ELECTION 2023: Rob Saka leads for Seattle City Council District 1

Voter November 7, 2023 (8:29 pm)

I hope Rob Saka’s lead holds.

G November 7, 2023 (8:37 pm)

He personally knocked on my door. Had a chance to talk to him and I heard common sense. Agree with all his policies are a we will see but common sense isn’t that common. He got my vote
- CAM November 7, 2023 (9:08 pm)
  
  What policies were those? I think we might have different definitions for the word “policy.”
1994 November 7, 2023 (8:49 pm)

I agree with VOTER!
JF November 8, 2023 (1:27 pm)

You really need to ask yourself:1. Why did every candidate instantly endorse Costa after the primary even though some Were further right than Rob? 2. Why would Rob allow out of district billionars to buy district 1?3. How could Rob stomach repeating a lie over and over about Costas stance on defunding the police even though she personally told him that he was lying about her stance? 4. Why would Rob miss represent his employment for so long during the campaign? Did anyone not think he was working as a meta lawyer while running?5. Why would meta lay him off to begin with? I would think he would be the last one they would lay off if there wasn’t some issue. JMO6. Why would he never layout true detailed policy positions or funding strategies for his ideas?When I answer these questions for myself I find him to be totally unacceptable as a candidate… take some time and reflect on what just happened.
- Oh Seattle November 8, 2023 (5:25 pm)
  
  If you think anyone under C-level executives at big tech corporations are safe from layoffs at any time, then you don’t have a clue about big tech corporations.

Del November 7, 2023 (8:43 pm)

Saka has my vote!

James November 7, 2023 (8:45 pm)

I sense a Costa comeback is in order. My family of 4 voted Costa and we sent ours in just today.

Raincity November 7, 2023 (9:11 pm)

Same here holding out hope for all the day of voters for Costa!
Pigeon Point Resident November 7, 2023 (9:15 pm)

I voted for Costa too, but it’s gonna be hard to come back from an 18 point initial ballot drop deficit. I think Sawant holds the current record for comeback after losing from the first drop and that wasn’t more than 15 points down.
WSMom November 7, 2023 (9:19 pm)

My family of 4 voted Saka and dropped ours off today
- IdkMyBffJill? November 7, 2023 (10:55 pm)
  
  My household, too, though there are only two of us. Progressive voters tend to also be later voters.
- Bradley November 7, 2023 (11:00 pm)
  
  I voted Saka and dropped today.

JunctionResident November 7, 2023 (8:49 pm)

Go Rob!!!

Finally November 7, 2023 (8:50 pm)

Saka winning and all other incumbents losing is proof that Seattleites are finally fed up with purse snatchings, smashed windows, stolen cars, local biz armed robberies, road rage, and random acts of violence. Get it Saka! Won’t be an easy mess to clean up but at least you’re aware of the problem and aren’t afraid to tackle it.

Foop November 7, 2023 (10:10 pm)

What did saka say he’ll do to prevent those? Aside from do his best to stop pedestrian and bike infrastructure? I guess if you’re always in your car your purse won’t get snatched?
- waikikigirl November 8, 2023 (7:03 am)
  
  “I guess if you’re always in your car your purse won’t get snatched? “ Oh yes it can, when you have that gun pointed to your head while getting your car “jacked”. Most bike riders don’t carry a purse anyways, do they?
  - foop November 8, 2023 (10:02 am)
    
    @waikikigirl: https://media.giphy.com/media/vNmTsLl4cildm/giphy.gif
    Costa and Saka weren’t all that different, Saka is solidly more NIMBY and he fights against infrastructure and systems that will benefit us in the future. He ran his campaign on short term fear and we’ll once again reap the results of reactionary politics.
    - WestSeattleBadTakes November 8, 2023 (11:18 am)
      
      This exactly.
Brian November 8, 2023 (6:57 am)

What is Rob Saka going to do about road rage? What a weird claim.
Thomas A Wood November 8, 2023 (8:45 am)

agree

Marina November 7, 2023 (8:54 pm)

Awesome sauce. For once, my vote counts. Pretty optimistic, but it still feels like rooting for the Mariners.

