(Photo by Jen Nance)

In a debate today at the Cinerama, Michael McGinn showed that he has the knowledge, experience and temperament to be mayor of Seattle.

The topics ranged from incentive-zoning in the city and how our tax dollars are spent to ways for neighborhoods to have their voices heard in the conversation about the future of their community.

Michael said that “politicians love to talk about how they create jobs, but we also need to a create a place to attract and grow business.  The mayor’s job is to have a city that works.” continue reading »

The threat posed by opponents to civil rights cannot be underestimated, and it will take a smart and dedicated campaign to pass R-71.  I look forward to working closely with Senator Ed Murray and other leaders in our city to make sure we do everything possible to maximize the vote coming out of Seattle for this important measure.

R-71 expands the rights and responsibilities of domestic partners registered in our state.  This legislation brings us closer to full equality and represents a step forward for our society.

In 2004 I read the decision of Judge William Downing of King County Superior Court, which ruled that it was unconstitutional to deny marriage to same sex couples.  His ruling was clear, unequivocal, and signaled a new age.  I was disappointed when the State Supreme Court overturned that decision in 2006 on grounds that do not stand up to scrutiny.

Our democracy is built on equality, and together we can protect the rights of all citizens.