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2005
Elected Candidates
In 2005, Progressive Majority fielded 75 candidates, of whom 53 won election. These wins helped take over the Snohomish County Council, Shoreline City Council and Clark County Commission in Washington State; the Tucson City Council in Arizona; and the Steamboat Springs City Council and Colorado Springs District 11 School Board in Colorado.
Renie Peterson
Elected to Aurora City Council (Open Seat)
Renie has been a community leader and organizer in Aurora for 12 years, having served on over a dozen community committees and organizations including the Aurora Citizen Budget Committee, the Aurora Citizen Drought Committee, homeless and affordable housing organizations, and a nonprofit organization that helps low-income students of color become the first person in their family to attend college.
Larry Beer
Elected to Aurora City Council (Open Seat)
Larry is a realtor, a small business owner, and a nonprofit executive (Education Consortium that provides education television programs for students in classes at 12 Denver area schools). He has tremendous community experience by serving on three Aurora citizen committees (a Planning Commission, the Budget Committee, and the Citizen Aurora Water Board) that have protected Aurora's water, streamlined Aurora's government, and revitalized its neighborhoods. In the mid 1990's, Larry was appointed by Democratic Governor Roy Romer to serve on Colorado Utilities Commission Board, where he represented consumers' viewpoints to the board. He also serves on the Mental Health Corporation Board, which provides housing and medical services through its $30 million dollar budget. He has also helped create economic stimulus and jobs in Aurora by helping the wireless and telecommunications industry develop over a 1,000 discrete, transmitter locations for cell phone users.
Gaye Monroe
Elected to Northglenn City Council (Open Seat)
A computer programmer for 21 years and a community activist, Gaye started a nonprofit organization to improve communication between the Northglenn Police Department and the residents of Northglenn. Democratic State Representative Judy Solano, who defeated a two-term Republican incumbent in 2004, helped Progressive Majority select Gaye as a possible candidate.
Liz Feder
Elected to Manitou Springs City Council (Open Seat)
History Professor Liz Feder is a vocal community activist with a history of success in local political battles. In 2004, she co-chaired the El Paso County public health education ballot initiative, which expanded health care for county residents.
Mark Kaiser
Elected to Westminster City Council (Open Seat)
Mark, a 25-year resident of Westminster and a well-known community activist, has vehemently opposed the construction of two new Wal-Mart stores in Westminster. Mark is also well-known in Westminster for working in the tire retail business for over 30 years. Mark is one of three progressive candidates that the Denver Area Labor Federation (DALF) and Progressive Majority are supporting to change the balance of power in the Westminster City Council. Faith Winter, a talented political operative and past Progressive Majority-endorsed candidate, managed Mark's campaign.
Tami Hasling
Elected to Colorado Springs District 11 School Board (Challenger)
Tami is a dynamic, authentic candidate and she has a lifetime of service founding and leading various PTA organizations throughout Colorado Springs. Tami was instrumental in creating a PTA at Martinez Elementary school, where she became its Vice-President and President. During her tenure, she focused on increasing parental involvement through programs such as the Parent-Student Enrichment Course. As a result of her leadership, parental involvement and membership increased 30%. Through Tami's leadership, the Martinez PTA organization received a national PTA Recognition award, only one of seven schools in the entire state of Colorado to receive this prestigious award. Tami eventually became the Council PTA President for Colorado Springs and serves as the State PTA Board Vice-President of Field Services, the third highest PTA position in Colorado. During her Presidency at the Colorado Springs PTA Council, Tami created five new PTA's and grew the board from five to 17 members. Tami is also the founder of an interior decorating business and has worked for her family's businesses since she was a teenager. Tami is married to a Colorado Springs police officer who has served on the police force for 19 years.
Jill Conrad
Elected to Denver School Board (Open Seat)
Jill has lived in Denver for nearly 15 years, and she has served on over 50 education associations, initiatives, and coalitions to improve K-12 education. Jill has been endorsed by over two dozen respected Denver leaders such as former Lt. Governor Gail Schoettler and State Senator Jennifer Veiga and over a dozen organizations including four labor unions.
Scott Benefield
Elected to Jeffco School Board (Open Seat)
Scott is a solid candidate who has deep roots in Jefferson County and his spouse, Debbie Benefield, is a State Representative. Scott has worked in education for 35 years as the Director of Colorado's Transportation Department and the Director of Jefferson and Douglas County Transportation Departments. He has experience managing over 2,000 bus drivers and employees and a $10 million dollar budget. Scott is also a community leader. He has been a member of the Jefferson County 2020 Vision Committee to create a master plan for Jefferson county and to improve its fiscal responsibility issues. He also served on the FastTrack Gold Line Transportation Committee of Arvada to resolve transportation issues, a Youth Group volunteer at Spirit of Christ, a Little League coach, and a referee for the North Jefferson Swim Team. Finally, he has served as State Senator Sue Windel's Treasurer, the most dynamic politician in Jefferson County.
