My own personal councilmember…

…is the cheese.

Bob Ferguson is the new King County Council chairman.

Congrats, Chairman Bob!

Exercising the Franchise, Part 4.

There are five more races on the front page of my ballot, four of which are uncontested - King County Sheriff, King County Council, Court of Appeals Judge and Port of Seattle Commissioner Position 1. I'll mark the ballot for my Council Member, Bob Ferguson, in hope that his finish is strong enough to deter future challenges, but I'll be part of the under vote for the rest.

The contested race is for King County Assessor. There are five names on the ballot, three of which merit consideration from Democratic voters. Lloyd Hara, former Seattle City Treasurer and Port Commissioner, is a likely favorite and a good Democrat. Former Deputy Assessor Bob Rosenberger has snagged the endorsement of my local Democratic Party organization and most every Democratic office holder that isn't in the Hara camp.

I won't make a case against either Hara or Rosenberger, and the office of Assessor will be in good hands should either of them win, but I'm voting for Gene Lux. I came to know Gene when I worked for the State House while he was carving out a reputation as a champion of working folks. I got to know him better when I was President of the Young Democrats of Washington and he was one of our strongest supporters and benefactors. He went on to the State Senate and has experience on a wide range of boards and commissions. Gene Lux has been serving the people in one capacity or another for a long time. He's never sold out. He's never sold us out. He's got my vote.

Exercising the Franchise, Part 2.

As promised, my take on the King County Charter amendments on this year's ballot. Vote for 'em. The County Charter seems to need amendment every time the Council sneezes and is probably overdue for another complete rewrite, but meantime it's left to the voters to do the housekeeping that the Councils activity requires. Most of 'em are clerical in nature, removing obsolete language and provisions. The most substantive of the bunch strengthens public protection of public lands. Vote yes on all four.

Next up, County Executive.