The annual election for the International Special Review District Board was held on Tuesday, November 17. Three positions were up for election this year, and the results are as follows:
• Valerie Tran won Position #1 for a District business person, property owner or employee.
• Herman Setijono won Position #3 for a District resident, tenant or community participant.
• Carol S. Leong won Position #5 for a District resident, tenant or community participant.
Starting in December, Ms. Tran and Mr. Setijono will begin their first terms, and Ms. Leong will begin serving her second term.
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 composed 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.
The current board members are Ben Grace, Carol Leong, Miye Moriguchi, Martha Rogers, Joann Ware and Marie Wong. Ms. Ware and Mr. Grace are outgoing members. There is currently one vacancy on the Board.
The International Special Review District is coordinated by the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods Historic Preservation Program which is responsible for the designation and protection of more than 400 historic structures, sites, objects, and vessels, as well as eight historic districts located throughout the city.