Seattle City Council Voter Guide: District 6
Oct 18, 2019, 2:18 PM
There’s a major upheaval expected on Seattle City Council in 2019. Seven out of nine council seats are up for grabs, leaving the door wide open for some new faces. To get you familiar these faces — new and old — we’re breaking down candidates in each council race, including District 6, spanning Ballard, Fremont, Green Lake, Phinney Ridge, and more.
Dan Strauss (34.1 percent of votes in August primary)
District 6 Seattle council candidate Dan Strauss. (Seattle for Dan Strauss)
The basics: Strauss boasts almost a decade of experience as a legislative aide and policy adviser for the city of Seattle, the Washington State Legislature, the Oregon Legislature, and the Alliance for Gun Responsibility.
The issues: Strauss pushes for a “housing first” approach to homelessness, as well as funding for increased mental health treatment and social services. He also supports an expanded network of dedicated bus and bike lanes, powering of city infrastructure entirely through renewable energy, “community-based solutions” to gun violence, and increased access to healthy food for families. He opposes rent control, and supports safe injection sites.
Major endorsements: The Stranger, Planned Parenthood, King County Democrats, Seattle City Councilmembers Teresa Mosqueda and Sally Bagshaw. Full list here.
If elected, what will be your priorities for your first 100 days in office for the next council term?
My first action will be opening the district office, and I will personally staff local office hours on my first day. I will address homelessness using a Housing First approach and prioritize bringing people experiencing homelessness inside. I will also improve peak-hour bus travel and unclog choke points.
Heidi Wills (21.2 percent of votes in August primary)
District 6 Seattle council candidate Heidi Wills. (Heidi Wills for City Council)
The basics: Wills previously served on Seattle City Council between 2000 and 2003, and was the youngest member on the council during her tenure. After her term on city council, she served as the executive director for The First Tree of Greater Seattle for 13 years.
The issues: Wills supports a coordinated regional approach to homelessness, noting that “it’s not just Seattle’s [problem] to solve.” To that end, she pushes for transitional housing, effective wrap-around services, more case workers, and on-demand drug treatment. She also supports expanded staffing for the police department, continued improvement of regulations to allow for Accessory Dwelling Units, and congestion tolling done on “a sliding scale.” She opposes rent control and safe injection sites.
Major endorsements: The Seattle Times, Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce, King County Executive Dow Constantine, former Washington Gov. Gary Locke. Full list here.
If elected, what will be your priorities for your first 100 days in office for the next council term?
I’ll take district representation seriously and personally staff an office in District 6 weekly. I’ll prioritize finding effective solutions to our toughest challenges including public safety and homelessness by convening key stakeholders, community members and people on the frontlines to ensure everyone is welcome in our community and feels safe.
Past MyNorthwest Seattle City Council Voter Guides:
District 1: Lisa Herbold and Phil Tavel
District 4: Alex Pedersen and Shaun Scott
