ELECTION 2023: Maren Costa officially announces Seattle City Council District 1 campaign

A second candidate has officially announced a campaign for the Seattle City Council District 1 seat that Lisa Herbold is leaving after two terms. Maren Costa is a West Seattle resident whose announcement describes her as having been “illegally fired in 2020 for organizing Amazon workers” after organizing Amazon Employees for Climate Justice in 2019 and expanding its mission in 2020 “to include better working conditions for warehouse workers during the pandemic.” As reported nationally, a National Labor Relations Board lawsuit was filed against Amazon; it was settled out of court. As for why she’s running for City Council, Costa’s announcement quotes her as saying, “Everyone in our community deserves a livable wage, safe working conditions, and affordable housing. And we need Council members who understand that ‘feeling safe’ means different things to seniors, or to families, or to those of us who are LGBTQ+, or to the unhoused, or to people of color. And it is critical that at this moment, we look for solutions that also help us respond to the climate crisis.” Costa also says she recently “worked at Microsoft as a principal user experience designer leading the shopping team” and is an adviser “for three climate startups: Power Bloom Solar, Carbon Zero, and Impact Karma.” You can read Costa’s full announcement here. Her announcement comes six days after the first one in the race; Preston Anderson announced his campaign last week. Formal filing week is May 15-19, so the field of candidates won’t be finalized until then; the primary election is August 1st.

My two cents January 26, 2023 (2:32 pm)

Herbold Redux

3 Scents January 26, 2023 (3:26 pm)

We need a tough on criminals and not wasting money on unnecessary things candidate. See next WSB story to further drive home this point.
- my two cents January 26, 2023 (6:18 pm)
  
  Please note that I did not make any sort of inference as to if this is good, bad or indifferent but somehow you feel the need to parse out two words. FWIW, not a big fan of Herbold.

Mark47n January 26, 2023 (2:41 pm)

Not to be too crass, but how about a politician that wants to see the roads repaired, bridges maintained, the police enforce the law. You know, regular stuff. The nuts and bolts. I don’t think I’ve seen someone who has said they want to see roads repaired and parks maintained in years. It’s always grand statements that are just more noise.Maybe I’ll run. I want to see the roads repaired and crumbling infrastructure repaired. I want the police to police. I want parks to be maintained and safe for kids. I want to tighten the loose nuts and bolts.

M January 26, 2023 (2:48 pm)

Mark47N- I completely agree. My thoughts when reading her statement was just, “ugh”.
Kyle January 26, 2023 (2:52 pm)

Please run. I would vote for that agenda.
Brayton January 26, 2023 (2:52 pm)

You have my vote!
MarcyG January 26, 2023 (2:57 pm)

Hey you have my vote……. this one sounds like a lot of hot air and not much else.
WestSeattleBadTakes January 26, 2023 (2:58 pm)

You may want it, but first you need to understand why it is happening. Do you?
Mr j January 26, 2023 (3:03 pm)

It doesn’t sound like she’s not for that. A candidate can want to better conditions for minority groups while still advocating for better infrastructure. Both can be true.I think ever intersection and mile posts around town need cameras to “enforce the law” as so many commenters love to point out. With all that extra revenue from speeding, running reds and general aggressive driving we could could hire a few extra police officers.
Spooled January 26, 2023 (3:17 pm)

You’d have my vote Mark! I pretty much want the simple basics from my government. Police, Fire, EMS, roads, a justice system, defense. The things most adults ought to get behind regardless which way they lean. I don’t need my city trying to change the world or sue automakers and media companies while I’m worried about my car being stolen again or my house getting invaded overnight.
m January 26, 2023 (3:18 pm)

You have my vote. Please run.
Brian Feusagach January 26, 2023 (3:21 pm)

@Mark47N – Absoulutely agree about what this District (and city) needs. And if you have some ideas on how to get it done, you got my vote!
Peter January 26, 2023 (4:14 pm)

I don’t see in her statement where she said she was against repairing roads or enforcing laws. Can you please point that out for me? If you have additional information, please share.
- WS Guy January 26, 2023 (5:49 pm)
  
