Residents of the 36th district celebrated democratic election victories, but also expressed deep concerns at Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles' 15th annual post-election analysis, Nov. 20 at Hale's Ales Brewery.

The event culminated in a panel discussion. Panel members, which included elected officials and members of the media, discussed the election results and the upcoming legislative session.

"I want to keep reliving election night, like Groundhog Day," said Kohl-Welles (D-Ballard). "It was one of the most fabulous nights of my life."

However, David Goldstein, a blogger for horsesass.org, did not celebrate the recent democratic election success.

Let's "take a drink, take a breath, and get back to work," he said as he urged people to think twice about the positive and negative consequences of possible new taxes and Seattle's recently passed levies.

Many district residents were concerned about the current unemployment rate, economic turmoil and how taxes will help or hinder their local problems.

Panel speakers attempted to give answers to their questions.

Rep. Mary Lou Dickerson (D-Ballard) explained that she is not willing to sacrifice the healthcare, education and general welfare of Washington's youth.

"We cannot balance the budget on the backs of our children," she said.

However, Dickerson pointed out that in balancing the budget, additional taxes might be necessary.

"The Legislature is not necessarily going to take the governor's position of no-new-taxes," she said. "We have to look at all the options on the table."

Some panelists agreed that there might not be any obvious answers to the economic problems facing the city, state and country.

"We are going to have to look at solutions we’ve never considered before," said Kohl-Welles.

Goldstein encouraged debate and discussion as a starting point.

"If we're going to address long term structural deficit, we need to start talking about it," he noted.

Senate Majority Leader Lisa Brown encouraged the crowd to continue to be active.

"It's your job as the activist base to demand good things from Olympia," said Brown. "You need to rise up to the challenge (of economic hardship)."

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