Election 2015: Phillip Tavel joins District 1 City Council race

9:42 PM: Another West Seattleite has announced he’s joining the District 1 City Council race. Phillip Tavel sent his official announcement tonight, describing himself as an “attorney and entrepreneur.” Tavel says he is ready to “make tough decisions for our community and our city” on “existing projects,” singling out the Highway 99 tunnel: “Stopping the existing tunnel project is the most responsible decision we can make. The remaining project money should be used to increase transit and implement a lower-cost alternative that actually delivers on the promise to reduce traffic.” He lists a professional background including teaching high-school physics, co-founding an entertainment company, and working as a trial lawyer, now in private practice, as well as serving as a court-appointed advocate for children. He also leads the long-running Wednesday trivia night at Talarico’s in The Junction. This is not his first run for office; Tavel ran for District Court Judge last year.

We are waiting to hear whether he’ll accept our invitation to join previously announced candidates Chas Redmond, Amanda Kay Helmick, and George Capestany in the District 1: First Look candidates’ forum, presented by WSB, tomorrow (Thursday) night at Highland Park Improvement Club, doors open at 6:30, forum at 7.

12:01 AM UPDATE: Tavel has confirmed he’ll participate.

Peter February 4, 2015 (10:18 pm)

starting to be a crowded field. All aboard the crazy train.

WSB February 4, 2015 (10:36 pm)

Still only half the size of the early field in the mayor’s race two years ago – https://westseattleblog.com/2013/04/149756/

dsa February 5, 2015 (12:19 am)

” implement a lower-cost alternative that actually delivers on the promise to reduce traffic.”
.
Seriously? sounds like a no-build alternative

The Truth February 5, 2015 (12:21 am)

I personally know of two more people that are about to announce as well. Looks like we will have a lot of choices!!! I think one of them will get instant support and be an awesome choice!!!! Can’t wait to see this race play out!

Ex-Westwood Resident February 5, 2015 (7:10 am)

“Meet the new boss, just like the old boss.”
West Seattle, and Seattle for that matter, will never change as long as they keep voting in various degrees of far left-wing politicians.

dis February 5, 2015 (9:58 am)

Good news! It was starting to look a bit dim for district 1.

WS G February 5, 2015 (10:16 am)

By the primary there will probably be at least 10 candidates. Great to have options!

D Mar February 5, 2015 (12:17 pm)

Greg Nickels, please pickup the nearest white courtesy phone.

jwright February 5, 2015 (3:12 pm)

Given that 99 is a state project, it isn’t clear to me what the point of it becoming an issue for a prospective councilmember. And better yet the vagueness of “implement a lower-cost alternative that actually delivers on the promise to reduce traffic” is right up there with that age-old campaign promise to “eliminate waste.”

kswim February 6, 2015 (8:50 am)

Meh. I agree with the above commenters re: the 99 tunnel. Scrapping it doesn’t exactly eliminate waste, given the astronomical amount spent so far. We need a solution within the current project, not a new plan, not another fight, not more time wasted. Tavel’s accolades, though nice, don’t show how he’s at all informed to make expert transportation or budget decisions in the least, so I’m not sure why this will be a cornerstone of the campaign…