Westside Seattle asked the three candidates vying for the District 1 Seattle City Council seat to answer a single question.

Why vote for them? Here are their responses:

Why Vote for Lisa Herbold (incumbent)

Why vote for me? I’ve worked to keep people in their homes through emergency rent support and improved laws. I’ve worked to dramatically increase the city’s response to homelessness with permanent housing, temporary shelters, and tiny houses. But there’s more to do, such as providing enhanced shelter to bring people inside, building permanent supportive housing for people suffering from mental illness and substance use disorder, and Identifying key interventions like the Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion program to stop the revolving door between county jail and the streets.

The Seattle Times says I’ve raised the bar on constituent services. My staff and I spend time every day helping you improve our community, whether by getting you help from a city department through our constituent case management services or giving you information about legislation that the Council is considering. Alongside you, I’ve worked to successfully extend the hours at Colman Pool, secure more funding for late night programming at the South Park Community Center, increase bus service to all areas of District 1, and ensure that small businesses like Luna Park Café have a voice at the City by effectively advocating for their needs when city departments aren’t going the extra mile. And yes, I’ve worked to get cats down when they're stuck up a utility pole. 

Why Vote for Phil Tavel ?

Because I have the skills necessary to address the pressing, unmet needs of our city.  I have been a public defender for the past fifteen years and I have also served as a pro tem Judge in King County District Court. We need to better utilize our criminal justice system to help people stuck in a cycle of undiagnosed mental health disorders, untreated substance abuse issues, not having any real support system to rely on and no path to permanent housing or the potential of a job.  I understand our criminal justice system and how it needs to change to be more effective. I can work effectively with the City Prosecutor, the Department of Public Defense, the King County Jail, the Police, probation, social services and the indigent defendants who are ending up untreated, unsupported and living on our streets.  I have been on the Southwest Precinct Advisory Council for the past three years and I understand what the Seattle Police Department needs to be more effective, as well as being more transparent and accountable.  We must start enforcing the laws of our city, effectively and equitably for all.  Everyone deserves to feel safe and protected. Right now, we also need someone on our Council who is a problem solver, and who can provide leadership and direction for our city.  I taught Physics for nearly 10 years, I have been a business owner, I worked for the National Science Foundation, I am a successful trial lawyer, a mediator, a fundraiser and a community activist.  I have the experience and skills necessary to address our issues around homelessness, public safety, transportation, affordability and ineffective city government. I will listen and I will work with business and private interests to make Seattle better for all of us.

Why Vote for Brendan Kolding?

Seattle is in a state of crisis.  Our first step toward solving our homelessness problem and decreasing Seattle’s rising crime rate must be to ensure that immediately-accessible emergency housing is available along with specialized treatment programs to encourage a safe and secure transition into a permanent living situation. It is crucial to offer all appropriate services to those suffering on the streets before resorting to enforcement of laws related to pedestrian interference, camping, or criminal trespass.

Martin v. City of Boise is the case that frames the situation. Last year, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled law enforcement cannot arrest or cite people for sitting, sleeping, or camping outside unless there are shelter options readily available to them. Simply stated, we cannot take enforcement action against people in these situations if we do not provide them with reasonable shelter.  We need to take on the challenge of getting enough shelter space available to meet the demands of our growing homeless population.  I am an advocate of using FEMA-style tents for this purpose.  Once we accomplish that, we will be able to start improving the quality of life for all members of the community.  If an individual denies shelter or services, the law must be enforced to keep Seattle’s streets clean and, most importantly, safe.

Addressing the root causes of homelessness is imperative if we are to reach a solution to the current crisis, as opposed to constantly settling for temporary solutions. Businesses are moving out of Seattle. Seattle residents are moving out of the city and newcomers are choosing to reside elsewhere to avoid property crimes and other serious circumstances that have been brought on by the epidemics of homelessness, addiction, and mental illness. We cannot continue to let Seattle suffer. Change must start now.