1. "Even if you don't live in King County, you have a stake in this election."

Andy, the quote above is dead on. We who live in Washington State have a stake in this election. It is an integral part of preventing a repeat of the 2004 election fiasco in King County. Who would have thought, prior to that, that what goes on in King County has such an effect on us all.
I'll be donating to this campaign, for sure. Thanks for the post.

Posted by: Orange Robyn on April 21, 2005 11:15 AM

2. Count me in too. I'm tired of the smiling, polite, condescending but utterly clueless and incompetent deadwood politician at that helm. Time to go. Fish & visitors smell in 3 days, right Benjamin? What fries me are the passive re-elections of this glorified clerk. Why do they keep voting him in? PC? Apathy? Ignorance? Job protection? I don't know. Yes, Orange--KC DOES affect us all--it IS important!

Posted by: Jimmie-howya-doin on April 21, 2005 11:27 AM

3. Anybody seen that bank of america commercial where the spokesman says "one error in a million simply isn't acceptable" ? I think of Ron Simms every time I see that.

Posted by: dpmiv on April 21, 2005 11:38 AM

4. During a breakfast meeting this morning in Dallas, one of those in attendance asked about my time in Seattle. Before I could reply, another at the table wondered aloud..."Is Seattle still a part of the U.S.?"

What happens in KC doesn't affect me personally, but it does affect people I care about. I'm in.

Posted by: Danny on April 21, 2005 11:40 AM

5. My money is in. I live in Tacoma, but the great thing about the blogs and the Internet is that now we can be aware of political issues that greatly impact us, yet are outside of our immediate districts and precincts.

Keep this up, and lets get it on Talk Radio as well (KVI producers, if you are reading this, please have John Carlson and Kirby Wilbur mention David Iron's campaign contribution page on their shows). Republicans are good at raising money, and we have to get Ron Sims out of office ASAP.

Go David!

Posted by: Jeff B. on April 21, 2005 12:02 PM

6. Jimmie-howya-doin,

I have to take issue with your characterization of Ron Sims as "utterly clueless and incompetent." Cold, calculating, diabolical and ruthlessly vindictive (with a nice happy smile on his face to fool the sheeple) is more like it. Simple incompetence cannot explain the Byzantine layers of corruption in which he wraps himself. Give credit where credit is due: Sims serves his master well.

Posted by: TB on April 21, 2005 12:26 PM

7. Not knowing much about Mr. Irons, I went over to the website link you provided. I was interested to learn that his Issues page is still being created. OK, so he has no Issues. So I went to the "About David" section and learned such fascinating details as:

His focus has been on bringing people together in partnerships to get things done rather than taking the credit.

That Nordstrom's motto has stuck with him since he was 19

That he is a fixture as a long-time parade announcer at Issaquah's annual Fourth of July celebration and the Issaquah Salmon Days Festival

Nowhere did I find any mention of why he wants to be King County Executive, why he thinks he's qualified to be King County Executive or what he proposes to do if he becomes King County Executive, although his announcement press release contains a hint:

Irons, a five-year veteran of the Metropolitan King County Council, has been considering his options since the redistricting plan approved in January eliminated his 12th Council District.

The guy's out of a job! Why didn't he say so! Shoot, with that as a campaign slogan, every liberal in Seattle will vote for the guy.

Posted by: Steven on April 21, 2005 12:46 PM

8. Hmmm. Sounds like TB needs some good home training for his irreverent comments :-) Oh yeah, keep it up!

Posted by: Tucker on April 21, 2005 01:13 PM

9. steven, try clicking on the word "issues."

Posted by: chardonnay on April 21, 2005 01:41 PM

10. Be VERY wary of Irons. His last campaigns have shown that he is a politician not to be trusted.

Research...before you endorse. Just look at the last campaign.

This would be bad for King County and for the state.

Posted by: Fred Hartwick on April 21, 2005 02:26 PM

11. TB--duly noted; "badda-bing" to you from a real Chicago kid; but Fred H is right; love everyone-trust everyone--but count your change! I too will be looking under rocks at anyone who wants my vote; after all, it's your job to do so as a voter, no? By the way--I never got this "home training" Sims phrase--just say "manners"--home training sounds like "home gravy"--loaded with fat and salt--tastes great, but it'll kill ya in the long run;

Posted by: Jimmie-howya-doin on April 21, 2005 02:44 PM

12. Chardonnay~

I wasn't being facetious earlier. I did click on Issues and it said the page was still being created. Now they're up. Don't know what happened, but I retract my remarks about him having no Issues.

