The issue each Seattle mayoral candidate is passionate about

Seattle residents elect a new mayor this year. We ask all candidates for primary school 2021 how they would address a range of issues the city is facing.

This week is a little different. Everyone has a problem that goes up. So we asked the candidates about the topic that was most important to them.

QUESTION: Every candidate has a topic that is important to them. What would you do differently to address ___________?

Clinton Bliss

“Integrity, Compassion, Wise Action. Independent Democrat.”

“The protection of civil rights is non-negotiable. The Seattle Police Department has been subject to a federal decree since 2012 because it has repeatedly violated our civil rights – due to a lack of police oversight. Our city has negotiated revisions that allow less oversight and more abuse No timetable for resolution. Police unions are not allowed to hold our civil rights ransom. I will annul the sections of the police union contract that limit accountability and oversight and contribute to civil rights violations. “

Colleen Echohawk

“Registered Member of the Pawnee Nation, Candidate for Mayor of Seattle.”

(Receiving Democracy Vouchers)

“We are facing a humanitarian crisis and we are not treating this crisis as an emergency. We have over 12,000 people homeless every night! As the ED of the Chief Seattle Club, through our legwork, I have dedicated myself to serving the Seattle urban natives of “a day shelter, an infirmary, providing meals, and building housing. I know what it takes to help our most vulnerable populations. With hard work, collaboration, and creative solutions, we can accommodate all loved ones in apartments. “

Jessyn Farrell

A former lawmaker, non-profit executive, and working mom who knows how to progress on tough issues.

(Receiving Democracy Vouchers)

“Childcare! We have seen during this pandemic the importance of affordable childcare for working parents and for our entire economy. That is why I am applying to establish universal childcare for every child in Seattle from birth to age 5 that is accessible in every neighborhood and affordable for every family. We can make this a reality when we have leaders who have a bold vision and experience solving big problems. That’s the kind of mayor I would be and I’d be honored to deserve your vote. “

Lorena Gonzalez

President of the Seattle City Council and candidate for Seattle Mayoral.

(Receiving Democracy Vouchers)

“As the daughter of migrant workers who made my first paycheck at the age of 8, we need a mayor who fights for the working population. I am proud to be the only work-supported candidate in UFCW 21 and Unite Here 8 to be supported in this race. You support me because I have a track record of raising the standard of living of working people. As Mayor, I will appoint a Deputy Mayor for Labor and Staff to ensure that workers are actively involved in policy making. “

Bruce Harrell

“I’m running for mayor to reset City Hall, unite Seattle with our progressive values, and move our city forward.”

(Receiving Democracy Vouchers)

“We see the effects of our broken health system every day – too many neighbors have no insurance or cannot afford the necessary care. I proposed a bold new universal health program that would ensure ALL Seattle residents, gig economy workers, young people, and anyone affected by homelessness or economic disorder deserve quality physical and mental health care. Together we can build a system that shows our commitment to healthy communities. “

Rodney Holt (enrolled candidate)

“I have the social ability to navigate these dangerous times and unite the people of Seattle.”

(Receiving Democracy Vouchers)

“Systemic racism. Create more communication streams and channels related to cultural understanding.”

Andrew Grant Houston

“Ace” is a queer color architect, small business owner, activist, millennial, tenant and transit driver.

(Receiving Democracy Vouchers)

“Seattle’s fastest growing polluting sector is buildings, while our biggest contribution is traffic – more specifically, driving a car. In order to cope with the climate crisis, we have to build dense, sustainable neighborhoods and significantly reduce the need for our own car. No other candidate is willing to go as far as I do in land use and take the necessary steps to meet our goals, which must include ending the housing ban and creating space for businesses in each of our neighborhoods. “

Arthur Langlie

“As a builder of teams and solutions, I bring new skills to this position.”

“Our current leadership is failing when it comes to delivering the basic services a city government should provide: repairing our roads and bridges, properly protecting our neighborhoods and businesses, keeping our parks clean and safe. I don’t take democracy coupons because I believe their taxes should be used on public services that affect their daily lives. Services used to provide shelter for the homeless, sound public safety programs, and repairing our roads are vital. “

Lance Randall

“I am a problem solver who prioritizes outcomes for our residents.”

(Receiving Democracy Vouchers)

“Our creative economy. While Seattle has rightly earned a reputation as a creative city, the combination of the recent economic boom followed by Covid-19 comes at the expense of its creative culture and economy. I will set up a Live Music Rent-Back Fund “and art performance venues to help stay afloat during the Covid pandemic and develop employee programs that connect Seattle’s youth with career opportunities in all creative sectors.”

Don L. Rivers

(Receiving Democracy Vouchers)

“The development of multicultural competence is close to my heart. Humanity is close to my heart and I am also passionately interested in developing a format of inclusion. In which everyone is included and no one is excluded.”

Bobby Tucker

“Homelessness! I’ve been homeless before and everyone should have a safe place to live and eat. I would start there. That shows that I am interested and that we care. Let’s tell people to build CHARACTER and TRUST that they’re in, and I as Mayor will change that. “

NOTE: Each Seattle mayoral candidate was asked to describe themselves and answer the same questions. Follow the coverage leading up to the August primaries at KUOW.org/elections. Stay tuned to the KUOW Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages for your own answers to these questions.

Colleen Echohawk is a former board member of KUOW.

Candidates invited to take part in this survey but did not respond in time: Henry Clay Dennison, James Donaldson, Stan Lippmann, Casey Sixkiller, Omari Tahir-Garrett.