Elections for KCYDs 2021 Board

Candidate for Chair

Name: Yuan Tao

City of Residence: Seattle, WA

LD: 37th

Relevant Experience: 37th Legislative District Democrats Executive Board (2016-2018), PCOMG (2018), King County Young Democrats Communications Director (2020)

Candidate Statement: Hello! My name is Yuan Tao, and I am running to be the King County Young Democrats Chair. I strongly believe that the King County Young Democrats as an organization does not simply exist to be the “young” counterpart to the “old” Democratic Party. We exist because there are ways and times that the “old” Democratic Party has failed us. We exist to seize the opportunity to help ourselves and each other.  

There’s no need to recount how tough this past year has been for all of us. Nonetheless, I’m proud of the work that we have all done on KCYD’s board in continuing our work online. As Communications Director, I have been intimately involved in every aspect of KCYD work this year; from sending out newsletters to organizing phonebanks, I have worked hard to make sure that our work and our meetings are accessible no matter how you want to connect with us. Having to move away from in-person meetings was a blow to our ability to socialize and connect with each other, but I’m proud of the quality of our monthly panels and our candidate forums, which we had to stream online. Our current Chair, Matt Kanter, has done a great job of overseeing our online monthly meetings, and I fully intend to continue his work. 

For our upcoming year, I have three major goals.

First, I wish to establish a fund for underrepresented populations that are currently taking unpaid or underfunded political internships. This idea was born from a KCYD board meeting this past year where we discussed antiracist actions that KCYD could take. Unpaid internships are an unfortunate reality for any young person looking to gain experience in politics; this fund would go towards easing the burden towards expenses. 

Second, I will focus on empowering our members to participate in our local and municipal elections. Although our national elections are generally seen as more exciting, our local and municipal elections are exceedingly important. Research shows that one of the major factors of why young people don’t vote is because they don’t feel well-educated on the issues or on the specifics of how to vote. I will aim to tackle both of those issues.

Last but not least, I am determined to petition the Washington State Democratic Party to give the KCYD endorsements the power to grant VAN access. Last year, our endorsements did not give our endorsed candidates VAN access, which hobbled candidates that were challenging incumbents. The state party cannot claim to value the voices of young Democrats while simultaneously refusing to empower our endorsed candidates.

I would be honored to have your vote for the next King County Young Democrats Chair.

If I Don’t Win I’ll Stay Involved in KCYD: Yes

Do you plan on doing on average 10 hours a month of work with KCYD?: Probably More

If you were a pizza what kind of pizza would you be and why?: Cheese. No pizzazz, but provides the base for a lot of other types of pizzas!

Candidate for Treasurer

Name: Viral Shah

City of Residence: Redmond, WA

LD: 48th

Relevant Experience: In very early stage of my life when I was vice president for International Student Association in Texas State University I realized the importance of managing the money to run any organization. In my career,  I have been to so many different leadership positions where I have been part of recruiting, budgeting, and mentoring a diverse group of people. By doing this all, I strongly believe that the only way to survive for any organization is proper budgeting, increase the funds and giving back to communities.

Candidate Statement: I met Cathy in 2018, she was a small business owner who was running a business of skin care products. She was growing lavender in her backyard farm and making soaps and lotions in her home and selling it in different community market. She was running her small business since 2002 and helping her family to grow. During the pandemic when I talked to her she was in a desperate need of help as her business was shutdown, and she had to rely on federal aid to provide roof and food to her family. I heard about so many such people who are struggling to provide for their family because of covid and surviving on federal aid. The election is over but the job is not done yet. Everyone can agree this one thing that even after all of experience we use we couldn’t have been more wrong in predicting the direction of our future. We saw whole year that how the system failed and suffered because of the lack of knowledge and resources. But enough is enough, we cannot allow the system to fail more and make people suffer. Now is the time to join the hands, time to forget about our differences, we need to come together and act together regardless of our race, religion, color of skin or our background. I am super confident that if we will work together in this difficult time we can have better future for tomorrow, we can restore the American dream, we can bring the prosperity to small business and struggling entrepreneurs. 

I am a first generation nonimmigrant coming to USA, the first one from my family. I did my masters in computer science, I joined US Army and become a soldier. I became citizen of United States. That’s how I lived my American Dream and I am committed to make people believe that the American dream still exists. I have experience leading a diverse group of people and cross functional teams in my career as a software engineer. I learned the most important lesson of having personal courage while serving for this country in Army.   

The most important thing in my life is building communities and bringing small businesses together. I have seen great potential in people helping each other and starting a business, or finding a new  gig in this hardest time of their life during covid. I strongly believe communities rely on trust and build the model can scale infinitely.  Together we have to uplift the small businesses who are the backbone of the economy and provide them a platform to grow. 