WS Guy November 7, 2023 (8:55 pm)

They’re throwing the bums out! Who would have thought the Seattle electorate could find some sense and flush the activists that trashed the city.

James November 7, 2023 (9:03 pm)

The bums? You mean Harrell’s handpicked candidates? The guy who was on council for 12 years and mayor for 2 now? Come on

Alf November 7, 2023 (8:58 pm)

So excited if the lead holds, the entire city council appears to move towards a moderate tone. Indictment of Lisa Herbolt and the rest of the gang who have sold the city down the pikeTo bad about prop 1, no accountability for the money that has already been spent. 3 times the amount, taxing folks out of their home,

Center-Left November 7, 2023 (9:08 pm)

I am so pleased to see liberals beating back the failed Progressive movement. Seattle is electing two ex military and several pro business liberal candidates. Perfect timing with the new waterfront opening! Seattle is a beautiful city. Will be so nice to have the garbage, crime and drugs off our street. We needed a new council. Progressives did a lot of damage, we needed traditional liberals back in gov.

RickB November 7, 2023 (9:28 pm)

Yes that “will” be nice lol.

Kyle November 7, 2023 (9:09 pm)

I was a Tavel primary voted so gleam from this what you will. Originally thought I would vote Saka, but when Tavel and all other voters endorsed Costa reopened who I would vote for. Listened to the debates and was still unsure. Felt Saka aligned a bit more with what I wanted, but the full endorsement of other candidates held weight as to who would be effective governing. In the end, Rob Saka knocked on my door and wanted to know what was important to me. Have lived in Highland Park 8 years Herbold has never knocked on my door. Neither did any other candidates. That sealed my vote for Saka. I wish both candidates well and think either would actually be an improvement. But I went with Saka and believe he cares about the basic nitty gritty details I want from a council member (pick up the trash on time, keep the parks clean, etc.).

K November 8, 2023 (6:26 am)

I live in Highland park too and got a knock from Costa, but not Saka.
Molly November 8, 2023 (2:00 pm)

Yes he personally knocked on our door, too, in Genesee hill, and I think that was really great that he wanted to make sure our voice was heard and clarify any of his positions if we had questions. And he, personally, was holding signs by delridge on election night. He was very personally involved in his own campaign and geared it towards people in neighborhoods vs “groups” like local democrat groups and local unions. Not that he didn’t see those as important, but he really seemed to understand a lot of people felt like the local government isn’t enacting things that matter to our neighborhoods. Rob certainly got my vote from that.

yikes November 7, 2023 (9:13 pm)

Saka is just another tech bro bought off by big corporations and mega landlords. These people don’t have the best interests of Seattle! All of this money will go towards hiring bonuses for cops that don’t exist and sweeping unhoused people into shelters that don’t exist. You’re not getting what you think you’re getting.

TB November 7, 2023 (9:27 pm)

Yikes is 100% right. Hoping for a Costa comeback.
- D-Mom November 7, 2023 (10:05 pm)
  
  Seriously disappointed to see Saka in the lead with who threw tons of money his way. News flash, he won’t be standing up for West Seattle. We need a Maren Costa comeback!
  - WS Mom November 8, 2023 (8:04 am)
    
    100% agree. His election and smear campaign was bought by big business and conservative Trump supporters. I cannot believe people fell for this and didn’t actually research his stance to compare and contrast with Maren. Voting for someone because they knock on your door without researching their platform is dangerous. When all six primary candidates unanimously support one final candidate, you have to wonder what’s wrong with the opponent who received zero acknowledgements. Rob Saka preyed on this communities’ fears and it unfortunately worked. That said, while it’s a stretch, I am hold out hope that the late voters (like myself) will turn this around.
    - Byron James November 8, 2023 (9:47 am)
      
