By Tracy File
West Seattle Weblog editor
In only one week, ballots might be mailed out for the final election, and you may vote as quickly as you get yours. The 2 West Seattleites contending within the highest-profile native race, Seattle Metropolis Council District 1, proceed an intensive marketing campaign schedule within the meantime, with one other side-by-side Q&A discussion board Tuesday evening.
This one was offered by Westside Interfaith Community, Our Woman of Guadalupe, and the League of Ladies Voters, at OLG’s Walmesley Middle, moderated by native journalist/broadcaster Brian Callanan (serving in a volunteer capability). The questions for candidates Maren Costa and Rob Saka spanned a wide range of matters; after an hour of asking questions deliberate by discussion board organizers, Callanan turned to viewers questions submitted in writing through the occasion. (We counted about 40 individuals in attendance.)
Our video, unedited, begins and ends with the opening and shutting statements from every candidate. Under it, we briefly summarize the questions and solutions, within the order they had been requested and answered.
Until a phrase/sentence is inside citation marks, it’s our abstract, not a direct quote, and we’ve stored our summaries to the parts of the replies that answered or tried to reply the questions. For the complete replies, watch the video.
Q: Do you agree with the drug-use invoice lately handed by the Metropolis Council? Would you might have made any adjustments?
COSTA: It appears “performative.” We don’t want extra performative politics. we have to get issues finished. If you wish to jail individuals for drug use, that received’t occur. If you wish to present diversion/therapy, that received’t occur, as a result of we’re not funding applications. I’m 100% in favor of therapy, We have to fund the diversion applications. We cn lead with compassion and never tolerate hurt.
SAKA: All of the invoice did was codify state regulation. I strongly assist that. I collected petition signatures and testified in favor of the invoice. I shouldn’t must do gymnastics to get round individuals (drug customers) and paraphernalia on the road. Too many individuals are dying within the streets. I strongly assist it.
In rebuttals, Costa described Saka’s petition and council-meeting testimony as “performative” as a result of he was urging Councilmember Lisa Herbold to assist a invoice she was already sponsoring. Saka stated Costa didn’t assist the invoice; she stated that was an inaccurate characterization of her place.
Q: D-1 has no homeless shelter. Is that this an issue and the way would you tackle it?
SAKA: It’s a problem. Many locations within the district are closely impacted – Pioneer Sq., SODO, WS. My neighborhood is bearing the brunt of numerous challenges and alternatives. #1 is lack of entry to reasonably priced housing. Have to streamline allowing course of. We are able to begin with root trigger however “we’re not going to root-cause our means out of this.” I do assist encampment (sweeps).
COSTA: The place encampments may go, I would love every council district to supply three websites. The answer to that is fairly extensively recognized. We have to construct extra housing, emergency housing, supportive housing, “even million-dollar condos, we want all of it.” Saka will battle to say the right way to pay for it. I need to make sure that price ticket doesn’t land on the working class. We (at the moment) pile every thing onto the property tax.
SAKA: The place are we going to seek out the cash? I assist an audit, streamlining and consolidating companies, (not) a plan to tax extra with out being certain individuals are getting extra bang for our finances buck.
COSTA: Learn my plans. I labored at Amazon for 15 years, we had frugality as a precept. We are able to have an audit. I wish to see the mayor inform every of his direct stories, discover 10 methods to economize.
Q: State Home Invoice 1110 – ought to or not it’s utilized for extra multifamily housing in wealthy neighborhoods?
COSTA: That is arising within the subsequent Complete Plan. I’ve spoken with those that labored on final plan – they stated the following model ought to “plan for extra housing.” We’re a long time behind due to zoning. Probably the most forward-looking choice is #5. It’s naked minimal. There’s an Alternate Plan 6 that some teams put collectively – I wish to examine extra.
SAKA: Sure. Affordability disaster is results of unhealthy selections 10 to fifteen years in the past, we have to add progress and density.. I assist Complete Plan choice 5 – my opponent helps an choice 6 which doesn’t truly exist.
In rebuttal, Costa stated she didn’t need to derail work already finished however says if another choice higher met the town’s wants, it could be “shortsighted” to not take into account it.
Q: Has the Levy to Transfer Seattle been profitable? would you assist successive ilevy, how massive ought to or not it’s?
SAKA: Sure, I feel it’s been pretty profitable, added “a ton of motorcycle lanes” – I’m right here to give attention to fundamentals of what the town ought to do. – public infrastructure, public works … there’s a dire want for sidewalks – sure communities are struggling – east of Delridge, zero sidewalks – Arbor Heights too. I need to give attention to sidewalks and bridge upkeep and repairs – I feel “we’re good on bikes for now.”
COSTA: Wish to see it renewed – we’ve all seen and felt the ache – we want transit (mild rail). We may do a extra rigorous job of making certain we’re not letting particular pursuits impression what we’re doing right here within the metropolis … we construct new issues earlier than we repair present issues, and we’re heading right into a finances shortfall – wish to see a supply of funding (not simply property taxes).
