Slog
News & ArtsMonday, March 23, 2009
City McGinn for Mayor?
Posted by Erica C. Barnett on Mon, Mar 23, 2009 at 5:05 PM
Seattle Great City Initiative Founder Mike McGinn—about whom I once noted, "People who want to change politics in Seattle no longer run for office. They start groups instead"—is making "an announcement" tomorrow, according to a circumspect press release from my erstwhile colleague Brad Steinbacher, now of the Mercury Group. McGinn could be announcing plans to run for mayor, something supporters, including many Seattle environmentalists, have been urging him to do since late last year.
The pros: McGinn is a solid environmentalist with roots in Seattle's neighborhood movement and a strong commitment to making Seattle a better place.
The cons: A McGinn run would almost certainly preclude former city council member Peter Steinbrueck from entering the race. And some say McGinn (who tends to hold events at places like Triad Development's downtown offices and Vulcan's South Lake Union Discovery Center) is too cozy with downtown business interests.
The announcement happens tomorrow morning at 11:30 at Piecora's Pizza at 1401 East Madison St. on Capitol Hill.
1
McGuinn is Vulcan's man since they are pissed at Nickels. Hiring Mercury, who's main client is AT&T and their right wing, patriot act loving owners, is just more proof of who McGuinn will be representing.
Let's hope we get a real progressive representing real people in this race soon.
Let's hope we get a real progressive representing real people in this race soon.
2
If he wants to run, he'll have to wait until after Dan resigns, we have 11 months of a lame duck mayor fill-in, and then we have a special mayoral election between Greg Nickels and Mike McGinn in fall 2010.
5
I was looking forward to Dan's run... maybe he'll back out now that a real candidate has shown up against Nickels.
Vulcan isn't pissed at Nickels... where do you get that idea?
Mike is the real deal.
Vulcan isn't pissed at Nickels... where do you get that idea?
Mike is the real deal.
6
Plenty of groups used the Triad space because it was a convenient location that *was* free to use. He can't be that corporate http://noisetank.com/hugeasscity/2009/03….
And for all we know, Peter's supporting Michael's bid.
ECB--Steinbacher's release says 11:30, not 11.
And for all we know, Peter's supporting Michael's bid.
ECB--Steinbacher's release says 11:30, not 11.
7
Oh Thank God.
Finally someone has the nads to actually jump into this damn race. McGinn will be a formidable candidate.
Finally someone has the nads to actually jump into this damn race. McGinn will be a formidable candidate.
10
@1, where do you get the idea that Vulcan is pissed at Nickels?
...and who would you have run against Nickels, then? Steinbrueck? I haven't seen him doing much since he left office.
...and fuck, you sound like one righteous pain in the ass, more interested in comparing progressive political correctness credentials than actually getting progressive shit done. I don't care if McGinn hires Karl Rove to run his campaign. The important thing is that he's a progressive and he means to get shit done instead of fellating fellow progressives.
And FWIW, I like his Hugeasscity Badge of Integrity:
http://noisetank.com/hugeasscity/2009/03…
...and who would you have run against Nickels, then? Steinbrueck? I haven't seen him doing much since he left office.
...and fuck, you sound like one righteous pain in the ass, more interested in comparing progressive political correctness credentials than actually getting progressive shit done. I don't care if McGinn hires Karl Rove to run his campaign. The important thing is that he's a progressive and he means to get shit done instead of fellating fellow progressives.
And FWIW, I like his Hugeasscity Badge of Integrity:
http://noisetank.com/hugeasscity/2009/03…
11
Real progressive Aaron Ostrom ran for council a long while back, and did pretty well considering. He had the bad fortune of running against Nick Licata, but many years later, many successful statewide campaigns later, and having been exec director of Futurewise, and now Fuse, perhaps someone should give him a call. Any other suggestions?
