Write-in candidate for state rep.; builders endorse fast ferry | Political Notebook

April Ferguson, who finished third of four candidates in the August primary for 23rd District state representative, position 1, is running as a write-in candidate for 23rd District state representative, position 2. And she’s literally “running.”

Ferguson running as write-in
for state House, position 2

SUQUAMISH April Ferguson, who finished third of four candidates in the August primary for 23rd District state representative, position 1, is running as a write-in candidate for 23rd District state representative, position 2.

And she’s literally “running.”

Noting that the election is just a few weeks away, Ferguson said she planned to jog and fast-walk in order to doorbell and hand out campaign fliers at as many homes as possible before the last ballots are cast.

Ferguson, a Republican, is challenging Drew Hansen, Democrat, who until her write-in candidacy was unopposed for reelection.

Ferguson is a member of the Suquamish Citizens Advisory Committee and a former child care center operator. In earlier interviews, she said she believes in more local control of education, wants to reduce regulations “that are unnecessary [and]are shutting small businesses down,” wants to protect programs that help adults with disabilities, and supports the sovereignty of Tribal governments. The 23rd District includes the lands of the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe and the Suquamish Tribe.

Ferguson is the parent who confronted the North Kitsap School Board in February over sexual misconduct between students on a school bus for students with special needs, bringing the issue to the attention of the public. She learned of the incidents five months after they had taken place.

ONLINE: VoteforApril.com; DrewHansen.com.

*      *      *

Kitsap Building Association
endorses fast-ferry proposal

BREMERTON The Kitsap Building Association has endorsed the fast-ferry funding proposal on the Nov. 8 ballot.

The association made the endorsement after hosting guest speakers on the issue, and meetings with representatives for and against the proposal.

The association believes “this proposal will generate economic opportunities throughout the county,” the association stated in its endorsement. “Access to efficient, reliable, transportation options is important to developing healthy and diverse communities and preserving affordable housing The ferry system is a marine highway and new investment is necessary to meet the growing demands of our community. The fast ferry proposal is an opportunity to gain reliable, affordable, fast transportation east and west across the Sound and is important to Kitsap’s economic vitality.”

Association member Judy Eagleson added, “The Kitsap Fast Ferry system will provide local residents with a reliable connection to jobs, education, health care and all of the connected benefits of Seattle’s entertainment, transportation and sports venues. It will reduce congestion on our area highways by offering Seattle-bound commuters a fast, dependable option departing from several locations in Kitsap.”

The Kitsap Building Association is an association of almost 300 builders, subcontractors and related service providers representing the home building industry, its members and its consumers.

*      *      *

Affordable housing councils
endorse in the election

BREMERTON The Affordable Housing Council of the HBA of Kitsap County and the Washington Affordable Housing Council have endorsed the following candidates.

Governor
Bill Bryant

Commissioner of Public Lands
Steve McLaughlin

Secretary of State
Kim Wyman

State Legislature
Christine Rolfes, state Senate, 23rd District.
Loretta Byrnes, state House, position 1, 23rd District.
Drew Hansen, state House, position 2, 23rd District.
Jesse Young, state House, position 1, 26th District.
Michelle Caldier, state House, position 2, 26th District.
Dan Griffey, state House, position 1, 35th District.
Drew MacEwen, state House, position 2, 35th District.

Kitsap County Commission
— Robert Gelder, District 1.
— Chris Tibbs, District 2.

Kitsap Public Utility District Commission
— John Armstrong.

State Supreme Court
— David DeWolf, position 1.
— Greg Zempel, position 5.
— Dave Larson, position 6.

*      *      *

Washington Fire Chiefs
endorse Franz for Public Lands

BAINBRIDGE ISLAND Former Bainbridge Island City Council member Hilary Franz, Democratic candidate for commissioner of Public Lands, has received the endorsement of the Washington State Fire Chiefs, the statewide organization representing the state’s top firefighting officials.

Franz is also endorsed by the Washington State Council of Firefighters, representing front-line professional firefighting personnel.

In a statement, the chiefs said they endorsed Franz “because of [her] hard work, responsiveness, understanding and support of our fire service-related issues.”

“I’m so grateful to have the support of firefighters and fire chiefs across Washington,” Franz said in the endorsement announcement. “We must do more to combat fire as part of a comprehensive approach requiring smarter prevention strategies, and increased resources to protect lives and property. I look forward to working as a partner with fire officials as commissioner.”

Franz served on the Bainbridge Island City Council from 2008-11. She was appointed by Gov. Christine Gregoire to the stateEnvironmental Policy Act Climate Action Team working group, and she served on other regional committees and boards that worked on policy related to growth management, economic development, and transportation.

Also on the ballot for Public Lands commissioner: Steve McLaughlin, a retired Navy officer and incident command system instructor.

ONLINE: HilaryFranz.com; Mac4Lands.org.

*      *      *

Kitsap Greens meet Oct. 22
to plan for 2017, 2018

SILVERDALE The Kitsap Green Party will meet 1-2:30 p.m. Oct. 22 in the Kitsap Regional Library, 3450 NW Carlton St., Silverdale.

Meet the group’s interim leaders, consider running to lead the Kitsap Greens in April 2017, and help plan for the election and 2017-18, when the party plans to run local candidates for office. Bring snacks to share, if you’d like.

Info: Virginia Velez, boricuavv@gmail.com, www.facebook.com/events/196617950769679/

*      *      *

Discussion topic: ‘What if
there’s no clear winner?’

BREMERTON What will happen if there is no clear winner in the presidential race? What is the 12th Amendment to the Constitution? How does the Electoral College work in our state?

Chris Stephens, treasurer of the Kitsap County Republican Party, will answer these questions and more beginning at 11 a.m. Oct. 24 at Cloverleaf Sports Bar and Grill, 1240 Hollis, Bremerton.

The discussion is open to the public.

Tags: