If it were a doctor’s appointment, they’d charge him a no-show fee.
Citing a scheduling conflict that they say can’t be helped, the Nickels campaign has contacted the organizers of tomorrow’s event to say that Hizzoner won’t be there after all, despite having previously committed to attend.
“It’s a slap in the face,” said Yalonda Gill Masundire, community organizer and chair of the committee that’s hosting the Southeast Seattle Candidates’ Forum. “A lot of people were looking forward to hearing from all of the candidates running for City positions in the upcoming Primary Election on August 18; and especially the mayoral candidates.”
“We’re disappointed,” she added. “But are certainly looking forward to hearing from the other 26 candidates. This is a missed opportunity for Greg Nickels.”
The event – scheduled for from 6 to 9:30pm at the Aki Kurose Middle School Auditorium (3928 S. Graham St.) – is designed to help citizens vet the candidates, prepare their ballots and vote in the important upcoming Primary Election coming up next month. More on the event…
Contact the Mayor:
- E-mail the Mayor (Be sure to include your full name and mailing address in your e-mail)
- Call the Mayor’s office: (206) 684-4000
- Send a letter: Mayor’s Office, Seattle City Hall 7th floor, 600 Fourth Avenue, P.O. Box 94749, Seattle, WA 98124-4749
Related:
Loading ...
{ 29 comments }
I almost wish I put money on him withdrawing prior to the forum…….
Maybe he had a dinner to attend with some of the Lake Union Developers?
Tom A.
………….and oh, by the way, how insulting is it that the Mayor didn’t have the integrity to say to the alleged new conflict/appointment :
“this is an important meeting, but I’ve already made a commitment to SE Seattle which I have to honor. Can we look at doing something before, after or another day”………….I’ve heard some say there is no honor in politics…………in a case like this they may be right.
Until I started paying attention to what the city was doing, or in some cases wasn’t doing, to or for the city of Seattle, I supported Mayor Nickels…….and on many topics I still would…..but over the last 12 months it is clear to me Mayor Nickels does not have the interests of our community in mind.
Tom A.
Tom A.
Give him a break! He was just here on Saturday, down at the Columbia City Station (with balloons and campaign signs in tow.) Do we really expect the poor guy to make the arduous trip twice in so little time?
Luigia,
we haven’t corresponded before so I don’t know if you’re serious:
The first event was to support the new light rail system, which, by the way, isn’t doing so well. Tomorrow’s event was to share information with the community about what he would do if here were elected for another four years. SE Seattle isn’t a priority for the Mayor – and maybe he’s right……the 98118/98144 districts may not have enough active voters to make a difference in his campaign.
Tom A.
Bottom line he took a beating today at the Seattle Times event and is running out of answers. Hopefully people will look to candidates that don’t have any ties to the current mayor or council.
As for Saturday, he got his photo op and claimed victory. Notice how Sound Transit hasn’t published numbers for service on the paid days yet? Not that it’s necessarily doing poorly but its curious how the PR has shut down so quickly.
To the editor – it would be nice if you could indicate paid political ads similar to what the West Seattle blog is doing.
As Maya Angelou says…”when people show you who they are..Believe Them!” the mayor is happy to show up at ribbon cutting ceremonies but will not roll up his sleeves for SE Seattle and face the citizens. We have real issues so let’s vote for a new mayor – one that will pick up a shovel alongside with us!
What a loser. I’m excited to get rid of that guy. I’m just not too excited about the alternatives. The next front runner, Drago, seems like another nickels in pants. Oh well, maybe next time.
There’s whole bunch of other candidates besides Nickels and Drago.
“The first event was to support the new light rail system, which, by the way, isn’t doing so well.”
Anybody looking for a more, um, thorough and balanced assessment than this should read Seattle Transit Blog. By the way.
@Anonymous – whom do you recommend? I’m starting to dislike Drago intensely. I don’t think Nickels is as bad as he’s made out to be. Which is good, because I don’t see a challenger on the horizon who has much of a chance against Nickels. Please tip me off on your winning horse.
“I’m starting to dislike Drago intensely.”
What’s bugging you?
Don’t feel too badly about that bet, Tom A. I don’t think you could have found anyone to take you up on it anyway.
Still lovin’ our Dear Mayor, eh Trellis? Well, I do admire your optimism. And also wonder who the viable alternative is, boy is there a HUGE WIDE CHASM of an opportunity for someone with the cache, or should I just say cash? Anyway, how’s the water in that river in Egypt? Should we all just jump on in?
No, Dear Mayor doesn’t want to make that trip to the DMZ twice in a week…(da muggin’ zone). Luigia was being facetious, Tom A. I’m sure of it. Showing up here and having all the locals pummel him about the crime isn’t exactly the PR he needs to convince the rest of the city they should park the beemers and strap their Prada bags to their torsos. It ain’t easy, being green…ya know?
You know I just about got accosted just a couple days ago pulling over in the driveway next to the RB Safeway to text. Dude was workin’ on his drink and a doob right off of the sidewalk!! Did this surprise me? No, because old MJ (no, not the moonwalker) IS about to be the next legal, taxable Bud-wizer. Because I thought people didn’t get aggro on weed. I actually had to peel out of there before things got outta control he was so PISSED! And maybe it was the fact that he was under the influence but he wasn’t worried about getting a ride-a-long in the pretty blue car. bold.