12
this is such silly early bullshit - shall we all remember what the anyone but george bush delivered in two elections?
not much
nickels will be hard to beat as the campaign starts, but the hype from the Stranger will be amazing
bet, peter is NOT running .... wife and family say no ... and what magic does he have for more money? none, horrid time to get elected, esp. if you cry easily while thinking of hungry children down the block
not much
nickels will be hard to beat as the campaign starts, but the hype from the Stranger will be amazing
bet, peter is NOT running .... wife and family say no ... and what magic does he have for more money? none, horrid time to get elected, esp. if you cry easily while thinking of hungry children down the block
14
Erica-
You posted earlier that a third term for Mayor is unprecedented. Royer ran and won 3 times but, that was well before the Stranger started up.
I don' think McGinn getting in pushes Steinbrueck out. It only tests the waters. Steibrueck still has name recognition that money can't buy.
I imagine Peter's hesitiation is more subjective than political. I can't blame a guy for preferring to hang out with his family than the critics and hacks of this city. Having said that though, if he still wants the City and his children to live up to their potential, he should live up to his own or shut up about it.
You posted earlier that a third term for Mayor is unprecedented. Royer ran and won 3 times but, that was well before the Stranger started up.
I don' think McGinn getting in pushes Steinbrueck out. It only tests the waters. Steibrueck still has name recognition that money can't buy.
I imagine Peter's hesitiation is more subjective than political. I can't blame a guy for preferring to hang out with his family than the critics and hacks of this city. Having said that though, if he still wants the City and his children to live up to their potential, he should live up to his own or shut up about it.
16
@2: oh i didn't realize that dan getting elected then resigning would result in a mayoral election on an even year instead of odd year. that would be great! it would increase turnout, maybe even get the average voting age below 50.
18
"would almost certainly preclude former city council member Peter Steinbrueck from entering the race..."
You're joking, right?
You're joking, right?
19
Seattle needs to be dissolved. It is an unweildy mess of corrupt politics which saps the vitality of the Puget Sound and drains money for unworkable sinkhole projects.
I advocate that South Seattle secede to form "Raineria" -- a land of multicultural mirth and ethnic eats.
I advocate that Center Seattle form "Wallingfordton" -- a urban professional's wet dream of espresso bars and six figure technology jobs.
I advocate that North Seattle form "Grasseria" a land where sidewalks are not the norm.
Seattlites, Disperse!, you have nothing to lose but your chains!
I advocate that South Seattle secede to form "Raineria" -- a land of multicultural mirth and ethnic eats.
I advocate that Center Seattle form "Wallingfordton" -- a urban professional's wet dream of espresso bars and six figure technology jobs.
I advocate that North Seattle form "Grasseria" a land where sidewalks are not the norm.
Seattlites, Disperse!, you have nothing to lose but your chains!
21
Through most of the Bush years, I had all but despaired of American politics. I had assumed smart and decent people who are driven by great causes can never get elected to office anymore, only hacks and corporate drones. Then Barack Obama got elected president.
If Michael McGinn were to run for mayor and win, he would prove for Seattle what Obama has proved for the nation. Greg Nickels has been all right, but for me as an environmentalist and transit supporter, I've never had that feeling in my gut, "Greg Nickels is one of us." I've always sensed he was just some professional politician doing what he had to to placate us. With Michael McGinn, there's no question, "He's one of us."
Oh, and you know McGinn is for real when he has the temerity to point out that, you know what, in this era of billions of dollars of shortfalls maybe we just can't afford that shiny-new tunnel all you kids have had your hearts set on. Here's a guy who dares say the emperor has no clothes.
Please, Michael. Run. I'll write a check the day you announce.
If Michael McGinn were to run for mayor and win, he would prove for Seattle what Obama has proved for the nation. Greg Nickels has been all right, but for me as an environmentalist and transit supporter, I've never had that feeling in my gut, "Greg Nickels is one of us." I've always sensed he was just some professional politician doing what he had to to placate us. With Michael McGinn, there's no question, "He's one of us."
Oh, and you know McGinn is for real when he has the temerity to point out that, you know what, in this era of billions of dollars of shortfalls maybe we just can't afford that shiny-new tunnel all you kids have had your hearts set on. Here's a guy who dares say the emperor has no clothes.