      It’s laughable and predictable when Seattle Progressives invoke the name of Donald Trump after one of their candidates loses. Seattle Progressives seem to be incapable of thinking of any other reason for a candidate’s loss.
    - Amen November 8, 2023 (10:17 am)
      
      Byron James is 100% correct. Trump has nothing to do with this local election. Neither do his supporters. Costa losing to Saka is simple. Saka is tougher on crime than Costa and Seattle has a rapidly escalating crime problem. The end. I know it’s hard to accept but many liberals are finally tired of their beautiful neighborhood being unsafe. Costa seems like a great person who would do well in a neutral crime climate. This is not a neutral crime climate so Saka wins. Vote on need, not personal bias.
    - Also John November 8, 2023 (10:45 am)
      
      Thank you! I was thinking the same.
- Jeff November 8, 2023 (9:10 am)
  
  Hard to see Costa coming back, but the low turnout hurt progressives. I voted Costa along with my wife. Very troubling results. Saka is going to try to throw my homeless friend in jail. My friend isn’t an addict. Has a job, but has poor credit and cannot get an apartment because of it. He needs to stay in Seattle too because his kid is here. Just hurts me.
1994 November 7, 2023 (10:09 pm)

And what candidates knocked on your door or left a flyer if you didn’t answer or were not home? Saka and Aragon both put in a lot of walk miles at the south end of West Seattle. Gotta respect their efforts to reach the folks who may be interested to hear their take on things…. or that they are listening to the folks take on things.
Peter November 7, 2023 (10:37 pm)

Saka is an attorney. Costa spent her entire career in tech. Yet somehow Saka is the “tech bro?” Gimme an eff ing break. Your comment is ridiculous and entirely factless.
Why November 8, 2023 (2:07 am)

Yeah what Peter said! Costa literally comes from tech and big corporate business. Haha.
Adam November 8, 2023 (8:01 am)

You should run for office, what with your lying and just saying stuff that don’t add up. Costa is the tech bro, bro. Or did you not read her bio? And if the money goes to police and sweeps, then I’m getting EXACTLY what I was hoping for. As for the knocks on doors by candidates, Maren came by my house. Her attitude immediately was a turn-off. I told her I’d grab my wife who was excited to meet her. My wife and I often vote very differently. I went back to yard work, Maren spoke to my wife, and by the time she left it was clear she was at least in danger of losing my wife’s vote. In the end, she did. My wife hadn’t ever voted against the Seattle establishment. I wonder what changed? Must’ve been all the “Trump money” or some other terrible excuse for progressives walking out yet another subpar candidate. I’m just glad we finally saw through it. In the end, many liberals are painted as conservatives for not following the super whacky new Democrat orthodoxy, and it bit the party in the ass. If sensible liberals can make this push in Seattle, it can happen anywhere.
CarDriver November 8, 2023 (10:04 am)

Yikes. Name the politician that you can PROVE has NOT been “bought off” by a special interest group. Your anger sounds like your “special interest” is losing.

Derek November 7, 2023 (9:16 pm)

Hoping Maren comes back! It’s not over!!!!

Peter November 7, 2023 (10:42 pm)

It’s over. Saka outperformed Costs in every forum with better knowledge, better ideas, and better articulation of his intentions. The majority of voters paid attention to that and voted for him, resulting in an insurmountable lead.
- WSJ November 8, 2023 (9:12 am)
  
  Are you kidding? He was only ever incredibly vague, and took every opportunity to emphasize a lie: that Maren supports defunding the Police. I was on the fence until I watched the debates and decided I couldn’t vote for a candidate who would run a dishonest campaign. Amazes me that people fall for this garbage, but apparently they do. Do you believe that a candidate who uses obvious dishonesty could possibly value their constituents? I don’t. Bummer result.
  - Barton November 8, 2023 (10:09 am)
    
    Umm . . . what about the disingenuous Costa mailer implying Saka is aligned with Trump.
    - jeff November 8, 2023 (12:54 pm)
      
      The huge real estate developer (John Goodman) that donated to Saka was a huge Trump donor. Where was the lie?
    - WSJ November 8, 2023 (1:41 pm)
      
