-Hello.
I'm Preston Anderson, and I'm running for city council
to represent District 1.
As the only candidate who has worked many years
in behavioral health and housing programs,
I have the critical and needed experience
to bring to the city council,
which sets me apart from my peers.
My candidacy represents an opportunity
to get Seattle back on track,
making it as safe and thriving city for all.
As a clinical social worker who has been in the field
for over 12 years,
I know that I bring insights no other candidate has,
particularly on ensuring our most vulnerable get housed,
and that we begin to reverse the trend
of overdose deaths in the city.
I've worked in inpatient psychiatric settings,
I've worked in addictions treatment,
and I've worked extensively in homeless programs.
And during my time working at the VA healthcare system,
we've reduced veteran homelessness by over 50%.
With my goal of introducing programmatic standards
and increasing the level of accountability,
I know we can do the same here in Seattle.
On the council, I will work toward cost-effective solutions
on many issues impacting the city,
using the latest evidence-based practices.
We will create a dynamic and robust response
to help people in crises, with clinicians trained
to provide critical behavioral health support.
And with an adequately staffed police department
and a team of clinicians providing crisis interventions,
we can begin to eliminate the concentration
of criminal activity in parts of the city
where it has become problematic.
I will champion affordable housing solutions
that keep working families in our city,
and improve the quality of life for all.
I will continue the work of improving our economic recovery,
and I'll address Seattle's growing population
with needed infrastructure investments,
incorporating environmentally sound practices.
The standard to help others had been shaped by
the example of my grandmother,
who demonstrated the virtue of selflessness and humility
during her lifetime,
as she cared for many people in profound need,
and left the world a better place because of her courage.
And I intend to lead with that same courage.
Thank you.