With more than 80 percent of the primary-election ballots yet to be returned, per King County’s daily updates, it looks like many voters are going down to the wire. WSB candidate-closeup coverage is concluding with last looks at the Seattle mayoral challengers (we interviewed the incumbent earlier in the campaign). We sent them five questions, 4 geared to West Seattle.

By Kathy Mulady
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

Joe Mallahan says he has a plan. The T-Mobile vice-president and candidate for Seattle mayor sees plenty of room to run the city more like a business. He plans to focus on the customer – citizens — providing service, accountability and efficiencies.

The Wallingford resident would put the brakes on the Mercer Street realignment project, and says the South Lake Union Streetcar diverted money for expanding Rainier Valley bus service. He opposes expanding the streetcar system.

As mayor, Mallahan says, he would cut the number of consultants the city hires, and build expertise among city workers.

Mallahan grew up in a large family; his father worked at a paper mill in Everett. He talks of years of political interest and involvement, working as a legislative assistant while attending the Catholic University of America in Washington D.C., and as a community organizer in Chicago.

He has lived in Seattle since 2000, but critics say until recently he took little interest in local politics or issues, not even voting in many elections.

However, he has also found plenty of supporters, and was the only mayoral candidate that the King County Municipal League rated “outstanding,” even beating Mayor Greg Nickels, who the league rated “very good.”

Here’s how Mallahan answered WSB’s five questions:

1. West Seattle residents are concerned about shootings, youth violence and gang activity in the area. Do you have a plan to tackle the issue, and what will you do to keep our neighborhoods safe?

MALLAHAN: West Seattle and most of Seattle agree –youth violence is out of control. The city has programs I would continue, including prevention programs to keep kids from ever joining gangs. Our problem is with youth currently in gangs, and we need to step up resources to combat the problem. We are over a hundred officers short of our actual need. As mayor, I’d redirect money going to consultants and other unnecessary expenses, and then put it into boosting our police force to where we need it, 605 uniformed officers.

Empowering neighborhoods is the other side of that equation. When communities feel like they can change and improve their neighborhood, they usually do – something I learned working as a community organizer in Chicago. Great things can happen when people come together and work towards a common goal. I want families to feel like the city is their partner, and from what I hear, the current administration is not a partner in making our communities safe.

As mayor, we will all be able to work together to stop youth violence.

2. A full-block grocery and housing project in West Seattle has been nicknamed “Hole Foods” after the vast pit that replaced two businesses more nearly a year ago. There are concerns about the safety, the stability of surrounding roads at Fauntleroy Way and SW Alaska Street. West Seattle is anticipating a deluge of development; what can be done to make sure we don’t end up with more pits?

MALLAHAN: The community is organized and educated on this problem, which is the first step in preventing future pits in West Seattle, Green Lake, etc. We’re learning a lot from the economic recession, and this is one of the really unfortunate lessons. When taking community input on future developments we need to be aware that this is possible and then plan to make sure it doesn’t happen.

3. West Seattle often feels like an island; residents risk messy commutes and difficult downtown shopping expeditions under almost any plan for the Alaskan Way Viaduct. What ideas do you have for keeping West Seattle connected during and after construction?

MALLAHAN: There are major transportation projects planned for Seattle over the next 20 years. The Highway 520 floating bridge needs to be replaced, light rail lines are being constructed, the viaduct is being replaced, and roadways around these projects are being improved along with them. That is a lot of community impact that needs to be planned for and then managed to make sure the citizens are being delivered what they’ve been promised.

It’s my opinion that I’m the only one in the race with the experience to manage the city well. Helping communities make it through these huge projects will require good management, and I can deliver.

4. What is the biggest issue facing Seattle and how will you deal with it?

MALLAHAN: Transportation – and we all are aware of the problems. Traffic is bad, roads are in disrepair, despite the “Pothole Rangers.” Transit is underfunded, and we could all go on and on.

I called on Mayor Nickels to replace the current transportation director. Other candidates later followed suit. Seattle Department of Transportation needs to be shaken up with better management and oversight. I would bring in a new director and then give them the tools to deliver a better product to Seattle’s residents.

5. What is your favorite place in West Seattle, and why?

MALLAHAN: My brother lives in West Seattle, and we enjoy grabbing Spud’s and eating it out on the beach. You’re really enjoying Seattle’s best in moments like that.

Mallahan’s website is at joemallahan.com. Your ballot must be postmarked by Tuesday, or dropped off in one of the dropboxes around the county (no postage needed if you choose that option – the nearest ones are in North Delridge and White Center) by 8 pm Tuesday night. To see previous WSB candidate/politics reports, check this newest-to-oldest archive.