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News & ArtsFriday, August 21, 2009
Election So Long, Greg
Posted by Christopher Frizzelle on Fri, Aug 21, 2009 at 9:45 AM
So, Savage called for Greg Nickels to concede long before yesterday afternoon's batch of election returns came in, which at the time seemed far-fetched (conceding when he still has a chance is not the stubborn, sure-of-himself Nickels way), but then yesterday afternoon's results came in, and whoa—Nickels's face probably fell: Mallahan and McGinn were leaving him in the dust. It's hard to imagine Nickels's press conference this morning at 10:00 a.m. about the "state of the election" as anything other than a concession speech.
Which sucks. Yes, Nickels has fucked some things up, and been a bully to the nightlife community, and backed business interests over (for example) parks, but he's also got some major accomplishments under his belt (like, for example, light rail). He's proven he can lead. He's not an idiot. And though The Stranger did do this...
...some of the Stranger Election Control Board admitted—privately, drunkenly, to one another—to being impressed by Nickels's showing in our endorsement interview. He wasn't the guy we endorsed, granted, but we all imagined him making it into the top two. Watching Nickels and McGinn debate the tunnel was electrifying. How was the Nickels interview compared to the Mallahan interview? Oh, no contest. Whereas Nickels was articulate, informed, self-effacing, charismatic, blunt, and interested in the questions, Mallahan had the charisma of an inkjet printer, couldn't name a single thing he'd ever done for the environment, couldn't name a single thing he'd done for the arts, and had no idea what Operation Sobering Thought was. (It was the city's notorious, extensively written-about, crazily overzealous crackdown on nightclubs in 2006.) Check out Mallahan's answer to the first two questions The Stranger asked him. In short, Mallahan is an idiot. He's a T-Mobile vice president—a cell phone salesman. He eats money for breakfast, and he thinks the city should be run like a business. He brought two six-packs of PBR tallboys to his Stranger endorsement meeting. That was his way of "connecting" with The Stranger, clearly. He'd have gotten a lot farther with a less superficial approach—like, say, having something informed to say about nightlife or public safety or the environment or the arts—subjects we write about all the time. On every topic we brought up, his answers were irrelevant and ridiculous.
The man is just not ready to be mayor. All this stuff about how no one "likes" Nickels? OK, sure, yes, being "liked" is necessary in a democracy, and it's true that a lot of people are sick of him. But at least Nickels knows the city, knows the job, has accomplishments in public policy, and can talk about what the city's been doing in detail and at length. Plus, just to push a little further: What's wrong with being sort of a bully? The mayor's job is to wield authority. The mayor's job is to face down people who disagree with him. Seattle Times continues to crow about Nickels's handling of the snowstorm, as if the snowstorm wasn't the most fun any of us have had in the last year, and meanwhile they endorse Mallahan for mayor because—seriously, this is their reason—he's loaded. (Did you SEE their endorsement of Mallahan? It said, to paraphrase: He has no relevant experience and he's not ready to be mayor, but he's got a lot of money!)
In a just world, this race would be Nickels vs. McGinn. But a pattern is a pattern, and the numbers aren't having it. In advance of Nickels's probably-concession-speech today, here is the opening statement Nickels made in our endorsement interview. We asked every candidate to name, in the course of their opening statements, their top three priorities for the city, and Nickels, ever the overachiever, had four:
Well I’m Greg Nickels, and I’m running for reelection as mayor, and it’s been my honor to serve for the last eight years, leading a city that has strong progressive values, and to be able to put those values into action. There are actually four priorities I set out as mayor, they will continue to be my priorities. To get Seattle moving, to keep our neighborhoods safe, to create jobs and economic opportunity for all of our people, and to create strong families and healthy communities. And those, I think, are the really fundamental things that I think the city needs to do. Starting with public safety, making sure that our people feel safe, that our youth are safe, and that people perceive that their neighborhoods are safe. Obviously tough times require us to take care of people who are struggling, and we need to do that and we need to be well positioned so that when the recovery comes we can put people back to work and we can have a prosperous future, and I think I’ve demonstrated my ability to do that during the last eight years. I’m really proud of light rail. I’ve worked on that for 21 years. Maybe a couple of you weren’t born when I started working on that. But we finally got it up and running, and it’s going to take that… [The clock runs out.]When did you start working on it?
