Stephen Carl Deutschman (Dutch)
Education: Coursework at Harper Community College, Highline Community College
Occupation: Retired Air Cargo Management
Statement: I have served as a Council Member on the King County Greater Maple Valley Unincorporated Area Council. This Council is one of four UAC’s established by King County. The Council deals with many Rural Area issues and has a voice directly to the County Council and all County Departments. I am currently serving on the Environmental Committee.
I have spoken at King County Council Meetings, interviewed on King 5 news, assisted with river health presentations at the Cedar River Council and Water Resource Inventory Area 8 aka wira8. I am currently working with the non profit group Save the Cedar River.
I lived on farms as a child and my father was born on a homestead in Montana. I know rural life and its people. and am friends with a family in King County still living on the family homestead.
Having lived in Rural King County for 42 years, we need someone that lives in the rural environment to
give a voice to its citizens and most importantly to the preservation and quality of its resources.
Tell us about your past experience with King Conservation District, or other Conservation Districts. I have worked with King County agencies as a member of the Greater Maple Valley Unincorporated Area Council to promote the well being of our rural areas from Transportation to the Environment.
What is the greatest strength of the Conservation District model, in your opinion? The model calls for better ground means taking important stewardship actions at home and in our communities to create healthy soil and water, to provide healthy food, and to conserve land, water, forests, wildlife and related natural resources. Simply stated, we must become the best, not better, stewards and we aren’t there yet.
What role can Conservation Districts play in addressing regional priorities, while still remaining true to their basic operating mandate? A Key Resource that must be explored is the Puget Sound Regional Council. PSRC members include more than 80 entities, including King, Pierce, Snohomish and Kitsap counties, as well as cities, towns, ports, state and local transportation agencies and tribal governments. They deal with several important environmental issues and they need to hear our voice, loud and strong.
If elected, during your term of office what will be your priority focus areas for KCD and what do you hope to accomplish? Since 1977 I have been living in rural unincorporated King County and have watched the effects of urban unabated growth impacting our beautiful rural areas. I have watched the terrible decline of the salmon runs on the Cedar River due to light pollution as well as a general lack of care. As part of the Orca food chain we are seeing the end results and loss of Orcas. I will stand up for our rural areas and bring back our river health.
Chris Porter
Clporter11@mac.com
Facebook: Elect Chris Porter KCD Supervisor
Education: Bachelor of Science, San Diego State University, Master of Science, Western University of Health Science.
Occupation: Associate Supervisor King Conservation District & Pharmaceutical Sales
Statement: I am running for King Conservation District Supervisor because conservation has to become a way of life for us all. The protection of our waterways, salmon, orcas, and habitats should be our highest priority throughout King County. As a beekeeper, my connection to the environment has changed. There is a climate crisis, but people have to be inspired to become part of the environment. Whether you live in an apartment, house, or farm, there is always a way to connect and become part of the environment. As a supervisor, there will always be the responsibilities of budget, program oversight, and planning the future of conservation in King County, but I want to engage residents whether they live in urban, suburban, rural, or farmland, to take steps to connect to the environment. The Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy in King County addresses the needs of our most vulnerable. Voters have authorized this levy because they fully understand the depth of the problem. Conservation has yet to have its vulnerability understood. I want people to know they can volunteer on conservations projects throughout king county, become a beekeeper, plant native plants to attract pollinators, visit the farms throughout King County, and participate in saving the orcas and salmon. I want residents around King County to understand the important work of conservation and how all residents are connected to it, whether they live in the most remote part of King county, or in the middle of Seattle. I want residents to appreciate the importance of sustainable, regenerative farming, tree canopy in the cities, and clean waterways for our precious birds, salmon and orcas. I want to inspire young residents to become beekeepers and increase beehives in cities throughout the county. I ask for your support and vote.
Tell us about your past experience with King Conservation District, or other Conservation Districts. I have been involved with King Conservation District for over a year. I was appointed as an associate supervisor and worked on election reform and increasing the rates and charges to avoid a budget shortfall that will now allow the district to continue its hard work of conservation across King county. I have volunteered at its bare roots plant sale, planting native species plant starters, and restoring wildlife habitats in urban centers.
What is the greatest strength of the Conservation District model, in your opinion? The greatest strength of the Conservation District’s model is collaboration and partnerships. In order to gain the trust of the community and raise awareness, it is critical that the community be included in every step of the way. The Conservation District only works when the stakeholders, employees, elected officials, and community members all understand and believe in the mission of the district. This is what accounts for a partnership that stretches from California to British Columbia Canada to protect the orca. Also greater focus on the local community in the urban and rural setting will help to build greater partnerships.
What role can Conservation Districts play in addressing regional priorities, while still remaining true to their basic operating mandate? Recently, a King County Council Member announced new plans for flood control in King County. This plan is very consistent with goals and priorities for the conservation district in addressing flooding in the region. The new plan, adjusted for the population growth, could very well help the district adjust its goals around that and set targets that better addresses the changing population of King County. The Conservation Districts has planned well for rural and farming communities, but further engagement of urban centers is needed to elevate the work and focus of the district.
If elected, during your term of office what will be your priority focus areas for KCD and what do you hope to accomplish? If elected, my priority is to bring full transparency to this elected office. Every voter should know about the office and the conservation district. I would like to become an expert pollinator, helping King County Residents, businesses, and partners build, garden, and farm and never forget the vital role that pollinators play in our lives: Bees, Birds, Butterflies, Bats, Flies, insects, and Moths. I want everyone to know that they can change what happens to our environment by thinking about and planting plants that attract pollinators. Inspiring residents to turn their manicured lawns into a wildlife habitat.
*King Conservation District does not correct punctuation, grammar, or fact check candidate statements.