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Hacks & Wonks

Hacks & Wonks: Political Hacks and Policy Wonks talk about what's happening
Hosted by Crystal Fincher We go beyond soundbites and horserace narratives.
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Hacks & Wonks is a podcast and radio 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. We explore issues and power dynamics in detail an

d discuss specific actions that people can take within their communities to create change. In every episode, political consultant Crystal Fincher and a guest dive into not only what is happening now, but how we got here. We aim to talk about the effect of politics and policy on the entire community, including those who have traditionally been overlooked and disenfranchised. Hacks & Wonks is broadcast on KVRU 105.7FM, KODX 96.9 FM and available on your favorite podcast player.

15/11/2024

On this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and Katie Wilson discuss:
📈 Minimum wage increases for the win
🙄 More Burien shenanigans
💰 JumpStart raid
💲 Seattle progressive revenue proposals
🚋 Saka💔Streetcar
🏁 King County Exec race begins
👀 Upcoming appointments

Everett passes $20.24 minimum wage; Seattle debates JumpStart tax reallocation amid budget crisis; tech wages hit record high; controversy over streetcar removal proposal; King County Exec Constantine won't seek re-election; Burien City Manager criticized over PDC complaint.

08/11/2024

On this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and Robert Cruickshank discuss:
😭 Presidential election
🥳 Washington election results
🤓 What that means for how Washington Democrats will need to govern moving forward

Crystal and Robert talk about the national, state and local election results

30/10/2024

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

New NPI poll shows Democrats leading most statewide races, while voters likely to reject three of four initiatives on November ballot, with a close race in Washington’s 3rd congressional district.

22/10/2024

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.

In a recent interview, Shoreline Mayor Chris Roberts outlined 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.

18/10/2024

On this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and Shauna Sowersby discuss:
📊 Cascade PBS/Elway polls
🗳️ Ballots arriving in mailboxes
💸 Capital gains tax repeal costly for schools
🏳️‍🌈 Tacoma rainbow crosswalk
⚖️ Pierce County jury pay pilot
😵 Yakima County coroner

New polls show mixed support for WA initiatives as ballots arrive. Democrats lead in major races. Tacoma approves rainbow crosswalk. Pierce County boosts juror pay. Investigative report exposes justice system disparities and coroner misconduct in Yakima County.

16/10/2024

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.

Washington faces four controversial initiatives on November's ballot, backed by a California hedge fund manager. Critics say the initiatives cut taxes for big corporations and the wealthy, shifting the bill to working families and eliminating billions in funding for public schools and transportation

11/10/2024

On this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and Ron Davis discuss:
🌲 Public Lands candidate takes stance on I-2117
🤩 Overlook Walk opens to widespread acclaim
🏫 School closure update
🏘️ Suarez out of touch on housing
📸 Seattle police bonuses and surveillance approved
📊 Tacoma’s refreshing budget approach
🌀 Hurricane-caused IV fluid shortage
🕵️ Inspectors given access to Tacoma ICE facility

Public Lands candidate backs climate act repeal, new waterfront walk opens, school closures revised, police hiring bonuses increased amid budget cuts, Tacoma proposes new revenue sources, hurricanes highlight climate vulnerabilities, and ICE facility allows state inspectors.

08/10/2024

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.

Pierce County Executive candidate Ryan Mello outlines a comprehensive vision, emphasizing public safety reforms, affordable housing, environmental conservation, and economic development. He contrasts his approach with his opponent's, pledging active leadership on key issues facing the county.

04/10/2024

On this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and Scott Greenstone discuss:

🚔 Tacoma police chief admin leave mystery
🏫 Revised school closure plan
😨 Weird Serrano video & AG debate
🗣️ Woo/Rinck debate
💲 Seattle budget scrutiny + Saka ♥️🐴
📺 Seattle Channel in jeopardy

Tacoma Police Chief Administrative Leave Mystery. Seattle Public Schools revised closure plan. Serrano video called racist and fear mongering. Attorney General and Seattle City Council debates. Seattle's proposed budget faces criticism.