      I missed that…. Not gonna lie, it’s disappointing.
    - ModerateSeattleite November 8, 2023 (2:54 pm)
      
      Jeff, you are implying that Saka is aligned with Trump because a GOP donor donated to his campaign. Could it be that Goodman just wants a less progressive candidate to run this city, and Saka was the less progressive candidate? As a moderate, I choose candidates that are closer to my values and what I want. In this city, your choices are way left and extremely way left. I have voted for people I would never have voted for if there was a more moderate option, but since this is Seattle, I only vote democrat in local elections, whether I like it or not.I would assume that is the case with the campaign money as well. I find people here try to paint anyone that is right of communism as a “Trump supporter”, which is hilarious. Just because they are to the right of YOUR candidate it doesn’t make them right wing.
    - Barton November 8, 2023 (3:28 pm)
      
      @Jeff – a refusal to acknowledge that a donation by Goodman to Saka – as the more moderate of two left candidates – does not equate to Saka being aligned with Trump is intellectually dishonest. As you and candidate Costa likely know, Goodman has also donated to Inslee. and other democrats. I abhor Trump. Voting for Saka was a an easy choice. Many things can be true at the same time.

K November 7, 2023 (9:16 pm)

Ugh, why people just vote for more of the same is beyond me. Enjoy your rising crime with Saka in office.

SlimJim November 7, 2023 (9:31 pm)

Are you even paying attention? Saka is the more conservative (though still a liberal) of the two candidates and the one who appeared to have a tougher stance on crime and actually didn’t vilify police.
- K November 8, 2023 (6:28 am)
  
  He is endorsing Harrell’s policies, which are the status quo, and have resulted in an increase in crime over the three years Harrell’s been in office. I think it’s Saka voters who haven’t been paying attention. Yes, he says all the things people want to hear, but the policies he actually supports have done nothing but create more homelessness and more crime.
- DC November 8, 2023 (8:28 am)
  
  We’ve already got a Republican leaning City Attorney and a ‘centrist’ Mayor, yet crime has increased under their watch. How do you think they’ll turn the tide?
  - Maria November 8, 2023 (2:47 pm)
    
    Both the city attorney and the Mayor have been completely hampered by the extremely dysfunctional “progressive” city council. The crime didn’t increase because of Harrell’s policies (to be clear, I’m not a fan of his either…Mostly because he’s not pushing hard enough for tough on crime policies), crime increased because of insane policies, not enough police & disturbingly lenient consequences for criminals.
  - ModerateSeattleite November 8, 2023 (3:00 pm)
    
    I find your statement very funny. Seattleites think anyone that isn’t a socialist/communist/uber progressive is therefore a republican, or at least a moderate. Every single person that has run for office in this city would be a left leaning liberal everywhere else but Portland and San Francisco. My sister thinks I am a republican, since I vote down the middle, and my friends from outside Seattle think I am a screaming liberal who loves George Soros (their words). So please, Bruce Harrel does nothing a true moderate would do. He does everything a liberal would do, but in Seattle, that’s not left enough.
- Hmmm November 8, 2023 (12:39 pm)
  
  The police do I fine job of vilifying themselves. Just look who they elect as the vice president of their FOP. A guy with a rap sheet as long as your arm gleefully laughing at a fellow cop running down a pedestrian.The police suffered no significant defunding. The hiring crisis is because they all quit due to covid shots and body cams – check the exit interview data – most normal people wouldn’t consider working for them no matter how high the pay.

River November 7, 2023 (9:16 pm)

So far so good. Early results are very promising.

Kadoo November 7, 2023 (9:24 pm)

Thrilled about Saka’s lead and hope it holds!

