The Stranger filed a public records request for all the letters sent to Mayor Mike McGinn via an online "citizen response" form on the city website. Missives to the mayor since January of this year range from thoughtful analysis of the city's challenges to what are, apparently, text messages from Joni Balter. We'll be rolling them out on Slog for a week. Here are a few to get you started:
January 8, 2011
Greetings Mayor McGinn! I'm hoping you can settle a simple but longstanding debate we have been having among employees at Microsoft. Do you acknowledge the term "Seatown" as common local terminology for our beloved city of Seattle? Sincerely, Lars
February 2, 2011
My wife and I visit Seattle several times weekly for events, restaurants, her work, and because her family lives in Magnolia. I have lived in this area for 33 years. Two comments: First, the streets in Seattle are in horrible shape and I'm not referring to just potholes. Second, we often frequent the Westlake Mall area with our children and it seems like every protest, vigil, march, etc. is held there at Westlake 'Park'. Why does the city keep granting permits for that area when it's primarily a shopping and food destination. I'm tired of skirting the crowds protesting whatever and do not want my family caught up in any violence that might ensue. Let them demonstrate at Golden Gardens or Pier 91, or anywhere but Westlake Mall/Park.
Thank you. Jim
March 17, 2011
fuck you mcginn. what a goddamn phony. mr. bike rider. right. fattest bike rider i ever saw. one term mayor, that's for sure.
April 4, 2011
So if the City is so broke, How can we aford all of the new Painted bike lanes? You are what they are saying, Mayor McSCHWINN! Come on, get real and start requiring bike license and make them obey the rules of the road. 21:08 Stephen
Many more to come, y'all.