Hacks & Wonks is a show hosted by political consultant Crystal Fincher, who talks with Policy Wonks and Political Hacks to gather insight into local politics and policy in Washington state through the lens of those doing the work, with behind-the-scenes perspectives on what's happening, why it's happening and what you can about it.
On this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and Robert Cruickshank discuss:
On this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and Erica Barnett discuss:
Jeanie Chunn, candidate for Seattle City Council District 2, shares her stance on housing affordability, public safety, transportation, and more while advocating for significant changes to the city's approach to public safety, housing, and budget priorities. As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at officialhacksandwonks.com. Follow us on Bluesky at @HacksAndWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at @finchfrii and find more about Jeanie Chunn at votejeanie.com.
On this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and Josh Cohen discuss:
Eddie Lin, running for Seattle City Council in District 2, shares his stance on housing affordability, public safety, transportation, and more while emphasizing his government experience and commitment to community-driven solutions. As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at officialhacksandwonks.com. Follow us on Bluesky at @HacksAndWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at @finchfrii and find Eddie Lin at @linforseattle.
On this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and David Kroman discuss:
Jamie Fackler, running for Seattle City Council in District 2, shares his stance on housing affordability, public safety, transportation, and more while emphasizing his opposition to corporate influence in local politics. As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at officialhacksandwonks.com. Follow us on Bluesky at @HacksAndWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at @finchfrii and find more about Jamie Fackler at https://www.jamieforseattle.com/.
In an extensive interview with Crystal Fincher of Hacks & Wonks, Seattle City Attorney candidate Erika Evans outlines why she is challenging incumbent Ann Davison with a platform centered on community-based solutions, addressing root causes of crime, and protecting civil rights. As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at officialhacksandwonks.com. Follow us on Bluesky at @HacksAndWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at @finchfrii and find more about Erika Evans at https://electerikaevans.com/.
On this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and Robert Cruickshank discuss:
In a wide-ranging interview on the Hacks & Wonks podcast, Seattle City Attorney candidate Rory O'Sullivan outlines his vision for transformative change in an office he believes has gone in the "wrong direction" under current City Attorney Ann Davison. As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at officialhacksandwonks.com. Follow us on Bluesky at @HacksAndWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at @finchfrii and find Rory O'Sullivan at @electrory.
On this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and Donna Blankinship discuss:
In a comprehensive interview with Crystal Fincher of Hacks & Wonks, Seattle City Attorney candidate Nathan Rouse outlines his vision for reforming the office through the lens of his public defender experience, criticizing incumbent Republican Ann Davison's approach while proposing alternative solutions focused on addressing root causes of crime. As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at officialhacksandwonks.com. Follow us on Bluesky at @HacksAndWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at @finchfrii and find Nathan Rouse at @nathanrouse.
On this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and Ryan Packer discuss:
In response to sweeping policy changes at the federal level, Seattle City Council has established a Select Committee on Federal Administration and Policy Changes to track and respond to threats to federal funding, executive orders, and civil rights rollbacks affecting the city. The committee, chaired by Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck, aims to address the local fallout from the Trump administration's second term. In this episode of "Hacks & Wonks" hosted by Crystal Fincher, Councilmember Rinck and journalist Amy Sundberg, who covers public safety and local policy for The Urbanist, discuss the committee's purpose and the challenges Seattle faces. As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at officialhacksandwonks.com. Follow us on Bluesky at @HacksAndWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at @finchfrii. Find Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck on Bluesky at @alexis4seattle and Amy Sundberg at @amysundberg.
On this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and Lex Vaughn discuss:
On this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and Erica Barnett discuss:
On this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and Shauna Sowersby discuss:
On this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and Robert Cruickshank discuss:
Hacks & Wonks host Crystal Fincher and community leader Monisha Harrell have announced their acquisition of KVRU 105.7 FM, a non-profit, non-commercial community radio station based in South Seattle, with plans to preserve it as a trusted resource in South Seattle through community-driven programming. As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at officialhacksandwonks.com. Follow us on Bluesky at @HacksAndWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at @finchfrii, Monisha Harrell at @moharrell, and KVRU at @kvru.
Seattle voters will decide between two competing social housing funding measures in a special election ending Feb. 11. Proposition 1A, backed by labor and community groups, proposes a payroll tax on high earners to generate $53M annually. Proposition 1B, supported by the Chamber of Commerce, redirects $10M from existing funds. We chat with Rian Watt and Tiffani McCoy about the initiatives and their potential impact. As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at officialhacksandwonks.com. Follow us on Bluesky at @HacksAndWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at @finchfrii. Find our guest Tiffani McCoy on Twitter/X at @houserneighbors and guest Rian Watt on Bluesky at @rianwatt.