SlimJim November 7, 2023 (9:33 pm)

Saka knocked on our door in Gatewood also and I saw him going door to door in the Westwood/Barton neighborhood. I respect the work he put in.

shotinthefoot November 8, 2023 (8:16 am)

are you also thrilled with all the conservative, maga-leaning donors he was happy to take money from? where do you think his interests lie if he’s taking money from the extreme maga right wing? is that what we need here? just because he knocked on your door doesn’t mean he’s a good candidate for Seattle.
- ModerateSeattleite November 8, 2023 (3:04 pm)
  
  Which is it,“conservative, maga-leaning donors ” or “extreme maga right wing”. That escalated really quickly, like in one sentence. Please list your sources, and I would be happy to change my tune on him.
  - shotinthefoot November 9, 2023 (8:25 am)
    
    Conservatives ARE extreme right wing. Right wing is Maga. Maga is a cancer on our society. If you don’t see that I don’t know what to tell you. Just saying it’s a pretty slippery slope Saka is on, taking money from them. Just makes me wonder what he really supports and what those donors hope to gain with Saka’s win. As for sources, it’s been cited ad nauseum in this comment thread but here you go: https://www.thestranger.com/elections-2023/2023/07/28/79096219/more-than-150000-of-trumper-and-big-business-money-hits-city-council-races

Dr Wu November 7, 2023 (9:46 pm)

I am cautiously optimistic that Saka will win and that is good news for all of us.

Admiral Res November 7, 2023 (10:02 pm)

No need to speak for all of us, Dr Wu.
Maria November 8, 2023 (2:31 pm)

That is good news for all of us.

HappyCamper November 7, 2023 (9:57 pm)

Can’t call all of the races yet but it’s kinda looking like a single issue election.

Rico November 7, 2023 (9:58 pm)

The nightmare of Herbold is only over if Saka prevails. How many thousands of lives lost and millions of tax dollars wasted, essentially flushed down the toilet, before the malaise lifts? Let’s save Seattle with this election!

Mike November 8, 2023 (5:16 am)

We need reasonable people in office. No more DSA backed candidates.

Tom November 7, 2023 (9:59 pm)

WSB, do you know what the typical turnout is for D1 in a year where there are no presidential elections?

WSB November 7, 2023 (10:56 pm)

Well, this is only the third year with a D-1 election, so we have records from 2015 and 2019 to look back at.
In 2015, the turnout in D-1 was 45%. In 2019, it was 54%.
This is likely to be lower than both – the latest ballot-return count is 30 percent. Not sure if that reflects any of the absolute last-minute rush; we’ll see what it looks like tomorrow. – TR

wssz November 7, 2023 (10:20 pm)

Holding my breath hoping that Rob Saka continues to dominate in this election. So done with the lack of consequences for gangs and other bad guys threatening and harming residents. Want to start to reclaim the sweetness of our community. Go Rob!!!

Peter November 7, 2023 (10:22 pm)

Call this one. The votes can change a lot after the first round of results, but not this much. Congratulations Rob Saka!

wscommuter November 7, 2023 (10:25 pm)

Way too soon to see how each of these races will turn out – not enough votes counted. But … IF the council does turn from extreme left to moderate left … at the same time the affordable housing levy is passing easily … it would say a lot about Seattle’s voters understanding that they want less far left policy at the same time that they demonstrate with pocketbooks that they’re willing to pay for more housing. There’s a lesson there.

Little One November 8, 2023 (5:50 am)

Very true! I would be very impressed if Seattle voters and the city could make this happen, and I hope we do. We realize the reality of needing to help people and provide for public safety. The two are not mutually exclusive.

Rhonda November 7, 2023 (10:35 pm)

SWEET 🇺🇸

T November 7, 2023 (10:44 pm)

On three separate occasions Mr. Saka came up and spoke to my friends and I. For the past two days he was standing at the corner just prior to the WS bridge, no other candidate personally was. If he fights this hard for votes, he will fight this hard for the voters. Mr. Saka has my vote and I celebrate the change he will he will help with.

Admiral Mom November 7, 2023 (11:03 pm)

All 5 voters in my house voted for Saka. He will prevail, numbers are too high for a comeback. We will be better off with Rob in office, no doubt.