Please, Michael. Run. I'll write a check the day you announce.
23
I don't see how "roots in the Seattle neighborhood movement" is a good thing. All of those little mini-Juntas are a big part of the reason we can never get anything fucking done in this town. Any neighborhood meeting I have ever been to is a lot like a condo association board meeting -- full of people with big egos and minimal skills who couldn't ever handle any real power or deliver real leadership.
I initially would have loved to see Steinbrueck run, and even joined that damn facebook group -- and then he showed that he deosn't want to lead anything. Here is an idea Peter -- if you want to run for mayor, how about YOU tell ME what YOU think we need to be dealing with instead of quizzing me?? With or without McGinn, if Peter doesn't get some backbone soon, he'll be dead in the water.
I initially would have loved to see Steinbrueck run, and even joined that damn facebook group -- and then he showed that he deosn't want to lead anything. Here is an idea Peter -- if you want to run for mayor, how about YOU tell ME what YOU think we need to be dealing with instead of quizzing me?? With or without McGinn, if Peter doesn't get some backbone soon, he'll be dead in the water.
24
Good Grief @23: I don't see how "roots in the Seattle neighborhood movement" is a good thing. All of those little mini-Juntas are a big part of the reason we can never get anything fucking done in this town.
Good Grief, it sounds like you don't know Michael McGinn. Let me assuage your fears.
By way of comparison, Barack Obama has his roots in South Side Chicago black politics. Does that mean he's another "Black Power" Bobby Rush? Obviously not. Michael McGinn is about as much a typical neighborhood NIMBY as Obama is a typical South Side ethnic politician.
Good Grief, it sounds like you don't know Michael McGinn. Let me assuage your fears.
By way of comparison, Barack Obama has his roots in South Side Chicago black politics. Does that mean he's another "Black Power" Bobby Rush? Obviously not. Michael McGinn is about as much a typical neighborhood NIMBY as Obama is a typical South Side ethnic politician.
25
Cressona-
I think you'll need to "assuage" a lot more and lower as well before people get excited about McGinn.
I think you'll need to "assuage" a lot more and lower as well before people get excited about McGinn.
26
What is his position on the price of wine in Seattle? I've heard that it's so expensive that alternative newspaper writers must shoplift to get their fix.
And what about Dan, the finest Mayoral candidate this city can hope for. What's happening on that front?
And what about Dan, the finest Mayoral candidate this city can hope for. What's happening on that front?
27
cool. I'll just hafta hope for a tweet, as I'll be at work...and I also will write a check the moment I get the news.
McGinn is a genius organizer, and smart. and the best to be considered thus far.
McGinn is a genius organizer, and smart. and the best to be considered thus far.
28
Someone who respects neighborhoods, but isn't a NIMBY.
Someone who's an environmentalist, and actually practices what he preaches.
Someone who's been against the tunnel from day one.
McGinn is the anti-Nickels.
Someone who's an environmentalist, and actually practices what he preaches.
Someone who's been against the tunnel from day one.
McGinn is the anti-Nickels.
29
Cressona @ 24
Methinks you protest too much. Good grief responded to ECB's assertion that "roots in the Seattle neighborhood movement" was a good thing. GG didn't even mention McGinn.
Good grief has a point. There was a time when Seattle's neighborhood movement was a progressive force in this city. Now too often folks act progressive while fighting development and human services being located near them.
McGinn does have some work to do with the working class neighborhoods of South Seattle. His resume does little to suggest he would do any more for them than the mayor and perhaps less.
Methinks you protest too much. Good grief responded to ECB's assertion that "roots in the Seattle neighborhood movement" was a good thing. GG didn't even mention McGinn.
Good grief has a point. There was a time when Seattle's neighborhood movement was a progressive force in this city. Now too often folks act progressive while fighting development and human services being located near them.
McGinn does have some work to do with the working class neighborhoods of South Seattle. His resume does little to suggest he would do any more for them than the mayor and perhaps less.
30
Sierra Club types and their clones could give a royal shit about places like the South half of Seattle.
