Mike McGinn on why Seattle councilmembers are calling it quits

First Nick Licata, then Tom Rasmussen, and now Seattle City Councilmember Sally Clark has announced she won’t run for re-election in the fall. So why are these longtime city leaders calling it quits now?

We asked former Mayor Mike McGinn for his theory.

“We know that we have these big highway projects that are way over-budget,” said McGinn. “Crime is still going up. The rent is not affordable. And I think that if you’ve been on the council a long time, I think it’s going to be hard to go out on the campaign trail and say you’ve been doing a good job when these are well-known problems that appear to be getting worse without answers.”

Despite a strong economy, McGinn said the city is in a time of real transition and voters are looking for answers to tough issues, like transit.

Clark said in a news release she looks forward to a new chapter, but didn’t go into detail about her future. Licata has said he wants to finish writing a book and work on big issues on a national scale. Rasmussen has indicated he’ll remain dedicated to working on local causes. Combined, the three have logged 40 years on the council.

“You do you have to look at the individual circumstances,” said McGinn. “Someone like Nick Licata, who’s been serving for such a long time, at some point may think about going.

Of course this is merely one man’s opinion, a man who wasn’t necessarily popular with his city council.

As a Seattleite, McGinn said he’s interested to see the potential changes the new voting districts could bring to City Hall.

As for the citywide races, he said it will come down to the big issues.

“I don’t think you can go to the voters and say, we got everything covered, don’t worry, I’ve been there a long time and did a great job. I think that’s a hard sell right now.”