Metropolitan King County, Council District No. 5
4 years
The job: The King County Council is the county’s legislative body, tasked with passing new laws and the county budget. District 5 encompasses communities in west King County south of Seattle, including SeaTac, Normandy Park, Des Moines and most of Kent and Renton.
The job: The King County Council is the county’s legislative body, tasked with passing new laws and the county budget. District 5 encompasses communities in west King County south of Seattle, including SeaTac, Normandy Park, Des Moines and most of Kent and Renton.
Shukri Olow is the youth development lead with King County’s Best Starts for Kids program, which supports children through health initiatives, training and mentoring programs. She previously worked in Seattle Public Schools and at the Seattle Housing Authority and Neighborhood House, a nonprofit that helps low-income people and refugees. She has a master’s in public administration and recently earned a doctorate in educational leadership from Seattle University.
Firearms
In our issue survey, Shukri responded that the Washington Legislature should pass a ban on all military style semi-automatic weapons.
"The massacres in Buffalo, Uvalde, and Chicago have left deep scars in our nation - not to mention the many, many mass shootings that have preceded them. Our legislature has a duty to act to protect our communities and our children."
Economy
In our issue survey, Shukri responded that we need to consider giving Washington taxpayers a recovery check or a monthly check for families.
"Economic downturns hurt the vulnerable low-income and BIPOC communities the most, and we should prioritize their needs as we recover. While I’m curious about the potential for a basic income in Washington, the inflationary repercussions of such a policy lead me to believe that a more targeted approach is what we need right now."
Housing & Homelessness
In our issue survey, Shukri responded that housing should be a right for all Washingtonians. Similar to guaranteed basic income, there should be a guarantee of housing for all.
"I am the proud product of the Kent public housing system - I know how vital these services can be for our community. Affordable housing is the solution to our homelessness crisis, as the issue simply cannot be solved without permanent homes."
Abortion
In our issue survey, Shukri responded thatWashington should pass a constitutional amendment guaranteeing the right to abortion, while spending more money to make abortion services available.
"We need to act now to protect reproductive rights in Washington - not only for the sake of our residents, but for those of neighboring states who will be relying on us for vital care."
Policing
In our issue survey, Shukri responded that more law enforcement jobs need to be reassigned to social workers and other service providers.
"Our police forces will tell you that they suffer for understaffing - the solution is to integrate more trained civilians into our crisis response. I have been heartened by the successes of programs in places such as Denver that allow mental health specialists and social workers to assist people in crisis, and look forward to legislating a more holistic approach to public safety in our state."
Environment
In our issue survey, Shukri responded thatWashington needs to invest serious money in developing alternative energy sources and to encourage people to buy electric vehicles, invest in solar energy for their homes and switch from gas to electric to heat their homes.
"Washington is already a leader in the nation’s push against climate change, and we can do so much more to empower our public transit and build our capacity of green energy. At the same time, we need to provide re-training and support to those who may be harmed by this transition."
Shukri Olow
Shukri Olow is the youth development lead with King County’s Best Starts for Kids program, which supports children through health initiatives, training and mentoring programs. She previously worked in Seattle Public Schools and at the Seattle Housing Authority and Neighborhood House, a nonprofit that helps low-income people and refugees. She has a master’s in public administration and recently earned a doctorate in educational leadership from Seattle University.
Firearms
In our issue survey, Shukri responded that the Washington Legislature should pass a ban on all military style semi-automatic weapons.
"The massacres in Buffalo, Uvalde, and Chicago have left deep scars in our nation - not to mention the many, many mass shootings that have preceded them. Our legislature has a duty to act to protect our communities and our children."
Economy
In our issue survey, Shukri responded that we need to consider giving Washington taxpayers a recovery check or a monthly check for families.
"Economic downturns hurt the vulnerable low-income and BIPOC communities the most, and we should prioritize their needs as we recover. While I’m curious about the potential for a basic income in Washington, the inflationary repercussions of such a policy lead me to believe that a more targeted approach is what we need right now."
Housing & Homelessness
In our issue survey, Shukri responded that housing should be a right for all Washingtonians. Similar to guaranteed basic income, there should be a guarantee of housing for all.
"I am the proud product of the Kent public housing system - I know how vital these services can be for our community. Affordable housing is the solution to our homelessness crisis, as the issue simply cannot be solved without permanent homes."
Abortion
In our issue survey, Shukri responded thatWashington should pass a constitutional amendment guaranteeing the right to abortion, while spending more money to make abortion services available.
"We need to act now to protect reproductive rights in Washington - not only for the sake of our residents, but for those of neighboring states who will be relying on us for vital care."
Policing
In our issue survey, Shukri responded that more law enforcement jobs need to be reassigned to social workers and other service providers.
"Our police forces will tell you that they suffer for understaffing - the solution is to integrate more trained civilians into our crisis response. I have been heartened by the successes of programs in places such as Denver that allow mental health specialists and social workers to assist people in crisis, and look forward to legislating a more holistic approach to public safety in our state."
Environment
In our issue survey, Shukri responded thatWashington needs to invest serious money in developing alternative energy sources and to encourage people to buy electric vehicles, invest in solar energy for their homes and switch from gas to electric to heat their homes.
"Washington is already a leader in the nation’s push against climate change, and we can do so much more to empower our public transit and build our capacity of green energy. At the same time, we need to provide re-training and support to those who may be harmed by this transition."
Dave Upthegrove joined the King County Council in 2014 after serving several terms in the state House of Representatives. Before his time in the Legislature, he worked seven years as a legislative aide in Olympia. He later served as community relations director for former King County Councilmember Julia Patterson. He studied environmental conservation in college and has a graduate certificate in energy policy.
More Information
Crosscut did not survey non-City of Seattle candidates with reader questions. It was a capacity issue. We're a small newsroom, but you can help us grow and cover more ground by becoming a supporter. Find more information about this candidate on the King County election website.
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Dave Upthegrove
Dave Upthegrove joined the King County Council in 2014 after serving several terms in the state House of Representatives. Before his time in the Legislature, he worked seven years as a legislative aide in Olympia. He later served as community relations director for former King County Councilmember Julia Patterson. He studied environmental conservation in college and has a graduate certificate in energy policy.
More Information
Crosscut did not survey non-City of Seattle candidates with reader questions. It was a capacity issue. We're a small newsroom, but you can help us grow and cover more ground by becoming a supporter. Find more information about this candidate on the King County election website.
Back to top
