A majority of the Mayors from the 5th State Legislative District met with candidates last week to discuss key issues challenging our local communities. Public safety concerns, the completion of State Route 18 (two lanes in each direction from Raging River to Issaquah Hobart Road), and the intrusion of the State into local land use planning. The 5th LD Mayors chose these three topics to discuss with candidates to emphasize how important these issues are to our communities, and to hear how each candidate can support and assist in advancing policy that benefits our residents and our businesses.

For Representative Position 1, a majority of Mayors are endorsing Victoria Hunt (D). In her answers to the questions, she demonstrated a deep understanding of city challenges, likely stemming from her six years of service as a City of Issaquah Councilmember. Mayors of Issaquah, North Bend, Maple Valley, Enumclaw and Black Diamond are endorsing Hunt, as well at the Deputy Mayor of Sammamish. The Mayor of Renton did not specifically endorse a candidate but agreed that both would be qualified to represent our communities in the State House.

For Representative Position 2, a majority of Mayors are endorsing Lisa Callan (D). Callan has shown the Mayors that she is listening and hearing our community concerns. In many of her answers, she was outlining strategies and also talking about what she can do to advance community interests. While Education has been a major focus for Callan, the Mayors are hopeful she will be a dynamic leader in the house for the SR-18 corridor projects. Mayors from Issaquah, North Bend, Maple Valley, and Black Diamond, and the Deputy Mayor from Sammamish, are endorsing Callan. The Mayor of Renton and Enumclaw are not endorsing in this race.

For State Senator, a majority of Mayors are endorsing Chad Magendanz (R). Having served in the State House, Magendanz’s replies on the priority issues for our cities were well researched and thoughtful. He was very clear on his positions and showed some creative out-of-the box thinking in his responses. Mayors of Renton, Enumclaw, Issaquah, North Bend and Black Diamond are endorsing Magendanz for Senate. The Mayor of Maple Valley did an early endorsement for Bill Ramos (D) due his leadership on the SR18 Project, as well as the Deputy Mayor of Sammamish who commented on his leadership on SR18 as well as other issues.

Deputy Mayor Howe, Sammamish

Mayor Pauly, Issaquah

Mayor Miller, North Bend

Mayor Pavone, Renton

Mayor Benson, Black Diamond

Mayor Kelly, Maple Valley

Mayor Molinaro, Enumclaw

(Unable to attend: Mayor Ross, Snoqualmie)