  I didn’t see anything in her statement that said she was against breeding penguins at Alki, so can we assume that is also one of her priorities?
snowskier January 26, 2023 (4:27 pm)

Totally agree with you. I want someone focused on the basic, competent and timely delivery of core government services. It’s been a while.
WS January 26, 2023 (5:06 pm)

Mark has my vote. Enough of the games!
Stephen January 26, 2023 (5:43 pm)

Totally agree, Mark47N.
Peter January 27, 2023 (12:53 am)

Does anyone else find all the piled on, generic comments, all in total agreement and “ you have my vote,” to be more than a little odd? Mark47n is spamming the comments.
- Barton January 29, 2023 (8:49 pm)
  
  Or … people agree that a City Council rep should have the priorities Mark espouses – which should be basic common sense except in Seattle apparently.
Derek January 27, 2023 (7:32 am)

I would like to see less police. Especially after last week’s pedestrian debacle. A speeding cop with no checks and balances has led to a death.
- Frustrated January 28, 2023 (6:06 am)
  
  We’ve tried having less police. It’s not working out so well. Get rid of the police AFTER you fix the underlying systemic issues leading to crime, not before.
Seattlite January 28, 2023 (9:40 am)

District One needs candidates like you Mark. A candidate who wants to solve District One’s safety issues among other important issues. The tide seems to be turning for change with more citizens being adversely affected by poor decision-making from elected officials.
Leon Jackson January 28, 2023 (6:29 pm)

Mark47N for city council. You get my vote with that agenda and everyone I know would vote for you. Need a person to enforce the rules on those that don’t think rules apply to them.

Anne January 26, 2023 (2:49 pm)

Blah Blah Blah.

HTB January 26, 2023 (2:54 pm)

No thanks

TM January 26, 2023 (2:55 pm)

Right on! Maren’s a long-term West Seattle resident, a fantastic person, parent and incredibly accomplished professionally. As well as gutsy. Great news, she would be a solid advocate for Seattle.

Anne January 26, 2023 (4:16 pm)

Sounds like a good person- but nothing I’ve read so far compels my vote.
- votingformark47n January 26, 2023 (4:41 pm)
  
  I agree with Anne. It sounds like Maren should keep doing what she’s been doing.
- TM January 26, 2023 (4:44 pm)
  
  She’s great. I’m with many on here regarding what my near-term priorities are as a WS resident, namely re-setting Seattle’s stance on managing the rampant crime, so I look forward to hearing more. I haven’t spoken with her yet but I think including messaging around that sooner than later will be important for her campaign as well as people’s ability to assess if she’ll address their needs. As shown with the Amazon bits, she doesn’t shy away from things so I expect we’ll see her address directly. And it is great to see her long-view priorities around the environment.
Rara January 27, 2023 (9:59 am)

I know her personally and she is wonderful, kind, smart gal.

Genesee5Points January 26, 2023 (3:07 pm)

We don’t need another Kshama Sawant representing District 1. This is a socialist, defund the police, let the RV’s encampments stay, make every neighborhood high rise/density, income tax, make every new WS restaurant a pizza place candidate (ok that last one was a joke). BUT, what I’d like to know from the candidate is: How are you going to slow/stop the rising crime in WS? How are you going to attract new law enforcement candidates to SPD (west precinct)? How are you going to handle the RV encampments in WS? How are you going to make WS attractive to small business? And most of all…. How will your policies, approach and methods differ from the failed (recent) legacy of District 1 representation? Hoping all candidates answer these questions for the District 1 electorate before it’s time to vote.

AlkiResident January 27, 2023 (8:24 am)

Exactly! All candidates should have to answer these questions. Unfortunately, Costa’s statement was just a bunch of progressive buzzwords that they all trot out. She’s Herbold 2.0. West Seattle deserves better!

OP January 26, 2023 (3:49 pm)

Ugh, not another Herboldt, 2.0, and possibly worse. Hard-left policies and politicians have utterly failed and brought down this city. Enough is enough. Can’t we get moderate Democrats to run, please? It’s really not that too much to ask.

Skeptic January 26, 2023 (4:09 pm)

Another activist candidate for city council? How about NO!

