Chuck Hardaway: Autumn is upon us with falling leaves and cooler weather. Another
rite of fall is our annual General Election. Mayor, could you give us your thoughts?
Mayor Gerken: Chuck, I’d be happy to. Well, as you know we are a democracy and that
entails certain rights and responsibilities of our citizens. In my opinion one of
those responsibilities is to participate in YOUR government. A very important way
to do that is to VOTE in the elections. We need the participation of our citizens
for our democracy to succeed.
Chuck: Mayor, tell us about this year’s election.
Mayor: This is what is called an ‘off year’ election meaning it does not include
any Federal or Statewide offices. But it does include Statewide Measures and all
local government and special purpose district elected officials, including County
Councilors and some County Officials, Port Commissioners, City Councilors, some
Judges, School Directors; and Fire, Water, Sewer, Public Hospital and other Local
Improvement District Commissioners.
Chuck: What else is on the ballot?
Mayor: In addition to Local Candidates and Measures, there are Statewide Citizen
Initiatives and State Legislature Resolutions. This year’s measures include I-1125
(state expenditures on transportation), I-1163 (long term care workers), I-1183
(liquor sales), and SJR 8205 and 8206 (proposed state constitutional amendments).
Chuck: Our voting system is all mail-in ballot. Mayor, what are the key dates?
Mayor: Chuck, the ballots should have been mailed on October 19th, so everyone should
have received theirs. Ballots need to be postmarked by November 8th. Contact King
County Elections if you did not receive a ballot. http://www.kingcounty.gov/elections/elections/201111.aspx
Chuck: What resources are available to help voters make an informed decision?
Mayor: Voters’ Pamphlets from both the State and King County should have been mailed
to households. The King County Local Voters’ Pamphlet is also available on-line:
http://your.kingcounty.gov/elections/elections/201111/pamphlets/Ed3web.pdf. Also,
many candidates have campaign websites with additional information.
Chuck: Mayor, any closing comments?
Mayor: Yes – our government works best when we participate at all levels including
running for office and most certainly by voting. I urge you to VOTE by November
8th.
Chuck: Mayor, thank you for the friendly reminder.
Mayor: My pleasure, Chuck. We’ll talk again next month.
