The 2013 International Special Review District (ISRD) Board election will be held Tuesday, November 19 from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Bush Asia Hotel, 409 Maynard Avenue South, in the basement level conference room.
Three board positions are up for election:
- Position #1 for a Business Owner, Property Owner or Employee
- Position #2 for a Resident, Tenant or Community Participant
- Position #4 for Resident, Tenant or Community Participant
Nominations closed Tuesday, October 22. Three candidates were nominated, and candidate information is provided below for each position. Brief candidate biographies will be available at the polling place on the day of the election.
Two candidates are seeking Position #1 for a Business Owner, Property Owner or Employee
Tim Lee is a property owner within the Chinatown International District. He is also a member of the Seattle Chinese Chamber of Commerce, the Bellevue Chinese Chamber of Commerce, and the Lion’s Club. He is a retired state employee and is interested in applying his experience working for government and small businesses to his involvement in the Chinatown International District community.
Joann Ware works for Interim CDA on community-based design projects and affordable housing. Joann is a current ISRD Board member with a deep commitment to the neighborhood. She has a strong interest in the built environment and would like to continue using her architectural knowledge to serve the community and the Board.
One candidate is seeking Position #2 for a Resident, Tenant or Community Participant
Ben Grace is actively involved with the Chinatown International District through his work on the Chinatown Historical Alley Project and is a frequent contributor to community events through the neighborhood. Earlier this year, Ben led the project to translate street signs in Chinatown and Japantown (Nihonmachi). Ben is also a tenant, as an employee of the Chinatown International District Business Improvement Area (CIDBIA).
One candidate is seeking Position #4 for a Resident, Tenant or Community Participant
Carol Leong is part of the third generation of her family to live, work, or volunteer in the Chinatown International District. She has participated in the Seattle Chinese Athletic Association (SCAA) and the Seattle Chinese Community Girls Drill Team. For the past 15 years she has served as the volunteer coordinator of Sifu David F. Leong’s NW Kung Fu and Fitness, where she has participated in the Chinatown Parade and served as a scholarship coordinator and youth mentor. Carol is also involved with the neighborhood Block Watch and participates in numerous community events.
The special character of the Chinatown International District is recognized and protected by City Ordinance. In 1973, the International Special Review District Board was created to preserve, protect, and enhance the cultural, economic, and historical qualities of the District. The Board is made up of seven members – five elected by the International District community and two appointed by the Mayor. Board members’ terms are for two years and members may serve up to two consecutive terms. To learn more about the election and the International Special Review District visit http://seattle.gov/neighborhoods/preservation/id.htm/.
The current board members are Ching Chan, Candace Chin, Sue-May Eng, Miye Moriguchi, Martha Rogers, Marvin Rosete (Chair), and Joann Ware. The terms for Mr. Rosete and Mss. Chan and Ware will end in November 2013.
