Leschi Election Forum Brings Candidates and Community Together

Approximately 50 community members gathered on October 7 for the Leschi Community Council's nonpartisan election forum, featuring candidates for two races that will help shape our region's future: Washington's 37th Legislative District State House seat and King County Council District 2.

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Neighbors had a chance to talk informally with candidates before and after the forum, while the two-hour program itself covered everything from affordability and education to public safety, homelessness, transportation, taxes, and artificial intelligence. Veteran journalist Essex Porter moderated the lively discussion, pressing candidates for specifics, asking thoughtful follow-up questions, and incorporating questions from the audience.

State House: Education, Affordability, and Taxes

Incumbent Representative Sharon Tomiko Santos and challenger Kelabe Tewolde both emphasized Washington's regressive tax structure and the need to make life more affordable, but offered different perspectives on education reform.

Santos spoke about her lifelong commitment to social justice, shaped by her experiences with discrimination and the 37th District's history of fighting for equity. She supports a millionaires' tax as a step toward a fairer tax system and expressed concern about potential Medicaid losses resulting from federal policy changes.

On education, Santos called for a fundamental overhaul of K–12 schools, moving away from traditional grade levels toward an approach focused on students' skills and achievement. She also emphasized addressing racial disparities in healthcare and expanding the behavioral health workforce, including establishing a dedicated teaching hospital.

Tewolde, who grew up in the 37th District and participated in Rainier Scholars before becoming an educator in the program, connected his priorities to his childhood experiences. He recalled his mother facing bankruptcy from family medical debt and described seeing similar struggles among today's students.

Rather than overhauling the entire education system, Tewolde advocated investing in proven programs, citing the relatively inexpensive Ninth Grade Success initiative. He highlighted disparities in reading proficiency and argued that early investment in children can help prevent later involvement in the criminal justice system.

Both candidates support a millionaires' tax. Tewolde also proposed changes to the business and occupation tax to support small businesses and suggested corporations contribute more toward higher education.

County Council: Public Safety, Housing, and Transportation

Port Commissioner Toshiko Grace Hasegawa and State Senator Rebecca Saldaña discussed how King County can better coordinate services, address homelessness, and improve public safety.

Hasegawa, a fourth-generation South Seattle resident, emphasized accountability and better coordination among government agencies. She argued that public safety efforts are too reactive and should instead address underlying causes of crime, including poverty, behavioral health challenges, and lack of opportunity.

She advocated for science-based approaches, expanded mental health services, and investments in mentorship, education, and employment opportunities to help prevent involvement in the criminal justice system.

Saldaña, drawing on her background in community organizing and more than a decade in the Legislature, emphasized collaboration across jurisdictions and the importance of connecting people with resources.

On housing, she proposed making better use of underutilized public land, facilitating accessory dwelling units, and reforming regional housing systems to improve accountability.

Both candidates emphasized the need for additional behavioral health crisis facilities and a regional approach to homelessness.

Transportation was another major topic. Hasegawa advocated for expanded transit, transit-oriented development, and safer streets, particularly along dangerous corridors such as Rainier Avenue.

Saldaña emphasized that many residents—including children, seniors, and people with disabilities—don't drive and need safe, accessible transportation options. She supported bus-only lanes and stronger enforcement while acknowledging the tradeoffs involved in reducing stops to speed up bus service.

Artificial Intelligence: A Shared Concern

All four candidates expressed concerns about AI and its growing impact.

Santos worried about AI replacing human jobs and suggested treating data centers more like public utilities. Tewolde called for stronger AI regulation, restrictions on its classroom use, and a moratorium on large-scale data centers because of their environmental impacts.

Hasegawa supported guardrails on AI and a data center moratorium, while Saldaña advocated for stronger oversight and requiring new data centers to provide environmental benefits.

An Opportunity to Hear Directly from Candidates

While the candidates shared many concerns, the forum highlighted differences in their approaches to solving complex challenges.

The Leschi Community Council thanks all four candidates, Essex Porter, and the community members who participated. Events like this help neighbors better understand the decisions being made at the state and county levels—and the people seeking to represent them.