Senator
Bernie Sanders has endorsed Lorena Gonzalez for Mayor of Seattle. It's a huge endorsement which probably effectively makes her the front runner since she has also scored a major endorsement from Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal.
“The gap between the rich and the rest of us makes living here too hard for too many. So let's finally close by making big corporations finally pay their fair share...”
Colleen Echohawk has run a very organized and focused campaign as an outsider who is ready to make some changes. She seems to have the most comprehensive plan for creating affordable housing.
Former City Council President Bruce Harrel is also in the running as a more centrist candidate. He served as interim Mayor of Seattle in 2017.
I have known Bruce for many years. He has also been council president.
Gonzalez is a newer member of the council and is serving as the current council president.
Colleen Echohawk has never held an elected govt position.
The two main issues being addressed by candidates during this election are the large population of people living outdoors who can’t afford housing in Seattle (there is no rent control).
Over 4,000 residents of Martin Luther King County hve no permanent residence. Mayor Jenny Durkan has ordered sweeps of homeless encampments in the city while offering no adequate solutions to the problem.
The other main issue is the reform of the Seattle Police Dept.. Over 10,000 complaints were filed against the SPD during last year’s daily Black Lives Matter protests.
Lots of money spent on this election in the last week - $30,000 per day in some
cases. Each registered Seattle voter recieved $100 in "democracy vouchers" which they could give to any campaign in increments of $25. The city elections are now publicly financed.
Today is the primary election. The top two candidates will move on to the general election in November. Ballots must be dropped off at the many drop boxes by 8 PM tonight so if you are in the Emerald City do not delay! I'm dropping mine off in a few minutes.
Support Democracy! Participate! Be Informed! Ask Questions!