1988.
Thanks for everything, Greg.
1
Gotta love Greg for being with out a college degree. Not many people in America can just get by on their brains.
I have always liked the guy.
I have always liked the guy.
3
So let me get this straight, we get to choose between two unknown people who have no real experience in government?
Wow, I guess we get the Democrat's version of George W Bush! This could be interesting.
Wow, I guess we get the Democrat's version of George W Bush! This could be interesting.
4
wow
maybe The Stranger does have some pull in this town-
no wonder Seattle is such a sucking shithole...
maybe The Stranger does have some pull in this town-
no wonder Seattle is such a sucking shithole...
5
Thanks for recognizing the truth, Christopher: we have two rank novices as mayoral candidates. This means 2-4 years of on-the-job-training - at our expense. This is a monumental screw-up for Seattle.
6
Most of the Drago and Nickels supporters will go to Mallahan, and he, not sugar boy, will be the next mayor.
I am sure Mallahan will be love with the Stranger, its staff and viewpoint.
I thought Nickels was a good mix of issues. I voted for him as a labor guy.
The city is in decline, I guess the future will tell how far down and revenue and political talent both are in short supply. Course we can debate the waterfront for ten more years, and, that will satisfy many. Tons of very empty space downtown and more empty space to come - both commercial and residential. And no jobs.
I am sure Mallahan will be love with the Stranger, its staff and viewpoint.
I thought Nickels was a good mix of issues. I voted for him as a labor guy.
The city is in decline, I guess the future will tell how far down and revenue and political talent both are in short supply. Course we can debate the waterfront for ten more years, and, that will satisfy many. Tons of very empty space downtown and more empty space to come - both commercial and residential. And no jobs.
7
I'm totally onboard with anyone who thinks a city should be run like a business. Bottom line (see what I did there with that pun?), I expect results and demand someone with a proven record of decision making.
And BTW - a vice president doesn't typically do sales which would shed some light on how much you know about business.
And BTW - a vice president doesn't typically do sales which would shed some light on how much you know about business.
8
This idea that Mike McGinn is inexperienced is laughable. He's been active in civic events for the last 20 years. He put his money where his mouth is and walked away from his partnership at a downtown law firm to work for a better future through sustainable economic development, zoning changes, and other non-glamorous but essential work. Mike McGinn has worked with (and at times against) the City. McGinn's actually done stuff like read ordinances and the budget. Mallahan might not be able to tell you what floor the Mayor's office is on.
9
Anyone who compares running a government of any stripe with running a business is an idiot. You're likely the same sort who confuses patriotism with nationalism. If running government were like running business, Ross Perot would have been our president for the last eighteen years.
And yes, a VP is going to know sales, their company is in the business of SELLING CELL PHONES. Goes to show what you know about business, too.
And yes, a VP is going to know sales, their company is in the business of SELLING CELL PHONES. Goes to show what you know about business, too.
10
McGinn better be willing to run some pointed ads (don't think of them as 'attack ads', if it makes you feel better) reminding Seattle that Mallahan has ZERO ZERO ZERO record on any issue of any civic importance whatsoever.
Seriously, it sure feels like this guy Mallahan must have gotten passed over for a promotion, met with his executive career coach, and somehow hatched this crazy plan to run for mayor make himself feel better.
McGinn is probably going to be too librul for my tastes, but at least he has some civic involvement chops. Where do I send my check?
Seriously, it sure feels like this guy Mallahan must have gotten passed over for a promotion, met with his executive career coach, and somehow hatched this crazy plan to run for mayor make himself feel better.
McGinn is probably going to be too librul for my tastes, but at least he has some civic involvement chops. Where do I send my check?
12
It's not that I don't like Greg Nickels, I don't trust the man.
