Port of Seattle & 33rd Legislative District
Candidate Forum
An Airport-Impacted Communities Solutions Conversation
wednesday, Oct. 22
5:30pm – 8pm
Downtown Burien
Attend via Zoom
Watch the Forum
Missed out on attending the Candidate Forum? Don’t worry, you can watch the full recording here or on YouTube.
Candidate Responses on Key Themes
Our group of grassroots organizations, community residents and leaders met over 4 months to talk about the issues that are most urgent and important to us. Together, we produced 5 key themes:
Environmental & Health Justice
Our communities are deeply concerned about air and noise pollution, particulate matter, and lead from aviation fuel. Health impacts on us who live near the airport are a central issue.
Workforce Access and Economic Barriers
Barriers persist in accessing Port-related jobs and contracts, particularly for immigrants, BIPOC communities, and those with limited English proficiency.
Policy and Regional Regulatory Coordination
We need policy alignment across jurisdictions, leadership accountability, and transparent communication regarding collaborations (e.g., with federal agencies or ICE).
Community Engagement and Prioritization
Funding and Sustainability Challenges
We gave the top questions to the Port of Seattle and 33rd Legislative District candidates. View candidate responses by clicking the button below.
Meet the Candidates
33rd STATE LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT
Meet Tina
(via Elect Tina Orwall)
Tina Orwall is a dedicated Washingtonian who has made a lifelong commitment to serving her community. From her early years growing up in Oak Harbor and Seattle, to now representing South King County in the Legislature, Tina’s connection to our state runs deep.
Throughout her career, Tina has carried a people-first attitude, advocating for the issues that matter most to Washingtonians. Tina graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in psychology and later earned a master’s in Social Work Administration. She committed herself to serving others, first as a clinical social worker advocating for individuals experiencing mental illness and homelessness. Her work with marginalized communities led her to the Washington State Legislature in 2009, where she began fighting for those who too often have their voices ignored.
In her role as a legislator, Tina has focused on advocating for the most vulnerable, with a special focus on veterans, women, youth, and survivors of sexual assault. She has fought to improve the justice system for victims of sexual violence, worked on suicide prevention programs, and led efforts to combat sex trafficking and illegal pornography. Tina isn’t afraid to tackle difficult issues that others shy away from, bringing critical attention to the challenges that impact so many Washingtonians.
Tina’s background in social work and psychology has made her a staunch advocate for inclusion and collaboration. She understands that real progress comes when we work together to find solutions to our state’s toughest problems. As Senator for District 33, she continues to fight for a safer, more diverse, and more inclusive Washington—a state where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
A wife and mother of two, Tina lives with her family in Des Moines, Washington. She has been an active member of the PTSA and a strong advocate for school levies, demonstrating her commitment to her children’s education. Her daughter is now pursuing a master’s degree in special education at the University of Washington, and her son is training as a commercial electrician. Tina’s dedication to her family reflects her deep belief in the importance of strong communities.
About Kevin
(via Elect Kevin Schilling)
Kevin was born alongside his twin sister in Des Moines where he grew up as a 4th generation Washingtonian in a union household (dad was a 35 year SPEEA Boeing engineer).
Kevin grew up going to Grace Lutheran Pre School in Des Moines and St. Francis of Assisi in Burien for grade school. Throughout that time, Kevin regularly participated in Des Moines rec league sports and had the same soccer coach for 15 years (shoutout Dan Keller!).
After grade school, Kevin attended Aviation High School in the Highline School District. In high school, Kevin participated in Speech & Debate, was student body vice president, and worked throughout high school at local restaurants 909 in Burien and Mick Kelley’s in Kent.
He started community college while working full time as a UFCW21 grocery store worker before teaching English in Far Western Nepal. He returned and worked as a delivery specialist at a boatyard selling Cutwater Ranger Tug boats, based in Kent.
Kevin then started working for now former Democratic State Representative Kathy Haigh, as well as serving as a session aide to Democratic Governor Jay Inslee.