In fact, they get scared while driving there on Sunday afternoon.
I will have an open mind - but - after all his faults are trashed a million time, Nickels reminds me of a Renton kid I used to know .... and maybe THAT is what some of you fear the most???
Where is the strong woman candidate - not a Sally or Susan or Venus.
And Peter has already sealed his fate - this is an election and you need the guts to lead - we all know Jesus is not on the ballot, need real people with REAL determination to problem solve.
Tom Rasmussen would be very good, but, people who know him say he is just find and dandy on the council.
Dan's bid for attention in a serious year is obscene. Wrong time for the endless joke and endless self promotion. Increasingly C. Hill is the paradise of drunks and druggies, not good old here is the agenda lefty politics.
The right air for politics seems to be abundant only in West Seattle. Good weed and clean air??
I have a bigger need to junk Tom Carr than Nickels. Carr is a over the top on every issue I can think of. If he had his way, Seattle would be run like the cow counties and their right wing shit.... you just know he has a secret desire to put medical mj users in prison ... and would if he could.
The council races are shaping up nicely. Expect a ton more newbies trying to get a good paying job .....
Hint, Conlin is a silly goat a lot of the time, but, is an old to the max enviro and that group when called on, will go to the mat for him, work and $$$, tons, better than AIG insurance.
Licata just might fall, too many no votes, too little good policy with too little backing... the lone wolf is great, but, does he carry any weight in getting the work done? And he looks really tired, really tired.
I wish Senator Lisa Brown from Spokane lived in Seattle .... oh well.
More...
In fact, they get scared while driving there on Sunday afternoon.
I will have an open mind - but - after all his faults are trashed a million time, Nickels reminds me of a Renton kid I used to know .... and maybe THAT is what some of you fear the most???
Where is the strong woman candidate - not a Sally or Susan or Venus.
And Peter has already sealed his fate - this is an election and you need the guts to lead - we all know Jesus is not on the ballot, need real people with REAL determination to problem solve.
Tom Rasmussen would be very good, but, people who know him say he is just find and dandy on the council.
Dan's bid for attention in a serious year is obscene. Wrong time for the endless joke and endless self promotion. Increasingly C. Hill is the paradise of drunks and druggies, not good old here is the agenda lefty politics.
The right air for politics seems to be abundant only in West Seattle. Good weed and clean air??
I have a bigger need to junk Tom Carr than Nickels. Carr is a over the top on every issue I can think of. If he had his way, Seattle would be run like the cow counties and their right wing shit.... you just know he has a secret desire to put medical mj users in prison ... and would if he could.
The council races are shaping up nicely. Expect a ton more newbies trying to get a good paying job .....
Hint, Conlin is a silly goat a lot of the time, but, is an old to the max enviro and that group when called on, will go to the mat for him, work and $$$, tons, better than AIG insurance.
Licata just might fall, too many no votes, too little good policy with too little backing... the lone wolf is great, but, does he carry any weight in getting the work done? And he looks really tired, really tired.
I wish Senator Lisa Brown from Spokane lived in Seattle .... oh well.
31
This is very good news. I've run into Michael quite a bit over the past few years and have been duly impressed with his ability to bring disparate groups to the table. A NIMBY he is not, nor is he "in the pocket" of Vulcan. Some of you commentators might want to stick your head up over your monitor screen every once and a while and notice the carbon based lifeforms in your near vicinity - they generally don't fall into the neat categories that make so much sense when typed out.
32
just sayin @29: McGinn does have some work to do with the working class neighborhoods of South Seattle. His resume does little to suggest he would do any more for them than the mayor and perhaps less.
L O B @30: Sierra Club types and their clones could give a royal shit about places like the South half of Seattle.
You two are sounding like the commentators who questioned how Barack Obama could possibly be looking out for the interests of regular working-class folks in PA, Ohio, and Indiana when he's an exotic, super-educated intellectual type who doesn't hunt, bowl, or have a beer belly.
Yes, Michael McGinn has committed the sin of being a leader in the Sierra Club. But how exactly policy-wise would a Michael McGinn be any more averse to South Seattle than Greg Nickels?