I decided to run for this opportunity because I see this is the time where we need to save our democratic values. We need to make the democratic party stronger than ever. We need to make sure that more young people join this great organization, bring their diversity, new ideas and innovation. I see a lot of work ahead of us to do and I am ready to put efforts to run the membership drive, bringing more diverse background people to this organization,  generating more funds to make the young democratic party stronger than I found and use the funds of the party to provide best resources and help to rebuild our societies.  

We all know that we came a long way. Past couple years were not easy for anyone. But here we are, we stayed together, we worked together and we all realized that together we will and we can build a great future for America. The road to move forward is not easy but Americans do not sign up for easy job. We are the most hard working people in the world and this is the opportunity for all of us to rebuild the most successful economy of our time. And I am ready for it. Thank you and I look forward to serve you as a Treasurer of KCYD. 

If I Don’t Win I’ll Stay Involved in KCYD: Yes

Do you plan on doing on average 10 hours a month of work with KCYD?: Yes

If you were a pizza what kind of pizza would you be and why?: Everything in my life I do is to create happiness for the people around me. Though I am a trader I always think that money can’t buy happiness but it can buy pizza and that’s almost the same thing. I love my wife and she is vegan. So I would like to be Vegan pizza. Also, I am huge animal lover, so anything I can do to avoid using animal products I am ready to do that.

Candidate for Legislative Director (2 of 2)

Name: Matthew Lang

City of Residence: Seattle, WA

LD: 37th

Relevant Experience: Lead Organizer, Seattle Transit Riders Union 2017-Present; Climate Justice Chair, Standing Against Foreclosure and Eviction 2019-Present; VP of Government Affairs, Young Democrats of Washington 2019-2020; Legislative District Lead, Washington Low Income Housing Alliance, 2018-Present; Member, Climate Alliance for Jobs and Clean Energy 2018-Present; Member, WA Progressive Revenue Network 2020-Present

Candidate Statement: I want to express gratitude to you for taking the time to read my statement, and hope it finds you well. I am proud to be running to be your next Legislative Director.

2020 was a year of unbelievable turmoil. Young people throughout King County have faced many of the heaviest burdens of the economic crisis that the COVID-19 pandemic has created, and our work during the 2021 legislative session is critical. I will be there every step of the way. I have been deeply and personally affected by this economic crisis, and I have lived and struggled alongside many others who have nowhere else to turn. 

First and foremost, I am an educator. When schools closed in March, my business teaching enrichment programs throughout King County folded immediately. I went from teaching 14 classes a week and having 250 students to zero in a heartbeat. I was lost. 

I am incredibly fortunate to have found my current role in education, leading a program that provides opportunities for the children of essential workers to come to a safe space and practice their virtual learning in a classroom setting that is safe and nurturing. 

I believe that education is vital to the continued growth of our community, and pledge to bring my experience in education to the table as we seek to move forward together as an organization. I will engage with our members and grow our capacity, fostering engagement with the King County legislative delegation in order to ensure that the needs of young Democrats are brought to the table in a meaningful way.

The 2021 legislative session is set to be one of the most impactful sessions of our generation. With budget shortfalls looming, and austerity in the air, it is vital for us as young Democrats to stand in solidarity in order to ensure that growth is the center of conversation, instead of shrinking in fear. 

In the role of Legislative Director, I will continue to work with the coalitions that I am a member of in order to meet those goals, and bring my relationships with our legislators to the organization. 

I am setting meetings now with legislators, as well as working in coalition with the Climate Alliance for Jobs and Clean Energy, Washington Low Income Housing Alliance, and the Progressive Revenue Network in order to face the most prescient needs that our generation faces. 

First, we must center racial equity in every decision making process, so that those who have been historically left behind find equitable growth in King County. Black Lives Matter. Indigenous lives matter. 

Transit and environmental justice cannot go by the wayside. Young people must not inherit a spent planet, and mobility is precious. 

Those who are precariously housed must not fear for a roof over their head. We must ramp up funding for affordable housing solutions that are not out of our price range. We must protect tenants, so that no person who has experienced economic instability during the pandemic loses home.

To do all this, we must generate new revenue and flip the tax code in Washington so that the wealthy are paying their fair share. We cannot continue to overburden low and middle income people to fund programs vital to our success. This is unsustainable, and leaves us with a future of continued uncertainty.

These are all the priorities I will bring home to the King County Young Democrats, and if desired, more. Together, we will make it through. 

