King County Council Candidates Debate Housing and Experience at Urbanist Forum

Candidates vying for the King County Council District 2 seat recently presented their platforms at a forum hosted by The Urbanist and other community groups, revealing distinct approaches to critical issues like social housing and development experience. State Senator Rebecca Saldaña and Seattle Port Commission President Toshiko Hasegawa, both running in the progressive lane, shared common ground on affordable housing, transit expansion, and anti-displacement measures. However, their debate highlighted key differences in their qualifications and proposed solutions for the district.

Candidate Narratives and Shared Values

The forum, held at Beacon Hill’s Centilia Cultural Center, was moderated by Crystal Fincher and brought together Saldaña and Hasegawa to discuss their visions for King County. Both candidates emphasized their roots in community organizing and shared a commitment to progressive values, including protecting immigrants and promoting environmental justice. Their personal narratives often centered on overcoming adversity, drawing parallels from their families’ experiences with racism and oppression.

Hasegawa spoke of her Japanese-American family’s history of surviving internment camps during World War II and her father’s subsequent career as a Teamsters union organizer and state senator. She highlighted her own experience raising a family in the same neighborhood where her grandparents established roots.

Saldaña shared her Mexican-American family’s journey, detailing her father’s experiences as an undocumented immigrant and later a factory worker, which instilled in him a deep understanding of conservation and the importance of union jobs.

Divergences on Housing Funding and Experience

Despite their shared progressive ideals, the candidates diverged on specific policy approaches, particularly concerning housing. A key point of contention was the potential for a county social housing levy. Hasegawa expressed strong support for such a levy, advocating for urgent action to fund social housing initiatives. In contrast, Saldaña voiced reticence, suggesting a preference for exploring other progressive revenue options before committing to a dedicated levy, and emphasizing a need to wait for their emergence.

This difference in approach was also linked to their perceived experience. Hasegawa pointed to her tenure on the Seattle Port Commission, particularly her oversight of the Concourse C expansion project, as evidence of her ability to manage large budgets and deliver complex, sustainably built infrastructure. She cited the project’s LEED Platinum certification as an example of what King County can achieve.

Saldaña, on the other hand, emphasized her decade of experience in the state legislature, arguing that her longer record in elected office has allowed her to build crucial relationships with decision-makers and to demonstrate a proven ability to stand up to corporate interests, such as master builders and landlords, in favor of prioritizing affordability and climate action. She referenced her legislative work concerning the potential annexation of the Bryn Mawr-Skyway area as an example where her experience would be vital.

Endorsements and the District 2 Race

The District 2 seat is open following the election of former officeholder Girmay Zahilay as King County Executive. Zahilay appointed his chief of staff, Rhonda Lewis, to serve the remainder of his term. Zahilay has publicly endorsed Hasegawa, as has former Governor Jay Inslee. Saldaña, however, has garnered support from a significant number of unions and current state legislators. Notably, some progressive figures, including King County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda and Rep. Shaun Scott, have endorsed both candidates, illustrating the nuanced political landscape of the district.

Key facts

The debate between Saldaña and Hasegawa underscores the ongoing discussions within King County regarding how best to address housing affordability and development needs. The candidates’ differing views on funding mechanisms and their emphasis on distinct professional backgrounds offer voters a clear choice as they consider the future leadership of District 2.

Source: The Urbanist, King County Council D2 Candidates Joust at Urbanist Forum, https://www.theurbanist.org/king-county-council-d2-candidates-joust-at-urbanist-forum/