On this topical show re-air, Crystal welcomes Everett Maroon, Executive Director of Blue Mountain Heart to Heart, for a conversation about their work in Southeast Washington using a harm reduction philosophy to support people, stabilize lives, & promote health and wellness in the community. Crystal and Everett chat about how the opioid epidemic has impacted rural communities, the role that stigma plays in keeping people from the help they need, what harm reduction is and why it is important. They then review the recent roller coaster ride of Washington state's substance use disorder policy, starting with the Washington Supreme Court's Blake decision, followed by a temporary legislative fix, then an impasse at the end of last year's legislative session, and finally a middle-of-the-road deal that recriminalized simple drug possession in addition to newly making public drug use illegal. Crystal and Everett lament the missed opportunity to meaningfully change the system & the continued lack of treatment services relative to need, and wrap up with what can be done at the state and local level to address the opioid crisis. Transcript and resources: https://www.officialhacksandwonks.com/everett-maroon-blue-mountain-heart-to-heart/ Follow us on Bluesky at @HacksAndWonks and on X (formerly Twitter) at @HacksWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at @finchfrii and X at @finchfrii. Find more information about Blue Mountain Heart to Heart at https://bluemountainheart2heart.wordpress.com/
On this topical show re-air, Crystal welcomes Evan Thompkins, STAR Program Specialist with the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment, and Stephanie Van Jacobs, Program Manager at WellPower! The STAR program offers a promising alternative response to mental health and substance use crises, providing individuals with the support and resources they need while reducing the burden on traditional police response. With strong community support and a commitment to meeting the evolving needs of Denver residents, the STAR program is poised to continue making a positive impact on the lives of those it serves. As cities across the country grapple with the challenges of addressing these complex social issues, Denver's STAR program serves as an inspiring example of what can be achieved through community-driven, collaborative solutions. Transcript and resources: https://www.officialhacksandwonks.com/denvers-star-program-offers-promising-alternative-response-to-mental-health-and-substance-use-crises/ Follow us on Bluesky at @HacksAndWonks and on X (formerly Twitter) at @HacksWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at @finchfrii and X at @finchfrii. Find Denver Department of Public Health & Environment on X at @DDPHE.
On this topical show re-air, Eleuthera Lisch, director of the King County Regional Office of Gun Violence Prevention, joins Crystal for a conversation about curbing youth gun violence using community-based approaches with violence interrupters. Encouraging early data from the program indicates fewer youth involved in shootings, fewer re-hospitalizations after gun injuries, less shoplifting near outreach, and 400+ high-risk youth mentored. Transcript and resources: https://www.officialhacksandwonks.com/king-countys-community-led-approach-showing-promise-in-combating-gun-violence/ Follow us on Bluesky at @HacksAndWonks and on X (formerly Twitter) at @HacksWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at @finchfrii and X at @finchfrii. Find Eleuthera Lisch and the King County Regional Office of Gun Violence Prevention on X at @KingCountyRGV.
On this Tuesday topical show re-air, Crystal welcomes Dr. Stephan Blanford, Executive Director of Children's Alliance, for a wide-ranging conversation on childcare. They delve into the importance of childcare as an economic driver and its societal impacts through preparing kids for success in school and life. A review of the state of childcare in Washington reveals that this critical resource is often out-of-reach for those who need it most and looks at the factors that make it inaccessible and expensive. Crystal and Dr. Blanford then discuss how various stakeholders can make an impact on the issue at all levels of government. Transcript and resources: https://www.officialhacksandwonks.com/dr-stephan-blanford-childcare/ Follow us on Bluesky at @HacksAndWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at @finchfrii. Find Dr. Stephan Blanford and Children's Alliance on Twitter/X at @ChildAllianceWA.
On this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and Robert Cruickshank discuss:
A groundbreaking guaranteed income pilot program in Tacoma, Washington has not only demonstrated positive economic impacts but also challenged long-held misconceptions about poverty and cash assistance. The Growing Resilience in Tacoma (GRIT) program, which provided $500 monthly payments to 110 families, is helping reshape traditional narratives that have long portrayed poverty as a result of personal failings or suggested that direct cash assistance leads to dependency. Join Crystal for a conversation about guaranteed income and GRIT with Sukhi Samra, Executive Director of Mayors for a Guaranteed Income, Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards, and Dona Ponepinto of United Way of Pierce County. As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at officialhacksandwonks.com. Follow us on Bluesky at @HacksAndWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at @finchfrii. Find Sukhi Samra and Mayors for a Guaranteed Income on Twitter/X at @mayorsforagi, Mayor Victoria Woodards and the City of Tacoma at @CityofTacoma, and Dona Ponepinto and the United Way of Pierce County at @UWPC.