One thing I've learned about Seattle politics is that the more somebody claims to be looking out for the interests of working-class folk--and to demagogue their way into some sort of culture war--the more harm they want to do to the interests of working-class folk. Exhibit A: John Fox.
L O B @30: Sierra Club types and their clones could give a royal shit about places like the South half of Seattle.
You two are sounding like the commentators who questioned how Barack Obama could possibly be looking out for the interests of regular working-class folks in PA, Ohio, and Indiana when he's an exotic, super-educated intellectual type who doesn't hunt, bowl, or have a beer belly.
Yes, Michael McGinn has committed the sin of being a leader in the Sierra Club. But how exactly policy-wise would a Michael McGinn be any more averse to South Seattle than Greg Nickels?
One thing I've learned about Seattle politics is that the more somebody claims to be looking out for the interests of working-class folk--and to demagogue their way into some sort of culture war--the more harm they want to do to the interests of working-class folk. Exhibit A: John Fox.
33
Last time I checked filing wasn't for some months now.
Or at least not when we were setting up a multi-district Primary Election forum for announced candidates with the YDWA.
The more the merrier!
Or at least not when we were setting up a multi-district Primary Election forum for announced candidates with the YDWA.
The more the merrier!
34
@32,
Right - and what exactly have you done for working class folks lately, aside from advocating for the "redevelopment" of their homes?
Right - and what exactly have you done for working class folks lately, aside from advocating for the "redevelopment" of their homes?
35
...and listening to Cressona complain about "culture war" is about comparable to listening to Republicans complain about "class war" - the truth hurts, doesn't it?
37
Cressona @ 32
Normally I respect your thinking on the Slog, but you are still being mightily defensive. All I said is his resume is thin on issues affecting the south end. His neighborhood activism in the north end doesn't really translate to the issues in many working class south end neighborhoods.
Your ad hominem attacks comparing me and LOB to heinous commentators and John Fox take things a bit too far. All I said was that Mike has to convince me he will represent working class Seattle. I want to hear what Mike has to say about making Georgetown and South Park the dumping ground for all things unpalatable. I want to hear what his position is on White Center annexation. I want to hear more about what he views as the challenges for South Seattle.
I know Mike and like him, but I do have questions.
Normally I respect your thinking on the Slog, but you are still being mightily defensive. All I said is his resume is thin on issues affecting the south end. His neighborhood activism in the north end doesn't really translate to the issues in many working class south end neighborhoods.
Your ad hominem attacks comparing me and LOB to heinous commentators and John Fox take things a bit too far. All I said was that Mike has to convince me he will represent working class Seattle. I want to hear what Mike has to say about making Georgetown and South Park the dumping ground for all things unpalatable. I want to hear what his position is on White Center annexation. I want to hear more about what he views as the challenges for South Seattle.
I know Mike and like him, but I do have questions.
38
#32 To The ivory Tower of Cressona
Some of us are very working class folks who live in the South End.
We have a certain sort of expert opinion about our lives, expert to some very exact details, which I will spare Sloggers. And ... don't give a royal shit is aptly applied to much of city politics these days.
Course would be nice to get some consulting fees, 300.00 per hour, when we talk to each other.
Some of us are very working class folks who live in the South End.
We have a certain sort of expert opinion about our lives, expert to some very exact details, which I will spare Sloggers. And ... don't give a royal shit is aptly applied to much of city politics these days.
Course would be nice to get some consulting fees, 300.00 per hour, when we talk to each other.
39
Cressona - get real - much of the Obama family in Kenya lives on one dollar a day .... he will have pot belly in time and Michelles tits will sag ... what does that prove?
You are mixing hormones with politics.
We all know Obama is the real deal ... but ... do you understand why?
I thought he would be president some day from his first speech. And announced it to a large room full of people. So .... I think the Sierra Club is full of windbags and very narrow in its mission .... from that... I no not like Obama?
This is curious stuff tonight.
You are mixing hormones with politics.
