Candidate Surveys
Click on the candidates name to see their survey responses.
This information is for the June 2026 election.
Candidates are listed alphabetically by first name.
Avery Gottesman
Describe your connection to Capitol Hill
I live here and spend the vast majority of my time in this part of Seattle.
Why are you running for the Capitol Hill Community Council?
I’m running to make sure that young queer non-drivers in Capitol Hill are represented in our community’s official capacities. I’d like to amplify the queer renters like myself and make sure there’s space for us in the community council.
What would you do for Capitol Hill if elected to the Capitol Hill Community Council?
I love the walkability of Capitol Hill. I moved here to be able to live car free and still feel like a part of society. I want Capitol Hill to continue being a mixing pot of diverse people who live and meet eachother on our streets, parks, and in businesses. I want to make sure that more people get to enjoy this beautiful neighborhood in a beautiful area. In order to continue being a diverse and welcoming place, our neighborhood needs to change.
What is your favorite thing about Capitol Hill?
My favorite thing about Capitol Hill is the community spirit and diversity of progressive people brought together by a common open-minded attitude. And I love being able to walk or take public transit to nearly everywhere I need to go – grocery stores, parks, healthcare offices, etc.
What would you bring to the council if elected to the CHCC?
I think I’m a pretty normal resident of Capitol Hill who happens to enjoy the inner workings and politics of most things. And that happens to mean I’m following along with the Seattle City Hall already, especially on transportation issues.
What would you rank as your first, second, and third priories?
Transportation/Bicycles/Transit, Zoning/Housing, Government/Laws
Anything else to add?
Not at this time.
Danny Villars
Describe your connection to Capitol Hill
I live on Boylston & Howell currently. First moved to Cap Hill in 2019, and originally lived at Belmont & Roy.
Why are you running for the Capitol Hill Community Council?
I’m passionate about community engagement, I love Capitol Hill, and I’m ready to help out. I have recent personal and professional experiences that could lend valuable perspectives to CHCC. In my recent role as the Field Director of the Washington Bus (a Cap Hill-based nonprofit) I helped engage young people in local politics and civic matters. In my current day job, I help local governments better communicate with their communities. Perhaps most importantly, I recently served a four year term as a Board Member and Chair for Whittier Alliance — a vibrant neighborhood nonprofit based in Minneapolis. I think these experiences provide a valuable and diverse expertise that fits well with CHCC.
What would you do for Capitol Hill if elected to the Capitol Hill Community Council?
Listen, learn and lead — in that order. I’m excited to talk with neighbors about their priorities and concerns. I’m passionate about continuing to learn as much as I can about the neighborhood, City governance, and what CHCC’s vision is, was, and could be. From there, I’m ready to step in, step up and get to work.
What is your favorite thing about Capitol Hill?
The density, walkability & vibrant nature of the community!
What would you bring to the council if elected to the CHCC?
An outsider’s lens, but with deep familiarity of the neighborhood. I was a Board Member and Chair of a very active & successful neighborhood organization in another city and I’m excited to bring this experience and perspective to CHCC.
What would you rank as your first, second, and third priories?
Zoning/Housing, Government/Laws, Community/Neighbors
Erin Reinhart
Describe your connection to Capitol Hill
While I live on the boundary of Capitol Hill and First Hill on this map, I consider myself a Capitol Hill resident. I am the founder of Circle the Blocks and walk weekly in the Greater Pike Pine neighborhood, including North First Hill. I care deeply about the neighborhood that I live in and walk through every day.
Why are you running for the Capitol Hill Community Council?
I believe Capitol Hill benefits when community members get and stay engaged, ask thoughtful questions, participate constructively, and help bridge conversations between residents, businesses, institutions, service providers, and government. I want to help create a more collaborative and solutions-oriented environment where people with different perspectives can still work toward shared goals for the neighborhood.
What would you do for Capitol Hill if elected to the Capitol Hill Community Council?
I bring strong organizational and communication skills and an ability to help synthesize complex issues into productive conversations and actionable ideas. I tend to approach issues thoughtfully and analytically while still trying to remain practical and community focused.
What is your favorite thing about Capitol Hill?
The variety of ice cream within walking distance.
What would you bring to the council if elected to the CHCC?
I would bring a collaborative and solutions-oriented approach, along with a strong interest in public process and community engagement. I have 31+ years’ experience in communications and training, with strong organizational skills, including website development/management and communications technology.