On this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and Erica Barnett discuss:
Jason Schwarz, Director of the Snohomish County Office of Public Defense and the Chair of Washington's Council on Public Defense, talks about new public defender caseload standards under consideration by the Washington Supreme Court to address the state's public defense crisis. The combination of public defenders working under decades-old caseload standards and lack of state funding have led to massive delays and staff exodus, creating an urgent need for reform to ensure justice for defendants, victims, and the community at large. As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at officialhacksandwonks.com. Follow us on Bluesky at @HacksAndWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at @finchfrii.
On this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and Katie Wilson discuss:
On this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and Robert Cruickshank discuss:
In a competitive race between two Democrats, Melissa Demyan, a labor organizer, is challenging 20-year incumbent Larry Springer for a 45th district state house seat. We talk with Melissa about her priorities, how she differs from Rep. Larry Springer, and her vision for the 45thth legislative district. Transcript and resources: https://www.officialhacksandwonks.com/new-leadership-or-old-guard-demyan-challenges-springer-in-45th-district-race/ Follow us on Twitter/X at @HacksWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher at @finchfrii and find Melissa Demyan at @MelissaDemyan. VOTE by Tuesday 11/5! Then track your ballot!
Andrew Villeneuve of the Northwest Progressive Institute discusses how their new poll shows Democrats leading in most statewide races, voters are likely to reject three of four initiatives on the November ballot, and a close race in Washington's 3rd congressional district. As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at officialhacksandwonks.com. Follow us on Twitter/X at @HacksWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, at @finchfrii and find Andrew Villeneuve and the Northwest Progressive Institute at @nwprogressive and https://www.nwprogressive.org/
On this Tuesday topical show re-air, Crystal learns about north King County's innovative new Regional Crisis Response (RCR) Agency with its inaugural Executive Director Brook Buettner and Kenmore Mayor Nigel Herbig. Following national guidelines and best practices for behavioral health crisis care, a five-city consortium established RCR in 2023 as part of a vision to provide their region with the recommended continuum of behavioral health care - which includes someone to call, someone to respond, and somewhere to go. Executive Director Buettner and Mayor Herbig share how the program grew out of a need for a person-centered mobile crisis response, rather than the traditional law enforcement response which is often without the right tools or expertise for the job. They describe the collaborative process of getting buy-in from police agencies, electeds, and city staff to design a service that has evolved from the RADAR co-response program to approaching a 24/7 behavioral health first response. Finally, they cover impressive early results in cost-savings & outcomes and offer advice to other cities looking to bring similar solutions to their own communities. As always, a full text transcript of the show and resources is available below and at officialhacksandwonks.com. Follow us on Bluesky at @HacksAndWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky @finchfrii and find Mayor Nigel Herbig on X at @nigelherbig. Brook Buettner Brook Buettner is inaugural Executive Director of the groundbreaking Regional Crisis Response Agency, which deploys services to people experiencing behavioral health crisis in the North King County community. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and an experienced human services professional with a focus on policy advocacy and program implementation for high-needs populations. During her two decade-long career, she has been focused on transforming systems to meet the needs of individuals who are high utilizers of both criminal legal and health and human services systems. Ms. Buettner holds Masters in Public Administration and Social Work from the University of Washington. Mayor Nigel Herbig Nigel grew up in the Seattle neighborhood of Wallingford, attended Seattle Public Schools, and graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in Political Science and Comparative Religion. Nigel and his wife, Tiffany, decided to move to Kenmore when their daughter was a baby as they were looking for a great place to raise their daughter where they could purchase their first home. They have never regretted that decision. Nigel has worked in broadcasting, fundraising, and politics. He currently works at the King County Regional Homelessness Authority. Mayor Herbig represents the Council on the Eastside Transportation Partnership (Vice Chair), and the Sound Transit SR 522 Bus Rapid Transit Elected Leaders Group. He also sits on the King County Affordable Housing Committee.
In a recent interview, Shoreline Mayor Chris Roberts outlines the city's approaches to housing, development, and public safety, emphasizing how the newly opened light rail stations are reshaping the community north of Seattle. As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at officialhacksandwonks.com. Follow us on Twitter/X at @HacksWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, at @finchfrii and find Mayor Chris Roberts at @ElectRoberts.