Seattlite January 26, 2023 (4:23 pm)

NO THANKS! One can easily discern from this writeup that Costa is not the type of common sense, logical thinking, well-balanced candidate that District One needs to confront all of the challenges that have yet to be resolved.

Odd son January 26, 2023 (4:24 pm)

I was going to say this the last time a new D1 candidate was featured. I’ve been itching for change for more than 10 years. It’s nice to see likeminded comments lately. I cannot support a status quo candidate and frankly I cannot support anyone voting for more of the same.

Madmatt January 26, 2023 (4:48 pm)

Costa has no real agenda. What about crime, which is out of lcontrol.. Lisa was also. Useless. Let’s hope we can get a decent candidate with a real agenda

James January 26, 2023 (5:01 pm)

You have my vote, Maren!

Marty January 26, 2023 (5:01 pm)

Maren sounds like a continuation of our current problems.

WS Guy January 26, 2023 (5:33 pm)

Ugh, another activist. No thanks.

CB January 26, 2023 (5:50 pm)

I hope she reads these comments and realize the voters are not looking for a candidate who seems to be more interested in social activism than taking care of this city’s basic needs.

m January 26, 2023 (6:44 pm)

One thing I’ve learned about the commentariat of the WSB is that those who comment the loudest about wanting more conservative candidates are often disappointed when the D1 ballots drop. Last election, the cop who ran didn’t even make it out of the primary.
Reed January 26, 2023 (9:30 pm)

LOL like these comments and those that frequent on here are representative of West Seattle. Remember how Lisa Herbold won in a landslide last time?

tim January 26, 2023 (6:27 pm)

Mel January 26, 2023 (6:30 pm)

Wow, I’m reading this differently. Not the WSB write-up but her actual statement after clicking the link. It seems to me SAFETY for all, along with climate change are her top priorities. She’s a West Seattle Mom apparently, and I’m sure very aware of how dangerous our area has become.

Sarge January 27, 2023 (10:09 am)

She does use the word “safety” in her statement, but it’s really not clear to me what she is referring to. It’s a broad buzzword here, not an action. Until she comes out with a clearer platform there is nothing here drawing my vote…

North admiral January 26, 2023 (6:34 pm)

Our current policies have led to crumbling roads, non-stop crime, garbage everywhere, needles in parks, and junkies living on the sidewalks. Why would the solution be more of the same policies ?

Mel January 26, 2023 (6:37 pm)

I’ll vote for another candidate (someone different than currently in office) and this woman will likely win. Seems to always happen that way…sigh

Over it January 26, 2023 (6:57 pm)

Hard pass.

Kris January 26, 2023 (6:58 pm)

I’m really excited about this candidate and what she stands for, most of all, safety for our neighborhood. Maren, you have my vote!

Admyrl Byrd January 26, 2023 (7:31 pm)

Is there something in Seattle Election law that requires candidates to be verified activists?In some conversations with state reps, I’ve been assured there are candidates in queue that are more mainstream candidates. We need more people like Sara Nelson who have led organizations, run their own business and demonstrated sound fiscal/performance management, as well recognizing the need for safety starts with strong law enforcement and prosecution – something that is woefully lacking.Really hoping to see someone that advocates for all people, including all of us that are tired of the indiscriminate crime. We seem to be the silent majority, unsexy to cater to, unattractive to write about.

Vee January 26, 2023 (7:49 pm)

She sound like a mix if herbold and sawant, not at all what is needed, no for me

WSRes January 26, 2023 (8:20 pm)

I would not vote for a candidate with this agenda. How about public safety and rebuilding infrastructure? Most of my neighbors that I know would never support this candidate.

Libra January 26, 2023 (9:50 pm)

No more activists! We need a Sara Nelson who brings her experience as a small business owner and pragmatic thinking to solving issues. West Seattle small businesses are constantly closing for a myriad of reasons, but all we hear about is fixing “affordable housing” and “climate change!” The dichotomy is that creating affordable housing places an undue burden on seniors and others who live on fixed incomes by increasing their property taxes thereby creating a need for more affordable housing. I agree with the many commenters above who would support the platform of a Mark47 to concentrate on core issues like infrastructure and law enforcement! Good riddance to Herbold, Sawant, and all the other socialists!

