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International Special Review District Board Announces Candidates for Annual Election

The 2015 International Special Review District (ISRD) Board election will be held on Tuesday, November 17, 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 a Resident, Tenant or Community Participant

Nominations closed Tuesday, October 20. 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.

One candidate is seeking Position #1 for a Business Owner, Property Owner or Employee

Valerie Tran is a project manager at Interim Community Development Association. Her background is in urban planning and public health. She is interested in planning and preservation within the Chinatown International District neighborhood and helping to shape the future of the community.

One candidate is seeking Position #2 for a Resident, Tenant or Community Participant

Herman Setijono has a history of involvement within the community, as an employee of Marpac Construction and as a volunteer and attendee at fundraisers and events within the neighborhood. He has a background in architecture and construction management and is passionate about preserving the culture and history of the Chinatown International District.

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 is a member of the Chong Wa Benevolent Association board and works in the neighborhood as a real estate broker. She has served as the volunteer coordinator of Sifu David F. Leong’s NW Kung Fu and Fitness for more than 15 years. She participates in numerous community events and has participated in the Seattle Chinese Athletic Association (SCAA) and the Seattle Chinese Community Girls Drill Team. Carol is currently serving her first term on the ISRD Board in position #4.

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 Chinatown 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, please visit http://seattle.gov/neighborhoods/preservation/id.htm/.

The current board members are Ben Grace, Carol Leong (Vice Chair), Miye Moriguchi, Martha Rogers (Chair), Joann Ware, and Marie Wong. There is one vacancy. The terms for Mr. Grace and Ms. Ware end in November 2015.