I’m running because King County deserves bold leadership to address the immediate problems facing our region. I‘m the son of Ethiopian refugees, the first in my family to attend college, and a product of South Seattle housing projects and public schools. I’m an attorney and non-profit founder. Our region’s problems can be solved but require a fresh approach.

Affordable housing and transportation decisions require a regional and equitable approach. We must ensure communities facing gentrification get relief and reliable access to transit. We must address our changing climate and understand the disproportionate environmental impact on our neighborhoods. Our justice system must be restorative and fair for people of all races and incomes. We must eliminate youth incarceration and invest in diversion and community programs to meet the needs of our youth.

We must change regressive taxation and make the money we already have go further. I support forming a public bank and pursuing revenue sources that don’t burden the working class disproportionately. Lastly, to change our political system we must get big money out. I’m the only candidate in this race not accepting corporate PAC money. We can choose our future.

Endorsed: 11th, 37th, 46th and King County Young Democrats

Proven Experience Matters.  As your King County Councilmember, I have an awesome responsibility to maintain past gains and ensure a vibrant future. While our nation is being assaulted by division and hate, our county is being stressed by unprecedented growth and homelessness. I was the prime sponsor for 44,000 units of affordable housing and am working for stronger investigation of civil rights violations.

I am continuing to address disproportionality in our education, health and criminal justice systems while implementing more strategic and environmentally sound policy. I have implemented community-driven programs like allocating funds for Renton schools to utilize Skyway Park, creating a Renters’ Commission and protections for tenants, providing guidance to men of color re-entering society and adding 200,000 hours to Metro transit service.

Our work is not done. Public policies for equity and justice requires the ability to work across sectors and get things done. I would be honored to continue for a final term as your Councilmember to implement smart legislation and mentor new generations of leadership.

Endorsements: US Senator Cantwell, Congresswoman Jayapal, Attorney General Ferguson, State Senator Saldaña, King County Executive Constantine and Councilmembers, the King County Labor Council, many community organizations and individuals.