How many people of color where expect at the debate tonight? After all this is SE Seattle.
I dont know why Nickels pulled out. I actually hate that everyone and their mother thinks it right to have a debate in their backyard. We should wait until the primary is over when all the clowns who really dont know why they are running dont make it through the primary.
And please dont buy the crimes punchlines that these other candidates are putting out. You say the Mayor wont come back to SE Seattle. Why don’t you ask when the last time any other the other candidates even stepped foot in SE Seattle.
Trellis,
We’re going with Mallahan. Yeah, he funded his own campaign and yes his friends from T-Mobile contributed to his campaign. Last I checked T-Mobile hasn’t squeezed the city for anything and I like a fellow who puts his money where his mouth is. He’s also the only candidate that has called Nickels out on the carpet versus acting super nice. I hope he doesn’t go too negative but asking tough questions is something this town doesn’t do.
Why? First and foremost is that he has promised to give us crime info on a real time basis and soon as possible. 2nd, he is about accountability and results – I trust that he will get things done. 3rd, he has not ties with the current administration in any way shape or form.
All for now – hope to see all of you tonight!
Let’s make our voice and votes count!!!
fyi – Yesterday, I watched the live debate on the Seattle Times. The only candidate who talked about putting real-time crime stats and info in the hands of the community was Joe Mallahan. He was talking about how one Seattle resident had to use the Freedom Of Information Act to get basic data. I think this Joe Mallahan is the one to watch tonight.
hram
I appreciate your point, but the other candidates aren’t exactly on my payroll yet, now are they?
ahow –
I am just pointing out that I have never seen joe at any community meeting before. It is easy to criticize incumbents in fact it is a super easy campaign for joe considering the amount of money he has. I also hear that he has hired a opposition researcher based in the midwest. But where are the plans? It is also easy to say “i will reverse everything the Mayor has done.” Give me exact ways that you are going to make it work. It is also easy to say that I will have the community at the table but what does that mean?
By the way although Mallahan is attacking Nickels I would say Donaldson is running the most negative campaign. Say what you want about Nickels…and I can say plenty (i.e. crime) but at least when he has proposed policy plans for the future that we can wrap our heads around. That said he still has not earned my vote. Light rail is huge . I disagree with Tom A. that is a failure.
hram-
I guess it is a simple fact of life that we’ll never be top of the list of ‘hoods to show your face in-for any candidate. SE Seattle lacks cache(cash), sorry to hit that one again…
But seriously, b4 you applaud too loudly on the Light Rail…think about what we paid for and what we got.
http://seattlepostglobe.org/2009/07/17/should-nickels-get-credit-for-light-rails-opening
And don’t forget the boondoggle of the monorail, which of course the Mayor was initially behind (couldn’t piss off his W Seattle constituents, could he?), and only w/drew his support after it was apparent the project was financially untenable.
Even if you really like Link, and think it doesn’t stink, is this what you expected for nearly 2.5 B-B-B-Billion (sorry for the E. Fudd moment there.)
Does he really represent thoughtful, organized, intelligent leadership? Or is he just the guy who bets on black and red and figures either way he’s comes out looking golden, even if not technically “ahead”?
Maybe you’re right and the only change we can consider is a pocket full of Jeffersons (no, not as in Weezie). To riff upon an old fart’s wise words: “Nickels is the worst possible candidate. Except for all the others.”
We’ll see, its early. As for me, I’m not looking to see that SE Seattle gets special promises or preferential treatment. Just not the shaft. Shoot, if I canceled this late with my hair stylist I couldn’t show my face in there again.
Frankly, if someone promised me foot patrols I’d probably swoon.
@editor – Drago, in my experience, does not even pretend to listen to constituents. She’ll like wave you away with a “Send me an email…” or some such.
@ Trellis, on Drago we agree.
Was looking for you at the forum tonight – thought I saw you but wasn’t sure.
Mallahan and a couple others stood out. Now the question is who is electable?
Tom A.
I had the pleasure of speaking to a couple of folks who had worked for Joe Mallahan. They no longer worked for him, did but thought enough of him to drive 30 miles to be at the event. Their comments:
1. He would speak to three groups when there was a problem to solve, management level, supervision level and workers. He would then bring together a diverse group who understood the problem on all levels and solve the problem. He is a leader and problem solver.
2. Recently there was a tropical storm threatening the gulf coast. He brought in his techies and they worked all weekend to be sure people could use their cell phones even if they had run out of minutes. He wanted even expired phones to be able to summon help. He cares.
3. He was known for taking on difficult complex multifaceted problems and gathering the right people to solve the problem and lead them in their problem solving. This man sound like someone we need.
4. He did not study the problem to death. He gathered the needed information and people and solved the problem. When is the last time the mayor or anyone on the city council did that.
From the vote this evening many others felt the same.
@Tom A., I arrived in time for the Mayoral panel — I missed the rest. I think I saw you, too, after it broke up.
