Seattle is starving
for effective leadership.
Out of 15 candidates in the primary,
I received the most votes because I said
I will be the mayor who makes no excuses
and acts with a sense of urgency.
I will unite our communities
and make real progress
on the challenges we face.
I have a proven track record of doing so.
My father was one
of City Light's first Black union linemen,
and my Japanese mother was cruelly interned
during World War II.
Their fight for equity and justice
drives my public service
to work for you.
The homelessness crisis is our first priority.
I don't make excuses.
I take action and here's my plan.
Using at least 12 percent of our budget
as a baseline, we will secure
$140 million in federal funds
to provide immediate housing.
We will build 2,000 units
our first year alone.
We have the sites. We have the money.
Let's clean up our parks,
school properties, and sidewalks.
Our written plan will be accessible to you
by a click of a button.
Next, we must unite
around an economic recovery for all,
assisting downtown
and neighborhood small businesses.
We will create a job center
connecting people to careers.
You may recall
I led the $15 minimum-wage discussion,
and now I'll work to expand child care,
affordable housing, and transit
so, working people and families
can continue to call our city home.
We will improve public safety
and build trust in our police
by changing tactics and culture.
You may recall, I sponsored
Seattle's first anti-bias police law.
Let's reimagine policing,
not threaten defunding.
Let's keep everyone, all communities safe.
I'm grateful so many have endorsed me.
Governor Gary Locke,
Seattle Mayors Norm Rice,
Charlie Royer, Wes Uhlman,
The Seattle Times,
the Transit Union 587 -- our bus drivers,
communication workers of Washington,
Washington State Council
of County and City Employees.
The Ironworkers, Local 86,
leaders from the NAACP
and the faith community.
So many more.
I ask for your vote.
My name is Bruce Harrell,
and I ask for your vote.