Mayoral Opponents Spotted
While most of Seattle was out playing in the sun the last few days, two more candidates emerged for this fall's election.
Mayor Nickels received his first opponent in the form of Christal Wood, who ran as a write-in candidate for mayor in 2001, and for a seat on the council in 2003. The Times described her as a "long-shot candidate" announcing her run for mayor in a tight little blurb. The PI, who endorsed Wood two years ago in the primary race against former council member Heidi Wills, gave her declaration a similarly brief mention.
We're just glad Nickels has at least one opponent so he won't have to spend all of his money running attack ads against himself.
[Grainy black and white footage of Nickels walking in slow motion while wearing unflattering shorts.]
Announcer: Mayor Nickels claims to help every citizen of this city by doing things the Seattle way, yet he has taken thousands of dollars from Eastside developers. Just where are his priorities?
[Shot of Greg Nickels surrounded by school children at Kerry Park.]
Nickels: I'm Greg Nickels and I approved this ad.
Although she has never held a political office, Wood has been extremely active locally, interning for the Seattle Municipal League and working for the United Way of King County, Highline Mental Health Center, and Lutheran Community Services. She is also a member of many local organizations including the Seattle Peace Chorus, the Save the Lillian Coalition, and the Seattle Neighborhood Coalition.
Councilman Richard McIver also picked up his first threat when former housing official Robert Rosencrantz declared his candidacy for the council. Two years ago Rosencrantz ran for a seat on the council. He lost in the primary to then incumbent Judy Nicastro and eventual winner, license-plate aficionado Jean Godden.
Rosencrantz cited McIver's shabby attendance record from council meetings, Sound Transit meetings, and Housing and Human Services Committee meetings, of whom he is the chair. Not to mention third period French.
McIver defended himself claiming that his busy schedule forces him to miss meetings, adding, "I think you can find me here earlier than most council members and later than most council members."
These two announcements leave three incumbent city officials unchallenged: council members Nick Licata and Jan Drago and City Attorney Tom Carr. It is still early in the election season, but those looking to throw their hats in the race for office had better make plans soon. They may have until the July 29 filling deadline, but they are losing time to campaign, build name recognition, and most importantly, raise money.
