Bardin, Bateman battle for City Council seat

In the Nov. 3 general election, Olympia voters will decide between Judy Bardin and Jessica Bateman for the soon-to-be-vacant Olympia City Council position 2.

The position is held by Steve Langer, who is not seeking re-election.

Bateman was the leading vote-getter in the August primary with about 51 percent of the vote, while Bardin finished second with 32 percent.

Here is a brief overview of the candidates. More information is available online in The Olympian’s 2015 General Election Voter Guide.

JESSICA BATEMAN

Bateman, 33, cites her experience in government and the nonprofit sector as an asset. Bateman, who is a former legislative aide for State Rep. Chris Reykdal, now works as the community impact director for the United Way of Thurston County. She also currently serves as finance subcommittee chairwoman for the Olympia Planning Commission and is a board member for the nonprofit Garden-Raised Bounty (GRuB).

Bateman has a master’s degree in public administration and bachelor’s degree in environmental science from The Evergreen State College.

Bateman said she can help bring a fresh perspective to the council. One priority is to work on revitalizing downtown Olympia with a focus on rapid rehousing and social services for the homeless population.

Bateman said she also supports more housing density downtown, more density along urban corridors and more housing options citywide, as well as the creation of safer and more walkable neighborhoods.

She also supports a higher minimum wage for the city, and a citizen review board for the police department.

So far, Bateman’s campaign has raised $26,678 and has spent $18,137, according to the Public Disclosure Commission. Notable donors include Craig and Krista Ranta, Council 2 Washington State Council of County and City Employees, Sheet Metal Workers Local 66, SEIU 1199NW, and SEIU 775 Quality Care Committee.

Notable endorsements for Bateman include 22nd District State Reps. Chris Reykdal and Sam Hunt, Thurston County Democrats, Teamsters 252, NARAL Pro-Choice Washington, National Women’s Political Caucus of Washington, UFCW 367, UFCW 21, SEIU 775NW, SEIU Healthcare 1199NW, Thurston-Lewis-Mason Central Labor Council, and the Olympia firefighters union (IAFF Local 468).

JUDY BARDIN

Bardin, 67, cites her overall experience in health and government as an asset. Bardin, who has spent her career in public health, is an epidemiologist for the state Department of Health and has 20 years of experience as a registered nurse.

Bardin has served on the Olympia Planning Commission, the Olympia Utility Advisory Committee, the Heritage Commission and the Coalition of Neighborhood Associations. She also has a doctorate in epidemiology, a master’s degree in environmental and occupational health, and a bachelor’s degree in nursing.

As an Olympia Planning Commissioner, she has drafted policies on urban green space and sea level rise for the city’s comprehensive plan. Bardin said she supports investment in parks and green space, responsible management of the city budget, more citizen involvement in city decisions and a higher minimum wage that’s established with regional input. She also supports a citizen review board for the police department.

One priority is to focus on creating a safer and more accessible downtown Olympia. Bardin said she will advocate for amenities such as more parking and a 24-hour restroom.

So far, Bardin’s campaign has raised $22,444 and has spent $17,821, according to the Public Disclosure Commission. Notable donors include Citizens for Integrity in Government, SEIU 1099, Thurston County PUD Commissioner Chris Stearns, WFSE Local 443, former Thurston PUD Commissioner Jim Lazar, and former Tumwater City Councilman Walter Jorgensen.

Notable endorsements include WFSE Local 443, WFSE Ecology Local 872, Thurston Environmental Voters, Sierra Club’s Washington chapter, Thurston-Lewis-Mason Central Labor Council, SEIU Healthcare 1199NW, National Women’s Political Caucus of Washington, Washington State National Organization for Women PAC, former Congresswoman Jolene Unsoeld, and former Olympia mayors Mark Foutch and Bob Jacobs.

This story was originally published October 23, 2015 at 4:15 PM with the headline "Bardin, Bateman battle for City Council seat."