Rasmussen: Sawant, Bertha not reasons for the Seattle council exodus

Neither Kshama Sawant nor the Seattle tunnel project has anything to do with why three Seattle City Council members are not seeking re-election, according to Tom Rasmussen.

Rasmussen, who serves on position 5 of the council, explained the reason he doesn’t wish to serve another term is because he wants to free up time. The other members of the council not seeking election are Nick Licata and Sally Clark.

Read more: Mike McGinn on why Seattle councilmembers are calling it quits

“I’m finishing up my twelfth year,” Rasmussen told KIRO Radio’s Dori Monson. “I work seven days a week, I meet with community groups and individuals on the weekends and evenings. I just want more balance in my life.”

Is there any truth to council members leaving to get away from the tunnel project, asked Dori.

“Not at all,” replied Rasmussen. Despite not moving forward very quickly, Rasmussen believes the state chose the right project.

“I think it would be fun to be here to cut the ribbon,” he added.

“None of us are going to live that long, councilman,” said Dori. “We’re not going to be around in 70 years when this thing finally gets finished.”

Rasmussen said he believes it is good for public officials to make room for others, once they feel it is a good time. He does not believe in term limits, because of how long it takes to learn the job, he said.

The job on the council is “exciting,” but Rasmussen said he would like to travel and clean out his car port – neither of which he can do working seven days a week.

While the tunnel project isn’t the reason the council members are leaving, what about others councilmembers currently serving? Aside from the tunnel project, is Kshama Sawant the reason people are saying goodbye?

“Actually, I don’t see much of Kshama,” said Rasmussen. “Maybe other council members see her more. I think she is rather isolated. Kshama does a good job of pointing out problems. It would be beneficial if she was more of a problem solver, Rasmussen said. However, she’s one of nine on the council, and is not the reason he would leave.

He added, “Sure, some of her supporters yell at us and sometimes she scolds us.”

Dori said Sawant’s focus is stirring up a passionate group of supporters and she is there to grandstand. She gets a disproportionate share of attention and time, dominating meetings, he said.

“I think that the public can see through that,” responded Rasmussen.

Rasmussen said he appreciates hearing about issues that need to be worked on. It’s the city council’s job to get those problems solved.

Being on the city council is a hands-on job, Rasmussen said. He will continue to see it that way until his term ends.

What if, as Dori worries, people are going to seek council work for self-aggrandizement and use it as a stepping stone?

“If a person seems that way,” said Rasmussen, “then it’s up to their opponents to point those things out.”