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1. WSB
   Member Profile

   

   Got a note last night from somebody on the McGinn team - they are reaching out to neighborhoods around the city to ask for input, and they asked if we'd share information on their survey. Haven't posted it to the main page yet but seemed like good forum fodder, both if anyone has thoughts here about the impending changing of the guard, and if you would like to offer them your opinions. Here's the link:
   http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?hl=en&formkey=dENvYXNOTEg2WVljOWZnQjctRy11YWc6MA

   The questions they're asking are:
   1. How do we build the strongest possible team to achieve the policy
   objectives and values set forth in Mike's campaign?
   2. How do we build public trust in the new administration?
   3. What do you view as the incoming administration and the city’s
   greatest challenge – what should we do first out of the gate?

   And they also have put up a McGinn video on YouTube - nothing glitzy, just him talking into the camera - talking about this:
   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UxFKwJqIjA

   Posted 2 years ago #         

2. Ken
   Member Profile

   

   I will feel a lot better about the new Mayor when I am sure there is no freakin way he can

   achieve the policy objectives and values set forth in Mike's campaign

   I voted for him assuming that his crazy ideas were easier to stop (or make moot) than Mallahans.
   Otherwise it's gonna be an ugly 4 years for rational people...

   I hope Mike understands he does not have a mandate, he was the lesser of two Weevils.

   Posted 2 years ago #         

3. ellenater
   Member Profile

   

   I'm not happy about his tunnel reversal AT ALL.

   Posted 2 years ago #         

4. JoB
   Member Profile

   not a bad video...
   but not the kind of questions i want him to ask..

   i would rather..

   1) what do you think the priorities are for transportation?
   2) what are your priorities for our school system?
   3) If you were going to cut one of the city's public services.. which one would you cut?
   4) are you in favor of the gun ban in public parks? how far should we take the legal fight for this?

   and i am sure posters here could come up with even better questions...

   Posted 2 years ago #         

5. acemotel
   Member Profile

   

   Totally agree, Ken.
   And Job, it does feel as if MCGinn is asking us to do his job for him. I am just not comfortable with a mayor who doesn't appear to have a strategic plan going in. Questions 1 and 2 seem to be internal operation questions to be answered and achieved by his transition team.... How to build the strongest team? How to build public trust? Those are questions of strategy. The public cannot direct strategy, no matter how much he may wish it to be so. Better to query the public on items of policy and priority.

   Posted 2 years ago #         

6. JoB
   Member Profile

   ace motel

   i read the first two as ..

   which ... should i kiss?

   Posted 2 years ago #         

7. Jeffro
   Member Profile

   It's kind of a shame that an elected official solicits public input and then gets told to do his own job. I think forums like this one are a great place to air out grievances, and for an elected official to consider them can only be a good thing. Too often, whenever I wanna complain about something I'm told to fill out X form and submit it to X postal address, or to go to some public comment period at some inconvenient place downtown at 9 AM on a Monday, where the only other people that show are angling for big money.

   As for how to build public trust, try to at least create the illusion of listening to people. There is nothing more annoying than a politician on Twitter, and there is nothing more insulting than when a politician talks of "stakeholders". I personally think it would be awesome for a mayor to keep a blog that shows what you're thinking on the big issues.

   What about the the campaign most intrigued me? The talk of extending Light Rail was almost enough for me to vote for McGinn (I didn't vote for Mallahan either). What really irked me about the campaign all stemmed from his initial posturing on the tunnel, and the attitude that good transit and good roads are mutually exclusive. My advice: instead of pitting cars against transit, make the case that good transit alternatives can make for less congested roads. And please Dear God no streetcars.

   Posted 2 years ago #         

8. JoB
   Member Profile

   jeffro..
   i like streetcars...

   the system in NW portland coexists with buses & light rail making it really easy to get around on public transit.

   Posted 2 years ago #         

9. villagegreen
   Member Profile

   

   Anyone read this article in The Stranger: http://www.thestranger.com/seattle/meet-your-new-mayor/Content?oid=2647953

   Made me feel much better about McGinn's victory. Mike's got some good ideas, but way too many pie in the sky ideas as well. Sounds like Richard Conlin's agenda is more to my liking and will definitely rein in some of McGinn's more ridiculous wishes.

   Posted 2 years ago #         

10. villagegreen
    Member Profile

    

    Oops - forgot to mention Conlin's notion that Light Rail can be extended to West Seattle within 'a couple of years.' That would freakin rock if it comes to pass! I would guess he's only talking about linking WS with the airport line, but still, it's a start.

    Posted 2 years ago #         

11. acemotel
    Member Profile

    

    jeffro, it looks like you were referring to me there in your first sentence. I think it's great that he's soliciting input, but as I said, I don't think strategy is the purview of the public. IMO we elect a mayor to chart the strategic course (which is hard work). Let's get LOTS of public input on priorities and focus!

    In terms of building trust - I'm sorry, but politically, there's no way to guarantee public trust. If there were, we would have NO turnover if public offices (except those mandated by term limits).

    My feeling about that is, my god, man! Just friggin' do something, and let the public decide if it's trustworthy!

    I'm curious about your take on politicians on twitter. I love politicians on twitter, esp. if they follow back. What better communication vehicle between the public and the public servants?

    villagegreen, I love Conlin! So glad he is council president, and yes, that article was very reassuring. (unlike having a neophyte in the mayor's office)...........

    Posted 2 years ago #         

12. MTM
    Member Profile

    Here's a thought Mike, hire Greg Nickols.

    Posted 2 years ago #         

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