Hello. My name is Jesse James.
And I'm running for Seattle City Council
Position 8.
I have noticed as of late
many people's discouragement
with the Democratic Party,
and yet I don't think the Republican Party
is quite the voice we're looking for, either.
Fortunately, I don't consider myself
a part of either of these
over-bloated, inefficient associations.
I'm not a fringe activist,
nor am I a career politician.
I'm a voice for the people, pure and simple.
The main issue I would like to address
is that of our beloved Democracy Voucher program
and how the current regulations give incumbents
and career politicians an advantage
over the grassroots candidates
the program is supposed to help support.
The current requirement citywide candidates
like myself need to meet before they can receive
a single voucher is 400 $10 donations
from Seattle voters.
The problem is, of course, anyone with
an established base can fill this requirement
much quicker than the unknown
grassroots candidates it's supposed to support.
It's because of this
that not a single city council member or mayor
has been unseated since the start of this program.
And for this reason, I am not participating
in the Democracy Voucher program
out of protest, as I believe
citizens should have the freedom to give
their vouchers to any candidate on the ballot.
Other issues I am an advocate for
are the legalization and taxation of card rooms
and an end to the sweetened beverage tax,
clearing encampments near our schools,
and the city's general support in rebuilding
our small-business community.
In closing, if you are looking for change
and value a practical, reasonable,
hardworking, and efficient
individual looking out for you,
I may just be your candidate.
Thank you and good day.