‘What can we do to reduce spending?’ Seattle council member weighs in on primary election, Seattle’s mounting budget woes

Based on initial primary election returns, Washington voters may be swinging the pendulum once again toward more progressive leadership and policies.

For example, first-time candidate Katie Wilson, highlighted by progressive policies including raising the minimum wage and establishing stronger renter protections, is leading incumbent Bruce Harrell in the race to be Seattle’s next mayor.

“Well, here’s the thing, the turnout was only about a third again,” Seattle City Councilmember Bob Kettle told “Seattle’s Morning News” on KIRO Newsradio. “You basically have four things. One is the motivation for the Left, as opposed to the moderate centrist. Two, the messaging of current efforts. Then there’s the messaging of the current situation versus 2021 and 2023. Then there is the effect of President Trump and the impacts that we’ve been seeing in different places around the country and, in fact, in Canada and other places around the world.”

Kettle shared he previously endorsed Harrell for Seattle mayor, Sara Nelson for Seattle council president, Ann Davison for Seattle city attorney, and Laura Marie Rivera as a board member for Seattle Public Schools. All four have advanced to the general election.

Where do proposals on the budget stand?

Just days after passing a resolution to tax wealthy corporations, such as Amazon, the City of Seattle stated that it is still facing a $150 million budget shortfall.

Seattle’s projected deficit for the next two years is $176 million.

“We have to take action in terms of ensuring that we have a balanced budget,” Kettle said. “Along these lines, we have to continue to say, ‘Hey, what can we do to reduce the spending?’ That is the challenge, and I’ll be upfront with you. We’re going to be looking through these things. The mayor will present his budget at the end of September, and then we’ll work through it until basically Thanksgiving to get to where we need to be.”

Kettle has used his seat on the city council to push for a Seattle Housing Investment Plan to provide a clearer understanding of budget-related issues surrounding housing. Kettle wants something similar regarding Seattle’s transportation.

“Get all the pieces out there, show the strategy, show the trade-offs, and see what we can do,” Kettle said. “I think these kinds of combinations can help us, not just in the short term, but in the long term.”

Listen to the full conversation here.

Listen to “Seattle’s Morning News” with Charlie Harger and Manda Factor weekday mornings from 5-9 a.m. on KIRO Newsradio. Subscribe to the podcast here.