Mallahan tops Nickels in Municipal League evaluations

Rookie candidate and T-Mobile executive Joe Mallahan got an "outstanding" rating in the Seattle mayoral race from the Municipal League of King County Thursday, besting incumbent Mayor Greg Nickels, who received a "very good."

In the King County executive race, County Council members Dow Constantine and Larry Phillips, State Rep. Ross Hunter, state Sen. Fred Jarrett all were deemed "very good." Former KIRO-TV anchor Susan Hutchison and little-known candidate Alan Lobdell were deemed "good."

The league's nonpartisan evaluations cover 113 candidates for local office. The ratings are based on knowledge, involvement, effectiveness and character. The league says "political affiliations or stands on specific issues are not considered and candidates are not rated against each other."

The ratings were done by 65 volunteers who studied public records and candidate questionnaires, checked references and interviewed candidates. Ratings were reviewed by league trustees.

For a full list, go to: http://www.munileague.org/candidate-evaluations.Here are the ratings in selected races:

King County executive: Dow Constantine, very good; Ross Hunter, very good; Susan Hutchison, good; Fred Jarrett, very good; Stan Lippmann, not qualified; Alan Lobdell, good; Goodspaceguy, not qualified; Larry Phillips, very good.

Seattle mayor: Elizabeth Campbell, not qualified; James Donaldson, adequate; Jan Drago, good; Kwame Wyking Garrett, insufficient information; Joseph Mallahan, outstanding; Michael McGinn, good; Greg Nickels, very good; Norman Sigler, adequate.

Seattle City Council, Position 2: Richard Conlin, outstanding; David Ginsberg, adequate.

Seattle City Council, Position 4: Sally Bagshaw, outstanding; David Bloom, good; Brian Carver, not qualified; Dorsol Plants, good; Thomas Tobin, not qualified;.

Seattle City Council, Position 6: Jessie Israel, very good; Martin Kaplan, very good; Nick Licata, very good.

Seattle City Council, Position 8: Bobby Forch, good; David Miller, very good; Michael O'Brien, good; Robert Rosencrantz, outstanding; Jordan Royer, very good; Rusty Williams, not qualified.

Seattle School Board, District 5: Mary Bass, adequate; Joanna Cullen, adequate; Andre Helmstetter, good; Kay Smith-Blum, very good.

Seattle School Board, District 7: Wilson Chin, very good; Charlie Mas, very good; Betty Patu, very good.

Port of Seattle Commissioner, Position 3: David Doud, good; Rob Holland, very good; Al Yuen, good.

Port of Seattle Commissioner, Position 4: Tom Albro, outstanding; Juan Paraiso, insufficient information; Robert Walker, adequate; Max Vekich, good.