Mallahan should fade quickly under the weight of his lack of accomplishments. This is McGinn's race to lose.
Mallahan should fade quickly under the weight of his lack of accomplishments. This is McGinn's race to lose.
14
I don't know if Mallahan is an "idiot," but I would agree that he is ignorant regarding the basics. Given that he is fundamentally uninformed, it's up to McGinn to effectively point that out w/o turning people off. Best of luck, Mike.
15
Great piece! When one of our politicos gets too nakedly power-mad he gets the boot even if he is otherwise competent. That I like.
What I don't like is that we typically field such a weak-ass bunch of challengers and, yeah, get to watch while they slooowly figure out how to do the goddam job. Jesus fuck.
I can only imagine the speed with which Mallahan could pack City Hall with sharp-dressed sycophants who get their hair cut every two weeks.
And my candidate McGinn has the air of a man who expects a nap, or just woke up from one. I like the commenter above saying he's to be admired for walking away from the lawyer gig. Go buy one of the partners at that firm a coupla beers at the Buckaroo, ask how McGinn got voted in as partner, and why it was he "walked away."
Around here, nobody who can mayor wants to mayor. Or council, for that matter.
What I don't like is that we typically field such a weak-ass bunch of challengers and, yeah, get to watch while they slooowly figure out how to do the goddam job. Jesus fuck.
I can only imagine the speed with which Mallahan could pack City Hall with sharp-dressed sycophants who get their hair cut every two weeks.
And my candidate McGinn has the air of a man who expects a nap, or just woke up from one. I like the commenter above saying he's to be admired for walking away from the lawyer gig. Go buy one of the partners at that firm a coupla beers at the Buckaroo, ask how McGinn got voted in as partner, and why it was he "walked away."
Around here, nobody who can mayor wants to mayor. Or council, for that matter.
16
HEY - HEY - HEY
Think the hard core in Olympia will have fun rolling the newbie Mayor of Seattle? The newbie with NO political ties to speak of, NO history on the issues, NO national fame with connections to DC ... NOT pro labor compared to Nickels ...
course one of them used to run the Sierra Club, that rich city boy elite club ...
You all fucked up. State money will go everywhere but Seattle. Wait for the Oly. pressure to move many state offices to Tacoma or Everett.....
Think the hard core in Olympia will have fun rolling the newbie Mayor of Seattle? The newbie with NO political ties to speak of, NO history on the issues, NO national fame with connections to DC ... NOT pro labor compared to Nickels ...
course one of them used to run the Sierra Club, that rich city boy elite club ...
You all fucked up. State money will go everywhere but Seattle. Wait for the Oly. pressure to move many state offices to Tacoma or Everett.....
17
Reading all the comments I bet that Peter Steinbrueck is kicking himself in the ass right now. Had he run I bet he would have broken the 50% mark in the primary.
18
Peter Steinbrueck is a pussy. By coyly deigning to run, he lost any future vote from me he might have gotten.
19
"In the corporate world, it’s a little bit more insulated. You've got the customer and you’ve got the stockholder essentially, right?"
Actually in a corporation you also have the employees. It is very telling that Mallahan completely forgot about an entire group of people he should be leading when talking about his previous job.
Actually in a corporation you also have the employees. It is very telling that Mallahan completely forgot about an entire group of people he should be leading when talking about his previous job.
20
This is a case where I wish they had the straw poll of 'vote for your 1st choice and then 2nd choice.' Nickles was my 2nd choice, by far.
And hell, I ALMOST VOTE FOR HIM. Why? Because I like the tunnel, and I don't want McGinn to drag out resolution of the viaduct another 4 years while they discuss the surface transit option.
I honestly think what killed Nickles was the snow. Seriously. People were fucking stuck in their homes, in the city. Buses could run, people couldn't drive, accidents were happening everywhere. All because they wouldn't use salt or real plows. I'm sorry, but the safety of every citizen in Seattle versus 3 days of using salts? Bad call mayor, so yes, sorry Greg, but it was the tipping point for me.
