Urban League CEO challenges Kshama Sawant for city council position

Pamela Banks believes she will be a better Seattle City Councilmember than incumbent Kshama Sawant.

Banks, CEO of the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle and former community organizer, announced Thursday that she will challenge Sawant in the newly drawn District 3.

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“I have a lot of respect for Sawant’s passion and what’s she accomplished, but I believe I will be a more effective representative,” said Banks.

Banks has lived in the Central District for nearly two decades. She said her hands-on advocacy for housing and workforce development, deep neighborhood ties, and commitment to inclusive government is a clear distinction against the incumbent.

Banks’ decision to run for council follows failed attempts to reach out to Sawant. Banks was approached by community leaders and neighborhood residents to run for District 3, many who also recounted difficulties in gaining access to the councilmember.

She unsuccessfully sought to meet with Sawant to discuss a city program to help African American and other men of color find livable wage jobs.

“When she first got in office, I tried to meet with her and I could never get a meeting,” said Banks. “No response, no anything.”

Sawant’s challenger said she’s worked her way up from a community organizer to outreach director for the Seattle mayor’s office. “I helped build programs at the Urban League that create opportunities for all people. My record of success is based on results, not slogans.”

Banks pointed to contrasts in style — and track record — as defining issues in the campaign.

“I’ve learned over my career that you solve more problems with a telephone than a megaphone,” Banks said. “I have stood with union members demanding fair wages, worked with community and faith leaders on racial and social justice measures, and organized with neighborhood leaders for police response and accountability. I won’t be making rebuttals to the State of the Union. I’ll be working for the families of District 3.”

Banks enters the race with endorsements from former King County Executive Ron Sims, King County labor leader Verlene Jones, small business leader Joe Fugere, environmental leaders Michael Woo and Rachel Smith, community leaders Marie Kurose, Dr. Michael Washington, Jon Bridge, Retired Fire Chief Gregory Dean, Stephanie Tschida, and more.