Close to 70 concerned citizens came out to Gas Works Park on June 15 for a chance to speak face-to-face with City Council candidates.

Presented by the Fremont, Green Lake, Greenwood and Wallingford Chambers of Commerce and North Seattle Industrial Association & Aurora Merchants Association, "Politics Not As Usual" allowed Seattle residents to learn more about the candidates to make an informed vote later this year.

In a speed-networking setting, politicians made their way from table to table to listen to people's concerns and questions while enjoying some sunshine and a lunch.

All the politicians that were present at the event are campaigning for positions that are up for elections in 2011. Among the politicians present were Jean Godden, Bruce Harrell, Tim Burgess, Tom Rasmussen, Sally Clark, Maurice Classen, Bobby Forch, and Diane Ferguson.

Along with disapproval of the tunnel, the biggest topic of the afternoon seemed to be parking taxes.

"I'm here because I like to tell council members what I think about the parking taxes," said Ken Phillips Jr. who works for U-Park and has two parking lots in Ballard. "We [in the commercial parking business] feel singled out. I'd like to get it rescinded."

Phillips Jr. said the business has to pay an additional 12.5 percent in taxes since the commercial parking tax passed, raising his total taxes to 20 percent.

Jeanne Muir from Urban Relations shared a more radical idea with council member Tim Burgess. " It's unfair that only business districts have to pay parking taxes. I think we should be paying for parking on residential streets as well."

Louis Olay from Heritage Bank is a member of the Fremont Chamber and came out to hear more about the tunnel and parking.

"I might be barking up the wrong tree here, the tunnel is kind of a done deal. It's the most expensive, least effective," Olay said.

Moving on to the topic of parking taxes, Olay said it has hurt businesses in Fremont.

Olay said he enjoyed the opportunity to talk with the candidates.

"It's rare you get that much time with the candidates. I was unfamiliar with some of them but I'm definitely more informed now," he said, adding that he expects a high turn around in the elections.

A desire for change seemed evident in the sharp criticism Mayor McGinn and the city council received by both residents and candidates.

"In a time of recession, I don't think he's being smart with his dollars," said Diane Ferguson, who's running for Seattle City Council position number 9.

"But with that said, the council hasn't stepped up either," Ferguson added, expressing a which to improve communication with the people once she is elected.

"Issues-wise, I'm very in sync with the mayor. But I'm very frustrated of his transition of neighborhood activist to a position of power has shut the door to some people and issues he worked with in the past," added candidate Michael Taylor-Judd, a transit advocate and active member of the 34th District Democrats.

Overall, the speed-networking opportunity was well received by the participants.

"I enjoyed it. [The candidates] are very good listeners," said Phillips Jr.