Let's look at Issues.

King Co poorly managed and neeeds new leadership. Can't argue with that, but hasn't he been part of the Council for five years? Where has his leadership been?

King Co elections are a mess. Once again, can't argue with that, but isn't he on the council...shouldn't he have insisted on oversight much earlier...is he just a Johnny come lately to this issue?

CAO is unfair to rural property owners. Once again, true, but what are his fair and sensible policies?

10 years to study homelessness. I assume this is just code for "I won't allow homeless encampments in church parking lots." Yawn.

Transportation solutions for King Co. As I read his solution, it is to put some transportation plan to the voters. Personally, I'm sick of politicians shirking the jobs and trying to put everything off on the voters. I'm looking for somebody who will put together a plan, figure out a way to pay for it and then get it done. We've had transportation plans put in front of the voters for years and nothing gets done. At this point, a bad plan that actually got something built would be a welcome change.

Count me unimpressed.

Posted by: Steven on April 21, 2005 02:45 PM

13. Can you please post the financial limits that an individual can contribute?

Thanks!
Dana

Posted by: sgmmac on April 21, 2005 03:07 PM

14. Fred H and Steven,
I'm not sure whether you too are Democrats or just unrealistic in general (although the two are often the same). David is a friend of mine and he is one of the most honest and pragmatic people I have ever known. As far as the accusations of him being part of the problem because he sat on the council; Steve, I'll just assume that you don't know anything about politics and let that one slide. Here in King Co, as in most political entities, we have a system where a number of people (13, in this case) have to come to a compromise with each other then come to a compromise with two other branches (Executive and Judicial), when making laws and policies. It's called "checks and balances" and it means that no one person can make all the decisions. It prevents that pesky little problem called totalitarianism.
Sorry if I sound like a smart ass but I like to reply in kind. I welcome any CONSTRUCTIVE criticism you may have.

Posted by: Mark Griswold on April 21, 2005 03:47 PM

15. Whether you are a Democrat or Republican, it should be clear that the current leadership of Sims has taken us down a path to nowhere. The issues vary, but affect all of is in one way or another, no matter where we live in the state. We have the election, CAO, tent cities, costly computer system upgrades that don't work, Brightwater, transportation, etc. Sims has been in office for two terms and has failed to move us forward. The amount of tax payer money WASTED on many of these issues could have and should have been put to good use, to solve some of these very issues.
Now, it is time to give someone else an opportunity to move us forward. That someone is David Irons. The time for change has come, and I hope we can all get behind Mr. Irons.

Posted by: mimi on April 21, 2005 04:28 PM

16. Steven,

Mark's right... blaming David for all the things wrong in King Ron's County is either disingenuous or flamingly ignorant. Under the KC Charter, the executive is just a little shy of omnipotent; the Council has some influence, but don't overestimate it. Then consider that Republicans are a minority, which makes them, frankly, little more than window dressing -- the Dems chair the committees, write the agendas, and can pass whatever they want with or without Republican help (and occasionally like to point this out). And that's not even counting the two RINO's who are only too happy to switch sides on any day of the week ending in 'y'.

Are ya feelin' a little breeze yet where you thought your credibility was?

But seriously, you've obviously never met David. I figured out that he was the Real Deal the first time I really talked to him, in the parking garage on the way out from some GOP thing a few years back -- nobody important around, but some Councilmembers actually like talking to us unimportant people. Some topic came up about some disagreeable business on the Council, and he just *went off* in a way that real people go off when they get their blood up, not the way politicians give political answers and tell you what you want to hear. His righteous anger was real, and it was well-aimed. I've trusted him ever since.

Plus, to make the case against Irons, you have to make the case that Sims is better. Realistically, those are the only two choices. One of them is an excellent choice.

