King County’s Eastside is one of the most vibrant centers for political activism in the state. It’s the home of countless women leaders, business owners, and elected officials. Every organization that claims to represent and promote the Bellevue and Eastside area should also represent and respect the diverse women who live there.

That is why we were disappointed to see the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce select former state senator Joe Fain as their new CEO, without making any effort to investigate the credible allegation of sexual assault made against him.

This is a time to stand up for women. This is a time to stand up for our values.

As CEO of the Bellevue Chamber, Mr. Fain would be in a position of public trust.  He would act as the public face of the Eastside business community and direct political donations to Eastside candidates on behalf of the Chamber.  The people of the Eastside deserve to know the truth about the allegation of assault against Joe Fain before he assumes this position of influence.

The Bellevue Chamber of Commerce claims they chose Mr. Fain after a nationwide search -- but in an area rich with local business talent, why could they find no one more qualified to lead than a man credibly accused of sexual assault?  

What can you do?

Sign our petition calling on the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce to reverse the appointment of Joe Fain as CEO until the Chamber conducts an independent investigation into the sexual assault claims against him. If you are a business owner and a member of the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce, demand transparency into the CEO hiring process.

Candidates and Elected Officials: We call on all Democratic candidates and elected officials on the Eastside to live their values and refuse or return donations from the Bellevue Chamber while the allegations against Joe Fain remain un investigated.

Legislative District Organizations: We call on legislative district organizations to not endorse candidates who take donations from the Chamber while these allegations remain uninvestigated.

Full Statement from Shasti Conrad, Chair, King County Democrats:

The King County Democrats denounce the decision by the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce to hire former state senator Joe Fain as CEO without any investigation into the allegation of sexual assault pending against him. The women business owners of Bellevue, the female staff of the Bellevue Chamber, and the people of King County deserve better. As the residents of the 47th made clear when they elected Senator Mona Das over Joe Fain, the people of the Eastside believe women, prioritize their safety, and want them in positions of leadership. The Bellevue Chamber claims they conducted a nationwide leadership search for this position. Why is it they believe no one is more qualified to lead their organization than a person credibly accused of sexual assault? This decision reflects poor judgment and a lack of values.  We call on the Bellevue Chamber to reconsider this hire and choose a CEO who will be a true leader.

Background on the Allegations against Joe Fain

• Joe Fain accuser sits down with KING 5 (video)
• Fain accuser describes first meeting him (video)
• Fain accuser on why she isn't pressing charges (video)
• ‘You raped me.’ Former Seattle official accuses Washington state Sen. Joe Fain of rape (article)
• 57 questions for Senator Joe Fain from his accuser (article)
• my body tells no lies: an account from Joe Fain's accuser (article)