Seattle mayoral candidates meet in first clash of the general election

The local tourist industry group called Visit Seattle hosted the candidates for mayor for the first debate after the primary election's results were certified on Tuesday.

Big sporting events are another tourist attraction. Industry leaders would love to see a football Super Bowl here someday.

But Cary Moon was hesitant when asked if she'd be willing to devote city resources to national sporting events.

“I think with a city like ours, that's growing so quickly, that already has terrible traffic congestion, and so much problem with hotel rooms being not available, Airbnb taking over apartments, housing being not available, I think we have to be really careful.”

Jenny Durkan gave an answer this group liked better.

”We're a world class city, and we can host world class events. That’s what Seattle is and so I think we have to be careful that the costs are born by the industries that are going to help it. But if you look at the big cities around the world, they not only find a way to do this they thrive on it.”

Homelessness is another concern. The candidates were asked their position on the proposed plans to let people live in RVs parked on the street.

Durkan responded, “We don't want to criminalize being homeless, nor do we want to take the last possession, the cars and vehicles that they have. But it is the wrong direction in my view to simply say, 'Well then let’s let them park anywhere for as long as they want.'"

Moon said, "Forty percent of homeless folks are living in a vehicle, so this is their last chance at shelter before they are out on the street. So we have to do what we can to make sure these work.”

Cox Media Group