Families get called to political action
September 22, 2009
The Maraldo family works together on placing campaign signs for Marnie Maraldo (left), Issaquah School Board Position 2 candidate. Helping are Madeline, 6, Andrew, 10, and husband Tony. By Chantelle Lusebrink
When voters pick up a glossy flier from a local candidate or browse a campaign Web site, they learn about would-be officeholders. But voters also learn about a key piece of the candidates’ campaigns: families.
Candidates turn to family members in the closing weeks of the campaign to wave signs about busy intersections and chat up the campaigns at community meetings.
Candidates said spouses and children are never far from the action — and drudgery — of the campaign. Hopefuls for Issaquah City Council and school board said spouses greet voters at fundraisers, edit campaign speeches and, if the candidate has young children, to step in as caregiver while the candidate campaigns. Family members are also drafted to plant campaign signs and ring doorbells during voter canvassing.
Candidates said other benefits are less tangible. Families provide a bedrock of support and words of encouragement after a long day. Read more
Candidates turn to Facebook, Twitter to connect
September 15, 2009
Issaquah candidates have turned to the Web to sell their campaigns since the start of the Internet age. Now, with seven weeks until Election Day, City Council and school board hopefuls have broadened and refined strategies to reach voters. Read more
State Board of Education picks Connie Fletcher
September 8, 2009
Issaquah School Board member Connie Fletcher testifies earlier this year before the Washington State Board of Education in Olympia. By Issaquah School District
Issaquah School Board member Connie Fletcher was selected as the newest member of the Washington State Board of Education on Aug 31.
“It is a real honor,” Fletcher said. “I’m really looking forward to it.”
The state board directs education policy, like graduation requirements and curriculum, for the state. Read more
Candidates file for City Council, school board, more
June 9, 2009
Mayor Frisinger unopposed
Mayor Ava Frisinger will run unopposed for a fourth term and seven City Council candidates will battle for four seats, according to unofficial King County Elections filings. Read more
Candidates file for city, school posts
June 5, 2009
NEW — 7:45 p.m. June 5, 2009
Mayor Ava Frisinger will run unopposed for a fourth term and seven City Council candidates will battle for four seats, according to unofficial King County Elections filings released today.
The deadline for candidate filing was 4:30 p.m. today. During the five-day filing period, Frisinger, seven council candidates and three Issaquah School Board hopefuls declared their candidacies for the nonpartisan seats. The county elections office posted the list on its Web site this afternoon.
Council incumbents Eileen Barber, David Kappler and Maureen McCarry entered the race. Newcomers Mark Mullet, Joan Probala, Tola Marts and Nathan Perea will seek council seats as well.