Posted by: TB on April 21, 2005 04:36 PM

17. My goodness, the friends of David are a little sensitive. I don't think I blamed David Irons for anything...I merely asked some questions about his record. According to many on this blog, the King Co. elections dept. has been a disaster for years. I looked at all the constituent newletters that Councilman Irons has on his website (back to Dec 2002). There is not one mention of any problem with the King Co. elections department. So my question stands, was Councilman Irons not aware of those problems or were they not a major concern of his. Reading his newsletters, I see that he is deeply committed to efficiency in government. I applaud that. And I can't claim to know him personally, so I'll take everyone's word for what a great guy he is. But by all accounts (since I don't know him either) Ron Sims is a great guy, and I don't think he's a very good county exec. Of the issues that Mimi cites as Sims's deficiencies (election, CAO, tent cities, costly computer system upgrades that don't work, Brightwater, transportation), some I don't think are problems (tent cities, Brightwater), some I think are more the Council's fault than his (CAO) and some are things he has little control over (transportation). I do think that election problems and the computer system are something for which he should be held accountable. But from what I can tell, Councilman Irons has a somewhat indistinguished record on the County council. I'm not really sure the elevating a back bencher is the way to improve things. But I will keep an open mind and hope that Mr. Irons can make the case why I should vote for him rather than merely vote against Mr. Sims.

Posted by: Steven on April 21, 2005 04:58 PM

18. Anyone who is criticizing David Irons is either uninformed or a Democrat! He is a real person, not a phony politician, with lots of business experience...and, when I wrote to every member of the Council last year...he was the only one to respond to me. The only one...and not only did he speak with me on the telephone, his excellent staff ( Neil Stregge, specifically) was very helpful. This is a caring man, who "gets it"...and a man that would serve us well. So, instead of insulting him..why don't you take the time to go to one of his fundraisers and meet him in person? He'll gladly answer any of your questions...and..unless you positively refuse to be fair...you'll be impressed!

Posted by: J.C. on April 21, 2005 05:02 PM

19. JC,

Google cache says Steven Donegal is a Dem. Probably not much hope of conversion, there.

Posted by: TB on April 21, 2005 05:15 PM

20. TB~

I generally vote for the Ds but in Washington, they are usually the only good choice. When the Rs come up with someone reasonable, I give them a chance and sometimes vote for them. I don't need to be converted, just convinced.

Posted by: Steven on April 21, 2005 05:55 PM

21. Jimmie-howya-doin:

Please use Brain Dead rather than deadwood. I might take it personally.

Posted by: DeadWood on April 21, 2005 07:41 PM

22. Steven:

I agree that David Irons would be a great county exec, but to win in this county the Republics will need to run someone a little closer to the middle.

There are simply more Democrats than Republican in King County. To succeed, a Republican will need cross over Democrats.

I don't think Irons comes across well to centerists and will have difficulty getting the cross over vote.

I could wrong. Maybe Simms will get badly tarred in Wenatchee and lose the independent vote. But will even that be enough to overcome the machine?

Posted by: DeadWood on April 21, 2005 07:50 PM

23. Sorry I meant to address that last post to J.C.

Posted by: DeadWood on April 21, 2005 07:52 PM

24. As a King County employee I blew the whistle on an issue that was hurting King County taxpayers. Only one Councilperson listened and dealt wtih my issues. That was David Irons. I believe he is the only Councilperson who speaks his mind when it is the right thing to do even if it is controversial. I believe that is why he is getting voted out of his Council seat. I am a democrat, Mr. Irons has my vote.

Posted by: Donna on April 21, 2005 07:57 PM

25. I don't think Irons comes across well to centerists and will have difficulty getting the cross over vote.

I think Irons might beat Sims in a state election but King County?

He is certainly a republican:

Political Involvement:
Republican Party, Precinct Committee Officer – 1992-96
Republican Party, Chairman 5th District – 1993-96

As loathe as Washington has been to elect a republican governor in Washington state, King County is going to be 10 times as hard to win. The place is full of evil democrats remember?

Realistically, this would be about the same contest as when Suzette Cook (from Bellevue) tried to beat him. It was a disaster for her.

Posted by: Erik on April 21, 2005 09:11 PM

26. Steven: I think we've seen all we need to see from Ron "Hometraining" Sims. Go ahead and vote for Dave Irons. He's a good and fair person with a good head on his shoulders and he'll run a more ethical ship for sure down at KC HQ.

Posted by: Michele on April 21, 2005 09:15 PM

27. Sorry, DeadWood--no name usage offense intended my friend; here--let's shake hands (ZZZZZZIPPP!) Yes--that's my hand buzzer--I use it at King County Council meetings; Council-Senators have been known to "have an epiphany" after the buzz and bestow new, bold & meaningless regulations to the Citizens of Roma-Seattle; a bad Caligula rerun;

Posted by: Jimmie-howya-doin on April 21, 2005 09:38 PM

28. ...by the way---this reminded me of King County & the voting mess--Pink Panther's guy--Detective Clouseau(?); I'm for calling him in to audit this thing; what can we lose?