Q: What about impression charges? Do you assist these? May it assist equitable transit?
COSTA: Have to be certain we’re not creating sudden penalties – hope impression charges don’t decelerate housing building – we have to assist Metro (and) defend our bus drivers.
SAKA: We must be very considerate about implementation. Many jurisdictions have impression charges as we speak, we don’t, must weigh professionals and cons but additionally must create circumstances the place builders need to construct right here. Not solely to play catchup however to plan forward. If we impose one thing draconian, they may determine to go some place else. Want to ensure individuals really feel secure to get on bus to start with.
Q: Options to sworn cops. Do you assist this? Why haven’t they been profitable (in Seattle)?
SAKA: Sure. Method for catastrophe … I assist hiring extra police but it surely doesn’t imply they want to answer each single disaster situationn. I’ve met Amy Smith, new CARE division director, listened to the plans – right here to construct and scale and develop that – different cities like Albuquerque and Denver who’ve scaled and grown their applications. We don’t must recreate the wheel and be first.
COSTA: Very excited in regards to the new plan, Amy is doing a improbable job … we’re all prepared for this, I hope to see it undergo – sure, we have to rent extra police, however we have to get behind new division. as much as 50 p.c of calls can transfer to this new division and we simply doubled our police power in a single day. The $7 million finances, although, just isn’t sufficient.
Q: That is the primary (District 1) election since boundaries had been redrawn. What are the challenges of the brand new areas (within the district)?
COSTA: Now we have Seashore Drive, the Duwamish, the Port, now we’ve added SODO and Pioneer Sq. – not numerous voters in SODO however numerous companies there, with challenges together with crime …Pioneer Sq. appears lovely – there’s a brand new seaside down there! – however meals suppliers need assistance…
SAKA: It’s a phenomenal district; I’ve immersed myself and gone to the neighborhoods – the district additionally has Georgetown and South Park, a few of most polluted areas in nation – want extra public security – lots of people reside in West Seattle and go to work in SODO, together with my spouse – there’s numerous pure cross pollination.
Q: What committees would you serve on?
SAKA: Public Security Committee, ideally as chair, pondering that will be a simple swap since present District 1 Councilmember Herbold chairs that committee. Additionally, having contributed to the “innovation financial system,” no matter committee offers with financial growth.
COSTA: “I need to be the place i need to be of probably the most service,” relying on who will get elected to the council and what their strengths are. “It’s about making issues work for the town – getting again to fixing issues – carry individuals collectively – we have to get individuals speaking to one another once more.”
Q: Seattle lately handed a tree ordinance. Was it balanced?
COSTA: We shouldn’t be pitting bushes towards housing – this invoice was a superb instance of, “transfer the ball down the highway” – it’s higher than it was earlier than – we will proceed to make it higher – we will add density with out sacrificing tree cover.
SAKA: The method wasn’t as clear because it ought to have been, was rushed by means of. It’s not develop and construct vs. the bushes … I launched a local weather plan, see it on my web site – want a extra clear course of.
Q: On police accountability, do you assist an impartial fee?
SAKA: Sure. I fought to carry unhealthy police accountable – I’m the explanation we’ve (King County) subpoena energy for law-enforcement oversight — “I consider in good police and good oversight over police – doesn’t imply I don’t assist police” …
COSTA: “I do assist the best ranges of accountability we will handle” – would like to see SPOG (Seattle Police Officers Guild) contract mirror at the very least that degree of accountability. She introduced up the current case of an officer recorded laughing after one other officer hit and killed Jaahnavi Kandula.
In rebuttal/postscript, Saka stated he’s the one candidate on this race who launched a press release about these remarks – “that incident undermined confidence” in Seattle Police … Costa stated, “After we don’t maintain unhealthy apples accountable, we’re demoralizing the great apples.” She additionally noticed Era Y and Z individuals are not flocking to police work due to considerations in regards to the tradition.
Q: Seattle wants housing for individuals incomes 0-30 p.c of the Space Median Revenue – do you see this coming to West Seattle?
COSTA: I’ll definitely be advocating for that. We want every thing. Market forces left alone received’t present degree of reasonably priced housing we want, authorities must step up. Sure, we have to guarantee each greenback spent appropriately, and repair the tax code.
SAKA: Sure, I see this coming to West Seattle – a shared alternative to diversify and densify our neighborhoods – notes the Admiral Church partnership with Homestead Neighborhood Land Belief – “I assist issues like that.”
The questions after this had been recommended by attendees, in writing, through the discussion board.
Q: Seattle is going through a finances deficit. – which division would you look to chop, which income sources would you improve?