That said, I really wish Mallahan would die in a fire.
And hell, I ALMOST VOTE FOR HIM. Why? Because I like the tunnel, and I don't want McGinn to drag out resolution of the viaduct another 4 years while they discuss the surface transit option.
I honestly think what killed Nickles was the snow. Seriously. People were fucking stuck in their homes, in the city. Buses could run, people couldn't drive, accidents were happening everywhere. All because they wouldn't use salt or real plows. I'm sorry, but the safety of every citizen in Seattle versus 3 days of using salts? Bad call mayor, so yes, sorry Greg, but it was the tipping point for me.
That said, I really wish Mallahan would die in a fire.
22
Christopher, you're a week late with that post.
Maybe Nickels can run again in 4 years after we see what we've done to ourselves, especially if Mallahan wins.
I voted for McGinn, but more as a message to Nickels that he's not omnipotent. I figured Nickels would still win, but by a slim enough margin that he started paying attention to more of us than just Paul Allen.
Talk about the law of unintended consequences.
Maybe Nickels can run again in 4 years after we see what we've done to ourselves, especially if Mallahan wins.
I voted for McGinn, but more as a message to Nickels that he's not omnipotent. I figured Nickels would still win, but by a slim enough margin that he started paying attention to more of us than just Paul Allen.
Talk about the law of unintended consequences.
23
All this hooting and hollering over a "newbie" ruining things . . . you do all realize that, at some point, every mayor of this city had not been a mayor before, yes?
24
This is going to be an interesting race, as both survivors clearly polarize: The business people will side with Mallaspam, and the urbanists will side with McGinn. What piques my curiousity is how those undecideds in the middle, many of whom were looking towards voting for Nickels or one of the other failed candidates, will slide.
I may abstain. A couple of colleagues have told me they will abstain. I'd imagine many others are unhappy with the choices and will abstain. 40-45% of the ballots from active voters may be all it takes to win the general.
I may abstain. A couple of colleagues have told me they will abstain. I'd imagine many others are unhappy with the choices and will abstain. 40-45% of the ballots from active voters may be all it takes to win the general.
25
@17: Or Nick Licata. Or maybe even Al Runte!
I think that Nickels lost in part because he had a piss-poor reelection campaign. As a result, I hope Sandeep Kaushik is run out of the local political scene on a rail.
I think that Nickels lost in part because he had a piss-poor reelection campaign. As a result, I hope Sandeep Kaushik is run out of the local political scene on a rail.
27
i agree entirely with this post. i'm one of probably thousands of assholes who didn't bother to vote in the primary, thinking that Nickels would for sure make it. he's effective, get's things done and has national credibility and connections, which helps immensely. i can't believe we're tossing the one politician in this town whose proved himself capable of plowing through our ridiculous process-choked political culture.
28
And yes, a VP is going to know sales, their company is in the business of SELLING CELL PHONES. Goes to show what you know about business, too.
zOMG! they are!?!!
As factually as that may be, it doesn't mean Mallahan was out slanging the product door to door, which is what the blog post implies. Of course he is "going to know sales" but that doesn't equate to the idealogically loaded statement of "phone salesman" - like he is out there screwing people, hacking a worthless product.
I believe leaders of business and government have one large commonality: the ability to prioritize and make difficult decisions for the greater good. Are the two industries the same? No - they are very different in nature and in action.
But I believe what makes one person an excellent performer in one sphere, translates to the second.
zOMG! they are!?!!
As factually as that may be, it doesn't mean Mallahan was out slanging the product door to door, which is what the blog post implies. Of course he is "going to know sales" but that doesn't equate to the idealogically loaded statement of "phone salesman" - like he is out there screwing people, hacking a worthless product.
I believe leaders of business and government have one large commonality: the ability to prioritize and make difficult decisions for the greater good. Are the two industries the same? No - they are very different in nature and in action.
But I believe what makes one person an excellent performer in one sphere, translates to the second.
29
this is exactly why I voted for Nickels.
