
Candidates
Candidates
2017 general election
Port of Seattle
Commissioner Position 3
The Port of Seattle is an engine of our economy and a critical West Coast transportation hub. The jobs and infrastructure of our Port serve people across the globe, and must always be good partners with taxpayers, workers, and communities throughout our region.
I’ve earned the support of environmental advocates, labor unions, and businesses small and large throughout King County because I’ve made it my goal to position our Port for economic success, environmental stewardship, and leadership in social equity. In order to protect and grow middle class jobs, I led the creation of the historic partnership with the Port of Tacoma. Together we now collaborate, rather than compete, to keep cargo and jobs in Washington, rather than Canada or Los Angeles.
I’ve championed living wages, job-training and apprenticeship programs so Port workers can advance their careers. I’ve worked to ensure the future of the Alaska fishing fleet, so the next generation of fishing vessels is built in Washington. I’ve focused on Port sustainability, working to bring aviation bio-fuels to Sea-Tac Airport, cleaning up stormwater, and fighting for oil train safety. I spearheaded the creation of an internship program providing disadvantaged youth across King County with experience and exposure to potential careers.
Sea-Tac Airport is a regional asset that must be managed efficiently and sustainably alongside our airport communities, ensuring it remains a global port of entry, supporting our local businesses and open to people from all over the world.
I would be honored to have your support to continue this work.
Sole Endorsements: Washington Conservation Voters; Women’s Political Caucus; Port Firefighters; King Countywide District Democrats; King County Labor Council; Aerospace Machinists; Longshoreman’s and Sailors Union of the Pacific; and dozens of local mayors and leaders including Lt. Governor Cyrus Habib, King County Executive Dow Constantine and Governor Gregoire.
Living here in King County with my wife and children, I am passionate about protecting working people’s rights and our environment. As a refugee from violence and civil war in Somalia, I would lay awake at night in a Kenyan refugee camp believing that anyone who comes here and works hard can achieve the American Dream.
Now, as a proud citizen of this country who has gone from working in a chicken processing factory to college, I’m running for Port Commissioner because it’s clear that the Port and many current commissioners are blocking the road to the American Dream for many others.
Port Commissioners fought against providing paid sick leave, job protections and a $15 minimum wage for thousands of airport workers. They voted to let the Shell Oil drilling platform into our beautiful Puget Sound. They don’t think twice about replacing family wage union jobs with interns or looking the other way when Port staff and the CEO don’t follow the rules.
These are not King County’s or America’s values. I believe that people who work hard deserve a fair wage, that we all have a right to clean water and clean air, and that everyone- especially public officials - should play by the rules. I will fight hard to represent the voices of working people and the communities directly impacted by the Port’s pollution. And I will hold our public Port of Seattle accountable to the public.
I am proud to be endorsed by leaders like Congresswoman Pramilla Jayapal, State Senator Rebecca Saldana, State Senator Bob Hasegawa, and former Mayor Mike McGinn, The King County Democrats, KIng County Young Democrats, 32nd, 36th, 45th, and 46th LD Democrats, and unions like SEIU 6, SEIU 775 and Teamsters 117. Community Service: Seattle Housing Authority Board Commissioner; Somali Community Services
Contact Elections
Email: elections@kingcounty.gov
Phone: 206-296-VOTE (8683)
TTY: Relay 711
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