Joe Mallahan has little to no experience on the political game board, yet he has years of experience and success in the corporate world.
Depending on whom you ask, that's either a blessing or a curse. On one hand, anybody new to an industry, so to speak, is going to make a mistake along the way. On the other hand, Mallahan hopes his optimism and courage will help shake things up at City Hall. What's his greatest strength?
"My open and accountable management style," Mallahan said. "I speak very frankly and I answer people's questions. And when I change my mind or when I realize I've made a mistake, I'm not hesitant to let people know that."
Mallahan lives in Wallingford with his wife and two daughters, and is the vice president of operations strategy at T-Mobile in Bellevue. One of his more notable successes was the Flex-Pay plan he developed that brought in thousands of lower-income customers. The idea has brought in millions of dollars for the company.
"I think what Flex Pay shows is my deep respect for people of lower economic means," he said.
Mallahan wants to partner with business to fortify the job placement office for seniors. He wants to look at impoverished areas of town and figure out ways to help. He sees a lot of opportunity in the Rainier Valley and Southeast Seattle.
He said all too often city leadership talks about Seattle as us and them. But when he thinks of these areas, he sees a new transit system and basic infrastructure that would allow businesses to flourish. And providing incentives to businesses, especially non-retail companies to establish locations in Rainier Beach or Southeast Seattle, appeals to him. A call center typically employs 200 to 300 people in one location and eliminating commute times.
"My mom and dad taught us the value of service to others and some of my siblings have committed their lives to service of marginalized people," said Mallahan, who grew up in Seattle and is one of nine children. "My sister ran a girls home in Tanzania for five years and another sister worked in Oaxaca empowering the indigenous people there."
Without question, the hot topic in the mayoral race is the viaduct replacement tunnel, how to build it or not build it at all. Mallahan is in favor of it. And as mayor, he said he would make sure the project came in on time and under budget. Above all he would make sure its construction was well coordinated with other projects such as the expansion of light rail, Spokane Street and the 520 bridge.
"The worst thing we could do in this difficult economy is to create a situation where goods and people can't flow freely in Seattle because of multiple uncoordinated large projects," Mallahan said. "There needs to be more planning on how to address traffic flow given the lack of off ramps downtown and the apparent loss of easy access to Ballard."[[In-content Ad]]Kwame Wyking Garrett wants to be mayor because he feels the general citizenry of Seattle has been neglected. He wants to bring a new energy and change to Seattle so that it could shine again as a beacon of "true diversity and equity."
Diversity and equity are the cornerstones of Garrett's campaign. He wants to provide opportunity to individuals and neighborhoods, such as the Rainier Valley, he believes are underserved.
Garrett, the founder and CEO of Remix Marketing & Communications, LLC, wants to leverage his experience with helping neighborhood youth toward greater community projects that stifle youth violence.
He wants youth programs to meet youth at their point of interest and "from that place engage them in what they need to be successful in life."
Enfranchising the youth with such programs, Garrett believes, will help reduce crime and thereby make communities vibrant, safe, and further encourage businesses to invest in these neighborhoods. His seven-point plan isto create:
Vibrant communities and safe neighborhoods
Outstanding education and youth development programs
Affordable housing for all
Strong local economies
Sustainable small businesses
Green economic recovery
Development, and efficient use of public funds for proven results
Regarding the Viaduct replacement tunnel, which has become the hot-button issue of the mayoral race, Garrett feels the will of the people should not be ignored, and that it shouldn't be built. Instead, he suggested local government focus on mass transit solutions and investments that "reduce our carbon footprint." But if the tunnel were to go through, then as mayor, he would make sure it was cost effective, environmentally sound and that the construction of the infrastructure would provide jobs "to those who need them the most."
Garrett also sees the Rainier Valley and the Central District underutilized assets. He would like the area to be renamed "Africatown" similar to how the neighborhood east of Quest Field is called Chinatown.
"The Central District has historically been the center of African-American culture and economic life," he said. "It would be an opportunity to attract business and cultural activities, to market the community as an international attraction in promoting its diversity and also providing support for a community that has been disenfranchised by previous economic and political policies."