I was really hoping for a Nickels--McGinn general. I'd greatly prefer a smart, green-leaning, knowledgeable bully to a rich idiot who might be able to buy himself an election over a (super fun) snowstorm.
I was really hoping for a Nickels--McGinn general. I'd greatly prefer a smart, green-leaning, knowledgeable bully to a rich idiot who might be able to buy himself an election over a (super fun) snowstorm.
31
1)by JF's rationale, Harry Reems would make a great mayor of Seattle since he's so good at fucking, he must be competent as a mayor!
2)really tired of hearing how much "fun" the blizzards of last winter were...it was miserable for most people and saying that it was "fun" for you is like saying you had fun during Hurricane Katrina...(yes, I know, thousands of people didn't die, but physically, emotionally, and financially, people were hurt by it...not everyone in Seattle is a hipster working from home who can take time to play outside.)
2)really tired of hearing how much "fun" the blizzards of last winter were...it was miserable for most people and saying that it was "fun" for you is like saying you had fun during Hurricane Katrina...(yes, I know, thousands of people didn't die, but physically, emotionally, and financially, people were hurt by it...not everyone in Seattle is a hipster working from home who can take time to play outside.)
32
Hey, it's just like the 2000 election:
Nader Takes Gore Out, Bush Elected.
McGinn definitely is the enemy of the good.
Nader Takes Gore Out, Bush Elected.
McGinn definitely is the enemy of the good.
33
Strangeways: you get the superwhiner of the week award.
Equating a couple days of snow (which melted) with Hurricane Katrina?
Behold, the spoiled Seattle perma-victim. Insane.
Equating a couple days of snow (which melted) with Hurricane Katrina?
Behold, the spoiled Seattle perma-victim. Insane.
34
Please - listen, everyone who voted for Nickels in the primary, like I did. I am just as disappointed as you in what has happened BUT IT IS NOT OVER. Think about what is going to happen in the upcoming campaign as the primary victors reveal their ignorance, biases and complete LACK OF EXPERIENCE. Trust me, a lot of people will be saying OMG - WHAT HAVE I DONE! We HAVE to give them a chance to correct their mistake. PLEASE, PLEASE join me now in a campaign to WRITE IN Greg Nickels for Mayor.
35
34) Don't write in Nickels. He screwed the pooch and had a lot of the city intentionally voting against him. Anyone could have tied with him in the primary and then won in the general - he just wasn't liked towards the end.
Pick a group, he'd done something to piss them off. Nickelsville for the poor/poverty advocates, nightlife for the hipsters, and the snow storm for the whiny bunch of Seattlites who can't roll with the weather.
I think our energy is better spent making sure McGinn wins and we don't end up with Mallahan buying the city.
Pick a group, he'd done something to piss them off. Nickelsville for the poor/poverty advocates, nightlife for the hipsters, and the snow storm for the whiny bunch of Seattlites who can't roll with the weather.
I think our energy is better spent making sure McGinn wins and we don't end up with Mallahan buying the city.
36
This will be an interesting debate. Let's keep an open mind --- Mallahan and McGinn have very similar positions on the issues, and come from very different backgrounds. Mallahan has finally gotten more specific on his website about his policies, proposals, etc.
McGinn was very general and dismissive on a host of questions we asked him at The Bus Stop last week. I'd like to see more from him --- his transportation plan was basically ignore 520, ride your bike & walk more, etc. No real answer on how to improve the homeless, or interactions with night clubs, etc.
But the guy is smart. So is Mallahan --- and maybe his business experience could be a good thing.
McGinn was very general and dismissive on a host of questions we asked him at The Bus Stop last week. I'd like to see more from him --- his transportation plan was basically ignore 520, ride your bike & walk more, etc. No real answer on how to improve the homeless, or interactions with night clubs, etc.
But the guy is smart. So is Mallahan --- and maybe his business experience could be a good thing.
37
fine...whatever rows your boat Scott, but Superwhiner of the Week had better come with a large cash prize to help defer my days of missed work...