Thanks to the volunteers and organizers. This was a terrific chance to get a feel for each of the candidates. I’d never been to such a thing and I learned lots.
Mallahan really cheered the Southeast Seattle crowd by pressing their hot buttons: let crime data flow freely and put in park and rides! Woo hoo! But he comes off as a corporate suit with a goofy smile who talks a good game against the Mayor yet hasn’t enough political or policy expertise to suggest what he’d do differently. His motto is “I will deliver basic city services efficiently!” Gee, that’s inspiring. On the stump he trends toward demagogue-lite. Blech.
Drago knows how government works and is experienced working with policy: admirable. She gets a bit enmeshed, though, in details and programs, occasionally offering up odd ones with a tin ear for her audience. I like some of her positions but not others. She’s not very likable. Do you think she polled so poorly tonight because she is the Old White Lady?
I like where McGinn comes from. He has sterling community organizing credentials and environmental policy positions. But I’m still taken aback when I remember how he sounds when he opens his mouth! (that was mean; but he could be a better speaker)
Wyking was very forceful and convincing, with sterling social justice/community organizing credentials. Impressive. He needs to broaden his appeal beyond his core constituency, though.
Norm Sigler is young and intelligent. It’s humble and open of him when he acknowledges that because he doesn’t know everything, he’ll listen hard to every neighborhood’s concerns. But he says it so often that after a while you get the impression that he doesn’t know anything.
That former basketball player was out of his depth.
Mayor Nickels was AWOL, a really a disrespectful move. Had he appeared, though, he would have — purely as a politician — wiped the floor with these challengers.
I predict a third term for Nickels.
@ Trellis – yes, that was me…..I should have said hello.
Prediction – If Mallahan wins the primary, he has a 75% chance of winning the election. Remember, every vote counts.
Agree with you on all of your assessments except the one below.
His motto is “I will deliver basic city services efficiently!” isn’t that inspiring?
Considering how poorly The Mayor runs Seattle I’d have to say it is inspiring. Further, Mallahan has run a major business – which is what an elected official is supposed to do. Mayor Nickels is entrusted with the responsible and equitable management of our tax dollars and he’s failed miserably.
Tom A.
Seattle is a big business approaching a billion dollars a year. It need to be run by folks who have the skills that would be found in big business. As it stands now, any business run like Seattle would be quickly bandrupt and out of business. Our City Council is only exceeded by our mayor in their lack of care, concern and management ability.
Have you looked at one of the light rail cars. I have not seen one with more that 10 passengers. the rider pays a couple of bucks for a ticket. Who picks up the other $300 a rider?
Pack people into SE Seattle to make the train a little more successful. Let the rest of the city enjoy their open spaces. Pack the open spaces in SE with city housing.
I think having someone with business experience in City Hall will be a relief. In addition Joe has shown that Big bussiness can have a heart. It can take care of those at risk. (Emergency phone service for those with expired phones.)
We need a leader. Joe has proven leadership skills. Seattle deserves much better leadership than we now have. Seattle deserves to be well run. We deserve to have Departments that are well run. We deserve to know crime statistics, it is our city and neighborhoods. Our kids deserve to have safe neighborhoods and streets. The mayor seems to have forgot all this.
Fred, with respect, you offer specious arguments.
If I were to swallow your thinking, all successful medium- to large-sized American cities would need to be governed by corporate managers. (Do you hear that? It’s the chill going up my spine.) We want good governance, but it should be obvious that Big Business bona fides are no guarantor of good governance.
You’re shocked that, in their first week, light rail cars lightly ridden. Ergo, light rail is a horrible failure! Well, the system is built to handle larger passenger volumes in coming months and years. And in the real world, it takes time to build ridership, for people to take their first ride, for people to re-arrange their commuting habits.
“Pack people into SE Seattle to make the train a little more successful. Let the rest of the city enjoy their open spaces. Pack the open spaces in SE with city housing.” I can smell a conspiracy theorist from a mile away, usually because they make no sense.
“Big business can have a heart [and] take care of those at risk.” Respectfully, what has this to do with the Mayoral race? So what? Big business can also not have heart, or hearts. I’m won’t bore you with examples.
Seattle deserves good leadership, competent governance, open government, data transparency, and public safety. No question.
No one has convinced me that Joe Mallahan has what it takes, including Joe Mallahan himself.
trellis
I agree that although we don’t want our governance beholden to big business, I don’t see that in fredq’s remark. He states that we need someone with the skills to run a business, and Joe’s experience is only a single route to that endpoint. A successful career politician may also have those skills, acquired through different experiences.
Should we use corporate credentials as a basis of eliminating a candidate any more than we should marginalize a career public servant as a cog in the matrix? Both errors occur, and both are equally specious.
It is Joe’s success as a business leader, and his means of methods (which is where I think all the “heart” talk comes from) of achieving that success that should be scrutinized. Success extracted exclusively from a zero sum game is not truly success, in business or in governance.
@ Trellis – sometimes I think you just like being a contrarian
@ahow — I take your point. You make it more skillfully than Fred did.
@Tom A. — Hmm. What can I say, Tom? You’re wrong!
Comments on this entry are closed.