EDITOR’S NOTE: Since our creation in 2007, The B-Town Blog allows residents running for local office one free post for when they announce their candidacy. If you are a candidate running for local office in 2025 and you’d like a free story, please email a press release and photo to scott@southkingmedia.com.
Marie Barbon, a pediatric nurse and longtime community volunteer, has announced her candidacy for Burien City Council, Position 3, on a platform focused on public safety, economic growth, and affordable housing.
Barbon, who has lived in Burien for 16 years, cited a need for practical leadership and urgent solutions to address the city’s challenges.
“Burien is a city full of promise but right now, too many families are feeling left behind,” Barbon said in her campaign announcement. “From rising crime to the cost of living, people are asking for real solutions, not political theater. I’m running to deliver exactly that.”
With more than 20 years of experience as a registered nurse and a history of civic service, including as chair of the Human Services Commission and member of the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Advisory Board, Barbon said she hopes to bring “compassionate, common-sense leadership to a city at a crossroads.”
Her campaign outlines three key priorities:
- Strengthening public safety by investing in community policing, expanding co-response and outreach teams such as The More We Love, and increasing support for addiction treatment with wrap-around services.
- Supporting small businesses by streamlining permitting, reducing regulatory barriers, and attracting new businesses to grow the city’s tax base without increasing taxes on residents.
- Expanding affordable housing through the use of existing resources, fiscal audits, and support for responsible development.
Barbon also emphasized the importance of pedestrian infrastructure in public safety, highlighting sidewalks, proper lighting, and ADA-compliant design as critical to building inclusive and walkable neighborhoods.
“I’m asking for your vote and your support as we build a movement powered by compassion and community,” she added.
Barbon is seeking to replace Jimmy Matta, who has served in Position 3 since 2017, but is not seeking reelection.
More information is available at MarieForBurien.com.
Her full campaign announcement is published below:
Marie Barbon Announces Candidacy for Burien City Council, Position 3
“Compassionate, Common-Sense Leadership for a Safer, Healthier Burien”Marie Barbon, a longtime pediatric nurse, mother, and community leader, is officially announcing her candidacy for Burien City Council, Position 3.
Marie has been a Burien resident for 16 years and has witnessed the progress made and wants to continue the efforts to improve public safety, support economic growth and expand affordable housing.
“Burien is a city full of promise but right now, too many families are feeling left behind. From rising crime to the cost of living, people are asking for real solutions, not political theater. I’m running to deliver exactly that,” said Barbon.
With over two decades of experience as a Registered Nurse, service on the Human Services Commission as Chair, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Advisory Board, and as a Block Watch Co-Captain, Barbon is stepping forward to bring compassionate, common-sense leadership to a city at a crossroads.
She’s seen the toll of inaction and is determined to lead with empathy, evidence, and urgency.
Marie’s campaign will focus on three core priorities:
1. Strengthening Public Safety
Barbon is committed to addressing crime, active addiction, and community safety with real solutions. Her plan includes:
• Investing in community policing that builds trust between officers and residents, so neighborhoods feel safer and more connected.
• Expanding co-response and outreach teams, particularly with proven organizations like The More We Love, which work directly with individuals in crisis to deescalate situations and connect people to services and treatment they need.
• Prioritizing funding for active addiction treatment with wrap-around services so those struggling with addiction can access help before the situation becomes fatal.
• Sidewalks play a crucial role in promoting public safety on streets by providing a designated space for pedestrians, separate from vehicle traffic. Well maintained sidewalks reduce the risk of accidents, especially in busy neighborhoods, by offering a safe route for people walking to work, school, or public transit. In addition to enhancing pedestrian safety, sidewalks encourage healthier lifestyles and support more walkable, accessible communities. Proper lighting, clear signage, and ADA compliant curb ramps further contribute to safe, inclusive streets that accommodate everyone, including children, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities
2. Supporting Small Businesses & Economic Growth
Barbon believes a strong local economy is the backbone of a thriving community. She will:
• Cut red tape and streamline city permitting so local entrepreneurs can succeed.
• Reduce barriers for existing businesses and provide targeted support.
• Attract new businesses to grow Burien’s tax base without raising taxes on working families and seniors.
3. Expanding Affordable Housing
To keep Burien livable for all generations, Barbon will:
• Champion affordable housing development using existing resources, not higher taxes.
• Audit and redirect ineffective city spending toward housing and homelessness prevention.
• Support responsible development that maintains the unique character of Burien’s neighborhoods.
“I’m asking for your vote and your support as we build a movement powered by compassion and community.”
Can you chip in today to help us reach voters and spread the word? Even $5 makes a difference.
Donate or learn more here: MarieForBurien.com
Info on 2025 Elections
Burien City Councilmembers serve staggered four-year terms, with about half the seats up for election every two years; in 2025, those include:
- Position 1: Incumbent Hugo Garcia
- Position 3: Incumbent Jimmy Matta (not running for reelection)
- Position 5: Incumbent/Deputy Mayor Sarah Moore
- Position 7: Incumbent Stephanie Mora
In 2025, there will be a primary election on Aug. 5, with the top two vote-getters for each position moving on to the General Election on Nov. 5.
The deadline to file for the 2025 election was May 9, 2025.
Burien City Council candidate Marie Barbon has made The More We Love a key part of her public safety plan. This is deeply concerning.
The More We Love is a controversial and unaccountable organization. Despite having no real track record, they were handpicked to receive $1 million in public funds, bypassing a fair process that other trusted service providers had prepared for.
Even worse, the group has:
Shared private health info about clients with police, politicians, and businesses.
Posted photos of survivors online, putting their safety at risk.
Pushed out experienced outreach teams with vague promises and no transparency.
This is not the kind of group Burien should rely on for outreach or safety—and certainly not one that should be elevated as a model for public policy. We need leaders who value accountability, safety, and community trust—not candidates who promote dangerous shortcuts.
Oh please, you speak of so called “trusted service providers” who turned out to be ineffective and beholden to KC and the Homeless Industrial Complex. They had dismal results and were replaced with an organization that has proven to be successful and the streets of Burien represent that, if only the KC Sheriff worked that hard. Sour bitter grapes must be a taste some people enjoy.
Kristine and The More We Love has delivered results, which is why Burien’s activist class hates them.
Curious how much experience your buddies at Burien Community Support Coalition have? Pretty sure the answer is zero. Which is probably why Charles and Cydney did nothing but increase homelessness and set-up a situation that resulted in multiple OD’s and a horrible situation for the neighborhood.
Just today the news reported another OD at the Burien Transit Center and how the addict was saved with Narcan administered by someone associated with “The More We Love” J.J. just refuses to see past his bitter misconceptions and realize how TMWL saves lives and serves Burien best interests.
Thank you to: The More We Love!
Keep up the great work, action speaks! Don’t listen to the small group of Burien activists preaching hate. They choose to enable homelessness instead of fixing it, as a way to gain income and have job security.
Your organization does the job well and Burien residents are happy to see your results! Keep it up