Municipal/Other Questionnaire
Candidate Info
Candidate Name: James Jeyaraj
Position Sought: Auburn City Council Pos 6
Are you an incumbent for this position? Non-incumbent
Home Legislative District: 31st
Are you a Democrat? Yes
Campaign Info
Campaign Manager or Point of Contact: James Jeyaraj
Website:
Facebook:
Twitter:
Part I – Candidate Background
1. Please briefly describe your qualifications, education, employment, community and civic activity, union affiliation, prior political activity, and other relevant experience. Beyond your qualifications, what makes you the best candidate for this position or office? Please describe any specific background or unique perspective you offer and how those will help you accomplish your goals for the position sought. If possible, give practical examples.
I bring a broad range of experience to this position, combining public service, business knowledge, and deep community involvement. I previously served as a Councilmember and Deputy Mayor of Auburn, where I focused on key priorities like public safety, housing, and equity. During my tenure, I helped implement policies such as body-worn cameras for police officers and supported affordable housing initiatives.
I hold a B.A. in Organizational Management from Whitworth University, an A.A. in Computer Network Technology from Renton Technical College, and an Advanced Certificate in Municipal Leadership from the Association of Washington Cities. My professional background in the electronic and aerospace industries has strengthened my understanding of how local government and business intersect.
Beyond public office, I am active in nonprofit work and currently serve as Board President of St. Stephens Housing Association, which provides affordable housing to low-income families. I am committed to expanding this vital work.
While I’m not a union member, I’m proud to have earned support from numerous labor organizations, including IAM 751, MLK Labor, SEIU 6 and 775, Teamsters Joint Council 28, and UFCW 3000, reflecting my strong advocacy for fair wages and worker protections.
What sets me apart is my proven ability to listen, collaborate, and act. I’m committed to inclusive leadership that ensures every voice in Auburn is heard and respected.
2. What prompted you to run for this office?
I’m running for Auburn City Council Position 6 because I care deeply about this community and believe in the power of local government to make a real difference in people’s lives. My motivation comes from a lifelong commitment to public service and a desire to ensure that every Auburn resident feels safe, heard, and supported—regardless of their background.
During my previous term on the Council, I worked to improve public safety by supporting body-worn cameras and expanding patrol coverage, advocated for affordable housing, and promoted equity through both local and national leadership roles. These efforts weren’t just policy—they were about building trust and strengthening the fabric of our community.
I will evaluate my success by the tangible improvements we make together: safer neighborhoods, increased access to housing, better community engagement, and a city government that reflects the values and diversity of Auburn. I believe success is measured not only by outcomes, but by how inclusive and transparent the process is—and by whether residents feel they are genuinely part of shaping Auburn’s future.
3. What steps are you taking to run a successful campaign?
To run a successful campaign, I’m focused on community engagement, transparency, and grassroots organizing. That means meeting voters where they are doorbelling neighborhoods, attending local events, and having real conversations to hear their concerns and priorities.
I’m building a broad coalition of support, including labor unions, Democratic organizations, community leaders, and a diverse team of volunteers, to ensure the campaign reflects Auburn’s full diversity and shared values. Together, we’re working to make this a truly inclusive effort.
Voter outreach is a top priority. We’re connecting with residents through mailers, social media, and community forums, ensuring that people are informed and inspired to participate. I’m committed to running a campaign that is positive, issue-focused, and grounded in practical solutions especially in the areas of public safety, affordable housing, and economic development.
With my experience on the Auburn City Council, voters can trust that I know how to get things done. I’m bringing that record, along with renewed energy and a community-first mindset, to build momentum and earn the support needed to win and serve effectively.
4. What are your campaign’s most important themes, issues, or priorities (three to five)? Share issues or priorities specific to the office that you’re running for.
My campaign is centered around five key priorities that reflect the needs and aspirations of Auburn residents:
Public Safety – Ensuring that Auburn remains a safe place to live and work by supporting community-oriented policing, investing in emergency services, and promoting transparency and accountability within our police department.
Affordable Housing – Addressing housing insecurity by supporting smart development, increasing the availability of affordable housing options, and partnering with nonprofits to serve vulnerable populations.
Economic Development – Creating a vibrant local economy by attracting new businesses, supporting small businesses, investing in workforce development, and expanding job opportunities for all residents.
