Municipal/Other Questionnaire
Candidate Info
Candidate Name: Adib Altallal
Position Sought: City of Auburn Council Position 2
Are you an incumbent for this position? Non-incumbent
Home Legislative District: 47
Are you a Democrat? Yes
Campaign Info
Campaign Manager or Point of Contact: Adib Altallal
Website: Adib4Auburn.com
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’m a water and sewer engineer at the City of Tukwila and a proud member and union steward of Teamsters Local 763. I’ve spent my career in public service, managing infrastructure projects that people rely on every day, including things like safe drinking water, working sewers, and functioning streets. I also serve on national and state committees through American Public Works Association and American Water Works Association and recently completed year long leadership academies focused on equity, resilience, and problem-solving in local government. I’m currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration (graduating in April) while working fulltime. What sets me apart is my ability to turn frustration into action. I’ve seen firsthand how slow decision making can cause costs to rise and opportunities to slip away. I bring a collaborative approach that’s rooted in getting things done the right way the first time, while also being openminded enough to realize "the way it has always been done" isn't necessarily the right way.
2. What prompted you to run for this office?
I care deeply about where I live, and I want to make sure Auburn’s future is driven by smart decisions, not missed chances. I’ve seen how good governance can make a real difference, and I’ve also seen what happens when cities delay action, ignore infrastructure, or forget who they serve. I’m running because I want Auburn to be a place where people feel proud to live, work, and stay. I believe in a government that listens, acts, and follows through… and I truly believe municipal elections are the most important of any level.
3. What steps are you taking to run a successful campaign?
I’ve been focused on reaching voters where they are, whether that’s at their doors, community events, or online. I’ve also built relationships with unions, community leaders, and neighbors across the city. My materials reflect the values I stand for: accessible, practical, and for the people. I’m running a campaign that doesn’t just talk about Auburn but shows what makes it great, with room to grow. I’ve also prioritized transparent communication, creative outreach, and strategic endorsements. Although I am following the traditional methods of campaigning, like yard signs or mailers, it doesn't mean I can't find a way to be unique.
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.
I plan to continue funding upgrades of Auburn’s aging infrastructure, such as water, sewer, and streets, so we don’t pass the problem to the next generation. Too often, we wait until things break before acting, and that costs more in the long run. I want to make sure the city takes a proactive approach that keeps neighborhoods safe and services reliable. I’m also focused on making City Hall more efficient and responsive, because residents deserve answers, not runarounds or delays. We need to support a range of housing options so families, seniors, and workers can afford to stay in our community. Public safety is also a top priority, and that means having open conversations about what our police department needs to serve the community well. Officers deserve support and resources, but we also need to make sure those resources are being used to build trust, reduce harm, and reflect the values of the people they serve. At the heart of all of this is a belief that Auburn works best when we invest in people, in infrastructure, and in systems that actually function for those who live here.
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 progressive tax structures that ensure the wealthiest pay their fair share, especially when we need revenue for basic services like housing, education, and infrastructure.
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 We need a mix of housing types appropriate for a variety of family make up and income levels, including publicly owned housing, to meet the growing demand and help people stay in our community.
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 Growth should pay for growth. Developers need to contribute their fair share to the public systems their projects rely on. With that said, fees should be divided into the specific funding "pots" so all services impacted by growth are funded appropriately.
4. Do you support building a municipally owned and operated broadband system in your city or jurisdiction? Yes
Optional: Qualify Your Response to #4 Internet access is essential, and that was made clear during the covid years. A public option can improve affordability, expand access, and ensure accountability, while also providing more control to the jurisdiction. I would like to see this program tackled on a regional level with a variety of collaboration.
5. Do you support local investments to address climate change where applicable? Yes
Optional: Qualify Your Response to #5 Cities must be part of the climate solution. That includes everything from green infrastructure to building electrification and renewable energy investments. Municipalities are where the most impactful changes occurs.
6. Do you support women’s unrestricted access to reproductive healthcare? Yes
Optional: Qualify Your Response to #6 I strongly support women’s unrestricted access to reproductive healthcare, and I believe decisions about one’s body should be made by the person living in it, not by politicians. As a man, I know I’ll never fully understand the personal weight or complexity of these choices, but I can stand firmly in support of the right to make them. I’m a consistent and vocal advocate for women’s rights, not just when it’s politically convenient, but because I believe in equality, bodily autonomy, and dignity. This includes access to comprehensive reproductive care, protections against discrimination, and policies that empower women in all aspects of life, including healthcare, housing, and leadership. I’m running against a woman in this race, and I know representation matters. But I also believe that standing up for women’s rights shouldn’t depend on gender, it should depend on values, action, and a willingness to listen and lead with integrity.
7. Do you support laws regulating the purchase, ownership, and carrying of firearms? Yes
Optional: Qualify Your Response to #7 I support responsible gun ownership, especially for essential uses like hunting or personal protection. I also believe that owning a firearm comes with serious responsibility, and we need rigorous training programs that focus on safety, proper use, and judgment. In an ideal world, I’d like to see a national program where every young person completes a year of military or public service after high school, one that's focused on leadership, discipline, safety, and civic responsibility. In return, that service would cover the cost of up to four years of vocational or university education. While that’s outside the scope of local government, what we can do at the municipal level is ensure that education and training around firearm ownership are prioritized. That includes supporting common sense policies and partnerships that help people make informed, safe decisions while respecting their rights.
