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.

Michael McGinn is the Only Candidate for Mayor Who Will Stop the Tunnel — the Largest Tax Increase in Seattle History.

Three things you should know about the proposed tunnel megaproject.

• It will cost $4.2 billion, requiring the largest tax increase in Seattle history.
• There will be no downtown on-ramps or exits, making it useless for 59.8% of current viaduct traffic.
• Seattle taxpayers are liable for all cost overruns — which could be in the billions.

There are smarter and cheaper solutions to replacing the viaduct. Seattle has many urgent needs and continue reading »

Late yesterday, Mayor Greg Nickels launched an attack on Mike McGinn claiming “to set the record straight” against “distortions.”

Let’s truly set the record straight. Here’s the record from the Associated Press (3/15/2007):

“Noting previous Seattle votes against expressways, Nickels said, ‘The voters have again told us loud and clear that a new freeway through the heart and soul of the city is not the answer. I couldn’t agree more.’

He appeared to rule out the viaduct rebuild and said he will not pursue a tunnel. continue reading »

Today, Publicola reported that the City will release its revenue forecast after the election, and that it will be “awful.”  Declining revenues will make it increasingly difficult to maintain basic services, ensure public safety and provide services to those in need.

“Given Seattle’s spiraling budget crisis, Greg Nickels and Joe Mallahan need to come clean with the public about how they intend to raise $930 million dollars from Seattle residents to pay for the Viaduct Tunnel that they both support,” said Michael McGinn.  ”Specifically, what taxes or fees will they increase, who will they impose them on, and how long will the taxes last?”

“There’s a little over a week left in this election and Seattle voters deserve to know the truth about their plans,” McGinn said.

Michael McGinn opposes the deep bore tunnel mega-project to replace the viaduct because it is too expensive and is the wrong priority for Seattle.  The $930 million commitment from Mayor Greg Nickels would be the largest single tax increase in Seattle history.  It is approximately equal to every special property tax levy that Seattle  residents are currently paying.

“With the tough budget choices this city faces, I don’t think we can afford to give Nickels and Mallahan a blank check for boondoggles.  The public deserves answers to these basic questions before making their choice for Mayor,” said McGinn.

Last night we exceeded our pledge-drive goal of 75 pledges! Thank you for all your donations. We are on the final push—ballots should arrive in your mailbox today or tomorrow. We know that the most persuasive political communication is when a friend tells another friend about a candidate.

You taking the time to ask your family, friends, and colleagues to vote for Mike is better than a week of TV.

Please copy the below message and email it to friends, family and colleagues!

Getting our message out is the way we will WIN this primary.

Thank you,

Michael McGinn

E-mail Message

Dear family, friends and colleagues,

It is increasingly clear that we are going to get a new Mayor. We have the power to decide what kind of a city we want Seattle to become.

As our Mayor, Mike McGinn will stop the $4.2 billion deep-bore tunnel that politicians are trying to force on us. It’s too expensive—the largest tax increase in Seattle history.

Improve Transit
Mike McGinn will expand light rail, add bus service and increase biking and walking options. He will work with Metro to make overcrowded buses a thing of the past.

Responsible for Seattle Schools
Mike McGinn agrees with the Obama Administration that mayors should take responsibility for city schools. He will turn Seattle schools around and be held accountable for their success or failure.

Technology
Mike McGinn will upgrade our Internet infrastructure to keep Seattle competitive in the world economy.

Mike McGinn is our only chance for an actual debate in the Mayor’s race.  He offers the only real alternative to Nickels policies, a new direction for Seattle’s future and opportunity for us to have a real debate about our future.

McGinn in the news:
The Stranger | He’s Our Only Chance for an Actual Debate
The Seattle Times | He’s the Guy Against the Tunnel