On this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and Shauna Sowersby discuss:
Four statewide initiatives backed by a California hedge fund manager are stirring up controversy as Washington voters prepare to cast their ballots this November. The measures, which would repeal several recently passed laws, are being met with strong opposition from groups who argue they would benefit wealthy people and corporations at the expense of working families and crucial public services. As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at officialhacksandwonks.com. Follow us on Twitter/X at @HacksWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, at @finchfrii and find more about the Defend Washington campaign at defend-washington.com/.
On this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and Ron Davis discuss:
Pierce County Executive candidate Ryan Mello outlines his comprehensive vision for the county and pledges active leadership that emphasizes public safety reforms, affordable housing, environmental conservation, and economic development. As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at officialhacksandwonks.com. Follow us on Twitter/X at @HacksWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, at @finchfrii and find Ryan Mello at @RyanMelloTacoma.
On this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and Scott Greenstone discuss:
Shasti Conrad, Chair of the Washington State Democratic Party, discusses the role of the State Party in volunteer and candidate support, turning out the Democratic base, maintaining unity within a diverse party, and the transition to Kamala Harris at the top of the ticket. As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at officialhacksandwonks.com. Follow us on Twitter/X at @HacksWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, at @finchfrii and find Shasti Conrad at @ShastiConrad. Resources Washington State Democratic Party “The WA GOP put it in writing that they're not into democracy” by Danny Westneat from The Seattle Times Get involved with the Washington State Democratic Party
Ruth Rosas from America Walks and Cecelia Black from Disability Rights Washington share details about next week's Week Without Driving (September 30 - October 6, 2024), which challenges elected leaders, advocates, and individuals to forgo their cars and understand the barriers for nondrivers. Follow us on Twitter/X at @HacksWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, at @finchfrii, Ruth Rosas at @AmericaWalks and Cecelia Black at @cecelia_black. Resources Week Without Driving | September 30 - October 6, 2024 Week Without Driving Events Planned Across Washington State as the Challenge Continues to Grow Nationally | Disability Rights Washington Week Without Driving 2024 Resources and Social Media Toolkit Week Without Driving | America Walks “Disability advocates challenge Vancouver's elected leaders to go a week without driving” by Chrissy Booker from The Columbian “What a Week Without Driving Can Teach” by Anna Zivarts for Bloomberg
On this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and Robert Cruickshank discuss:
Issaquah City Councilmember Victoria Hunt, running for Washington's 5th Legislative District open House seat, outlines her priorities and emphasizes her diverse experience in local government, environmental science, and data-driven policymaking. As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at officialhacksandwonks.com. Follow us on Twitter/X at @HacksWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, at @finchfrii and find out more about Victoria Hunt at https://victoriahunt.com/.
On this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and Josh Cohen discuss:
On this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and Daniel Beekman discuss: ✅ Public Lands recount done ⛪ Church sues City of Burien
In a competitive race between two Democrats, Melissa Demyan, a labor organizer, is challenging 20-year incumbent Larry Springer for a 45th district state house seat. As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at officialhacksandwonks.com. Follow us on Twitter/X at @HacksWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher at @finchfrii and find Melissa Demyan at @MelissaDemyan.
On this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and Ashley Nerbovig discuss:
Washington's Vision Zero initiative, aimed at eliminating traffic fatalities, faces setbacks as road deaths have surged in recent years. Ryan Packer, transportation reporter for The Urbanist, joins Hacks & Wonks to discuss what infrastructure improvements lead to real traffic safety and how Seattle's new $1.55B transportation levy aims to address some of these safety challenges. As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at officialhacksandwonks.com. Follow us on Twitter at @HacksWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Twitter at @finchfrii and find Ryan Packer at @typewriteralley.
On this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and Erica Barnett discuss:
Hacks & Wonks hosted a 2024 Post-Primary Roundtable on Tuesday, August 13, 2024 to bring an insider's view of the recent Washington state primary election results. By bringing together a panel of seasoned political strategists, the program offered a unique lens through which to view the results. Since these campaign experts have been in the trenches, crafting messages, crunching numbers, and reading the electoral tea leaves for years, they cut through the noise and spin to give insights not found in typical news coverage. Panelists: Riall Johnson, Principal Partner at Prism West Stephen Paolini, Principal at Bottled Lightning Collective Heather Weiner, Political Consultant with PowerHouse Strategic Crystal Fincher, Political Consultant with Fincher Consulting and Hacks & Wonks Host As always, a full text transcript of the show is available below and at officialhacksandwonks.com. You can follow Hacks & Wonks on Twitter at @HacksWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher on Twitter at @finchfrii and find today's special guests, Riall Johnson at @RiallJohnson, Stephen Paolini at @stephenpaolini, and Heather Weiner at @hlweiner.
On this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and Robert Cruickshank discuss:
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