Equity and Inclusion – Advancing policies that make Auburn a welcoming and inclusive city for everyone, regardless of background, and ensuring that city services reflect the needs of our diverse population.
Community Engagement – Building trust between city leadership and residents through accessible communication, transparency in decision-making, and consistent outreach to all neighborhoods.
These priorities reflect my continued commitment to responsive, effective leadership and a vision for Auburn’s long-term success.
Part II – Yes/No Questions, please qualify your answer if necessary
1. Do you support steps to build a fairer economy through tax reform and progressive taxes as wealth increases? Yes
Optional: Qualify Your Response to #1 I support efforts to build a fairer economy through progressive tax reform. As the cost of living rises and income inequality grows, it’s important that those who have the most contribute their fair share to support vital services like housing, healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
A more equitable tax structure helps ensure that working families and vulnerable communities aren’t bearing a disproportionate burden while also providing resources to invest in the long-term well-being of our cities and state. I believe in tax policies that promote shared responsibility, economic justice, and inclusive growth.
2. Do you support robust investment in publicly owned housing/subsidized housing for elderly and low-income individuals/families, and zoning changes to support such housing? Yes
Optional: Qualify Your Response to #2 I fully support robust investment in publicly owned and subsidized housing, particularly for elderly residents and low-income individuals and families. Housing is a basic human need, and we must ensure that our most vulnerable neighbors have safe, stable, and affordable places to live.
I also support zoning reforms that make it easier to develop this kind of housing in all parts of our city not just isolated areas. Inclusive zoning is essential to preventing displacement, promoting mixed-income communities, and reducing barriers to housing access.
By combining investment with thoughtful policy changes, we can build a more equitable, livable, and compassionate Auburn.
3. Developer impact fees are allowed under the Growth Management Act. Should they be increased to help pay for needed improvements to our roads, parks, and schools? Yes
Optional: Qualify Your Response to #3 I support increasing developer impact fees under the Growth Management Act. As our community grows, it’s crucial that developers contribute fairly to the infrastructure and services that support that growth, including roads, parks, and schools.
By raising impact fees, we can ensure that new development helps fund the improvements needed to maintain Auburn’s quality of life for all residents, without placing undue pressure on taxpayers. These fees can provide critical resources to support essential community services and facilities, helping to sustain Auburn’s growth while maintaining a high standard of living for existing residents.
4. Do you support building a municipally owned and operated broadband system in your city or jurisdiction? Yes
Optional: Qualify Your Response to #4 I support building a municipally owned and operated broadband system in Auburn. Access to affordable, high-quality internet is essential for education, business, and overall community connectivity. By taking ownership of our broadband infrastructure, we can ensure that all residents, especially those in underserved or rural areas, have reliable access to the resources they need.
A public broadband system would also help us bridge the digital divide, reduce costs for consumers, and create new opportunities for economic growth. It is an investment in our future that ensures equity, accessibility, and local control over a crucial service.
5. Do you support local investments to address climate change where applicable? Yes
Optional: Qualify Your Response to #5 I strongly support local investments to address climate change. Auburn, like all communities, must do its part to reduce its environmental impact and promote sustainability. Investing in clean energy, green infrastructure, and climate resilience measures not only helps protect our environment but also creates job opportunities and improves the quality of life for residents.
This can include initiatives like expanding public transportation options, supporting energy-efficient buildings, and enhancing local green spaces. As our city grows, we must ensure that growth is environmentally sustainable, making long-term investments that benefit both current and future generations.
6. Do you support women’s unrestricted access to reproductive healthcare? Yes
Optional: Qualify Your Response to #6 I support women’s unrestricted access to reproductive healthcare. Every individual should have the right to make decisions about their own body and health, including access to safe and legal reproductive healthcare services. It is essential that women have the resources they need to make informed choices about their reproductive health without unnecessary barriers or interference.
Ensuring that all women, regardless of their background, income, or location, have access to healthcare is not only a matter of fairness and justice but also a key aspect of protecting women’s rights and promoting health equity in our community.
7. Do you support laws regulating the purchase, ownership, and carrying of firearms? Yes
Optional: Qualify Your Response to #7 I support reasonable laws regulating the purchase, ownership, and carrying of firearms. Public safety is a top priority, and it is essential to ensure that firearms are kept out of the hands of individuals who may pose a threat to themselves or others.
