Charismatic. A grassroots campaigner and community organizer. Liberal. Lawyer.
Sound familiar? If you’re thinking this describes President Barack Obama, you’re right. It also describes Mike McGinn, who should be Seattle’s choice for mayor.
While both McGinn and Mallahan are new to politics, the difference between the candidates is evident from their professional history and campaign management.
At a forum Saturday in Pigott Auditorium, one audience member asked McGinn a question Seattle should have on its mind: What is your management style?
Outgoing Mayor Greg Nickels is infamous for having a top-down management style—one that was abrasive and agenda driven with little room for community input. Nickels lost in the primary because that strategy does not serve the people.
Mallahan said earlier in the forum that he promises to serve his customers, the citizens of Seattle. McGinn, on the other hand, said he takes a collaborative approach to politics, and it’s true.
McGinn runs an entirely volunteer campaign and has spent significantly less than Mallahan. His presence on social networks and a tour of 18 town halls shows commitment to being among the people and engaging with their needs.
McGinn’s collaborative approach also shines through in his neighborhood policy. He calls neighborhoods “the soul” of Seattle and hopes to give them more authority. He has been the president of a neighborhood council and co-founder and executive director of Great City, which coordinates neighborhoods and businesses for the sustainable city living.
Mallahan comes from a business background, and while his social justice initiative at various companies deserves recognition, Seattle doesn’t need a big business mayor.
McGinn understands, while Mallahan doesn’t, that Seattle needs to be looking to a future that requires green jobs, green living and effective public transportation with fewer cars on the roads.
McGinn will work to expand light rail, streamline the bus system and make roads bike friendly. Early in his campaign, McGinn was well known for his opposition to the tunnel replacement of the Alaska Way Viaduct. He said Monday that if elected he would oppose the tunnel but would still approve funding for it. Some might say it was a flip-flop, a desperate attempt to gain mainstream support.
But really it’s a sign of what Seattle needs most: A mayor who listens. Vote McGinn for mayor.
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