Posted by: Jimmie-howya-doin on April 21, 2005 09:43 PM

29. David Irons would be a vast improvement over Rasputin Sims, but he must convince the voters in King County - many of whom are Democrat why he would be better. I have no doubt, but I don't need to be sold. The others like Steven need to be. Face it, it will be an uphill battle for Irons, but the more exposure he gets, the more competent he will be shown to be.

It would also help if he has a vision and is able to communicate this vision to the voters. The problem with many Republicans is their ineffective PR skills - they need to be better at it than the Dems, because the MSM is always in the Dems corner. I wish Dave Irons well and will support him, but you all need to be realistic about what he will need to do in order to win.

Posted by: KS on April 21, 2005 09:50 PM

30. As I sit here and watch TVW. Tax Tax Tax Tax and MORE Tax. The excuses are beyond belief.

Can we just get a LONG line of initiatives on the ballot this year to repeal every single one of these taxes?

I'm serious. Just have a long line of petitions. Voters will sign one, they will sign them all. We've said no- they don't listen.

THAT would be a revolt.

Posted by: Andy on April 21, 2005 10:45 PM

31. Just donated, feels great, and I'm going to recommend everyone do this today!

Posted by: Patrick E. Bell on April 22, 2005 12:19 AM

32. "But I will keep an open mind and hope that Mr. Irons can make the case why I should vote for him rather than merely vote against Mr. Sims."

Oh Steven...

Merely voting against Mr. Sims IS the case for a vote for Irons!
If you need to be talked into voting *against* Ron Sims....you are in the wrong blog buddy....heh..

sigh....Some people need a building to implode on them.....before they get it....

Posted by: Deborah on April 22, 2005 12:20 AM

33. Thank you all you friends of David for backing me up. We need each and every one of you to do so where ever you meet dissent or, more often the case, uninformedness (yea, I know it's not a word but I didn't want to say ignorance and have it come across the wrong way). For those of you who would like to contribute to the Irons campaign AND have dinner at the Columbia Tower Club, I am holding a fundraiser there on Saturday June 4. Please email me and let me know if you're interested.
P.S. Stefan, maybe you could post this on the main page as well.

Posted by: Mark Griswold on April 22, 2005 01:43 AM

34. Dave Irons v. Rons Sims will be an interesting race. The BIAW and Master Builders have been big - and relatively silent - backers of Sims because Sims has been such a team player in looking the other way at shinanigans in DDES and DOT for the county's largest developers. Now with Irons, the Republican once groomed to be the builders champion, the BIAW has got to be wondering who to put their money behind? Betray their loyalty to Sims despite such excellent work on their behalf in the past, or back a loose canon with great potential for pushing their agenda for the future? If the BIAW switches to back Irons, despite the huge success they've had with Sims, that should raise warning flags for everyone.

Tough call!

Posted by: Mike on April 22, 2005 02:37 PM

35. Mike, yea, tough call in deed. Do you go with the incompetant and/or morally bankrupt "home trained" incumbant and at keep getting the scraps that fall from the table or do you grow some cajones and put your money where your mouth is. Fiscal support of incumbancy just because it's incumbancy is the dirty side or politics (oh, wait, ONE of the dirty sides)

Posted by: Mark Griswold on April 24, 2005 10:56 PM

36. Inpendent who usually votes Democrat chiming in here. At this time I do not want to vote for Sims so I am taking a wait and see attitude toward Irons. I'll have to check out his issues page. If he is a moderate Republican I can support him. If he is a neo-con, Christian conservative then I'll have to chose Sims. Just looking for a reasonable alternative to Sims.

Posted by: Rhonwyn on April 29, 2005 07:15 AM

37. I went to Irons' press conference about his four-year plan to end homelessness, and WOW - is he going to get trounced by Sims. His handlers have a lot of work to do if they really want him to be a viable candidate. He came across to me as defensive and uninformed about his own plan. Further, one of his speakers there used a bizzare reason for getting people off the streets - either do that, or the homeless will come into your homes and murder you for drug money.

Looking at the plan, there's nothing new there. He basically took the guts of the Committee to End Homelessness in King County plan and said he'd do it in four years. I really wasn't impressed. Don't the Republicans have anyone else to run?

Posted by: Dave Sanford on August 30, 2005 03:30 PM

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