’t Mr. Tavel address any policy issues on his website? He is trying to run on a platform of accountability and other buzzwords, but a lot of voters also care about where he stands on the issues that affect our community and on which there can be disagreement. I am very troubled by Mr. Tavel’s involvement the SCALE litigation to thwart the city’s effort to produce housing and address the longstanding crisis of housing affordability. When Mr. Tavel talks about this litigation, he avoids taking any position about housing or zoning but says that SCALE sued to make the city listen more. If I were to believe that, it would make Mr. Tavel the personification of Seattle process. No thank you. We need results, and that is why I would listen to Ms. Herbold’s challengers in the first place.

    • Ivan Weiss June 13, 2019 (2:30 pm)

      @ “The Truth”: You don’t get to make (stuff) up. I haven’t said Phil is an extremist, and I don’t think anybody else has said so here either.  If I thought he was, I would have said it. I know he isn’t. But “Safe Seattle” wants him to win,  or they wouldn’t be promoting him on their Facebook page.  Nobody should pretend that the vast majority of West Seattle and South Park voters want to reward this group by electing the candidate they support. That’s just not happening, no matter how fervently you wish it would. So how about you face reality?

      • The Truth June 13, 2019 (3:53 pm)

        Ivan I know you, you know me.  If you are going to fault Phil for answering question for a group that’s right.  Don’t give me face reality garbage.  You live in your bubble and only engage with people you agree with.  You know what you get when you leave out people and they feel unheard and left out of the discussion?  Trump voters!  You keep playing in your sandbox and keep alienating people (which you are exceptional at) and real leaders can try and bring people back into the fold and stop these growing divides.

        • gmoney June 13, 2019 (9:17 pm)

          Could not agree more. Some of these people have lost critical thinking skills or never had them. They seem to be brainwashed by social media and propaganda news on the left and the right. 

  • ken davis June 13, 2019 (3:39 pm)

    I was not at the meeting and am no longer a PCO, but looking up Tavel to see his positions I find nothing but buzz words and  veiled “support” for “bidness” as a priority.  Where is any support for Democratic values? Any position papers? Any mention of anything that could be stretched to connect to any of FDR’s 4 freedoms?  Calling yourself a progressive is not all that is required to represent the Democrats of West Seattle.

  • Ivan Weiss June 13, 2019 (6:12 pm)

    If you want to make it about me, I can’t stop you. But this is about the City Council election, and slagging on me for “alienating people” doesn’t do a lot for your candidate.

  • VeryVashon@hotmail.com June 13, 2019 (6:33 pm)

    I was there last night and I’m sorry to say that there was an assault by a Herbold supporter against a Tavel supporter. It appeared to be unprovoked and was quite shocking. Especially how the assailant threw the wine and then fled the scene. Very cowardly.  Also, yes I think we are all in agreement that the Herbold supporter and 34th LD E-Board member was out of line with very despicable comments trying to link Tavel to alt-right groups. It’s one thing to support your candidate, it’s another thing entirely to resort to assaulting and slandering your opponents. Herbold is the incumbent. Why is so so afraid that she would allow these practices?

    • CAM June 13, 2019 (8:25 pm)

      You’ve referenced two people out of a large group who you say displayed offensive behavior. I’m not sure that any politician should be or can be held responsible for the behavior of each of their supporters. By contrast, if Lisa Herbold led the room in a chant about another candidate calling them offensive names and everyone there joined in, or even if she stood by and watched a crowd of her supporters be offensive, then I’d be expecting an apology from her and a statement condemning the behavior. The attempt to say that Lisa Herbold endorsed that behavior because she didn’t directly comment on the actions of two people or condemn them is a bit much. 

  • Joe Grande June 13, 2019 (7:41 pm)

    I was a 34th PCO for a number of years. Then I say ‘the political machine’ take control of the district. I can’t in all honesty say I’m a Republican but more Independent daily. The person and the issue are more important than the party. The 34th Dems left me. I didn’t leave them.  

  • Mark Schletty June 13, 2019 (7:53 pm)

    I wasn’t at this meeting. Reading comments from people there, supporting different candidates, I can say that I am certain of only one thing. The fact that the elected officials and Party officials present did not get in line to denounce this sort of incivility is unfathomable and unforgivable. It is the responsibility of the officials to ensure that those who disagree with them are protected from this kind of intimidation. To do less smacks of Trump tactics at their worst.  The person who was hit with the wine deserves a personal apology from every official there, and particularly from Herbold since it appears the thrower was one of her supporters.

    • Nolan June 13, 2019 (9:58 pm)

      That viewpoint is utterly laughable. Herbold doesn’t owe anyone anything over the actions of someone she doesn’t affiliate herself with.

      • Mark Schletty June 14, 2019 (7:24 am)

        You missed my point. An apology is not due for being responsible for the act. It’s due for not denouncing the act. Not denouncing, in this kind of case, is tantamount to acquiescence. And that applies to every official there, not just Herbold.

        • _M_H June 14, 2019 (10:51 am)

          “Not denouncing, in this kind of case, is tantamount to acquiescence. And that applies to every official there, not just Herbold.”

          Precisely!

        • Nolan June 14, 2019 (1:15 pm)

          Since you missed this part, let me repeat and highlight it: “Herbold doesn’t owe anyone anything over the actions of someone she doesn’t affiliate herself with.”

  • Sixbuck June 14, 2019 (12:51 am)

    Let’s talk affordable housing. Many of you probably moved here in the last 5-10 years. You overpayed. YOU made housing unaffordable. ???

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