The Urban Election Onstage in Seattle

Chuck Wolfe comments on this week's mayoral election in Seattle, suggesting the pending populist model for New York City is already on display.

1 minute read

November 4, 2013, 11:00 AM PST

By Charles R. Wolfe @crwolfelaw


Wolfe draws parallels between Seattle and New York and reflects on the re-election challenge to incumbent Mayor Mike McGinn---who some call the most progressive mayor in America.  Like presumptive New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, Wolfe notes how McGinn may reflect, if not lead, the trend lines of changing cities everywhere.

Seattle's liberal moniker may actually predicate the iconic New York City mayor's race, a post-Bloomberg defining moment more closely watched than our own.  At issue there is a model of governance that will predict the voting outcomes for evolving American demographics, as well as a decided tilt toward equity and the new urban populism.

Wolfe cites the increasing spotlight placed on the Seattle race by national press coverage late in the campaign, and how challenger Ed Murray has largely addressed style rather than substantive approaches already in place.

He concludes:  "As noted, it's late in the game and we are onstage, partly because of the provocative conviction of the mayor we have."   

Sunday, November 3, 2013 in myurbanist

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I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

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