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2003 Seattle Election Information Primary Election Voters' Guide Jean Godden
Video Voters Guide Statement of Candidate Click Here to View the You will need Written Voters' Pamphlet Statement Submitted by Candidate Writing a column for a Seattle newspaper is the best job in town — one that I've had for 20 years. It has given me a chance to ask questions, to be part of others' lives. It offers the excuse to be present when history is made, riots quelled, ribbons cut and elections certified. It gave me the perfect seat to observe triumphs and foibles of the citizenry and its leaders. Over time, however, I've longed to do more than scribble in my notebook. All around me I see mistakes being made, problems going unsolved, and squabbling on the City Council — a Council that used to make us proud. Seattle has been a livable city, perhaps the best of the best. But that standard has slipped; we've lost that cutting edge. Will we have a comprehensive transportation system, or will we be a city of separate solutions like the Monorail, Sound Transit, and the Alaskan Way Viaduct? Am I the only one who thinks all four levels of government aren't working with one another? Will fiscal mistakes — made by the Council and City Light officials — hobble progress in other fields? Will we overlook the basics — parks, libraries, public safety and schools? Have the neighborhoods lost their pizzazz? For me, the questions presented a personal dilemma. It led me to conclude I have been outside watching others for too long. I believe I can lend some maturity to a City Council that seems to forget that 60% of us voters are over 55 — and we would rather they kept the libraries open and parks cleaned than worry about circus animal bans and rezoning strip clubs. As someone who was named Communicator of the Year in 1995 by the University of Washington's School of Communications -- I believe having someone on the City Council good with communication might be a smart idea. I've been a longtime member of Seattle League of Women Voters, once serving as the communications director. I've logged time as a member of the Mayor's Charter Review Committee, director of the Lake City Community Council, and President of the Lake City PTA. I'm a widow, a mom of two terrific sons, and a mature woman who still manages to get to aerobic classes each week. I'm asking you for your vote; I'm asking you to give me a chance to straighten things out and get Seattle moving again. The above statement was written by the candidate, who is solely responsible for the contents therein. |
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Jean GODDEN
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