I believe in commonsense regulations that balance the rights of responsible gun owners with the need to protect our communities. This includes measures such as background checks, waiting periods, and safe storage laws to prevent gun violence while respecting Second Amendment rights.
Our laws should prioritize the safety and well-being of all residents, and ensuring strong regulations around firearms is one important way to make our communities safer for everyone.
8. Do you support the right of workers to unionize and bargain, including public employees? Yes
Optional: Qualify Your Response to #8 I strongly support the right of workers to unionize and bargain, including public employees. Workers should have the ability to collectively negotiate for better wages, benefits, and working conditions, as it ensures fair treatment and strengthens the overall economy. Union rights are essential for protecting workers' voices, ensuring dignity in the workplace, and improving the quality of services provided to the public.
I believe that strong unions play a crucial role in advocating for fair wages, worker protections, and equity, which is why I stand in solidarity with workers across all sectors, including public service employees who are essential to the functioning of our communities.
Part III – Free Response (Please answer at least four fully, and consider the additional three optional)
1. Why are you requesting Democratic endorsement? What aspects of the Democratic platform most resonate with you?
I’m requesting the Democratic endorsement because I believe in the party's commitment to fairness, equity, and social justice. The Democratic platform prioritizes issues that directly impact the lives of working families, including affordable healthcare, accessible education, labor rights, and environmental sustainability. These are values that deeply resonate with me and align with the work I’ve done in public service.
As a public servant, I have always worked to promote inclusive policies that uplift all members of our community, especially the most vulnerable. Whether it's advocating for affordable housing, addressing income inequality, or ensuring workers' rights, the Democratic Party’s focus on economic justice and equal opportunity mirrors the values that guide my own decisions and actions.
By seeking the Democratic endorsement, I hope to continue working toward a more equitable and just future for Auburn, where all voices are heard, and everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
2. What public policy reforms do you support to achieve greater equity and inclusion for BIPOC and LBQIA+ individuals in our communities?
I am committed to advancing equity and inclusion for all residents, especially BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities. To achieve this, I support several key policy reforms:
Equitable Access to Opportunities – Ensuring that all individuals, regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation, have equal access to quality education, affordable housing, and well-paying jobs. This includes prioritizing inclusive hiring practices and supporting small businesses in historically underserved communities.
Anti-Discrimination Policies – Strengthening local laws to protect against discrimination in housing, employment, and public accommodations. This includes ensuring that our city is a safe space for all, with robust protections for LGBTQIA+ individuals and people of color.
Support for BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ Communities – Investing in mental health services, culturally competent care, and community-building initiatives that specifically address the needs of marginalized groups. This includes support for affordable healthcare and access to safe spaces for individuals to express their identities.
Police Accountability and Reform – Continuing efforts to improve community-police relations through accountability, diversity training, and ensuring that all communities, especially marginalized ones, are treated with dignity and respect.
By implementing these policies, we can ensure that Auburn is a truly inclusive city where everyone can thrive.
3. What steps do you think need to be taken to improve voter turnout and increase voter trust in our election process?
Improving voter turnout and increasing trust in our election process requires a focus on transparency, education, and community engagement.
Ensuring Election Integrity: To build trust, we must ensure transparency in every step of the election process. This includes clear communication about voting procedures, regular audits, and bipartisan oversight to guarantee accuracy and fairness in our elections.
Civic Education: Providing robust civic education in schools and through public outreach helps inform voters about their rights and the importance of participating in elections. Additionally, leveraging social media and community organizations to engage underrepresented groups ensures all citizens have access to the information they need.
Strengthening Community Engagement: Local governments should collaborate with community organizations, faith-based groups, and other trusted entities to encourage voter registration and participation. These efforts can help engage underrepresented communities and ensure that everyone has a voice in our democratic process.
By focusing on these strategies, we can ensure an election system that is transparent, inclusive, and trusted by all residents.
4. What important local issues have you worked on (or taken an interest in) that you feel aren’t getting enough attention from elected leaders and the local media?
One of the key issues I have focused on, and believe needs more attention, is the affordable housing crisis. While housing continues to be a top concern for our community, we need more focused action on creating affordable, equitable housing solutions. This includes working to address the increasing cost of living that’s pricing out families and seniors, and ensuring that housing is available to everyone, regardless of income.
