2005 Seattle Elections

Primary Elections Voters' Guide

Richard Lee

Email: nowseeit@hotmail.com

Web: www.angelfire.com/wa3/richardlee

Video Voters Guide Statement of Candidate

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Statement of Richard Lee

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Written Voters' Pamphlet Statement Submitted by Candidate

According to controversial City of Seattle rules, I am prohibited from discussing my opponent.

But there is no doubt that the bullying conduct of Seattle city government is the defining issue in this election. We must ask if the City of Seattle can be trusted to guide our future, considering that the last four years have marked a dramatic change from cooperation with neighborhoods, to a distinctly pro-developer, anti-neighborhood policy agenda.

In my petition campaign endorsed by over 2,500 Seattle voters to appear on this ballot, I gained wide agreement that the astonishing pace of real estate development in our neighborhoods is a threat to the desire for Seattle to remain a recognizable community—comfortable, safe, and not overly crowded.

"If you want peace and quiet, you better move to the suburbs," City Council President Jan Drago recently said, reflecting a government that wants to look at its citizens as willing targets of exploitation. But residents need to have their property interests respected, and protected.

The pro-development theory is forwarded as "anti-sprawl" environmentalism, but there is no proof that "densifying" Seattle will prevent more houses from being built in King County. It's obvious that the new high-rises are intended for affluent consumers from other states, who may eventually want a house in the suburbs, thus actually increasing sprawl.

Paul Allen's partner Don Milliken recently stated that their South Lake Union condominiums costing as much as $2 million will "set the gold standard" and "redefine 5-star living." The problem is, of course, that the Allentown project will cost at least $500 million in public spending, with no guarantees that it will not comprise yet another of Allen's many failed business ventures.

I advocate a responsible, reform-minded government:

• Transportation solutions which are flexible, and not multi-billion-dollar mortgages— like electric-eye traffic lights and a new generation of quiet, low-emission busses.
   
• Job growth based on predictable political stability, not a city with a quick-buck, fly-by-night reputation.
   
• A new view of Seattle as "family friendly" city, respecting neighborhoods, small businesses, pedestrians, and children.
   

In more than 20 years as an investigative journalist, I have had ample opportunity to witness the shortcomings of the persons and institutions that govern our lives. In my 12 years as a weekly cable-television host, I believe my reportage on local affairs has earned the respect and trust of very many viewers.

Clearly, we now require a change in government leadership.

The above statement was written by the candidate, who is solely responsible for the contents therein.