Scarlett January 27, 2023 (12:01 pm)

Abosolute nonsense. The is no correlation between affordable housing and seniors living in their homes. And, strangely, no one is complaining about home valuations when it comes to selling theirs. I am weary of the hypocrisy I see every day in these comments sections, usually by the law and order “bootstrap” conservatives who are really no more a conservative than I am a submarine captain. Does no one have a shred of shame anymore?
- Al King January 27, 2023 (2:13 pm)
  
  Scarlett. We do have shame. We’re ashamed of the people that don’t believe in accountability. We’re ashamed of people justifying stealing as a means to pay for their drug habit. We’re ashamed of people that believe nobody should be held accountable for their mistakes and misdeeds. We’re ashamed that there are people that want to unlock all the jails and let everyone free. We’re ashamed that there are people that claim they’re only going to take from the “rich” to give to the “poor.” If you believe that law and order is wrong and crime should pay then wow just wow.
  - Scarlett January 27, 2023 (9:24 pm)
    
    You’re already attributing me with words I never said and that is not a good start to a conversation. But let me tell you something about “accountability,” Al. This is a word that has been used since time immemorial to flay the lower classes while the upper classes get away with “murder” so to speak, behind a smokescreen of financial advisors, the justice system, religion, the military, and of course, the police. By the way, I’m not a 16 year kid, I’ve seen a lot of life, maybe far more than some, and maybe too much according to others.

Scubafrog January 26, 2023 (9:52 pm)

Until a candidate has the guts to come out and say “pro-police”, and mention how bad crime is, I’m not really interested. Everyone seems to be suffering in regards to crime, and infrastructure. The usual progressive buzz words have been proffered by the two candidates running so far. I’m not too surprised no one’s stepped up – most people work full-time, and simply don’t have the time nor resources to campaign and run in an historically-progressive district ripe with progressive donors.

Del January 26, 2023 (10:30 pm)

Nope to Maren. She seems like another extremist who’s ideals are toxic.

Canton January 26, 2023 (10:42 pm)

Big No. We need more boring candidates like accountants, someone to look at the books, cause they don’t add up. The non profits that take most the money, aren’t regulated properly. We need someone with the gumption to regulate our tax dollars, so we don’t decide to find better grounds.

Mike January 27, 2023 (12:05 am)

Nope

Wseattleite January 27, 2023 (12:05 am)

No more activists please. I encourage Mark to run.

Westwood resident January 27, 2023 (1:15 am)

Nope. As you can tell from most of the comments, this is not the type of candidate we want representing our district. Who will actually stand up for what the city is yearning for? These social issues are important but right now we have other pressing issues that need to be addressed first.

Jon Wright January 27, 2023 (7:33 am)

If by “we” you mean “online commenters,” I wouldn’t get my hopes up just yet. Online commenters are not particularly representative of District 1 voters. I remember how gung ho Blog commenters were for Brendan Kolding last election.

937 January 27, 2023 (6:22 am)

Activist city council pol *check*

Congratulations on your victory CM Costa.

Seattle Voter (again) votes for “Change” – gets SAME result in different packaging.

Thomas January 27, 2023 (6:23 am)

Why do the candidates have such a hard time addressing crime? Nothing is going to turn voters off then a candidate who refuses to talk about crime and only wants to promote a social agenda.When are we going to face reality that not all those on the street are homeless. We need to resolve this contentious relationship between city leadership and SPD.All our safety needs a good police force.

Scarlett January 27, 2023 (6:30 am)

We’re all citizens of the world now so I don’t have the slightest problem with a candidate taking a larger profile on issues. Exhibit A: We are on the edge of a NUCLEAR precipice and everyone seems to be sleepwalking through while we squabble over the design of a building.

Seattle is Sinking January 27, 2023 (7:08 am)

This is not the way and she is not the right choice. We have a drug and crime and homelessness epidemic of epic proportions. Half the streets in WS are third world quality. Businesses are delayed for months bc they can’t get permits bc the permit office is still hiding behind Covid and never reopened. We have no cops. Cars and property being stolen left and right, bank robberies and even mail trucks getting stolen in broad daylight. Trump pushed me quite a bit left. Living in Seattle is pushing me back to the right. Since when did liberalism and progressivism mean lawlessness and criminals rights over taxpayers?

