Hague Picks Up Firefighters Endorsements

Firefighters from Kirkland, Redmond, Bellevue and have endorsed  for re-election to the King County Council, the Hague campaign announced Thursday.

In what is considered a tight race, Hague, from Bellevue, is running against  of Mercer Island for the seat on the council she has held since 1994.

The District 6 seat represents Kirkland, Redmond, Beaux Arts, Bellevue, Clyde Hill, Hunts Point, Medina, Mercer Island and Yarrow Point.

Ray Austin of Mercer Island Fire Fighters Association Local 1762 IAFF said the array of firefighter's unions from communities in Hague's district speaks for itself.

"We've endorsed Hague before," he said. "She supports labor issues. We've supported her in the past and we'll continue to do so."

Hague has also received endorsements from the King County Police Officers Guild, King County Corrections Guild, King County Court Protection Guild, and King County Juvenile Detention Guild, according to the press release.

“With the 10th anniversary of 9/11 on all our minds, I am deeply honored to have the support of our local heroes in the fire department,” she said in a press release. “Public safety is one of my top priorities and I am proud to work alongside these brave men and women who risk their lives every day to protect families across the Eastside.”

Bryan Vadney of Kirkland Firefighters IAFF Local 2545, said Hague has lent support to firefighters in annexation issues and that union members were concerned about how Mitchell handled recent controversies in Woodinville as a lawyer representing King County Fire District 36.

"Frankly, she's been a great supporter for the city of Kirkland, and a big friend of our elected officials and firefighters," Vadney said. "Being a labor leader for 15-plus years, I was disappointed in how Mitchell handled himself."

Mitchell has picked up some labor endorsements, however, including those of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1587 and the Service Employees International Union Local 6. He has also earned the .