If I Don’t Win I’ll Stay Involved in KCYD: Yes

Do you plan on doing on average 10 hours a month of work with KCYD?: Yes

If you were a pizza what kind of pizza would you be and why?: I’d order from Dominos and it would be a hand tossed pan pizza with light cheese, Italian sausage, pepperoni, green peppers, and pineapple. Why? Because it brings me joy, and a full stomach

Candidate for Events Director

Name: Patrick Burke

City of Residence: Seattle, WA

LD: 37th

Relevant Experience: Former Board Member, Seattle Campaign Worker, 37th Dems PCO

Candidate Statement: The King County Young Democrats is an incredible body of local democrats helping inform voters of our area. I am running for KCYD Events Director because I want to help facilitate this group’s future organizing efforts. Not only have I personally knocked on 80,000 doors, and made 170,000 phone contacts in the past four years, all in Seattle, but prior to getting involved in politics I worked in production. 

Mostly theatre, music, and live events. I would love to bring my connections with the community, venues, and  passion of the arts and production to create, what we hope in the future, amazing KCYD In-person events. 

Until we can meet in person, I will offering to assistance to the rest of the board and members link to resources, campaigns, and any future endeavors they may have. 

If I Don’t Win I’ll Stay Involved in KCYD: Yes

Do you plan on doing on average 10 hours a month of work with KCYD?: Yes

If you were a pizza what kind of pizza would you be and why?: NYC Corner Slice of Pep. Nearly impossible to replicate

Candidates for At-Large Director West (1 of 2)

Name: MaryKylie Cranford

City of Residence: Seattle, WA

LD: 36th

Relevant Experience: I have been involved and am currently on the board of the 36th LD Democrats as an Event Coordinator. In 2020 I was the chair for the first annual Best Buddies Washington Friendship Walk, a nonprofit focused on helping build friendships and community for people with intellectual or Developmental Disabilities (IDD). I have served on the advisory board for Best Buddies for three years and helped raise money to open a state office and an employment program. I am a PCO and have canvassed over a thousand doors in King County and hosted and organized canvasses and phone banks.

Candidate Statement: I am asking for your vote to become the next At-Large Director – West of KCYD because I have the experience working on boards and the passion for growing inclusive communities through events.  

In 2020 I was the chair for the first annual Best Buddies Washington Friendship Walk, a nonprofit focused on helping build friendships for people with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities (IDD),  where we pivoted from an in-person event of over 300+ people to a virtual walk that still outraised our original fundraising goal of $25K. 

Since the beginning of the pandemic, I have worked on many online community-building events for the people in the IDD community as part of my role as Event Chair in Best Buddies Washington. I have been involved in Best Buddies Washington Advisory Board since 2017 and assisted in the creation of the anti-racism taskforce, which audits our programs and communications.

I was elected to the board of the 36th Democrats in late 2020 as Event Coordinator. As Event Coordinator, I have planned virtual events to help foster a sense of community among democrats during an isolating time. I also have assisted in hosting virtual phonebanks during the 2020 election. 

I am a passionate campaign volunteer. I am proud to have volunteered my time and energy for important campaigns including, the 2018 & 2020 Washington State Democrats Coordinated Campaign, No on I-976, and Dan Strauss Seattle City Council race, Carolyn Long, Rene Hoyos, Elizabeth Warren, and Biden 2020. 

As At-Large Director- West for the King County Young Democrats I will work to represent my district and help King County Young Democrats organize and mobilize young democrats. 

Thank you for your time and I hope to earn your vote.

If I Don’t Win I’ll Stay Involved in KCYD: Yes

Do you plan on doing on average 10 hours a month of work with KCYD?: Yes
If you were a pizza what kind of pizza would you be and why?: Mushroom because it will grow on you.

Candidate for At-Large Director East (1 of 2)

Name: Mike Devine

City of Residence: Kirkland, WA

LD: 45th

Relevant Experience: Current At-Large Director East; current KCYD Representative for the 45th LD

Candidate Statement: Hello out there fellow young democrats, hope you’re all staying safe and keeping healthy! I’m Mike DeVine, I’m the current At-Large Director East for KCYD, and I’m asking for your vote for a second term.

Normally I wouldn’t run for a position for two years in a row, and stand in the way of others who could benefit from the experience. But last year was…. A bit different. And especially as a regional director, it was much harder to serve as the pipeline between the eastside and the county party, when I couldn’t actually travel the eastside.

Having said that, we were still able to get a lot of things done- and I’d like the chance to continue that work. As the local organizations out here adapted and started holding events virtually, we had more cross-promotional opportunities come up, especially during debate season. I expect that to continue well past COVID, and it’s crucial that KCYD members be plugged into these events.

