Grass-roots activists join Burgess staff

Activists with long records of accomplishment with environmental and nonprofit organizations have been appointed legislative aides on Tim's City Council staff.

Betsy Graef served eight years on the board of directors of The Friends of the Seattle Public Library where she led advocacy efforts, including last year’s successful effort to add $2 million to the Library’s collections budget. She also served on the board of directors of the International Community Health Services (ICHS) from 1988 to 1993, including three years as board chair. ICHS provides primary health care services in the International District and Rainier Valley. She holds a M.A. in Health Administration from the University of Colorado.

Nigel Herbig has been active politically for several years, most recently as a field organizer for Washington Conservation Voters and as a founding member of Friends of Seattle. He also served as a legislative assistant to former County Councilmember Dwight Pelz. Pelz is currently the chair of the Washington State Democratic Party. Herbig is an honors graduate in political science and comparative religion from the University of Washington.

Andrea Felt served for the past year on the staff of Councilmember Richard Conlin. She is a political science graduate of Western Washington University. She will oversee office operations and administrative matters, including constituent relations.

Devin Hampton, a political science student at the University of Washington, will serve as a legislative intern in 2008. He helped coordinate volunteers and community liaison efforts during Burgess’ campaign.