I’m running for Seattle City Council because I believe it’s time to close the gap between what the people want and what the politicians are giving us.
Seattle is a beautiful city with wonderful neighborhoods, great diversity, and rich culture, but there are needs that are not being met.
The people want housing that’s affordable for families, schools that serve our children, and transportation that’s efficient and reliable.
The politicians want a $4 billion downtown deep-bore tunnel to replace the Alaskan Way Viaduct.
The people don’t want a tunnel - only 30% of Seattle voters supported a tunnel in the 2007 election - but we are getting stuck with the bill. Property taxes, monthly electricity, sewer and water rates are all expected to permanently increase. Politicians even stuck Seattle taxpayers with paying for all cost overruns. All of this for a tunnel that will not serve the 60% of viaduct users that come and go to and from downtown.
I am the only candidate in this race who opposes the tunnel, and I will say no to what the politicians are giving us — because I’ve done it before.
As Chair of the Sierra Club, I stood up to the politicians when they wanted us to take 182 miles of new highways in order to get light rail. An inspiring thing happened. We rejected the politicians’ plan based on old ideas. Today, we’re laying the foundation for cost effective and sustainable transportation.
As CFO of a Seattle law firm for 10 years, I learned that we can create incentives that enable people to make smart personal choices that are also good for the community. Together, we can have smart policies that are good for the economy, nurture our communities, and protect our environment.
The future of Seattle I see is one where reality includes:
- No downtown deep-bore tunnel.
- Affordable housing, so teachers and firefighters can live in the communities they serve.
- Reliable transportation, where getting around only requires a bus pass, a light rail pass, or a bicycle.
- Great neighborhood schools, so every child can get a good education — no matter where they live.
- Job opportunities created through smart policies that foster an environment where businesses can thrive.
Please vote for me, Mike O’Brien, for Seattle City Council position 8. I will represent all of us.
What is you position on the silly bag tax
What is your position on the plastic bag tax/fee? Do you think that this fee contributes to a Seattle that is affordable for all??
Can the Metro bus system come up with a system allowing those waiting at bus stops to know when the next bus will be at their stop?? Portland has this with their Tri-Met bus system. Seattle tried it briefly a few years ago on Aurora Ave stops but discontinued it.