News briefs

The Municipal League of King County has rated Sherril Huff and David Irons as “outstanding” candidates for the position of King County elections director.

King County elections director ratings

The Municipal League of King County has rated Sherril Huff and David Irons as “outstanding” candidates for the position of King County elections director.

In addition, the League rated Bill Anderson as “very good,” and Chris Clifford, Julie Kempf and Pam Roach as “adequate.”

Voters will select the new elections director by special election on Feb. 3.

The nonpartisan ratings are based on four criteria, the League said: knowledge, involvement, effectiveness and character. The ratings do not consider political affiliations or positions on specific issues. Candidates also are not rated against each other.

The ratings are the result of the work of citizens from around King County who volunteered for a special candidate evaluation committee over the last month.

To view candidate questionnaires and more detailed information about the rating process, go to www.munileague.org.

The Municipal League is a nonpartisan volunteer organization that has worked since 1910 to ensure good government that is open, effective and accountable.

Tax workshop for business owners

The Seattle office of the Washington State Department of Revenue is hosting a free workshop for new and small business owners on Wednesday, Feb. 4, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the department office, 2101 4th Ave., in Seattle.

Participants will learn about Washington excise taxes, reporting classifications, deductions, tax incentives, sales tax collection and record-keeping requirements. All receive a workbook and helpful reference guide to Department of Revenue rules and regulations.

To register, visit the Department of Revenue’s Web site at www.dor.wa.gov or call (206) 956-3002. Space is limited. A complete schedule of workshops statewide and a short streaming video version of the workshop in English and Spanish are available on the Web site.