Additionally, under Nicole’s direction as Events Director I created a searchable list of event venues on the eastside along with an interactive map. My hope is that this year we’ll be able to actually make use of this new tool, as all these venues start to reopen and we’re able to hold in-person events again.

In the meantime, as of January 6th I have been re-elected as the 45th LD’s KCYD Representative for a second two-year term, and I look forward to continuing to work with KCYD in that capacity as well.

I’ll close by thanking you all for your hard work and your dedication, and I hope I can count on your support!

If I Don’t Win I’ll Stay Involved in KCYD: Yes

Do you plan on doing on average 10 hours a month of work with KCYD?: Probably More

If you were a pizza what kind of pizza would you be and why?: New York thin crust- the only correct answer.

At Large Director South

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Name: Mahamed “MJ” Jama

City of Residence: Burien, WA

LD: 33rd

Relevant Experience: Previously, I’ve held several student government positions at my High School and college. Just a year ago, I was elected as the ASHC President and had the opportunity to serve one of the most diverse colleges in America — Highline college with over 15,000 students and a budget over 2 million. There, I had the opportunity to lead and soar my way throughout my one year term, with a start to reorganize the student council. During my leadership, I had the opportunity to connect with WA state’s legislature to speak about progressive agendas that matter to students and youth. I then continued my leadership in the 33rd LD Democrats, I had the opportunity to be appointed by my Party district, as a Bernie Sanders delegate to the WA state convention. Last year, I helped elect progressive democrats in Seatac and Burien, WA. I currently serve with Demcoratc party official (SEPERATE FROM DNC)  organization called People Democratic Party for Reform (PDPR). We ratify policies for DNC improvements and campaign for DNC nominees. 

Candidate Statement: I’m Mahamed Jama, also known as MJ. In wake of many political declines in our modern history, I noticed that leadership and service is far more effective in one’s region. This is why i’m formally deciding to run for At Large Director – South – South of Seattle and Newcastle out to the Southern county line. I’m a firm believer that today’s youth needs to take responsibility for being social agents for change. We’ve seen constant leadership fails throughout the political party scope, and today’s the chance to create hope. I’m not just a true provessive and a young democrat, but I’m aware of the challenges and issues that matter to us youth in the King County area. The south end of King County doesn;t generally have authentic representation, especially the democratic youth. I’m ready to empower and organize the south end for a political call. Political inclusion without empowerment is impossible. Youth like myself are less likely to enter any form of  politics until they get an invitation from people who they share age and other intersectionalities with. I want to make sure that youth in general are being heard and making sure their voices are influential. It’s a matter of an organizing director that they can relate to inviting them. I’m also a firm believer that youth can influence elections once we bring in different voices to the table, and this starts with selecting a person like myself for that position. Young democrats will not influence our elections until we inclusively empower ALL of our democratic youth. Previously, I’ve held several student government positions at my High School and college. Just a year ago, I was elected as the ASHC President and had the opportunity to serve one of the most diverse colleges in America — Highline college with over 15,000 students and a budget over 2 million. There, I had the opportunity to lead and soar my way throughout my one year term, with a start to reorganize the student council. During my leadership, I had the opportunity to connect with WA state’s legislature to speak about progressive agendas that matter to students and youth. I then continued my leadership in the 33rd LD Democrats, I had the opportunity to be appointed by my Party district, as a Bernie Sanders delegate to the WA state convention. Last year, I helped elect progressive democrats in Seatac and Burien, WA. I currently serve with some Democratic party officials ( NOT A DNC WING ORG)  organization called People Democratic Party for Reform (PDPR). We ratify policies for DNC improvements and campaign for DNC nominees. 

If I Don’t Win I’ll Stay Involved in KCYD: No

Do you plan on doing on average 10 hours a month of work with KCYD?: Yes

If you were a pizza what kind of pizza would you be and why?: I would be a pineapple pizza! This is because everything that is good always have it’s own risks and doesn’t hurt to try. In other words, we don’t always have to take familiar routes to do the right thing, it’s always about taking challenging routes in these challenging times. Pineapple pizza may not sound right, but it doesn’t hurt anyone.

Candidate for KCDCC Representative (2 of 3)

Name: Rebeca Muñiz

City of Residence: Seattle, WA

LD: 46th

Relevant Experience: I’m a technology education teacher and aspiring developer with Geeking Out Kids of Color. I ran for Seattle Public School Board in 2019 and was a top two candidate. I currently serve as a Precinct Committee Officer with the 46th LD Democrats. I’m a graduate of the University of Washington with a Masters in Education Policy and Leadership. My thesis work topic was, ‘Leadership Enactment of Students of Color Providing a “Youth Undoing Institutional Racism” Training’. My graduate research was on racial equity teams in the Seattle Public Schools and families’ community organizing for school improvements.

