Seattle City Council candidates hold first forum for District 1

With Seattle City Council set for major upheaval in 2019, voters got their first chance to directly question candidates Thursday night.

RELATED: Candidates running for Seattle City Council in 2019
RELATED: Seattle City Council poised for major shakeup in 2019

Speak Out Seattle hosted the first of seven open forums Thursday in West Seattle’s American Legion Pershing Hall. The forum was moderated by KIRO Radio’s own Mike Lewis — of the Candy, Mike and Todd Show. It featured all five candidates running in District 1, including city council incumbent Lisa Herbold.

The forum featured introductory questions from Lewis to open things up, followed by a series of audience questions directed at each candidate. Topics encompassed “hot-button issues like homelessness, transportation, and public safety.”

Running in District 1 with hopes of taking Herbold’s seat are Jesse Greene, Brendan Kolding, Phillip Tavel, and Isaiah T. Willoughby.

Greene previously worked previously in the banking industry. He currently owns a small construction company, operates Uncle Woody’s Popcorn, and serves on the State Advisory Council on Homelessness to Governor Jay Inslee. Kolding is a former Seattle police lieutenant, Tavel is a lawyer, and Willoughby’s background remains largely unknown.

In terms of the larger election picture, four out of the six incumbent council members have opted not to run for reelection.

The next candidate forum will take place on Saturday, March 30, featuring candidates from District 4, followed by District 2 on April 4, and District 7 on April 17. The schedule for the remaining districts’ forums has yet to be announced.

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