What would you rank as your first, second, and third priories?
Crime, Community/Neighbors, Government/Laws
Anything else to add?
I want to be part of making life on Capitol Hill and in Seattle a better place to live and work.
Hilary Santini
Describe your connection to Capitol Hill
I live and work in Capitol Hill.
Why are you running for the Capitol Hill Community Council?
I enjoy contributing to bringing the community together and helping make life in CH better for everyone.
What would you do for Capitol Hill if elected to the Capitol Hill Community Council?
Continue developing content to website and newsletters and providing editing for other communications. Helping prepare for meetings, reaching out to community members and/or city leaders, as needed. Participating in organizing and running events.
What is your favorite thing about Capitol Hill?
Meeting people on dog walks.
What would you bring to the council if elected to the CHCC?
Honest intentions to help all voices be heard and fairly represented.
What would you rank as your first, second, and third priories?
Community/Neighbors, Crime, Children/Parents/Play Space/Schools
Anything else to add?
I am willing to serve for 2 full years.
Leo McCabe
Describe your connection to Capitol Hill
I work on Capitol Hill and spend most of my free time there as well.
Why are you running for the Capitol Hill Community Council?
I am running because I love how Capitol Hill is a unique, diverse neighborhood and want to help it be the best it can be. Additionally, I walk around Capitol Hill to get to and from work each day, and am motivated to help ensure walkability.
What would you do for Capitol Hill if elected to the Capitol Hill Community Council?
If I were elected, I would work to help engage businesses, individuals, and public officials in dialogues that will benefit Capitol Hill.
What is your favorite thing about Capitol Hill?
As I mentioned earlier, the uniqueness and diversity are what make Capitol Hill amazing. That being said, I would say they are my favorite thing(s) about the Hill.
What would you bring to the council if elected to the CHCC?
If I were elected, I would be able to help the Council and the overall community work together and be better equipped to face the issues that we face on Capitol Hill, while highlighting and supporting the reasons we all love the neighborhood.
What would you rank as your first, second, and third priories?
Government/Laws, Community/Neighbors, Crime
Anything to add?
Not at this time.
Marceil Van Camp
Describe your connection to Capitol Hill
My wife and I moved to Capitol Hill in 2019 for my job at that time. Since then, we’ve fallen in love with our neighborhood and community and are proud to call Capitol Hill our home.
Why are you running for the Capitol Hill Community Council?
I’m running for the neighborhood community council because I care deeply about building a stronger, more connected community where every resident feels heard and represented. I want to help bring neighbors together, support local concerns, and make sure decisions about our neighborhood reflect the voices of the people who live here. By serving on the council, I hope to encourage collaboration, improve communication, and help make our community a safer, more welcoming place for everyone.
What would you do for Capitol Hill if elected to the Capitol Hill Community Council?
If elected to the Capitol Hill Community Council, I would focus on strengthening community connections by improving public safety. I believe that a focus on improved safety can support the local businesses and organizations that make Capitol Hill unique. My goal is to work collaboratively with neighbors and local leaders to preserve Capitol Hill’s character while helping it continue to grow in a way that benefits everyone.
What is your favorite thing about Capitol Hill?
My favorite thing about Capitol Hill is its strong sense of community and vibrant character. Capitol Hill brings together people from many different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences, creating a neighborhood that feels welcoming, creative, and full of energy. I also love how engaged residents are in supporting local businesses, community events, and one another. It’s a place where people genuinely care about the future of their neighborhood.
What would you bring to the council if elected to the CHCC?
If elected to the Capitol Hill Community Council, I would bring a collaborative mindset, strong communication skills, and a genuine commitment to listening to residents. I believe in bringing people together to find practical solutions, building stronger connections between neighbors, businesses, and community organizations, and making sure all voices are included in conversations about the future of Capitol Hill. I would work hard to be approachable, responsive, and focused on helping the community grow in a positive and inclusive way.
What would you rank as your first, second, and third priories?
Crime, Government/Laws, Community/Neighbors
Anything to Add?
Capitol Hill needs a leadership approach that recognizes the direct link between safety and economic growth. When our neighborhoods are safe, foot traffic thrives. More people on the street means stronger local businesses and vibrant development, which inherently makes our community even safer. I am committed to listening to our residents and business owners to meet their real-world safety needs with immediate, actionable solutions.