With more than 80 percent of the primary-election ballots yet to be returned, per King County’s daily updates, it looks like many voters are going down to the wire. WSB candidate-closeup coverage is concluding with last looks at the Seattle mayoral challengers (we interviewed the incumbent earlier in the campaign). We sent them five questions, 4 geared to West Seattle.

By Kathy Mulady
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

Norman Sigler says one of his best skills is his ability to bring diverse communities and groups together. If elected mayor, Sigler plans to build on his matchmaking experience to create partnerships that will work on solutions to transportation and education issues, homelessness, neighborhoods and the economy.

Sigler has lived in Seattle for about six years. He lived for two years in West Seattle, specifically on bus routes #54 and #120, he notes, before moving to the Magnolia area.

Although he preferred the surface solution for replacing the Alaskan Way Viaduct, Sigler said he won’t oppose the bored tunnel solution in the interest of moving the project forward instead of discussing it for decades. Then he wants to get to work on an elevated train down the middle of Interstate-5 between Everett and Olympia.

Sigler is an executive recruiter, and co-founder of Date Life Coaches, a matchmaking business. He has a master’s degree from the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan.

His website is rich with details on his priorities, plans and ideas. His answer to our first question was verbatim from his website, so we are providing the link with all the specifics.

Here are Sigler’s answers to WSB’s five questions:

1. West Seattle residents are concerned about the rise in shootings, youth violence and gang activity in the community. Do you have a plan to tackle the issue, and what will you do to keep our neighborhoods safe?

SIGLER: Violence, especially gang violence, is an increasing problem within our community. Factors for the rise include economic conditions, influence of outside “bad elements”, and a true lack of alternatives to this behavior. I’ve said over the course of this campaign that we need a holistic approach and new ideas to address this problem.

2. A full-block grocery store and housing project in West Seattle has been nicknamed “Hole Foods” after the vast pit that replaced two businesses nearly a year ago. There are concerns about the safety and the stability of surrounding roads at Fauntleroy Way and SW Alaska Street. West Seattle is anticipating a deluge of development; what can be done to make sure we don’t end up with more pits?

SIGLER: I cannot understand how we allow developers to leave blights in neighborhoods throughout the city – open pits that are dangerous and unsightly. I will work with the City Council to improve completion rates of construction projects and require a time limit on open pits (after such time limit, pit must be turned into a user friendly space like a park). I agree: no more pits.

3. West Seattle often feels like an island, residents risk messy commutes and downtown shopping expeditions under almost any plan for the Alaskan Way Viaduct. What ideas do you have for keeping West Seattle connected during and after construction?

SIGLER: There are several things I would do:

1. Add more water taxi service (and introduce W. Seattle to Ballard water taxi)

2. Rebuild the South Park bridge – making it into a shining gateway to the neighborhood.

3. Use technology for stoplights to move rush hour traffic to and from downtown. Technology will be able to create on demand one way streets and also will be used in emergencies and before/after sporting events.

4. Build a trolley/streetcar down the middle of California (from Lincoln Park to Admiral District then shuttle bus to Alki)

5. Build another bridge over I-5 to Beacon Hill

6. Reintroduce planning and execution of train-transit service from W. Seattle to Ballard via. Downtown (funding should be part of the Deep Bored Tunnel project).

4. What is the biggest issue facing Seattle and how will you deal with it?

SIGLER: Our biggest issue is our inability to effectively work together either within government, between governments, or between the people and its government. We like to define ourselves by our professions/success, neighborhoods, charitable pursuits, and our intellect. If we were able to work effectively together, we would be a lot closer to solving the above and other issues. We would’ve had a train transit network, our neighborhoods would be safer, and the quality of life from city-delivered basic services would be evident.

I understand and respect the Seattle Way of doing things. People want to be heard and people should be heard. My approach is a collaborative and inclusive approach to management. My administration will be a continuation of listening I’ve done while on the campaign trail.

Related to working together, I will improve the morale within our city departments. I will create programs that will increase the bond between our city employees and our citizens. Every two months, all city employees will be required to go out into Seattle and interact with citizens in various formats. Also city employees will receive professional development dollars to maintain their skill sets. Lastly, I will surround myself with the best minds from diverse backgrounds representing all of Seattle – its past, present and future.

5. What is your favorite place in West Seattle, and why?

SIGLER: Favorite places are Alki Beach and Lincoln Park. These two natural wonders rejuvenate my energy. The large pizza slices at Talarico’s closely follows.

Your ballot must be postmarked by Tuesday, or dropped off in one of the dropboxes around the county (no postage needed if you choose that option – the nearest ones are in North Delridge and White Center) by 8 pm Tuesday night. To see previous WSB candidate/politics reports, check this newest-to-oldest archive.