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Seattle Times graph produced from US Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey initiative. Root data can be accessed on US Census Bureau page here
Back in the first week of 2020, before the pandemic, I observed that I had more years of experience as a city elected official than all 9 of Seattle’s City Council Members plus their Mayor PUT TOGETHER. At the time, I saw this as a potential signal that it might be time to retire. But now, looking at what has happened in Seattle since then, I see it quite differently. It was not a problem that I had too many years helping manage a city– Seattle’s officials had too little experience.
Seattle, once known for being one of the cleanest and safest metro areas in America, now has the distinction of being worst for people needing to move because of the safety of their neighborhoods.
Experience is critical for recognizing the long-term unintended consequences of every decision, and avoiding costly or dangerous mistakes. Their council’s decisions like defunding the police, decriminalizing fentanyl, deeply limiting police pursuits, allowing encampments on sidewalks needed for safe ADA access, and even discussing a “crime-of-need” defense for theft of items like a contractor’s tools or catalytic converters– these and other mistakes have made Seattle less safe.
Renton lost 38 years of elected leadership experience when Mayor Denis Law and Council Member Don Persson retired in 2019. (Left to right, me, Denis Law, Don Persson, former Council Member Marcie Palmer)
Renton is clearly showing that lack of experience.
Sad showing of the number of Renton Residents tonight at the Mayor and Council Candidates forum at the Cargo Theatre tonight (9/19/2023). Probably less than 1/4 full.
Hopefully more watch online.