38
I read an interview with Mallahan where he was asked about the Lodging Tax--the funding stream for 4Culture, which provides grants to every artist and arts group that you like--and his answer was "I'm not familiar with that tax."
Stranger, please pin McGinn down on the arts. Is he informed? Will he support the Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs? Your readers care.
Stranger, please pin McGinn down on the arts. Is he informed? Will he support the Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs? Your readers care.
39
It seems pretty likely that the snow fiasco turned the tide against Nickels. Trivial, but there are for sure other reasons to put a foot in his ass. Here's a few of mine (which may well seem trivial to some as well but they are other reasons): the strip club bullshit (and I have never been to a strip club), sending the parking parasites into the neighborhoods in force (nitpicking about parking regulations is a cynical and very very annoying method of raising revenue), and the goddamn plague of town homes and other shitty development that has blighted this city over the last 8 years.
40
The snow plow fiasco was just the final straw for a lot of people - and the reaction and inaction afterwards just sealed the deal.
41
Congrats loony left, you can guarantee most Nickels voters will vote Mallahan rather than a Greenwood twerp who thinks we should all ride bikes and fight "homelessness" to make Seattle a decent place for the middle class.
45
Frizelle claims Nickels has some "major accomplishments" - Frizelle been smoking again! Light rail is a complete boondoggle from the outset, a homage to all that is corruption.
It is a design and engineering disaster; the slightest problem or minimal catastrophe will render it useless. It competes with existing traffic patterns, and those tunnels are absolutely moronic: wrong soil content, which will lead to sink holes forevermore, and constant rebuilding effort.
Tunneling would make sense only for a high-speed bullet train - something we'll never see in this pathetic, quickly devolving country. Any other use, and the expense simply doesn't compute!
It's a completely idiotic design concept regarding use of existing funds and facilities for transportation -- makes no sense at all.
Wasn't Nickels part of that Norm Rice Administration? The one that wanted to pave over Pike Place Market and turn it into Condo Alley? The one that attempted to do away with the P-Patch Program (urban gardens for raising local food and flowers -- and wasn't Nickels the key person behind that attempted destruction?)? The one that gave those low-cost housing funds to the Nordstrom family for their corporation? (Somehow, I don't think any of them live in low-cost housing yet.)
And that CityScapes program ---- spreading garbage over as many city streets and alleyways as possible --- the origin of those dumpsters was to improve public health --- wonder where the money for those dumpsters went since they've either sold them or stopped leasing them?????
Nickels was beloved only by the gaytards and lesboheads (and corporate types), who are those idiots who are only one-track, one-issue clowns ---- akin to those anti-choice religious wackos!
End of story.
More...
It is a design and engineering disaster; the slightest problem or minimal catastrophe will render it useless. It competes with existing traffic patterns, and those tunnels are absolutely moronic: wrong soil content, which will lead to sink holes forevermore, and constant rebuilding effort.
Tunneling would make sense only for a high-speed bullet train - something we'll never see in this pathetic, quickly devolving country. Any other use, and the expense simply doesn't compute!
It's a completely idiotic design concept regarding use of existing funds and facilities for transportation -- makes no sense at all.
Wasn't Nickels part of that Norm Rice Administration? The one that wanted to pave over Pike Place Market and turn it into Condo Alley? The one that attempted to do away with the P-Patch Program (urban gardens for raising local food and flowers -- and wasn't Nickels the key person behind that attempted destruction?)? The one that gave those low-cost housing funds to the Nordstrom family for their corporation? (Somehow, I don't think any of them live in low-cost housing yet.)
And that CityScapes program ---- spreading garbage over as many city streets and alleyways as possible --- the origin of those dumpsters was to improve public health --- wonder where the money for those dumpsters went since they've either sold them or stopped leasing them?????
Nickels was beloved only by the gaytards and lesboheads (and corporate types), who are those idiots who are only one-track, one-issue clowns ---- akin to those anti-choice religious wackos!
End of story.
