I am a queer, Black, and Latino
architect,
a housing activist,
and a high-risk individual.
In March 2020, when the pandemic began,
my small-business contracts fell through.
In June, I heard the sounds
of helicopters and flash bangs
as residents marched in my neighborhood
in the name of Black lives
against state-sponsored violence.
In September, during the worst wildfires
the West Coast has ever seen,
an orange sky, where smoke seeped
through the cracks of my old windows.
As I read, the city had
95 shelter spaces
for 5,500 people.
In Seattle, we have a strong mayor system.
That means the mayor controls
whether the city chooses to act, or not,
in the midst of an economic crisis,
a housing crisis, and the climate crisis.
The inaction thus far in Seattle
is unacceptable.
I am running for mayor in this moment
because, for too long,
career politicians and lawyers have
said the right things without doing them.
No more empty promises.
I will fulfill our Seattle Green New Deal,
say no to sweeping our unhoused neighbors,
reform and defund our police
to create true public safety,
and build the housing that we need.
Most of our problems come down
to housing justice,
where homes are allowed to be, or aren't,
how many we have, or don't,
and how much they cost.
Creating a system is the first step
on a new path to achieving
so much of what we want.
I understand our systems
and can make it more sustainable quickly
while ensuring community comes first.
If you're looking for a candidate
with clear plans, who is committed
to serving two terms
so that we can finally be the city
that we say we are,
then I am your candidate.
It is time for a mayor of action.