SAKA: Need to make sure present tax cash is properly used – individuals are not seeing outcomes – we’re going to audit … do need to discover income sources, head tax, Leap Begin – however (concerning property tax) “seniors have the fitting to retire in place” …
COSTA: I feel we have to have a look at an “excessive capital good points tax,” want to show up Leap Begin, a emptiness tax is nice, going to herald $30 million …
Q: The query puzzled about why juveniles apparently can’t be arrested for some crimes, and in addition puzzled about (SPD) community-service officers.
SAKA: Not acquainted with (juvenile) insurance policies, will look into it, right here to rent extra police, can’t arrest as a result of we don’t have sufficient. Additionally right here to implement the best requirements of excellence for police.
COSTA: Some unintended penalties after we can’t arrest juveniles, they’re used (by adults) to commit crimes … we need to watch out after we incarcerate them, however we have to maintain them accountable … Relating to CSOs, we want extra, would love them to be armed with nonlethal weapons.
In rebuttal/elaboration, Saka stated, “Sure, we want extra various responders however there is no such thing as a substitute for cops,” including that we want extra police to “restore good old school neighborhood policing.” … Costa stated that innovation is important fairly than solely counting on police as a result of “we will’t put public security on maintain till we will rent extra.”
Q: Who’s the town councilmember you might have probably the most respect for and why?
COSTA: Not only one – Herbold is greatest at responding to emails; Teresa Mosqueda has handed laws that has bubbled as much as federal degree.
SAKA: “I’ve a ton of respect for each final one in all them.” Right here to work with whomever else is on the council. Admires Tammy Morales for current sidewalk proposal. Most carefully aligned with Debora Juarez, Sara Nelson, and Alex Pedersen, who endorsed him earlier within the day.
Q: What was a foul resolution the council made in previous years?
SAKA: Defund. That vote was made with no African American councilmembers – it was supposed to profit me – it was a failed experiment.
COSTA: (The brand new public-safety division) CARE is what we supposed to do – want we had finished it then.
Q: How can the town successfully fight local weather change?
COSTA: Local weather resiliency hubs in each neighborhood, a secure place to go in an adversarial climate occasion – all colleges, all libraries – two different issues = particular person vehicles/vans, the extra we will scale back that, the higher – and constructing emission efficiency requirements; they will need to have tooth, or else we received’t make our 2030 objectives.
SAKA: Sturdy energy-efficiency requirements, skilled workforce to construct local weather resilience – increase EV charging – increase our transit choices, must get individuals out of vehicles, however we additionally must make individuals secure. Add tree cover.
Q: Builders don’t need to purchase land in Seattle and cope with all of the charges and allowing, how will you alter that?
SAKA: Look to what’s been profitable elsewhere like Houston – must reopen the allowing constructing, closed since pandemic.
COSTA: Course of is form of a nightmare, must streamline, additionally reorganize the best way issues are – have a look at the packing containers and arrows on an org chart that may change how issues get finished – (tasks) get assigned a staff, then a special staff – we should always maintain the identical staff on a mission throughout.
Q: Does SPOG (cops’ union) have an excessive amount of energy?
COSTA: Cops employed to guard and serve, so many good apples, demoralized if unhealthy apples not held accountable, want to make sure not jeopardizing public security – want to make sure the town is secure.
SAKA: I assist holding particular person officers accountable – sure, SPOG has bloked some reform – on disciplinary measures, we do must revisit what’s acceptable.
Q: Requested by a high-school pupil – as we speak is Nat’l Psychological Well being Day, it’s Bullying Consciousness Month, how will you cope with these points?
SAKA: He was within the foster-care system as a result of his mother had mental-health challenges – he’ll assist and spend money on further companies.
COSTA: She is father or mother of a kid who “was suicidal and homicidal” – residential care saved him – there’s 80 beds – extra children want these – (what hospitals can be found) just isn’t sufficient – comes all the way down to funding.
Q: How will we make sure every demographic is about up for a superb future?
COSTA: Want to take a look at every age vary, demographic, discover out what’s essential to then – person analysis and person expertise design is what I did in massive tech.
SAKA: I assist making certain seniors can retire in place and never be pushed out by subsequent levy – I assist exemptions. I wrote (King County) coverage that it’s illegal to discriminate towards household caregivers and veterans.
Q: Are issues working as envisioned with the bag tax and sugar tax?
SAKA: Undecided.
COSTA: Thinks the sugar tax is working and that general “behavioral modification taxes are useful.”
That was adopted by closing statements, which you’ll be able to watch on the video.
WHAT’S NEXT: At this time (Thursday, October twelfth), the candidates are scheduled for a lunchtime discussion board with the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce, 11:30 am at Alki Masonic Middle (fortieth/Edmunds), registration required.
ELECTION REMINDER: Your poll may arrive as quickly as one week from as we speak. You’ll have till Tuesday, November seventh, to get it right into a King County Elections dropbox or to get it postmarked in outgoing USPS mail. Have to register to vote? Go right here.