After his first state government stint, Kevin completed his bachelors degree at Washington State University in Pullman where he ran a trivia night, hosted a radio show, worked as a tutor for football players, worked at the Thomas S. Foley Institute for Public Policy and Public Service, and served as a ASWSU student body senator while ultimately graduating Summa Cum Laude as a Top Ten student for both community service and thesis writing. Go Cougs!
Not quite done with school yet, Kevin finished a dual masters degree at Columbia University in New York City and the London School of Economics. While at Columbia, Kevin supported organizing graduate student workers (of which he was one) into a union with UAW. The following year, the graduate students successfully organized and got higher pay and better benefits. Kevin’s thesis focused on a timely issue: differences of economic Washington state politics between Democratic and Republican presidents focused on tariffs and oceanic trade.
Following graduate school, Kevin returned home to work at St Francis of Assisi as a Pastoral Assistant to Father Hayatsu (his childhood priest). While home, Kevin ran for Burien City Council for the first time and was elected in local elections with close to 63% of the vote.
When COVID hit, Kevin joined AmeriCorps to deliver emergency meals to low income families and seniors in Burien, Normandy Park, and SeaTac. He also completed the Senior Executives in State and Local Government program at Harvard Kennedy School.
Burien re-elected Kevin in 2023, where he then began serving as Burien Mayor. While on city council, Kevin has focused his efforts on using a treatment-first approach to homelessness, drug addiction, and mental health needs, making it easier to construct housing of all kinds, and getting law enforcement the tools they need to keep Burien safe. Kevin’s legislative priorities also include delivering more services to families whether it be meals and WiFi during the pandemic or rental assistance through ARPA funds holding government accountable to its spending and project timelines, and passing Burien’s climate action plan, economic development plan, and 20-year comprehensive plan.
Kevin serves on the policy board of the Greater Seattle Business Association (the Puget Sound’s LGBTQ chamber of commerce), and in his free time enjoys hanging out with his family, going to comedy shows, reading history books, traveling as much as he can, watching movies, playing video games, eating dim sum, and drinking coffee.
Meet Edwin Obras
(via Edwin Obras for State Representative – 33rd District)
Edwin Obras immigrated to the United States as a child from the Philippines and was the first in his family to graduate from college.
He earned a B.A. from the University of Washington and later a Master of Public Administration from Northeastern University, reflecting his strong academic foundation.
Professionally, Edwin has over 25 years of experience in the human services field, working for nonprofit organizations in King County and for the City of Seattle.
He spent 17 years with Seattle’s Human Services Department, rising to the position of Deputy Division Director, and previously served as the division’s Budget and Policy Director and Contracts Manager.
His work in Seattle focused on critical social issues – homelessness, anti-hunger efforts, youth development, community safety, and supporting survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
Representative Edwin Obras just finished his first session in the Washington State Legislature. He’s a member of the Healthcare & Well-Being Committee, the Labor & Workforce Standards Committee, and the Community Safety, Justice, & Reentry Committee—demonstrating his strong focus on improving quality of life, protecting workers’ rights, and enhancing public safety.
In addition to his committee work, Edwin serves as Assistant Majority Whip.
In addition to his professional career, Edwin has been deeply involved in community service. He chaired the SeaTac Human Services Advisory Committee from 2016 to 2018, helping guide local human services policy. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Filipino Community of Seattle and was the board’s president for five years (since 2019).
In that role, he has co-chaired a capital campaign to develop affordable housing for families, demonstrating a commitment to improving housing access in his community.
Edwin grew up in Seattle’s diverse Beacon Hill neighborhood and has emphasized that his lived experience as a Filipino American informs his public service and advocacy for marginalized communities. He is also a father to a young adult son, who is a graduate of the University of Washington.
PORT of SEATTLE
About Commissioner Calkins
(via Port of Seattle)
Ryan Calkins was elected to the Port of Seattle Commission in 2017 and re-elected in 2021. Ryan is an Advisor on Offshore Wind and Maritime Infrastructure at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. For more than a decade, Ryan ran an import and distribution company in Seattle that was recognized for its industry-leading sustainability initiatives. In 2007, he formed Seattle Microfinance Organization, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to capital for entrepreneurs with limited economic resources. Ryan began his career in Central and South America, working for disaster relief and human rights nonprofits.
