"Former Seattle Mayor Paul Schell was slapped with the label "developer" nearly as hard as he was slapped with a megaphone upside his head. But at least he held hands with the neighborhoods, while it is his successor, Greg Nickels, who is too busy looking expansively up and out to really recognize and encourage grass-roots growth.
What grabs media headlines are the big projects, says former Seattle neighborhood planner and current School Board member Darlene Flynn.Still, in small print, Seattle really sparks on those occasions when communities pull together to make things better in small ways, she says. Ways in which government is too darned clumsy to do more than offer an assist.
That was the whole idea behind the creation of the Department of Neighborhoods. And, although she won't say it, I will. The idea has been ignored if not trampled as the current administration keeps its eye on the high-bouncing ball of big deal-making.
Seattle's stalwart "up from the bottom" approach has been drowned in a trickle-down that has turned into an avalanche of growth momentum."-from Susan Paynter's column in Monday's Seattle P-I.
If you think Greg Nickels deserves an opponent in this fall's election, you've only got one choice: Christal Wood. I've known her for about ten years and while we don't always see eye-to-eye, she deserves to be supported and will not be afraid to stand up to our mayor. Here's an excerpt from the email she sent yesterday, updating her campaign: "So far, some good issues have been raised, the campaign has gotten press coverage, and future interviews and forums have been scheduled. Dedicated volunteers have created a workable website, made calls, and stayed long days at events on behalf of the campaign.
As for me, I remain a citizen dedicated to participating in our democratic system to it's fullest
extent, and a voice for the underrepresented in this sociopolitical climate. Together we can create positive changes that we deserve, but I cannot continue this effort alone. Now is the time that I must ask you, as friends and associates, who care about what the Mayor's give-aways
to wealthy developers, about our housing and homelessness situation, human service funding, and overall quality of life--who care about instilling new voices and new vision in the political arena--to please step up with your support. I am never at home with asking for financial help from those that I know are already struggling, but it is imperative that Greg Nickels not go unchallenged and unaccountable in this election cycle. If you can contribute at any level, please send your donation to the address below, including your name, phone number and employer.
Christal Wood for Mayor
P.O. Box 95535
Seattle, WA 98145
(206) 222-7522."
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