27/09/2024

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.

Conrad 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.

26/09/2024

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.

The annual Week Without Driving returns Sept 30-Oct 6, inviting policymakers and the public to experience transit and mobility options as a non-driver. Organizers hope insights will lead to more accessible communities for everyone.

17/09/2024

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.

Issaquah City Councilmember Victoria Hunt, running for WA's 5th Legislative District, outlines her priorities and emphasizes her diverse experience in local government, environmental science, and data-driven policymaking.

13/09/2024

On this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and Josh Cohen discuss:
🗣️ Ferguson/Reichert debate
📋 New poll on statewide initiatives
🏫 Seattle Public Schools closure proposals
💵 New progressive PAC backs Rinck
🏘️ Zahilay proposes $1B for workforce housing

New poll shows Ferguson leading in the race for governor. GOP-funded statewide initiatives losing support. Seattle Public Schools releases controversial school closure proposal amid budget crisis. New progressive PAC forms for city council race. King County considers $1B middle-income housing plan.

06/09/2024

On this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and Daniel Beekman discuss:
✅ Public Lands recount done
⛪ Church sues City of Burien
📈 Seattle City Light rate hike
🙅🏽‍♀️ Judge Vaddadi refutes Ann Davison
📚 Seattle Public Library back up
🤦 SCC stalls on social housing

Hand recount confirms Upthegrove’s win in tight race for Lands Commissioner. Church sues Burien over homeless camp. Seattle utility rates to rise. Judge refutes City Attorney’s claims. Seattle Public Library fully operational after cyberattack. City Council delays housing initiative vote.

03/09/2024

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.

30/08/2024

On this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and Ashley Nerbovig discuss:
🖐️ CPL hand recount underway
💔 King Co Council votes to keep youth jail open
🚈 Light rail to Lynnwood opens
🏘️ Tacoma tenants rights law goes to court
🙄 Pierce Co homeless stability site fight

A statewide hand recount is underway for Public Lands Commissioner race. KC Council votes to keep the youth detention center open despite previous closure plans. Lynnwood's light rail extension opens. Tacoma's tenant rights bill faces lawsuit. Pierce County fight over funding homeless shelter site.

28/08/2024

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.

Washington's Vision Zero initiative, aimed at eliminating traffic fatalities, faces setbacks as road deaths have surged in recent years. Experts blame poor road designs and advocate for safer infrastructure. Seattle's new $1.55B transportation levy aims to address some of these safety challenges.

23/08/2024

On this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and Erica Barnett discuss:
🌲 CPL race heads to recount
🪚 Brutal austerity budget process begins in Seattle
🎭 Aurora Ave in Seattle vs Shoreline
🏠 Moore’s planned renter protection repeal

Beutler and Upthegrove win the Commissioner of Public Lands race, but there will be a hand recount. Seattle faces a $260M budget crisis, with mayor and council opposing new revenue and considering cuts. Controversy surrounds plans to address Aurora Ave issues and modify renter protections.

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Videos

2024 Hacks & Wonks Post-Primary Roundtable

A panel of political consultants will break down the results of Washington’s primary election! � � Livestream on August 13th at 7:30pm! Featuring panelists: HEATHER WEINER of PowerHouse Strategic, STEPHEN PAOLINI of Bottled Lightning Collective, RIALL JOHNSON of Prism West, and CRYSTAL FINCHER of Fincher Consulting & Host of Hacks & Wonks

2023 Hacks & Wonks Post-Election Roundtable

Join Hacks & Wonks for a live Post-Election Roundtable featuring campaign professionals and political analysts breaking down the results of the 2023 general election in Washington state. Political consultant Crystal Fincher will host guest panelists Robert Cruickshank, Katie Wilson, and Andrew Villeneuve to break down the results of this year’s general election! Stream Live here: • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialhacksandwonks/ • Twitter: https://twitter.com/HacksWonks • Twitter: https://twitter.com/finchfrii • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhpeJdg4iAU

2023 Post-Primary Election Roundtable

Come join Hacks & Wonks host, Crystal Fincher, and guest panelists Daniel Beekman, Guy Oron, and Melissa Santos as they break down the results of this year’s primary election!