He received his Master of Arts from Yale University in International Relations and his Bachelor of Arts from Willamette University in Religious Studies. Born and raised in Edmonds by a public school teacher and a small business owner, Ryan now lives in Seattle with his wife and three children.
Commissioner Calkins focuses on sustainable economic development at the Port of Seattle, working to ensure that the region’s prosperity is shared among all communities. In 2021, Ryan was recognized for his role in launching Maritime High School with the Laschever Marlinspike Award from the Northwest Maritime Center.
Ryan balances current needs with a long-term vision for the Port of Seattle, to ensure that one of our region’s most valuable public assets will continue to thrive for generations to come.
About Commissioner Mohamed
(via Port of Seattle)
Hamdi Mohamed was elected to the Port of Seattle Commission in November 2021. She made history as the first Somali woman elected to public office in Washington State and the first Black woman elected to the Port of Seattle Commission. In 2024, she served as the first Black Commission President in the Port’s 112-year history.
Mohamed’s decision to run for Port Commission stemmed from her long history and connection with the Port. Mohamed’s father was a truck driver, and her mother worked at Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA). Mohamed and her husband currently live near SEA and are both proud University of Washington graduates.
In addition to her work at the Port, Mohamed currently serves as Director of the City of Seattle’s Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs. Prior to her time at the city she served as policy advisor to King County Executive Dow Constantine and was the Deputy District Director for U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal, helping small- and medium-size businesses navigate the impacts of new public policies. She also worked for CARE International and the Refugee Women Alliance in roles dedicated to fighting poverty and empowering immigrants.
Mohamed’s priorities as Commissioner include:
— economic development to make the Port more competitive and create local jobs;
— equitable economic advancement for workers and small businesses;
— environmental justice by expanding the Port’s role in reducing toxic pollution and promoting renewable energy; and
reducing the impact of aircraft noise and pollution on our neighbors.
As the only Port Commissioner living in South King County and representing the neighborhoods around the airport, she looks to be a strong voice for the community and lead on cleaner aviation fuels and climate action.
About Commissioner Hasegawa
(via Port of Seattle)
Toshiko is a fourth-generation Japanese American and a lifelong resident of the Beacon Hill neighborhood in South Seattle. A daughter of the labor movement and descendant of World War II incarcerees, Toshiko’s passion for public service is fueled by her commitment to civil rights and promoting fairness in government operations.
She believes the Port of Seattle holds the key to a robust economy, healthy environment, and thriving communities. She hopes to help the Port be a leader in bringing together stakeholders to build our port economy back to be more inclusive, sustainable, and abundant. Her priorities include addressing supply chain issues, expanding economic opportunities, and reducing pollution.
Toshiko was appointed by Governor Jay Inslee as Executive Director of Washington State’s Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs in 2018. In that capacity, she serves in the Governor’s Subcabinet on Business Diversity, the Disaster Resiliency Workgroup, the Deadly Force Task Force, and other state committees. Hasegawa worked as a staff member for the Office of Law Enforcement Oversight for King County, where she worked to promote transparency and accountability in policing operations. She also worked in the Office of King County Councilmember Jeanne Kohl-Welles, working closely on issues of Human Labor Trafficking.
Toshiko holds a Master’s degree from Seattle University and lives in her family home on Beacon Hill with her husband Michael and daughter Keiko Rose.
