Big attention for West Seattle tonight from city leaders – while Seattle Police Chief Kathleen O’Toole answered questions in The Junction, Mayor Ed Murray answered a few in Fauntleroy. He was a semi-late addition to the 34th District Democrats‘ agenda, with growth, development, homelessness, and even architecture among the topics on which he was questioned in his 13-minute appearance – all on video above. Homelessness, Murray pointed out, is a national crisis, and Seattle can’t solve it alone – state and federal assistance is necessary. He opened with what sounded a bit like a campaign speech, quick hits on points such as the increase in the city’s minimum wage on April 1st (this city page explains who goes to $10 and who goes to $11 then).

Also there, City Councilmember Tom Rasmussen:

He brought up city leaders’ concern about a bill moving through the Legislature, asking people to pressure state legislators not to approve two bills that would change the rules for payday loans. While the 34th District’s legislators are solidly against it – State Sen. Sharon Nelson led the charge to tighten payday-loan rules in 2009 – that’s not a universal position for the party in this area, he said.

Next month’s highlight: A full candidate forum for the District 1 City Council race.