Yesterday I heard President Obama’s call to accept “the price and the promise of citizenship.” Today I announce my candidacy for the Seattle City Council. Our city leaders talk about challenges like climate change, but they rarely back their words with concrete actions. In fact, too often the decisions they make are mired in the thinking of the past.

This thinking has led officials to champion a $4 billion tunnel while working to oppose $145 million for parks and open space. I worry about our future. What kind of city government blames its snowstorm response on dubious environmental concerns? And why hasn’t the city addressed the precipitous financial crisis gripping our public schools? Talk isn’t enough. We need to see the future we want, and act to create it. And we need to start immediately. This will be my mission on the city council.

- Mike O’Brien