Construction is booming in Seattle, and the signs are everywhere. But the people at this mayoral debate in the Central Area say that prosperity is not reaching all corners of the Emerald City.
"It's forced a lot of low-income people, both black and white, Asians, etc., to leave the city of Seattle where they were born and raised in," said Fred Maxie, owner of the an auto licensing business in Ballard.
Maxie says his employees endure hours-long commutes because there isn't enough affordable housing here.
"And it also hurts the businesses," he added.
The debate between Jenny Durkan and Cary Moon Saturday morning was sponsored by Tabor 100, an organization that represents African American entrepreneurs and business advocates. At the debate, moderated by KIRO-7's political reporter Essex Porter, issues of economic inequality were a main focus.
"We have to make sure that prosperity goes to minority businesses and we have to start immediately," said Durkan, a former U.S. Attorney.
"I've put together bold solutions for housing affordability, including a focus on how do we slow and stop the displacement that's coming from gentrification," said Moon, a community activist with a background in housing.
The debate also touched on police accountability, in light of the recent Seattle police shooting of a pregnant mother of three.
"Significant uses of force have dropped almost 60 percent," Durkan said. "And uses of force against people in crisis have dropped. But you see Charleena Lyles getting shot, and you know we have not done well enough."
"I am really focused on community police commission," Moon said. "Community-led change, deep change within the department. Not top-down forced change."
Both candidates say, if elected, their administration will reflect Seattle's great diversity.
Cox Media Group