Candidate Statement: I’m on a mission to help improve access to education. I am committed to being a leader for our youth and serving those who are struggling. I have collaborated with juvenile justice professionals, legislators, and advocates to develop and implement diversion interventions for youth in the juvenile system. I bring expertise in financial planning and budget management from my time at UW. I believe King County deserve leaders that represent their background and understand their stories. I’m excited to represent the people and continue to recruit more people to defend our Democracy and remain united. Thank you!

If I Don’t Win I’ll Stay Involved in KCYD: Yes

Do you plan on doing on average 10 hours a month of work with KCYD?: Yes

If you were a pizza what kind of pizza would you be and why?: Zeeks – Thai One On Peanut Sauce Base, Thai Chicken, Green Pepper, Broccoli, Red Onion, Pickled Carrot and Daikon Radish, Fresh Cilantro, 1-5 stars for spice

Candidate for Vice Chair

Name: Nicole Palczewski

City of Residence: Seattle, WA

LD: 36th

Relevant Experience: I served previously as the Events Director (2020) and Legislative Director (2019) for KCYD, and currently serve as the Vice President of Operations for Young Democrats of Washington. I am also an elected PCO in my legislative district, and have attended and helped produce many King County YD and state YD events in my two years working with Young Dems.

Candidate Statement: Hello fellow King County Young Dems! My name is Nicole and I am thrilled to step up to the plate to ask for your vote to be your next Vice Chair for 2021.

I’ve been involved with KCYD since 2018, when I ran for my first position as Legislative Director of the 2019 board, and was able to really jump in to the kind of advocacy work I want us all to be doing: talking to our representatives and coordinating legislative advocacy so we can best represent the needs of young people throughout our county. I believe that we all have more connections and better stories than we may think, but if we don’t tell our representatives how to meet our needs, we could be cut out of crucial funding opportunities and budget talks; I want to use my powers as Vice Chair to help the Chair and other board members organize effectively for the kind of change we want to see both in the Democratic Party, and in our communities.

As the Events Director during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, I also realize that how we interact with each other, build community, and utilize our resources is ever-changing. As Vice Chair, I want to encourage everyone to use this digital equalization period as a way to really expand KCYD’s reach through our community, make lasting bonds with other organizations that do the work we care about, and make sure we are as accessible as possible to anyone who’s interested in our work, member or not.

My main goals as Vice Chair are to make sure we can organize young people wherever we may need to in the county, keep the rest of the board supported and engaged in our work, and act as an administrator for the kinds of odds-and-ends projects and board needs that will always eventually spring up. I want to make sure this board is the best it can be, whether that means supporting more fundraising efforts, assigning more projects, or making our membership feel more supported in community as we set up more social activities. In any case, 2021 is shaping up to be a year where we will need to balance the health and capacity of our members with what is sure to be a strange, constrained political process that will affect all of our lives, and I want to be the person who can help you get your goals met as we work towards greater inclusion, better advocacy, and more wins for Young Dems. Thank you for your consideration!

If I Don’t Win I’ll Stay Involved in KCYD: Yes

Do you plan on doing on average 10 hours a month of work with KCYD?: Yes

If you were a pizza what kind of pizza would you be and why?: A Supreme Pizza! It brings a little bit of everything: veggies, meat, fragrant toppings, pickled stuff. It is well balanced and tries to please every palette. Also straight up, it’s just my favorite pizza!

Candidate for Communications Director

Name: Geoffrey Long

City of Residence: Renton, WA

LD: 11th 

Relevant Experience: 2015-2017 Baltimore County Young Democrats 2015-2017 Mid- Atlantic Region Treasurer 

Candidate Statement: My name is Geoff Long and I am excited about the potential to serve in the role of Communications Director. This role is vital to the overall information flow within the organization and to ensure a strong message is being sent to the masses within the organization. Originally from Baltimore, Maryland I have served in the role of President for the Baltimore County Young Democrats. During this time I worked to improve the messaging of our organization by implementing weekly updates, and implemented a new website.  If elected I will do everything in my power to utilize my skill sets to ensure this organization continues to thrive. 