Brian Feusagach January 27, 2023 (7:33 am)

There’s a lot of passion about what District 1 needs! Our current representatives are there because they received the majority of votes FOR them. As noted here, information is critical to the understanding where a candidate(s) stands on issues that are imporant. One needs to take the relatively brief time to research, mark and mail in their ballot – and then an important responsibility for determining how we are governed has been achieved.Washington state should have one of the most informed electorates in the country. The Voters Pamphlet sent out by King County Elections before each election (or available online) can be a wealth of impartial information. Reading the candiate’s statements and paying attention to the people/organizations that endorse the candidate can give the voter a flavor of where the candidate may stand. Our local media can also have candidate/issue recommendations – but more important are their explanations about why they endorse a particular candidate or issue. If we vote and the candidate we voted for didn’t win, then we need to work with the elected candidate to make our voices heard. I seriously doubt a candidate pays much attention to the sentiments expressed here … but constituents showing up in their office or contacting them by phone or email will get their attention. They are politicians after all. Apathy at the ballot box needs to be transalted into action (votes)! <stepping off my soapbox> :)

NO more Squish! January 27, 2023 (8:00 am)

Hard NO on this one. She sounds like another squishy person. We do not need that for our city. The other one sounds like another squishy activist. Has that worked for our city? Our city is in serious need of help.

Tran Nguyen January 27, 2023 (8:34 am)

I want to see positive changes in west Seattle. No more talk talk.

David January 27, 2023 (9:03 am)

More or less what you’d expect in terms of the first ones out of the gate. It’s still early. Looking forward to hearing from additional candidates with different (non-activist/social justice) experience.

Ranger0328 January 27, 2023 (9:24 am)

Stop. Just stop. This has been the same platform of politics that has seen Seattle go up in crime, divide the city more than ever and truly makes citizens feel unsafe regardless of which part of the city you live in. How much more money needs to be invested before we have politicians sit back, take a breather and get back to the drawing board. Go back to the fundamentals, infrastructure, safety, education of our cities and then start to reset how homelessness and this divide in our city can be addressed.

anonyme January 27, 2023 (10:46 am)

The most centrist-sounding candidates in Seattle are still pretty far left, which leaves voters struggling to find the least extreme option. There’s really no such thing as a moderate around here, and certainly, none that will be tough on crime. Really tired of every single candidate leading with their social justice stances and leaving everything else unaddressed. This sends a clear message that they regard other issues as less important. The council has lost its purpose.

WestSeattleBadTakes January 27, 2023 (12:35 pm)

Tell me you are out of touch without telling me you are out of touch.
- anonyme January 29, 2023 (12:46 pm)
  
  Uh, what? Or was that your bad take?

Bea January 27, 2023 (12:43 pm)

This progressive liberal wants law and order. Somebody with eyes to see the degradation “live and let live” has wrought. Someone who won’t look the other way when taxpayers are last on the consideration list. A candidate who can carry a big stick against wrongdoers.

WestSeattleBadTakes January 27, 2023 (5:39 pm)

Here is what the pro-police, tough on crime folks actually want. They must be opposed.

https://wreg.com/news/local/tyre-nichols/tyre-nichols-video-released-by-memphis-police/

We can no longer allow them to oppose economic and social policies that work. Whether that be by ignorance, misinformation, lies, or appeals to emotion.

anonyme January 29, 2023 (1:00 pm)

This is exactly the kind of extremist accusation that has eroded the far-left platform and created a significant and justifiable backlash. Your comparison to the horrific murder of Tyre Nichols is obscene and offensive. The far left has completely failed to either design or implement “economic and social policies that work”. Nor is liberalism antithetical to law and order. It’s about fairness for all – not just criminals. As far as “ignorance, misinformation, lies, or appeals to emotion” we’ve had nothing but from our activist politicians in recent years, and look where it’s gotten us. To suggest that the “tough on crime” folks are responsible is so blatantly false as to be silly. Most of those whom you characterize in this way were and still are, liberal. The fact is that these extreme left policies serve, and help, no one.