01
Public Safety
I believe that a balance between supporting our first responders, while also investing in behavioral health programs and NPO’s is a winning strategy in our drive to make Seattle more livable. This means that I strongly support proper staffing levels for the SPD and first responders, promoting the restoration of Seattle’s public safety institutions, and introducing safe engagement practices, de-escalation training, and health & wellness resources for officers. At the same time, my own experience helping to provide art-infused behavioral health programs as an alternative to incarceration has garnered praise from first-time offender and youth advocacy groups. I bring a wealth of experience to this conversation, having advised on topics including youth detention, gang intervention, homelessness, opioid addiction, mental health, and gun violence reduction.
02
Homelessness & Housing
Solving homelessness and lack of housing must be a priority for Seattle leadership, as this crisis is at the core of so many challenges the Seattle is currently facing. I recognize that the unhoused are at a higher risk to be victims of violent crime, assaults, and sexual exploitation. I also know that prolonged homelessness can contribute to behavioral health issues and mental illness. I bring over a decade of frontline service experience serving this community with clothing drives and homeless feeds, one-on-one mentoring & counseling, and community advocacy and organizing. My 10-year history of hosting weekly homeless feeds at the park next to the KC Courthouse only touches the tip of my commitment to solving this problem.
03
Fentanyl Crisis
We can’t discuss public safety and homelessness without addressing the Fentanyl crisis. In my role as both homeless advocate and as a minister, I have experienced the tragedy of Fentanyl firsthand. From the courthouse to the street corner, from the homeless feeds to Sunday services, the shadow of Fentanyl caused deaths has no limits. I support proper penalties for those convicted of distributing the drug, increased support of detox centers, as well as increased funding to ensure first responders, NPO’s, and street ministers have Fentanyl testing kits, and are provided proper training and access to NARCAN, Naloxone, and other overdose reversal medications.
04
Small Business Support, Working Wages, Labor & Trades
I believe that small business start-ups are part of the American Dream, and know that providing easy access to resources, while limiting government overreach and the abuse of the regulatory system to ensure an equitable economy for this and future generations. I believe that with proper support and partnership opportunities, small businesses can thrive in Seattle, while still offering employees a livable wage, affordable healthcare, and the resources they need to live healthy and productive lives. Support of small businesses does not put me at odds with working families or with the Labor & Trades Unions. Both I and my wife proudly boast union affiliations and fully support the benefits of being part of a union family. Additionally, I support trade apprenticeship programs, and seek to increase partnership opportunities, funding, and resources.
05
Transportation, Sustainability, and City Light
rowing up in Seattle, I have benefited from Seattle’s commitment to a city-wide transportation system and credit the metro transit system as crucial component in my early exposure to new communities and cultures, diverse neighborhoods, education and employment opportunities, and what would become lifelong friendships. Without Seattle Metro, life would not be as full and robust as it has become. In addition to supporting public transit, I also advocate for safer walking, skating and biking routes, with a focus on sidewalk construction and/or repair, pedestrian lighting, and biking visibility. Additionally, I understand and agree that Seattle must meet its energy conservation targets. This includes weatherization and heating goals, as well as increasing its renewable energy resources and clean fuel standards.
06
Arts & Culture
I have a 20-year history of partnering with art-focused organizations to provide art enrichment resources to underserved communities. These partnerships include personal investment of time, money, and additional resources into art-infused behavioral health programs. I understand that the benefits of arts include building bridges between races, cultures, and economic status. I proudly point to my participation in the 2020 city-wide Race & Culture Dialogue Series as a great example of arts in the community, providing therapeutic healing in neighborhoods across the city. I am dedicated to the continued support of our creative economy and its artists, investment in art-infused behavioral health programs, and ongoing artist opportunities and resources for city-wide events and celebrations.