If I Don’t Win I’ll Stay Involved in KCYD: Yes

Do you plan on doing on average 10 hours a month of work with KCYD?: Yes

If you were a pizza what kind of pizza would you be and why?: Meat Lovers because variety and diversity is good

Candidate for Legislative Director (1 of 2)

Name: Charlotte “Charlea” Amoureux

City of Residence: Seattle, WA

LD: 43rd

Relevant Experience: Former KCYD Legislative Director, massive election wonk, and curator of the OurCampaigns.com King County Election Database

Candidate Statement: My name is Charlea Amoureux and I’m running to return to my old post as Legislative Director. I know our Legislature and the intricacies of the legislative processes better than few others. I understand how policy priorities can and should differ across different levels of government, and I’ve got the gusto it takes to push for progressive policies on behalf of KCYD. I watch meetings of different legislative bodies for fun, and spend most of my time reading up on the latest bills in Congress and elsewhere. I’m looking forward to working with our new legislators and helping elect new municipal leadership in 2021 that will help us pass meaningful progressive reform. I hope you’ll stand with me.

If I Don’t Win I’ll Stay Involved in KCYD: Yes

Do you plan on doing on average 10 hours a month of work with KCYD?: Probably More

If you were a pizza what kind of pizza would you be and why?: I would be any new york style pizza. Beloved by her own, looked upon with concern by others.

Candidate for Political Director

Name: Dan Tran

City of Residence: Bellevue, WA

LD: 48th

Relevant Experience: King County Young Democrats Executive Board Member, King County Democrats Central Committee Member, Young Democrats of Washington Endorsements Committee Member

Candidate Statement: Hello everyone! My name is Dan Tran and I am running to be KCYD’s Political Director!

Currently, I am a KCYD Board Member, served on the Endorsement’s Committee for the Young Democrats of Washington, and am a member of the Executive Board for the King County Democrats Central Committee.

I come from a family of refugees who came to the United States with nothing, and it is that experience that allows me to understand thoroughly the need to center our work on empowering marginalized communities and fighting for equity.  If last year showed anything, it showed how important it is to advance progressive causes that uplift the marginalized.  It laid bare the gross inequities and injustices that the nation, the state, and our region really are.

KCYD is an amazing organization for young people to get involved.  However, I believe it can and should do more.  I want KCYD and our members to have the opportunity to advocate and fight for the issues we care about.  I also want KCYD to be a more inclusive organization that welcomes and empowers marginalized voices.  To that end, as Political Director I plan to center my work on the following items.

Centering Marginalized Voices

KCYD must ensure that we are an inclusive organization that strives to uplift marginalized voices.  Far too often, our most vulnerable communities are left out and have their needs unheard.  Too often these communities are told that their needs and rights are not feasible or are watered down.  We have to stand with marginalized communities in fighting for equity and justice.

We start with ensuring that our content and meetings spotlight these diverse perspectives.  Representation matters, and when we are doing our panels, we must have those with lived experiences at the table.  Our meetings should empower marginalized voices and be inclusive to all members.

I have a lot of experience, having moderated or led multiple meetings at KCYD, including one spotlighting diverse challengers to incumbents, and one featuring a diverse panel discussing what the election results mean for our communities.  I will use that experience to make KCYD a more inclusive and representative organization.

Empower and Actively Advocate for Young People

Empowering marginalized voices and spotlighting important issues in our meetings is important.  However, I believe that KCYD can and should do more to fight for equity and justice.  We as an organization should actively advocate for the changes we wish to see.  GOTV opportunities and the content we produce are important, but they are not the only things KCYD is restricted to do.  KCYD should also be on the ground to advance these cause and advocate to our elected officials to take action.

This involves empowering young people and our membership to be able to do this work.  I will work to provide a diverse range of opportunities for direct advocacy.  This allows members the opportunities to become more politically engaged while advancing the issues we care about.  Whether it be fellowships to political programs or lobbying and activism, these opportunities will empower young people and allow them to further their political development.  This also gives KCYD the capabilities to advocate and fight for the important issues of equity and justice.

Partner and Ally with Community Organizations

King County has many amazing community organizations on the ground doing great work in fighting for progressive causes and the rights of marginalized communities.  KCYD should engage with these organization on their terms and stand in solidarity to their causes that we share.  KCYD should be active allies in the fight for progress.  In doing so, we can allow our members to become more politically involved in their communities.

It is important to note that this doesn’t mean barging in and trying to support them on how we think is best.  Different organizations will have different ways they would want to engage, if they want to engage at all.  It is important that we make the effort to meet them where they are and ally with them how they want.  I will reach out to each organization we want to partner with and do the work to support them on how they see fit.

These items are what I plan to center my work around as KCYD’s Political Director.  This is not all I plan to do, but I hope that you agree that KCYD can and should do more to empower young people and advance progressive policies.

If I Don’t Win I’ll Stay Involved in KCYD: Yes

Do you plan on doing on average 10 hours a month of work with KCYD?: Probably More

If you were a pizza what kind of pizza would you be and why?: Supreme Combo Pizza. It’s my favorite!

