By Gwen Davis

The 34th District Democrats held candidate forums and gave endorsements Wednesday evening during their monthly meeting.

First on the agenda was a candidate forum for Seattle Port Commission Position 5 candidates.

"We're going to have two minutes for the first question," Ted Barker, vice-chair said.

Darrell Bryan: "I am uniquely qualified because I am the only candidate with a marine background. That brings a unique strength." The same leadership skills he brought to his business, he will bring to the port, he said.

Fred Felleman: "I spent a lot of time on the water and saw what a phenomenal natural interest it is," he said. "I'm the best candidate, coming from 25 years of enviormental work."

Mark Hennon: "When you consider the comings and goings of ships and trucks, the Port is the biggest polluter," he said. "The kids today will lose their kids because people like you make bad decisions. When You sit on your hands you instill life-long pains on innocent little kids. Shell won't stop until we stop them."

Ken Rogers: "This is important to me for a lot of reasons, but we need to change the way business is done," he said. "I don't have the answers but if you chose to endorse me, we will. There's a lot of money involved, but in the end the Port of Seattle needs to reflect the values of the people who elected them. With 30 years in the industry, I have a unique set of circumstances."

Norman Sigler: "I'm running because of three things: there needs to be public leader for our assets, there needs to be engine for our businesses and we need leaders who listen to us." He said he worked for airlines and has seen firsthand the devastation airlines create environmentally.

Marion Yoshino: "I'm an economic development professional with background in finance," she said. In her career as an economic development official, she's taken stands on these issues.

Next was a forum for King County Elections Director candidates.

Zack Hudgins: "I believe we need someone with proven public record success," he said. "At a time when we see voting days shrinking, I believe King County should be leading in the opposite directions. When we have better turnout we get better government. My experience in the legislature, private sector and communities across King County." He has 30 years of experience.

Chris Roberts: "I want to make it more convenient for you to vote and register your ballots." He is a latino from Yakima, and without the help of Congress he would not have had the opportunity to vote. He taught at the University of Washington when getting his Ph.D.

Next was a council for Burien City Council Position 4, with one candidate, Joe Scherer.

"I love Burien, but we're not doing enough," he said. "The bus service got caught, but we can be a leader and a true urban village. Burien is small but some parts of the city are not being represented. Most of our council members are white.

The endorsement part of the evening began. Members stood up at nominated candidates.

Marion Yoshino was first nominated. "I'm very excited about the opportunities to work on the Port of Seattle," she said.

Darrell Bryan was nominated. "I'm really excited and I am very impressed with my fellow candidates," he said. "Everyone brought good insight. If I'm successful, I will put the time in."

Ken Rogers was nominated. "This process is really important," he said. "Thanks for your consideration and I'd be honored for your endorsement."

Mark Hennon was nominated. "The Port is in a huge transition right now and I'd be there to defend King County and bring out all the information to the public that I can," he said.

Fred Felleman was nominated. "I see this an an opportunity to open the door to the port so everyone can be engaged," he said.

Norman Sigler was nominated. "I'm honored to be part of this group, and am here to make the process fair for all the citizens of King County," he said.

Zack Hudgins was nominated, as well.

King County Democrats dual endorsed Ken Rogers and Norm Sigler for Port.