Issues

I believe this is a critical moment in the history of this city. If we make the right choices and focus on the right priorities, we can build on our strengths and move forward with innovative ideas that will make Seattle a model of economic vitality, environmental sustainability, and political transparency.

As a former CFO, I know we can implement innovative policies that create incentives for business and people that will lead to sustainable economic solutions to the issues we face. I’ll work to create a City Council that seeks out innovative new approaches to the city’s challenges—that tests and refines new policies through small pilot programs, measures the results, picks those that demonstrate strong results, and then rolls them out citywide.

This is the best way to create a City Council that responds quickly to real challenges and delivers solutions that can make Seattle the kind of city that we all want to live in.

As a member of the City Council, my priorities will include:

Making Seattle affordable for all: Through smart housing policies, improved transportation options, and other changes, we can make Seattle a city where people can afford to live in the communities in which they work.

Building a reliable transportation system: By prioritizing transit and improving the capacity of our existing roads, we can build a transportation infrastructure that enables people and freight to move quickly, efficiently, and reliably through town.

Sustainability and climate change: Seattle residents are at the cutting edge when it comes to their knowledge of climate change and their desire to live sustainable lives. City Council should lead the way in adopting policies that make Seattle a model for environmental stewardship and sustainability.

Investing in education: We should ensure that everyone who lives in Seattle has great school options right in their neighborhood, regardless of their zip code.

Creating great job opportunities: We can foster a business environment where companies can flourish and innovation can thrive by making smart investments in education, transportation, and housing.

Opposing the deep-bore tunnel project: The $4.2 billion plan to replace the Alaskan Way Viaduct will cost city taxpayers more than $900 million and require the largest tax or fee increase in city history. I support an approach that will cost less and do more to address Seattle’s transportation needs.

Providing accessible parks and open space: Seattle is a city of exceptional natural beauty and we should make sure that everyone has access to great parks, excellent recreational facilities, and opportunities to experience nature.

Supporting Seattle’s nighttime economy: Seattle’s thriving music and arts scene provides thousands of jobs and it’s an essential part of our cultural identity. The city should do more to create an environment where this important industry can grow.

A Technology Infrastructure for Seattle’s Future: A publicly owned, city-wide broadband network that delivers high speed Internet access to every home in Seattle should be one of this city’s highest priorities.