News Gleams: Grant Signals Rematch for Seattle Council Seat, Who Will Replace Jayapal, and Renton Avenue Repaving Done

collected by Antonio Foster

Hillman City Resident Signals Run for Seattle City Council

Hillman City's Jon Grant announced in a statement today that he will form an exploratory campaign for the at-large Seattle City Council Position 8 in 2017.

Grant previously ran for the position in 2015 but was defeated by incumbent Tim Burgess.

In his statement, Grant said that his campaign intends to raise money using the public financing voucher option passed by voters in 2015.

"If we collect the required four hundred $10 donations then we will run a campaign with the new public voucher system that is answerable only to the people in the fight to make housing affordable, to build new schools, enforce workers' rights, and put Seattle on a path for climate and racial justice." Grant said in his statement.

Grant, who currently lives in the Hillman City neighborhood in South Seattle, is the former Executive Director of the Tenants Union of Washington State, and recent Outreach Director for Raise Up Washington.

While launching an exploratory committee is not an official announcement of candidacy, it does allow a candidate to raise money while contemplating a run for office. Grant is however expected to officially commit to running.

Tim Burgess, who currently holds position 9, has not yet announced whether he will seek re-election.

Who Will Replace Jayapal in the Senate?

Eleven people are vying to be appointed to the 37^th District Senate Seat vacated by Pramila Jayapal after her election to the 7^th US Congressional District seat in November.

The State's Democratic Party and the King County Council are currently deliberating on who will replace Jayapal for the remaining 2 years of her term as the 37th Legislative Districts State Senator.

A debate, scheduled to last approximately 90 minutes will take place this Friday at the Rainier Arts Center (3515 Alaska Way). The majority of candidates seeking the office are expected to attend.

Questions will focus on major issues facing the District and State, followed by a lightning round of Yes/No questions, and concluding with (written) questions from the audience directed at individual candidates.

Doors will open at 6:30pm and the Forum will begin promptly at 7:00pm.

Renton Avenue Paving Project Complete

Upper Rainier Beach and Skyway drivers tired of detours and stop and go traffic should be pleased, major construction along Renton Ave S is complete.

Phase two of the major repaving project on the arterial finished yesterday. The next few weeks will see crews along Renton Ave S, between 51st Ave S and S 112th Pl, cleaning up the road striping.

Additional information on the project can be viewed here.

Feature image is a cc licensed photo attributed to Java Colleen/via Flicker