Steve Stuart
Elected to Clark County Commissioner (Incumbent)
Steve Stuart, former environmental lobbyist and Executive Director for a Smart Growth Environmental group in Washington, was appointed to his seat on the Clark County Commission in 2005. With the help of Progressive Majority in 2005, Steve won the right to finish the term - maintaining a Democratic Majority on the Commission. He is the most progressive of the three commissioners, with a conservative Democrat and a conservative Republican also serving.
Tom Hodgson
Elected to Kirkland City Council (Challenger)
Tom Hodgson began serving on the City Council in December 2005. Previously he served on the Kirkland Planning Commission including a term as chair and before that on the Kirkland Park Board. Mr. Hodgson has been active on several city committees including the Totem Lake Task Force, Totem Lake Action Team, the Tree Regulations focus group and is a founding member and former two term chair of the North Rose Hill Neighborhood Association. Tom attended Washington State University, is a graduate of Eastside Leadership Institute, and has a degree in graphic arts from Seattle Central Community College where he continues to serve as a member of the Curriculum Advisory Board for the Graphic Design and Illustration program. Tom Hodgson is a 30-year resident of Kirkland and currently is the Creative Director for Marketing Communications for WatchGuard Technologies.
Kathy Huckabay
Elected to Sammamish City Council (Incumbent)
The make up of the Sammamish County Council is 4 progressives (including Kathy), 2 moderates, and one right-wing Republican. Kathy Huckabay led the drive to incorporate the City of Sammamish. She owns her own business as a financial planner and CPA. In 2004, Progressive Majority supported her campaign for the State Senate versus conservative Cheryl Pflug in the 5th Legislative District.
Marko Liias
Elected to Mukilteo City Council (Open Seat)
While in college at Georgetown, Marko studied U.S. foreign policy and learned about the unique role the United States occupies in world affairs. Marko studied under noted scholars in international affairs, including former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. He graduated from Georgetown in the spring of 2003, earning a Bachelor's degree in International Politics. Marko Liias was elected to the Mukilteo City Council in November 2005. His policy priorities are transportation, local economic development, and the preservation of parks and open space. He also serves on several national and regional boards and commissions including, the Energy, Environment & Natural Resources Policy Committee for the National League of Cities, the Puget Sound Regional Council Executive Board, Snohomish County Tomorrow, and Community Transit. He also sits on the Council's Public Safety and Paine Field Airport Committees.
Mike Grady
Elected to Mercer Island City Council (Challenger)
Mike and his family have been active community members since they moved to Mercer Island in 1998. He is an involved parent of 5 children, coaches for the Boys and Girls Club and MIHS, and is an active volunteer with local churches and charitable organizations. Mike has over 20 years of professional experience in land use, transportation, energy, water, and environmental issues. He is a former Air Force pilot, college teacher, PTA president, and Parks Board member. Mike has an undergraduate degree in biology from the University of Notre Dame and graduate degrees in psychology and geology. Mike was elected to the Council in 2005 and currently serves on the Parks and Recreation Committee, Utility Board, Open Space Conservancy Trust, and the WRIA 8 Executive Committee. An active biker and park user, Mike focuses on how the City can best manage our limited resources while protecting and enhancing our natural environment.
Cindy Ryu
Elected to Shoreline City Council (Challenger)
Cindy Ryu, a Korean-American, is running for Shoreline City Council. Cindy holds a MBA from the University of Washington and is active in a number of local community activities, including the Richmond Beach Community Association, the Shoreline Bond Advisory Committee and as President of the Shoreline Chamber of Commerce. In addition, she serves as a deacon of her church, United Presbyterian. Cindy and her husband Cody own and manage a Shoreline small business. They are the parents of three kids who attend local public schools. Cindy successfully ran for the Shoreline City Council in 2005.
Michelle Sandoval
Elected to Port Townsend City Council (Incumbent)
Deputy Mayor Michelle Sandoval came to our attention when one of the two conservatives on the Council called her and her four progressive colleagues godless heathen hippies in a speech to local developers. The conservatives were attempting to recruit a slate of candidates to run against the three progressive seats up for election in 2005. Weathering the attacks, Sandoval has stood firm against the pro-development forces and her work has earned her several opponents. Sandoval, the owner of the local Windermere Real Estate franchise is the only person of color on the Port Townsend City Council. Recently, she was recognized as the Public Official of the Year by the Jefferson County chapter of the League of Women Voters and is clearly a rising star in Washington politics.
Fred Chang
Elected to Port Orchard City Council (Challenger)
In 1999 the City Council appointed Fred Chang to the Port Orchard Planning Commission, where he spent two years as vice-chair. He currently chairs the Bremerton Ferry Advisory Committee and captains his Block Watch group. In addition to his lengthy volunteer public service, Fred has eight years of marketing/public relations experience and six years of experience in software development. When he won his race by beating two conservatives, Fred became the first person of color on the Port Orchard City Council.
