-Our city is at a turning point.
We haven't had leadership that listens.
We aren't able to trust that our elected officials
will do a good job.
We've been hindered by political games,
inflexibility, indecisiveness, and special-interest money.
We can't afford more of the same.
I decided to run the day my son was born.
I need him to grow up in a place
where leaders behave like leaders,
and respond to their neighbors when they are called upon.
In my role as a husband, father, business owner,
care provider, activist, and substitute teacher,
I've learned that the most important piece of our lives
is how we can be of service to our community.
I would like to serve because we need 1 million square feet
of home for our homeless neighbors
within the next three years,
creating a pathway to allow for temporary sanctioned encampments
for those who aren't yet ready to come inside.
Ending the practice of sweeps and adding wraparound services
will allow people to build self-sufficient lives
of meaning.
Additionally, we're going to reinstate the free-ride zone,
so that Seattle becomes a leader on public transit opportunities
for all people nationwide.
Immediately, we need to leave the war on drugs behind,
and invest in education, support services, and job training.
I will work to create a jobs pipeline
into our new public safety models
for formerly incarcerated persons,
so that those with lived experience
can be the next caseworkers,
mental health crisis responders, and more.
My campaign is being run
exactly how I will run my office --
with hard work,
conversations with our neighbors,
and by building solutions together.
I'm the only candidate funding their campaign
entirely using public funds from democracy vouchers,
because we all know money and politics don't mix.
Thank you. I hope to earn your vote.