"I swore I would never vote for Greg Nickels. Now that I see the challengers, I will have to think about this." I am hearing variations of that statement from Democrats and Republicans now that the slate of candidates is set.
The incumbent promises more of the same. Greg Nickels, a lifelong politician, has raised almost $400,000, a quarter of that from out of the city. His contribution list could have been ripped out of the Yellow Pages under Developers, Contractors, Realtors and Government Employees. Both Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and Costco Wholesale Corp. have contributed the maximum to his campaign, an indication of the power of incumbency.
The Mayor's Web site chronicles his work on the economy, highlighting Amazon.com's relocation to South Lake Union. Shouldn't his staff tell him that the company was already located in Seattle?
Joe Mallahan, former T-Mobile executive, wrote his campaign checks for $200,100, immediately making himself a contender. More than $72,000 has been donated since, much of it from T-Mobile executives and employees making maximum contributions. Mallahan highlights his business background and says, "We need to transform Seattle into a city whose government delivers basic services with great efficiency."
Mallahan's emphasis on his business background contrasts with his use of consultants Argo Strategies, from the "Progressive," i.e. far left wing of the Democratic Party. Is he a Progressive in business clothing or an executive in Progressive clothing?
Mike McGinn's $36,000, including his own $4,700 loan, is surprisingly low considering that the Sierra Club, his alma mater, and other environmental organizations usually function as an ATM for their chosen Democrats. Opposition to the deep bore tunnel is his primary issue. McGinn's own poll shows the line-up as Nickels, Drago, Donaldson, and McGinn. A third of those polled are undecided.
James Donaldson should be a strong contender, but got stuck in the starting blocks. Magnolia resident Donaldson, a business owner and former Sonics player, lists his priorities as the economy, schools and stopping the growth of spending at City Hall. Democratic consultant Blair Butterworth started the race with Donaldson but jumped ship for Jan Drago's campaign. Donaldson had raised $13,200 by the end of May.
Jan Drago, a long-time denizen of City Hall, has received about 17 percent of her $12,100 in donations from outside the city. Within the city, West Seattle has been her best area for raising funds. Drago, who some describe as Nickels in lipstick, says, "We must reinvigorate our economy, create more family wage jobs and put people back to work."
Norm Sigler, a Seattle businessman, puts the economy, schools and transportation on his list of priorities. He seems to be getting little traction with just $6,200 in donations. His entry into the fray makes me wonder if Greg Nickels was behind the curtains pulling strings when it looked as if Donaldson might be more formidable.
Elizabeth Campbell, Magnolia Neighborhood Planning Council chair and longtime activist, is a thorn in many sides. She successfully sued the city for failing to follow its own rules in its plans for the land at Ft. Lawton. Her Web site lists a number of actions she says she will take in her first 100 days in office. Although they differ on transportation planning, Campbell and McGinn have the same opinion of the tunnel.
Which brings me to the question recently asked of me, "Who are you going to vote for?"
As my friend said, I will have to think about this. Not wanting to vote for the incumbent, I will sit with the voter's pamphlet when it arrives and try to decide who might do better for Seattle.[[In-content Ad]]
