FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 23, 2009

Contact:    Saul Ettlin, Director
                 206-622-8333

Municipal League Announces Candidate Ratings

SEATTLE - The Municipal League of King County today released its nonpartisan evaluations of 113 candidates running for dozens of local offices.  The ratings are available online at www.munileague.org.

The ratings are based on four criteria: Knowledge, Involvement, Effectiveness and Character. They assess each candidate's potential to be effective in office and ability to serve the community. Political affiliations or stands on specific issues are not considered and candidates are not rated against each other.

This year's ratings are the result of the work of 65 citizens from throughout King County who volunteered for the Municipal League's Candidate Evaluation Committee. They studied the public record, reviewed candidate questionnaires, checked references and conducted live interviews with the candidates. Each rating was carefully reviewed by the Municipal League's trustees.

"The League's rating process is similar to a job interview for candidates, with a diverse group of citizens serving as hiring managers," said Brad Meacham, Municipal League Chair.  "This result is a useful tool to help voters make decisions."

Candidates received one of six ratings: Outstanding, Very Good, Good, Adequate, Not Qualified, or No Active Campaign. The Municipal League attempted to contact every candidate. Candidates were rated even if they declined to participate in the process.

This year's Candidate Evaluation Committee conducted interviews in Seattle, Bellevue and Renton, and was led by Gabe Meyer, Chair of the Candidate Evaluation Program.

Click here to see the ratings

Click here to see a PDF of the press release