Meet the 19-year-old running for Seattle City Council
Feb 17, 2019, 7:47 AM
Ethan Hunter, the 19 year-old running for Seattle City Council. (Photo courtesy of Ethan Hunter)
(Photo courtesy of Ethan Hunter)
He’s only 19-years-old, but he’s decided he’s going to take on an immense responsibility if he becomes the next Seattle City Councilmember. From District 4, Ethan Hunter is running for the seat that is going to be vacated by Rob Johnson.
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Hunter joined The Jason Rantz Show to discuss his campaign, as well as the obvious question of whether the public should care that he’s only 19.
“I think it’s a positive. We’ve had a lot of career politicians who are older — and there’s no problem with being someone older in politics — but I offer a new perspective,” Hunter said. “My generation is one that has to take on the challenges created by the older generation, and I think I’m in tune to take on those challenges.”
Despite being several years younger than all the rest of the candidates, Hunter hopes to be treated like everyone else, and so Jason asked him about hot-button Seattle issues.
On Seattle homelessness
“One of the issues of my campaign is not only addressing homelessness, but working with big business who the council has thrown aside as being the enemy of the people,” Hunter said. “I think if we work with big business like Amazon and Microsoft to achieve investments back into the community for things like affordable housing–that’s the best way forward in dealing with homelessness.”
On safe injection sites
“It’s a short-term solution, not a long-term solution. Maybe in the short-terms, it’s saving someone from overdosing on heroin, but in the long-term we need to help that person get a job, get a home and have a stable life. Obviously, if implemented they need to stay away from our schools, and neighborhoods where kids are, but I think if it’s in the right location, I would support it.”
On Seattle traffic congestion
“One of the big issues of my campaign is environmental protection, and I think if we can encourage drivers to use ride shares and public transportation — obviously we need to work with King County Metro to develop more express bus routes on time — I think that will not only help the environment, but get cars off the road.”
Hunter says, if elected, that he’ll work with anyone to the left or right of him in the City Council. Whether they’ll work with a 19-year-old remains to be seen.
RELATED: Seattle City Council poised for major shakeup in 2019
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