Candidate for Social Action Director

Name: Madeline Brown

City of Residence: Seattle, WA

LD: 43rd

Relevant Experience:*4 cycles as a campaign worker including Organizer, Canvass Lead, Project Manager, and Field Director *Co-Chair of the Walla Walla Valley Young Democrats 2016-2019 *16th LD State Committee Member from 2017-2020 *Member of the WSDCC Rules Committee and Credentials Co-Chair of 2019 Convention *Institute for a Democratic Future class of 2018  *Extensive volunteer recruitment, training, and management experience

Candidate Statement:My focus as an organizer and field director for Democratic campaigns has been to mobilize volunteers as we work to elect progressive candidates so they can serve to improve the lives of underrepresented community members. Four election cycles working in various capacities has imparted to me the importance of developing and maintaining meaningful relationships within the community as well as the organization. As I continue working for successful campaigns, my focus has shifted to building power within the districts I serve and act as a guide and trainer to assist with advocacy and power building. Most recently, I was recruited to work in Arizona for 2 non-profit tables promoting voter registration, outreach, and engagement to maximize turnout BIPOC turnout in the 2020 election. Being in a traditionally very red state and witnessing the tenacity of the organizers required to flip a state elevated my abilities and I am excited at the opportunity to bring that enthusiasm and experience to this position.

If I Don’t Win I’ll Stay Involved in KCYD: Yes

Do you plan on doing on average 10 hours a month of work with KCYD?: Yes

If you were a pizza what kind of pizza would you be and why?: Margherita

Candidate for At-Large Director West

Name: Quinn A Weber

City of Residence: Seattle, WA

LD: 43rd

Relevant Experience: President and Treasurer: Naugatuck Valley Young Democrats (CT), Fundraising Chair: Shelton Democrats (CT), Member 43rd Dems (WA), candidate: Shelton CT Planning and Zoning Commission, Field Director State Senate (2018) and Mayoral Campaign (2019)

Candidate Statement: Thank you, KCYD members for this opportunity. Even though I arrived later in the year last year I feel a deep connection to King County. For the position of At-Large Director I intend to use all the experience I’ve gained from being the leader of a Young Dems Chapter to make KCYD the best it can be. I believe having a leadership perspective and experience in a different chapter will make me a positive addition to the KCYD Board. As a field director, I have experience recruiting and training new volunteers and one volunteer I have trained even went on to run and win elected office herself. With that, I hope to earn your trust in this position.

If I Don’t Win I’ll Stay Involved in KCYD: Yes

Do you plan on doing on average 10 hours a month of work with KCYD?: Yes

If you were a pizza what kind of pizza would you be and why?: White Clam because it’s a Connecticut classic that would also work in Seattle.

Candidate for At-Large Director East (2 of 2)

Name: Vivek Prakriya

City of Residence: Redmond, WA

LD: 48th

Relevant Experience: The experience that I have mainly consists of volunteering with the Washington State Democrats – phone banking for Democratic candidates in the State. In addition, I have sign waved with Rep. Delbene. I’m not the most experienced, but I do have a deep passion for politics that I feel will enable me to do this job well. 

Candidate Statement: Hey everyone! My name is Vivek, and I’m a teenager from Redmond who’s very passionate about politics and would love a chance to get more involved in the Democratic community here in Washington. I’m currently enrolled in the early entrance program at the University of Washington, and will be attending the University next year. 

I know it’s somewhat cliché, but the reason that I love politics is the ability to meet new people from all different backgrounds and cultures, and use the knowledge from their experiences to help change people’s lives for the better. Something that really opened my eyes to this was phone banking for the Washington state Democrats during this past election. The main purpose of this phone banking was to get out the vote for democratic candidates all over the state, but I managed to have some very inspiring conversations as well. One particular one that stood out to me was this ~40 minute conversation that I had with this woman who was at first very reluctant to vote for the Democrats. Usually, in an instance like this, I’d try normal persuasion methods, but this time I decided to try something else. My grandmother very regularly talks about the profound importance of empathy, and I remembered a great quote from Stephen Covey: “seek first to understand and then to be understood.” I made it mission to completely understand this woman’s opinion, and then tried to go from there. The strategy worked out great – I think I managed to convince her to vote Democratic a

 the board; even more important than this however, I learned how understanding the other side—even when you disagree with them—is important for all respects of life, not just politics. 

As the at-large director on the East-side, I’d hope to contribute to the King County Young Democrats in various ways, helping out as needed and using my different experiences to help others. In addition, I see it as a great learning opportunity for someone like me who’s only become interested in politics relatively recently. I hope to earn your vote, but I definitely believe that any candidate for this position will do a great job. Thank you!