47
I'd be happy to tell why I voted for Mallahan. I talked to McGinn. I asked him questions and he dismissed or dodged them, as well as several others asked by other people there. I had ideas and he rejected them offhand.
I then met Mallahan. I asked him questions and he at least provided an answer that was intelligent. I gave him the same ideas that I had given McGinn and he was receptive and said that they were really good and asked me to email them to him so that he remembers them.
Overall, the sense that I get from McGinn is "tunnel bad, green good" and that seems to be where he turns all of his answers. True, Mallahan isn't always the best public speaker but I have found him receptive to input from constituents as well as far more specific in what he'll actually do.
In the end, I won't be horribly dissapointed if McGinn wins; both he and Mallahan are strong candidates and would both be good for Seattle, however I feel that Mallahan represents me better than McGinn does and will be a better mayor. I'm very happy about this race because now we get to choose between two good candidates instead of just voting against one particular idiot.
Finally, Nickels had plenty of political experience and look what happened. I welcome someone who isn't a career politician. I don't want someone to spend 2-4 years learning how to be a politician. I want someone who is going to spend 4 years managing this city competently and both McGinn and Mallahan have the kind of experience necessary to do that.
I then met Mallahan. I asked him questions and he at least provided an answer that was intelligent. I gave him the same ideas that I had given McGinn and he was receptive and said that they were really good and asked me to email them to him so that he remembers them.
Overall, the sense that I get from McGinn is "tunnel bad, green good" and that seems to be where he turns all of his answers. True, Mallahan isn't always the best public speaker but I have found him receptive to input from constituents as well as far more specific in what he'll actually do.
In the end, I won't be horribly dissapointed if McGinn wins; both he and Mallahan are strong candidates and would both be good for Seattle, however I feel that Mallahan represents me better than McGinn does and will be a better mayor. I'm very happy about this race because now we get to choose between two good candidates instead of just voting against one particular idiot.
Finally, Nickels had plenty of political experience and look what happened. I welcome someone who isn't a career politician. I don't want someone to spend 2-4 years learning how to be a politician. I want someone who is going to spend 4 years managing this city competently and both McGinn and Mallahan have the kind of experience necessary to do that.
48
@46, what evidence do you have of Steinbrueck cheating on his wife? How is he a scumbag?
From JeffT -- he and I both went to McGinn and Mallahan campaign events together. And Mallahan's website has far more ideas, probably 3 or 4 times as many as McGinn's, along with some specifics on how he wants to achieve them, like cutting consultant contracts by 25% to save tens of millions, etc.
Have ANY of you actually taken the time to read their websites, investigate their proposals? And does anyone think about the shitfest that will be revoking the tunnel option? Does anyone realize that funnel all those fucking cars on I-5 and side streets will be (A) environmentally idiotic and (B) won't help anyone unless you ride your bike like McGinn, and finally (C) aren't people concerned that McGinn rides his bike and still, in the Stranger's terms, is "shaped like a mayor."
Ok, that last one was a joke.
From JeffT -- he and I both went to McGinn and Mallahan campaign events together. And Mallahan's website has far more ideas, probably 3 or 4 times as many as McGinn's, along with some specifics on how he wants to achieve them, like cutting consultant contracts by 25% to save tens of millions, etc.
Have ANY of you actually taken the time to read their websites, investigate their proposals? And does anyone think about the shitfest that will be revoking the tunnel option? Does anyone realize that funnel all those fucking cars on I-5 and side streets will be (A) environmentally idiotic and (B) won't help anyone unless you ride your bike like McGinn, and finally (C) aren't people concerned that McGinn rides his bike and still, in the Stranger's terms, is "shaped like a mayor."
Ok, that last one was a joke.
49
@17 we talked to Peter Steinbrueck at Fado (that's where Mallahan's primary night party was btw, not McGinn's) and he is definitely not kicking himself in the ass for not running. He was offered a fellowship at Harvard and he said it was a difficult choice for him but he's glad that he made the choice that he did. He also had some choice words describing Nickels. I agree however that had he run, he would have dominated.
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