Seattle Mayoral Race Heats Up: Harrell and Wilson Clash on Public Safety and Homelessness
Seattle's mayoral race heated up as incumbent Bruce Harrell and challenger Katie Wilson debated key issues, including public safety and homelessness, ahead of the Nov. 4 election. Wilson questioned the city's spending on police and crime, while Harrell defended his record and proposed regional solutions to homelessness.
Wilson, co-founder of the Transit Riders Union, criticised Harrell's handling of former Police Chief Adrian Diaz, accusing him of losing high-integrity officers. She tied homelessness to public safety and proposed a plan to add 4,000 units of emergency housing and shelter, funded from various sources. Wilson also questioned the city's spending on police, stating that Seattle has excess violent crime compared to national trends, but did not specify who would finance her housing plan.
Harrell, seeking a second term, highlighted his experience and record of managing Seattle's challenges. He claimed that 70% of unhoused people in Seattle did not become homeless in the city and advocated for a regional solution to homelessness. Harrell argued that Wilson's homelessness plan lacks a specific price tag and could hinder affordable housing efforts. He also claimed that homicides, shots fired, serious crimes, and property crimes are down in Seattle, and police hiring has improved under his leadership.
The debate between Harrell and Wilson has brought to light differing views on how to tackle public safety and homelessness in Seattle. Voters will decide the city's next mayor on Nov. 4, with each candidate presenting distinct plans and criticisms of the other's record.
