Renton Hosts County Executive Candidates Forum

Four Announced Democrats, vying to replace Ron Sims as our next King County Executive, met in Renton for a candidates forum sponsored by the King County Democrats. A full house was present as attendees enjoyed Mexican food and Margaritas, celebrating Cinco de Mayo. A look at the candidates

Larry Phillips is a longtime King County Councilman. He in my opinion has the best stump speech. He champions his conservation work as well as his work on light rail, which he says will begin service this summer.

Dow Constantine Dow is in his second term on King County Council, like Phillips, he is a Seattle attorney. While Phillips may do better in stump speech, Constantine was stronger in the forum, very articulate and well spoken, before he was elected to the council, Constantine was in the state legislature.

Fred Jarrett
Fred Jarrett is in the State Senate from the 41st district, he entered the House Representatives as a Republican, switching parties when he ran successfully for State Senate, calm demeanor, he has a banker look, harking back to his Republican days. He is a former Boeing manager and at one time was mayor of Mercer Island.

Ross Hunter
The newest entry into the race. Ross is in the State House representing the 48th district. A former Microsoft Executive his demeanor directly contrasts with Jarrett. Hunter is very intense and outgoing.

Since the position has been made non-partisan, it's possible that 2 of these candidates could face in other in the General Election. Susan Hutchinson (a former news anchor at KIRO7 TV) has announced her intention to run. She is thought to favor the Republican Party.