We all know Obama is the real deal ... but ... do you understand why?
I thought he would be president some day from his first speech. And announced it to a large room full of people. So .... I think the Sierra Club is full of windbags and very narrow in its mission .... from that... I no not like Obama?
This is curious stuff tonight.
40
"human services being located near them. "
i.e. bum centers. No thanks.
"Sierra Club types and their clones could give a royal shit about places like the South half of Seattle."
Thank god! Who do you think pays the bills around here? Maybe we should get some services.
"what exactly have you done for working class folks lately, aside from advocating for the "redevelopment" of their homes?"
You mean the homes they willingly sold for $500k to yuppies? Cry me a river why don't you.
F*ck the working class. They smell funny and don't even know how to clean the sh*t off their lawns.
i.e. bum centers. No thanks.
"Sierra Club types and their clones could give a royal shit about places like the South half of Seattle."
Thank god! Who do you think pays the bills around here? Maybe we should get some services.
"what exactly have you done for working class folks lately, aside from advocating for the "redevelopment" of their homes?"
You mean the homes they willingly sold for $500k to yuppies? Cry me a river why don't you.
F*ck the working class. They smell funny and don't even know how to clean the sh*t off their lawns.
41
Latest TOP 10 most popular names for hizzoner so far:
1. MAYOR McCHEESE--by a huge margin
2. MAYOR McCONDO
3. MAYOR NOPLOW
4. MAYOR SNOWJOB
5. MAYOR 5-CENTS
6. MAJOR NOPLOW
7. MAYOR McSLEAZE
8. MAYOR FAILure
9. MAYOR GRIDLOCK
10. MAYOR QUIMBY
All the names that are just too mean to such a nice fellow, like MAYOR McFATTY, MAYOR PORK, MAJOR PORK, MAYOR BIGMAC, etc. will not be included in the Top 10 names for HIS HONOR. This is Seattle, a nice city, after all.
We are monitoring the TIMES, P-I, Weakly, Strangler, Crosscut, Publicola, and a few blogs for the most mentions in comments from the citizenry.
Newest contenders:
MAYOR DISASTER, MAJOR DISASTER, BOSS NICKELS, MAYOR NOSALT, MAYOR NICKELBAGS, MAYOR KNUCKLEHEAD, MAYOR FUDD, MAYOR FIVEPENNIES, MAYOR CHUMPCHANGE, MAYOR KNUCKLES
1. MAYOR McCHEESE--by a huge margin
2. MAYOR McCONDO
3. MAYOR NOPLOW
4. MAYOR SNOWJOB
5. MAYOR 5-CENTS
6. MAJOR NOPLOW
7. MAYOR McSLEAZE
8. MAYOR FAILure
9. MAYOR GRIDLOCK
10. MAYOR QUIMBY
All the names that are just too mean to such a nice fellow, like MAYOR McFATTY, MAYOR PORK, MAJOR PORK, MAYOR BIGMAC, etc. will not be included in the Top 10 names for HIS HONOR. This is Seattle, a nice city, after all.
We are monitoring the TIMES, P-I, Weakly, Strangler, Crosscut, Publicola, and a few blogs for the most mentions in comments from the citizenry.
Newest contenders:
MAYOR DISASTER, MAJOR DISASTER, BOSS NICKELS, MAYOR NOSALT, MAYOR NICKELBAGS, MAYOR KNUCKLEHEAD, MAYOR FUDD, MAYOR FIVEPENNIES, MAYOR CHUMPCHANGE, MAYOR KNUCKLES
42
#41
you have post this for a week - it is getting boring - and is really stupid
the mayor is overweight and you seem very hung up on that - course that should be the first thing we punish in society, some extra pounds
dump this honey, will get so much more boring in another week, take the meds, talk to the worker from DSHS, get outside and quit drinking
you have post this for a week - it is getting boring - and is really stupid
the mayor is overweight and you seem very hung up on that - course that should be the first thing we punish in society, some extra pounds
dump this honey, will get so much more boring in another week, take the meds, talk to the worker from DSHS, get outside and quit drinking
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