If I Don’t Win I’ll Stay Involved in KCYD: Yes

Do you plan on doing on average 10 hours a month of work with KCYD?: Probably More

If you were a pizza what kind of pizza would you be and why?: hmmmm probably just a regular New York style cheese pizza (I know it’s boring)

We elect two candidates to the position of KCDCC Representative, but they must be of different gender identities. All three candidates below are of different identities so you’ll be able to vote for two with the top two vote getters winning the positions.

Candidate for KCDCC Representative (1 of 3)

Name: Niko Battle

City of Residence: Seattle, WA

LD: 43rd

Relevant Experience: With regard to experience in elected party office, I serve(d) in the following roles: Former Snohomish County rep. to the Washington State Democratic Central Committee (WSDCC), Former 21st Legislative District representative to SCDCC, Former 2nd Vice-Chair of the 21st Legislative District Democrats, Former First Vice Chair of Snohomish County Young Democrats, 1st Vice-Chair Washington State Democrats Stonewall Caucus and Chair of the Young Democrats of Washington Queer Caucus. Outside my capacity as a party officer, I’ve worked on campaigns since the age of 13, organizing in vastly different communities and raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for Democratic causes.

Candidate Statement: My life has been defined by political action; at 12 I joined the Young Democrats of Atlanta, the only organization open to having members of my age. By the time I was 13, I had been hired as the youngest staff member on the 2014 Democratic Party of Georgia’s coordinated campaign. In 2016, I worked for the Alliance for Gun Responsibility, organizing across east King County for extreme risk protections orders (Initiative 1491) At 16 years old, after completing training from Camp Wellstone, I was hired as campaign manager on a winning municipal campaign. This race taught me even more the value of our Democratic infrastructure here in Washington, something I hadn’t experienced as a younger organizer in the deep south, fighting to flip Georgia blue when nobody thought we could. 

With a renewed (even boosted) love for party infrastructure and after the events of February 2018, I had a desire to support many of my peers in getting involved. I co-founded an advocacy organization called We Won’t be Next – Seattle. We held a large walkout and rally in occidental square. Our rally was where the Alliance launched I-1639, a campaign which I of course joined, to protect our schools and communities from preventable gun violence. My work as a veteran of the I-1491 and I-1639 statewide GVP campaigns, and as a former CEO of student-led non-profit, We Won’t Be Next, is why Seattle Magazine featured me and many other amazing activists from the Alliance, MFOL, etc in the 2018 edition of Seattle’s most influential people. Merely a month after teh I-1639 campaign, I was elected as the youngest ever state central committee member and one of very few Black and/or non-binary SCMs. In total, I have experience organizing, building relationships, and etc extensively in WA but also in GA, AL, and PA; with your support, I would like to bring those skills with me as one of your next KCDCC reps.

I’m trying to keep this relatively short out of respect for everyone’s time in this busy part of the year, but I do hope I have earned your vote. I have prided myself on being accessible and always open to having a conversation even with those who vehemently disagree with me. Please know that if you have any questions for me, want to know more about me, or would simply like to voice your opinion on issues related to party business I am always available and ready to listen. You can reach out to me via phone at (206) 504-1117 or email at emailnikob@gmail.com. 

If I Don’t Win I’ll Stay Involved in KCYD: Yes

Do you plan on doing on average 10 hours a month of work with KCYD?: Probably More

If you were a pizza what kind of pizza would you be and why?: Something with goat cheese – it’s a bold and unique flavor and I like finding bold and unique solutions to the problems put in front of me.

Candidate for KCDCC Representative (3 of 3)

Name: George Vadino

City of Residence: Federal Way, WA

LD: 30th

Relevant Experience: KCYD At-Large Director South (Jan 2018-Jan 2020 and May 2020-present)   PCO (April 2017-present) 30th District Democrats Board Member (August 2017-March 2019)  I have managed three political campaigns: Federal Way City Councilmember Lydia Assefa-Dawson’s re-election campaign, Katherine Festa’s campaign for Federal Way City Council, and the 2018 Pierce County library levy campaign

Candidate Statement: I have had the privilege of serving as KCYD At-Large Director South for the last three years/terms. Working with KCYD has been really great experience, and I would be honored if I could continue to serve on this board.

I am running for KCDCC Rep because I have prior experience working with KCDCC. As a PCO I have participated in central committee meetings, and last year I once alternated for this KCDCC Rep position that I am running for now. 

I hope that my experience and my passion for KCYD will earn me your vote. Thank you.

If I Don’t Win I’ll Stay Involved in KCYD: Yes

Do you plan on doing on average 10 hours a month of work with KCYD?: Probably More

If you were a pizza what kind of pizza would you be and why?: Cheese, because its classic.