8. Do you support the right of workers to unionize and bargain, including public employees? Yes
Optional: Qualify Your Response to #8 As a union steward with Teamsters Local 763, I’ve seen firsthand how collective bargaining empowers workers, improves morale, and ultimately leads to better services for the public. In my role as a public sector employee, I’ve advocated not just for fair wages and working conditions, but for transparency, communication, and mutual respect between employees and management. Strong unions help create stability in the workforce, reduce turnover, and make sure workers feel safe and supported enough to do their jobs well, whether that’s delivering clean water, maintaining infrastructure, or serving on the front lines of city operations. I believe public employees deserve a seat at the table and a voice in the decisions that impact their work and their lives. Supporting unions isn’t just about protecting workers, it’s about strengthening the public institutions we all rely on.
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 align with the Democratic values of fairness, equity, and access to opportunity. I believe in public services that lift everyone up, infrastructure that works for all, and a government that’s responsive and transparent. As someone working in local government, I’ve seen how policy choices directly affect people’s lives, and I want to make sure those decisions reflect the values we share.
2. What public policy reforms do you support to achieve greater equity and inclusion for BIPOC and LBQIA+ individuals in our communities?
We need more inclusive community engagement, greater language access, and better representation in leadership and hiring. I also support anti-discrimination ordinances, equity audits of city programs, and investments in culturally relevant services that reflect the diversity of Auburn. An easy fix would be to correct the mistranslations on the entrance to Auburn city hall. We need to do better and we need to lead by example.
3. What steps do you think need to be taken to improve voter turnout and increase voter trust in our election process?
People need to feel like their vote matters and their voice is heard. That starts with public trust in government decisions, clear communication, and outreach that meets people where they are. I support civic education, translation services, and holding public meetings at times and locations that are accessible for working people. I also think it comes with not just doing the same traditional method because it has always been done. Make unique mailers that even those that don't support you can benefit from. Create different yard signs to break the monotony of campaigning. There are a lot of aspects of campaigning and governance that we need to take the people we serve into account when we do it. All of those little acts over time create a safe place for residents to trust leaders and politicians once more.
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?
Infrastructure often gets overlooked until something breaks. I’ve worked on stormwater planning, water system upgrades, and sewer retrofits, critical systems that keep people safe and healthy. I’ve also seen how poor coordination or slow action can drive up costs. These issues deserve more attention because they impact every resident whether they see it or not. Safety has been a very important issue that only seems to be brought up when it directly affects someone. I plan to address it before it becomes a first hand concern.
5. Please list at least three specific, concrete actions you would support to ease the homelessness crisis.
Addressing homelessness takes more than good intentions, it takes coordination, clear expectations, and long term commitment. I support continuing the progress Auburn has made over the past two years to get a large portion of our unhoused neighbors off the streets and into shelter with access to services. That momentum needs to continue with strong accountability and thoughtful expansion. I would expand the existing roundtable or task force to include not just housing and human services staff, but also public works crews, police officers, and parks employees… people who engage with the homeless population every day and have valuable insight into what’s working and what’s not. I’d push to regionalize this effort with neighboring cities like Kent, Federal Way, and Sumner, and bring in King County to help close funding and service gaps that cross city boundaries. We also need the state to take a more active role by closing legal loopholes that a small minority exploit in ways that put others at risk or undermine the effectiveness of existing programs. I support increasing access to permanent supportive housing with wraparound services and expanding partnerships with trusted local organizations doing street outreach and case management. At the city level, I would continue pushing for zoning and land use changes that allow a wider range of housing options, including low barrier shelter and affordable units near transit and services. None of this gets solved overnight, but with collaboration, urgency, and a realistic understanding of how complex the issue is, we can keep moving forward.
6. What safety, law, or justice issues are currently facing your jurisdiction, and how will you address them?
Auburn is growing, and with that growth comes new pressures on our public safety systems. We need to continue investing in emergency response while also expanding community-based services. I strongly support alternative policing models, especially when it comes to mental health crises where a specialized approach is more effective and humane. That said, officer safety still matters, and I believe that if a mental health specialist requests an officer to accompany them, they should have that backup available. No one should be put in an unsafe situation or forced to navigate volatile circumstances alone. I also believe Auburn should continue exploring the transition of court services from the county level to the city. While this change brings short-term costs and increased liability, it offers long-term benefits by giving the city more control to enforce the laws that reflect the will of our residents. It allows us to build a system that isn’t dictated by a one-size-fits-all county process but instead shaped by the values and needs of our local community. With the right leadership, this shift can lead to a more responsive, fair, and effective justice system that works better for everyone involved.
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?
We need more reliable transit options in South King County. Auburn’s walkability and bike infrastructure need improvement, and access to regional transit is still a barrier for many. I support multimodal planning, pedestrian safety projects, and green energy transitions in city fleets and public facilities. The existing Interurban Trail is fantastic, but access to it is not easy from most parks of the city. I would look to phase the expansion and couple it with utility and street improvement projects to reduce the costs.
By typing my name below, I declare under penalty of perjury the foregoing is true and correct.
Printed Name: Adib Altallal
Date (mm/dd/yy): 08/07/2025