MODERATORS
Forum Moderator
About
(via Duwamish River Community Coalition)
Paulina has over 25 years of experience working on issues of civil rights, social environmental justice, equity, education and diversity. Paulina is keenly in tune with the strengths and challenges of this community as it moves toward environmental health and social and climate justice. Paulina highly regarded organizer, facilitator, community and policy strategist, movement builder focused on building systems of power and shifting power outward to those most impacted by injustice and oppression. Developed consulting with governments, organizations, community and foundations to identify ways to shift power dynamics, and develop frameworks for collaborative co- creating and transformative governance. Through this work and her leadership in social, environmental, and racial justice organizations, Paulina has developed expertise in multi-sector stakeholder engagement, networks, collaborative problem solving, and building power with BIPOC communities of color, immigrants, and refugees. Paulina emigrated to the U.S. from Ecuador and has made Seattle her home for the past 18 years. She first joined DRCC/TAG as a volunteer, advocating in her community for access to a safe, clean environment for South Park’s families. She holds a Master’s degree in Human Rights Law from St. Thomas University.
Paulina Lopez
Forum Moderator
About
Overview
Linh is a compassionate and intuitive leader, known for his ability to understand and support their team members. With a strong foundation in empathy and commitment to personal growth, Linh inspires others through their actions and dedication to creating a positive and inclusive environment.
Core Strengths
• Empathy and Understanding: Linh excels in recognizing and addressing the needs of others, fostering a supportive and collaborative atmosphere.
• Intuition: Linh exudes a natural ability to sense the emotions and motivations of team members, which allows for effective and sensitive leadership.
• Persistence: Demonstrates unwavering dedication to achieving goals and supporting the team, even in challenging situations.
Leadership Style
• Transformational: Focuses on inspiring and motivating team members to reach their full potential, encouraging personal and professional growth.
• Servant Leadership: Prioritizes the well-being and development of the team, leading by example and fostering a culture of mutual respect and support.
• Collaborative: Values input from all team members, promoting open communication and collective decision-making.
Core Values
• Compassion: Believes in the power of empathy and understanding to create a harmonious and productive work environment.
• Generosity: Committed to sharing knowledge, resources, and support to help others succeed.
• Humility: Recognizes the importance of every team member’s contributions and fosters a culture of mutual respect.
Motivations
• Building Strong Relationships: Driven by the desire to form meaningful connections and create a supportive network within the team.
• Seeing Others Succeed: Finds fulfillment in helping team members achieve their goals and reach their full potential.
Growth Journey
• Setting Boundaries: Learned to establish clear boundaries to maintain a healthy work-life balance and protect emotional well-being.
• Building Self-Respect and Confidence: Focused on personal development to enhance self-worth and leadership capabilities.
• Embracing Authenticity: Shifted from people-pleasing behaviors to genuine and honest interactions, fostering deeper connections.
• Practicing Self-Love: Recognized the importance of self-care and compassion, ensuring they are well-equipped to support others.
Vision for the Future
Linh envisions a future where leadership is defined by empathy, collaboration, and mutual respect. He’s deeply committed to continuous learning and adaptation, striving to create an environment where every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute their best.
Linh Thai
Why does this matter to us?
Laws & Budgets
State leaders directly impact local resources and your quality of life. They help make the rules and decide how your tax dollars are spent on things like public health, environmental protection, affordable housing, and jobs.
Our Neighborhoods
In our district, a big issue is how living near the airport affects our families. People who live here deal with loud noise and air pollution from SeaTac airport. Lawmakers and Port leaders can help find solutions, like regulating air quality and noise levels, roads and warehousing.
What do these jobs do?
Port of Seattle Commissioner
Make decisions about Sea-Tac Airport and the Port of Seattle that directly affect our neighborhoods. They set policies on airport noise, air pollution, and business opportunities for local residents, and can push for stronger protections against airport impacts, support small and minority-owned businesses, and decide how community mitigation funds are spent.
State Legislators
Write and vote on state laws and budgets that shape our daily lives. They can champion funding for soundproofing homes and schools, improve air quality standards, and secure resources for affordable housing and local jobs. They are responsible for ensuring the voices of District 33 residents are heard on statewide issues.
Organizing Partners
Thank you to our coalition of coalition of 21 grassroots organizations, residents, and advocates dedicated to elevating the voices and concerns of people living and working in airport impacted communities (AICs)– those affected by airport operations–and in Washington State’s 33rd Legislative District.
*Special thanks to Defenders of Highline Forest!