The Candidates Forum was held at the VFW in Skyway last night, Oct. 24. It was well-attended by candidates, but unfortunately poorly-attended by the public. John Sheller, Senior Managing Librarian for King County Library System, was the skilled moderator.
Candidates in attendance were: Sheriff Steve Strachan, John Urquhart, Reagan Dunn, Eric Pettigrew, Sharon Tomiko Santos, staff respresenting Jay Inslee and Michael Baumgartner, Jim Postma, Sharon Hanek, and Tamra Smilanich.
Each candidate gave a short talk and introduction before the forum was opened up for questions from the audience, and then there was informal, personal discussion afterwards.
We did learn that Sheriff Strachan plans to add 4 additional deputies to Skyway and White Center from the 14 currently being hired.
We also had an opportunity to talk personally with Sharon Tomiko Santos about the challenge King County is experiencing funding infrastructure and maintenance for roads. She believes there may be a way the state legislature can help address the problem.
We'd like to thank our local Skyway VFW and King County Library System for sponsoring this very well-organized forum, as well as all the candidates that came out on a rainy night to talk with us. Public attendance could have been better, but the opportunity to meet candidates in person was invaluable, and made this event a big success.
