-Hi, I'm King County Assessor John Wilson.
You know, as I talk to folks,
they're concerned about three things:
crime, housing, and taxes.
They're all important.
But fighting crime has got to be our top priority.
And as your next King County Executive, it will be.
People don't feel safe in their own communities.
Murders are up 59% over the last five years.
We should worry more about crime victims instead of criminals.
And our criminal justice system,
which is almost 80% of the county's budget,
is overwhelmed and failing -- dangerously so.
We need more cops, mental health workers,
prosecutors, public defenders, jail guards.
And we need common sense and compassion.
You know, common sense tells us
that a thriving community is a safe community.
And I'll fight every day as executive
to make this a safer community.
And we can stop the fentanyl use on the bus.
We can actually book and hold suspects,
not play the catch and release game we now do.
That works for salmon recovery. It doesn't work to fight crime.
And of course, everyone deserves compassion.
But without a safe community, we will fail our children,
our elders, and all those who are at risk.
We don't have to be like that other Washington.
Population and crime have increased,
but funding hasn't kept pace.
Just ask anybody in the criminal justice system.
It's time for a change.
And I'll be that change agent.
I've fought for senior tax breaks
and won, and I'll fight for you.
I'm not running for some higher office or think I'm entitled.
I'll propose term limits for the executive.
You deserve a choice.
I'll fight for safer streets,
more affordable housing for young and old,
and push for lower taxes for homeowners, renters,
and small businesses.
I'm running to get things done.
Together, we can make King County safer,
more affordable, and a great place to live.
That's why I want to be your next King County Executive.
And I ask for your vote August 5.