Sierra Club Seattle City Council 2019 Primary Endorsements
The Sierra Club announced its endorsements for the Seattle City Council in the August 2019 primary: Tammy Morales (District 2), Kshama Sawant (District 3), Shaun Scott (District 4), Debora Juarez (District 5), Heidi Wills (District 6), and Michael George (District 7).
“These six candidates will provide strong leadership on the housing and transportation priorities that are critical to tackling the climate crisis in an equitable and sustainable way,” said Brittney Bush Bollay, chair of the Sierra Club’s Seattle Group. “Seattle voters have an opportunity to elect a City Council that will work hard to further reduce our carbon emissions, and reject those voices who want our city to step back from leadership at this crucial moment. These six candidates have clear and detailed plans to provide bold climate leadership, and it’s important we give them the chance to deliver on the Council.”
Tammy Morales, a community organizer and member of the City’s Human Rights Commission, received the Sierra Club endorsement in District 2 for her championing of environmental justice and advocacy for her community in Southeast Seattle, especially when it comes to housing and transportation policy.
The Sierra Club again gave its endorsement to Councilmember Kshama Sawant in District 3, citing her work with the Club opposing local basing of Arctic oil drilling and working for fossil fuel divestment, as well as her reliable votes on affordable, sustainable housing and green transportation proposals.
Shaun Scott was endorsed by the Sierra Club in District 4 for his concrete ideas on public transportation and affordable housing, as well as his informed and intersectional perspective. The Sierra Club felt it was particularly important that Morales, Sawant, and Scott have all made a Green New Deal a centerpiece of their campaigns for the City Council.
The Sierra Club endorsed Councilmember Debora Juarez for a second term representing District 5 particularly for her role in helping pass the city’s new Mandatory Housing Affordability plan and her strong support for new and affordable housing throughout the city. Her work in advocating for Sound Transit and station-area access for people who walk and bike was also an important factor in her endorsement.
Heidi Wills, who served on the Seattle City Council from 1999 to 2003 and passed important legislation promoting renewable energy and green buildings, received the Sierra Club endorsement in District 6 due to her commitment to important housing proposals including the ADU/DADU legislation, her support for more density, and her support for sustainable and safe transportation projects.
Michael George was endorsed in District 7 for his expertise in and support for policies to develop inclusive urban communities, particularly for transit-oriented development and affordable housing.
