Inclusiveness

In Seattle, our major issues are very complex: The Alaskan Way Viaduct; Highway 520; Public Education; Pollution and Environmental Sustainability, Energy, Public Safety, Affordable Housing. There is no single definitive solution to any complex issue, but answers can be found in viewing the issues from a variety of perspectives. We can arrive at a resolution based on our own principles, values and goals but the need to include others in the conversation can never be eroded.

I believe every person has experienced some form of exclusion where they were blindsided by a decision or surprised by a major policy that directly impacted them or their family. Have you ever pondered whether a closed-door meeting occurred in your workplace about you? There are fewer threats greater to our democracy than the threat of exclusionary practices in policy making.

To demonstrate my commitment to inclusiveness, I asked the City Council to pass a Race and Social Justice Resolution intended to heighten the City of Seattle’s awareness of institutional racism and social disparities. I sponsored Resolution 31164 to recognize that race and social disparities continue to exist throughout our city and emphasize that we must hear the voices of those who may not typically be included in the public process. In every major policy decision, I will make sure that the issues of fairness; justice and inclusiveness are raised and firmly commit to never have a louder voice drown yours. That is one of my guiding principles.