The following is an announcement from the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods Historic Preservation Program:
The 2016 International Special Review District (ISRD) Board election will be held on Tuesday, November 15, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Bush Asia Hotel (409 Maynard Avenue South) at Hing Hay Coworks. Community members who are registered for this election are encouraged to vote.
Two board positions are up for election:
• Position #3 for a Business Owner, Property Owner or Employee
• Position #5 for an At Large seat
Nominations closed on Tuesday, October 11 and three candidates were nominated. Candidate information is provided below, and brief candidate biographies will be available at the polling place on the day of the election.
One candidate is seeking Position #3 for a Business Owner, Property Owner or Employee
Eliza Chan is an employee of the Seattle Chinatown International District Preservation Development Authority (SCIDPDA). She is based out of Hing Hay Coworks. She is committed to seeing the neighborhood grow and flourish and is interested in applying her knowledge of the community and neighborhood businesses to her work with the board.
Two candidates are seeking Position #5 for an At-Large seat
Sen Poy Chew is a member of the Lung Kong Tin Yee Association and the Chong Wa Benevolent Association. He wants to assist in the development and preservation of the district’s history and Chinese culture. He is knowledgeable about the history, culture and interests of the Chinese community.
Tiernan Martin is currently completing his first term on the ISRD Board, where he serves as Vice-Chair. He is interested in serving a second term to continue supporting the goals and visions of the Chinatown International District by ensuring that the cultural identity, historic character and urban vibrancy are reflected as changes are made.
The special character of the Chinatown International District is recognized and protected by City Ordinance. In 1973, the International Special Review District Board was created to preserve, protect, and enhance the cultural, economic, and historical qualities of the District. The Board is made up of seven members – five elected by the Chinatown International District community and two appointed by the Mayor. Board members’ terms are for two years, and members may serve up to two consecutive terms. To learn more about the election and the International Special Review District, please visit seattle.gov/neighborhoods/preservation/id.htm/.
The current board members are Stephanie Hsie, Carol Leong, Tiernan Martin (Vice-Chair), Miye Moriguchi (Chair), Herman Setijono, Valerie Tran and Marie Wong. The terms for Mr. Martin and Ms. Wong end in November 2016.
The International Special Review District is coordinated by the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods Historic Preservation Program.