Bud Sizemore
Elected to Covington City Council (Open Seat)
As a professional firefighter for the City of Kent, Bud has helped provide fire suppression, emergency medical treatment and CPR, disaster, and fire safety education to the citizens of Kent and Covington for more than 10 years. Being an active member of Kent Firefighters Local 1747 has provided him with several opportunities to develop leadership and to serve his membership and the community at large. As an Executive Board member for Kent Firefighters Local 1747, his responsibilities included communication with the membership, and as a labor representative to a very effective Joint Labor/Management Committee. He served four years as the fire department's Toys for Joy program coordinator, where he distributed food and over 6000 toys each year to underprivileged children and families of Covington and Kent. He developed and was then elected as the initial director of the Kent Firefighters Foundation. Bud's primary focus as a Councilmember is on public safety, child services (including the City's relationship with the School District), and intelligent, managed growth of both residential and commercial areas, to facilitate livability and fiscal responsibility.
Dave Somers
Elected to Snohomish County Council (Challenger)
Dave Somers worked for 18 years as a Tulalip Tribes as a salmon ecologist - working to protect and restore salmon runs in the Puget Sound. In 1997, he beat a conservative, anti-environmental Democrat and won a seat on the Snohomish County Council. Dave served on the Council for four years, where he was known for his work for the environment. In 2001, Dave was upset by conservative Republican Jeff Sax, who was an embarrassment to the people of his district. He built a house on his own property with no permits, has accepted thousands of dollars in campaign contributions from big developers, suggested the county cut off funding of United Way and manages to be both for and against the proposed Brightwater waste treatment plant. Sax even traveled to Washington DC to oppose the passage of the Wild Sky Wilderness area! When Dave Somers won his election, it shifted the balance of power on the County Council from the Republicans to the Democrats.
Carl Weimer
Elected to Whatcom County Council (Challenger)
Carl Weimer has been active in the Whatcom County community for 20 years. He is the executive director of the Pipeline Safety Trust, and the founder of the RE Store - the largest retail business in downtown Bellingham. As the executive director of the Pipeline Safety Trust, Carl led the charge that brought about a series of new national, state, and local pipeline safety laws after the 1999 Olympic Pipeline Explosion in Bellingham. He has served on the Whatcom County Solid Waste Advisory Committee for nine years, and served for three years on the Whatcom County Developmental Disabilities Advisory Committee.
Dan Grausz
Elected to Mercer Island City Council (Challenger)
Dan was first elected to the City Council in November, 1999 after having previously served on the Mercer Island Planning Commission, the Tree & Natural Resources Task Force, the School District's Strategic Planning Committee, the Queen Anne Community Council and as President of Citizens to Save Interbay.
Elizabeth Watson
Elected to Mayor of Kent (Open Seat)
Watson has a lengthy resume that includes membership in the Land Use and Planning Board and President of Communities in. Professionally she is a program manager for Puget Sound Educational Service District, where she manages programs to keep homeless children in school. In addition, Watson was the previous vice-chair of the 47th District Democrats.
Peggy Levesque
Elected to Mayor of South Prairie (Challenger)
Peggy Levesque is a member of the Service Employees International Union Local 775 and home care worker who was a member of the South Prairie City Council when she decided to run. She has worked on and off organizing for SEIU - registering voters and helping to unionize workers. She has lived in South Prairie, the second smallest city in Pierce County, for over 30 years and raised her family in the town. Peggy decided to run for Mayor instead of running an easy race for reelection to the council due to the fact that the current mayor decided not to run and if she didn't file one of the leading conservatives in town would go unopposed. Peggy's risk paid off when she won her election.
Eric Faison
Elected to Federal Way School Board (Incumbent)
Eric Faison completed his first full four-year term on the Federal Way City Council. On the council, he Eric has served as Chair of the Council's Land Use/Transportation Committee (LUTC), and as current Chair of the Council's Finance/Economic Development/Regional Affairs Committee (FEDRAC). Before becoming a member of the City Council, Eric was a commissioner on the Federal Way Planning Commission. He graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in Business Administration/Finance. He worked in financial management, has practiced law, and is also a former Army officer, having served eight years in the United States Army Reserve as a member of the Army's Adjutant General Corp.
Bryan Bain
Elected to Oshkosh City Council (Challenger)
Bryan is from the progressive-rich Fox Valley that has elected Gordon Hintz to the State Assembly, Jef Hall to the Winnebago County Board, and Mark Harris as Winnebago County Executive. Bryan works at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh as the Assistant Director of Academic Advising.
Raymond Dehahn
Elected to Racine City Council - District 7 (Open Seat)
Ray is an experienced leader and campaigner; prior to winning his City Council race he was elected to the CountyBoard for 32 years. He is also Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 432 in Racine.
Jeff Smith
Elected to Town of Brunswick Chair (Challenger)
Town of Brunswick Chair Jeff Smith defeated Rob Kreibich in November 2006. Smith runs a small business and founded the Eau Claire Schools Parent Advisory Council.
