In my column this week, I talk about the current lineup of candidates for Seattle City Council—a lineup that has already expanded to a dozen candidates, few of them cause for much excitement. I described one, Sally, Bagshaw, as “a onetime crusader for the mayor’s doomed cut-and-cover tunnel [whose] team includes some heavy hitters,” adding, “some key questions (why run? why now?) remain unanswered.”
Bagshaw responded in the comments:
Why am I running? That’s simple: Our economy is in crisis. Transportation issues remain at the forefront of people’s minds everywhere I go, and we want our transit agencies to create a system that works for all of us. Many of our neighborhoods, families and schools need support. With dwindling revenues we must decide how we’re going to strategically spend those monies to support our community —short term and long term. The Puget Sound and urban open space require protection; we are expecting a million more people to move into the region and we’re still fighting over density questions.
We are staring down some tough issues and I can play an important role in addressing these problems—and help to move our city forward.
Why Now? See above.
I’m excited for the future of this city, and proud of the role I have played over the years as an advocate for small business, transit investments, environmental protection, and public safety. Yes, I’m a lawyer and a mediator, and I’m also a community organizer and volunteer. I’m pleased to have founded a free legal clinic for homeless women and to have organized before-school programs for all kids. I’m proud of the work I and so many others have done to re-open our waterfront while keeping the region moving.
It’s tempting to retreat during this economic downturn, but we cannot lose our vision and energy for what we want Seattle to be. In short, this is a daunting yet exciting time for Seattle, and I cannot imagine a better time to pursue public service. As you said Tuesday night at the 43rd District Democrat’s meeting, the region benefits when we “elevate the dialogue”. Electing experienced and responsible people who listen is a good step.
Blah blah blah blah blah blah blah…
I think that sums up what I just read.
She is good at serving up platitudes, I’ll give her that.
Sally sounds reasonable. That might be a problem reaching voters.
I’d like the other candidates to answer the questions of “Why you?” and “Why now?”.
Blah blah blah.
Why doesn’t she just admit she’s backing the Billionaire’s Tunnel so Gates and Allen can get from their Gates Foundation and EMP/SFM buildings without any stops before the stadiums and then have quick access to their private jets at Boeing Field?
That’s not transportation – that’s stupidity.
Word to John McCain: Now THIS is called a platitude!
Wake me when she says something of substance before I start calling her “Seattle Barbie”
I liked her answer, and moreover, I like that she’s spent the majority of her professional life working on behalf of, and serving, our city.
If we intend for Seattle to continue to develop and progress, we need a Council capable of leading. I think Sally’s experience will serve the Council – and us – well.
@6, tell me you are being sarcastic….please….
Isn’t Sally Bagshaw the former KC prosecutor who was pushing members of local law firms to endorse Republican Dan Satterberg? Perhaps she could talk a bit about her Republican roots.
sounds a lot like Tim Burgess – yes, the same one the Stranger endorsed
Tons of blah blah, she may lack the smile and connections – but – surely a mate
@4 – Will, I saw you’re at the top of the list of Larry Phillips’ supporters. Have you had the same conversation with him about the tunnel?
I don’t let the Imperfect get in the way of Reality, Hobgoblin.
It’s a complex mix of things that go into the equation of who will do well in which office, their known reactions, and who will replace them in the long line of office seekers.
Of the choices, I think Larry’s the best we have that I’m aware are running at this time.
But if Obama wasn’t busy elsewhere, I’d choose him.
Will @ 11:
You will just *love* County Executive Dow Constantine. Bet on it.
Did Erica really talk about “elevating the discourse?” That’s the laugh of the century, and we have 91 years left in it.
@11 – I understand. When Sally says “tunnel” it’s stupidity. When Larry says “tunnel” – who as County Exec would have a hell of a lot more control over transportation than one City Councilmember – he’s just being pragmatic.
ivan, I’ve known Dow since before he ran. He’s a great guy.
I stand by my decision on this issue, in backing Larry.
You’re entitled to make up your own mind.
@5 “Seattle Barbie?” LOL. I think what Sally said in her response is right on. Meaning she’s right on track toward solving some of this cities most complex issues like transportation. Seattle is beautiful, and the viaduct is an ugly hazard. Sally wasted no time in responding to why, and given her experience, she sounds like the best candidate out there .
I happen to know her. I worked under her at the prosecutor’s office I was a paralegal at the King County Prosecutor’s Office. She is an exceptional leader who backed Dan Satterburg not because he was a Republican but because he was FAR more experienced and more appropriate a candidate than his opponent (by the way I know both of them as well).
Something people may not know is that she led the county response to the Aurora Bridge tragedy a number of years ago. Crazy shoots and kills Metro bus driver, bus goes over the Aurora Bridge and lands on an apartment building below – several deaths, many injured, several made homeless. Sally took the lead in handling the response. She coordinated volunteers to help all with housing, food, clothing, and psychological counseling. She not only helped those that were directly involved but also the grieving and terribly affected family members. Sally has also been instrumental in establish Opportunity Place, a transitional housing opportunity for women in need. She founded a group of women lawyers who go to a women’s day shelter weekly and give free legal advice to homeless women. This is a woman who raised two sons – very well I might add – and still maintained a career in public service. To all of those who made disparaging remarks, describe your volunteer experience and your accomplishments.
Non-Partisan? Don’t make me laugh. Not Miss Sally. She dripping in “red.” Ask her about the “public obtion.” She’s a closeted Tea Party crusader. It’s OK to be in bed with the GOP, I guess–just don’t run for a non-partisan position. To Maria, what has Sally done for “homeless men” or transitional housing for men in need? When she starts giving free legal advice equally to both genders (and transgenered for that matter) then she can throw her name into the ring for a city council person. There are lots of single mothers who raise children and also dedicate their lives to public service. You are pitching the candidate from a very slanted angle. Bagshaw has an jaded agenda. I think that you know that. Maybe you have one as well?