Another area that deserves more focus is economic development in underserved communities. We have opportunities to foster growth in our neighborhoods that have historically been overlooked. By supporting small businesses and investing in job creation initiatives, we can build a more robust local economy that works for everyone.
Lastly, mental health services for our residents, especially the most vulnerable, is often overlooked. We need a more comprehensive approach to mental health support that prioritizes accessibility and affordable care. Expanding these services would make a significant impact on the overall well-being of our community.
These issues are critical to the well-being of Auburn, and I’m committed to ensuring they receive the attention and action they deserve.
5. Please list at least three specific, concrete actions you would support to ease the homelessness crisis.
Expand Affordable Housing Options: I support increasing the development of low-income housing and the expansion of housing-first programs, which provide stable housing before addressing other issues like employment or mental health. By incentivizing developers to build more affordable housing units, we can make housing more accessible to families and individuals at risk of homelessness.
Increase Funding for Homeless Services: We must allocate more resources to homeless shelters, transitional housing programs, and wraparound services such as mental health care, addiction treatment, and job training. These services are essential for helping individuals not just find a place to live, but also regain their independence and stability.
Support Rent Control and Tenant Protections: To prevent more individuals from falling into homelessness, I support measures that stabilize rent and protect tenants from evictions. Strengthening tenant rights, including rent control policies and providing legal assistance for tenants, can prevent displacement and help individuals maintain their housing.
By taking these steps, we can begin to address the homelessness crisis in a comprehensive and sustainable way.
6. What safety, law, or justice issues are currently facing your jurisdiction, and how will you address them?
One of the most pressing safety issues facing Auburn is public safety and crime reduction. While we’ve made strides in improving safety, we still face challenges in addressing property crimes, mental health crises, and substance abuse. I will prioritize increased community policing efforts that foster positive relationships between law enforcement and residents, while also ensuring our police officers are equipped with the tools and training they need to respond effectively to all types of incidents.
Additionally, I will work to expand mental health crisis intervention programs to provide non-law enforcement responses when appropriate. This could include partnering with mental health professionals and outreach teams to address situations involving individuals in crisis, which is a more effective and humane approach.
We also need to ensure accountability and transparency within our police department. I support efforts to implement body-worn cameras, maintain bipartisan oversight, and improve diversity and bias training for officers. This will help rebuild trust between the community and law enforcement, ensuring that justice is served fairly.
Finally, addressing drug-related crimes will be crucial. I support expanding rehabilitation and treatment programs to address the root causes of substance abuse, which will ultimately improve both public safety and the well-being of individuals affected.
7. What are the transportation/transit challenges which face your jurisdiction and how would you address them? What role does green energy play in your proposed solutions?
Auburn, like many cities in the region, faces several transportation challenges, including traffic congestion, lack of affordable transit options, and limited access to reliable public transportation for underserved communities. These issues are not only frustrating for commuters but also contribute to higher emissions and a negative impact on the environment.
To address these challenges, I propose the following solutions:
Expand Public Transit Access: We need to increase the availability of affordable and accessible public transportation options, particularly for those in underserved areas. This could include expanding bus routes, enhancing light rail connections, and ensuring that transit services are reliable and convenient for all residents, particularly those who rely on public transportation to access work, school, and healthcare.
Improve Infrastructure for Pedestrians and Cyclists: Auburn needs better pedestrian and bike infrastructure, including more safe bike lanes, sidewalks, and crosswalks to encourage active transportation. By creating safer routes for cyclists and pedestrians, we reduce dependence on cars, alleviate traffic, and lower emissions.
Support Green Transit Solutions: I am committed to integrating green energy solutions into our transportation planning. This could include expanding electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, transitioning city vehicles to electric or hybrid models, and supporting the growth of electric buses. We should also advocate for clean energy-powered public transit to reduce the city's carbon footprint and create a more sustainable transportation system.
By focusing on these areas, we can ease congestion, improve access to transportation, and promote green energy solutions that align with our goals for sustainability and reducing our environmental impact.
By typing my name below, I declare under penalty of perjury the foregoing is true and correct.
Printed Name: James Jeyaraj
Date (mm/dd/yy): 05/10/2025