2022 Post-Election Roundtable

Join Hacks & Wonks for a live Post-Election Roundtable featuring political professionals involved in 2022 campaigns. Political consultant Crystal Fincher will host guest panelists Dujie Tahat and Kelsey Hamlin to break down the results of this year’s general election! Stream Live here: • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialhacksandwonks/ • Twitter: https://twitter.com/HacksWonks • Twitter: https://twitter.com/finchfrii • YouTube: https://bit.ly/HacksWonksYouTube

City of Seattle Municipal Court Judge Candidate Forum

📣 The contested races for City of Seattle Municipal Court Judge are ones to watch this election season! 📣 Join Hacks & Wonks for a live forum with Seattle’s Municipal Court Judge Candidates for Positions 3 and 7, hosted by Crystal Fincher! Hear what this race is about straight from the candidates: • Position 3: Adam Eisenberg • Position 3: Pooja Vaddadi • Position 7: Nyjat Rose-Akins • Position 7: Damon Shadid Stream Live here: • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialhacksandwonks/ • Twitter: https://twitter.com/hackswonks • Twitter: https://twitter.com/finchfrii • YouTube: https://bit.ly/HacksWonksYouTube And be sure to participate by sending in your questions! To ask a question, you can: (1) Comment on a live stream during the event. (2) Text ‪(206) 395-6248‬ before or during the event. (3) Email [email protected]

2022 Post-Primary Election Recap

Come join Hacks & Wonks host, Crystal Fincher, and guest panelists EJ Juárez and Doug Trumm as they break down the results of this year’s primary election!

Watch the recording of our Hacks & Wonks Candidate Forum with Andrew Ashiofu, Nimco Bulale, Emijah Smith, and Chipalo Street - all running for State Representative Position 2 in Seattle’s 37th Legislative District, which includes Beacon Hill, the Central District, Rainier Valley, Columbia City, Rainier Beach, and Skyway. This was originally live-streamed on Facebook and Twitter on July 11th, 2022. You can view the video and access the full text transcript of this forum on the 2022 Elections page at officialhacksandwonks.com. We hope you enjoy this forum, and please make sure to vote by Tuesday, August 2nd! Additional resources and a full transcript can also be found at: https://www.officialhacksandwonks.com/37th-ld-candidate-forum-2022

36th LD Candidate Forum

📣 The race for #waleg in Seattle’s 36th LD is one to watch this primary season! 📣 Check out our Hacks & Wonks 36th LD Candidate Forum, moderated by Crystal Fincher. Hear what this race is about straight from the candidates: • E. Tyler Crone • Nicole D. Gomez • Jeff Manson • Julia G. Reed Stream Live here: • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realhacksandwonks/ • Twitter: https://twitter.com/finchfrii And be sure to participate by sending in your questions! To ask a question, you can: (1) Comment on a live stream during the event. (2) Text ‪(206) 395-6248‬ before or during the event. (3) Email [email protected]

Former Seattle Mayor McGinn's advice to Mayor Bruce Harrell

Former Seattle Mayor McGinn offers advice to Mayor Bruce Harrell as he begins his term. Listen to part one of this convo at https://www.officialhacksandwonks.com/listenpodcast/episode/3eec6536/week-in-review-december-31-2021

Post-Primary Consultant Roundtable!

Make sense of the election with Crystal, as well as consultants and friends of the show Riall Johnson, Michael Charles, and Heather Weiner TONIGHT at 6pm!

LD 43 Candidate Forum: Rep. Frank Chopp and Sherae Lascelles

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