DavidWS November 7, 2023 (11:10 pm)

Rob Saka has put in the work and he deserves this win. Here’s hoping that those that supported Costa and Tavel can move forward with supporting Saka, as he has promised to be a council member that has an ear for all district 1 neighbors. We’re all in this together.

Wind Advisory November 7, 2023 (11:10 pm)

It’s so weird how many people seem to think that Lisa Herbold and Maren Costa are the same person when there’s no indication of that being the truth. 😱🤯 I thought I lived in a more intellectually sound neighborhood, but I guess I should have known those signs of progressive positivity in the yards around here are not necessarily indicators of the people displaying them being willing to demonstrate qualities their signage implies. I wonder if we neighbors in District 1 (and the interlopers who do not live here, yet feel the need to comment anyway) remember to stop for a moment, before hopping on the Fox News Talking Points Bandwagon* regarding our city, and be grateful we had yet another election in which we got to choose between two people who could reasonably both be potentially good at facilitating solutions if elected, even if they have different ideas on how best to approach the problem.*Yes, that’s what some of the comments sound like to me because they are similar to things my scared to go downtown parents have said from the comfort of the solidly red state they live in. We have it so good here, y’all. Please enjoy the autumnal foliage and remember that regardless of who wins.

Derek November 8, 2023 (12:23 am)

I hear you. I’m so depressed by these results. Thought we had a smarter community too. I cannot believe this is 4 years of Saka. I’m praying Costa has an insane turnaround.
- Genuine November 8, 2023 (6:11 am)
  
  “I didn’t get my way” everyone around me is not as smart as me! Looks like the numbers speak for themselves, Derek
- Plf November 8, 2023 (11:21 am)
  
  Actually the community is “smart”. They identified that things weren’t working and chose another direction. I think it is telling that many of the incumbents chose not to run again and avoid the shame of losing. Let’s at least give these new representatives a chance and measure their performance going forward.this city could not continue on the path we were moving, hoping moderate policies prevail and crime will be addressed with holding thugs accountable
Lowman November 8, 2023 (6:11 am)

It’s a disappointing comment that wanting basic safety is considered a Fox News talking point and what someone from a red state wants. You are calling us all “boomers” right? So cute. This comment is the extreme left mirroring the same behaviors of the extreme right—just different talking points. How many stores do you need to drive by with smashed out front windows from the most recent crash and grab? Do small business owners have it so good here y’all? How many encampment fires do you need to see (every day)? It’s so good here y’all! How many stolen cars used for a major crime, only bailed and no suspects to be found (every day)? Soooo good here y’all! How many shoplifters that boldly walk out the door at Westwood village? It’s great here y’all. These are all things that I (and others) see often. Not a talking point fed to us. This is not Fox News, red or blue. It’s local politics. People ARE smart and that’s why they voted for Rob. Not to mention it looks like all of Seattle did the same. Read the room.

ProbablyYourNeighbor November 7, 2023 (11:26 pm)

Guy certainly lives up to the reputation in the above video- how on earth can a person spend that much time campaigning, talking issues, discussing policies…and take near enough a whole minute to produce the vaguest, least specific answer imaginable? Baffling that he couldn’t make the meaningful leap to, “The first thing I’d like to do is work on public safety by implementing these specific policies”

Jay November 8, 2023 (12:17 am)

People react to a worsening economy and rising crime rate by voting for austerity policies, thinking that punishing the working class and spending more on police will make problems go away. The irony is that they think they’re voting to solve their problems, but they’re actually voting to make their problems worse. For the end-game of austerity politics, look at Greece. People think that voting Saka and cutting money from social and transportation investments to shift it to the police will solve our problems, but the opposite is true. It’s just a sad situation, and mirrors the conservative reactionary populism were seeing across the country and on a national stage. Five years from now there are only going to be more RVs, more tents, more robberies, and more shootings and purse snatchings. I wish people could think more strategically instead of being reactionary.

Whittleman November 8, 2023 (1:38 am)

Do you have a crystal ball? Those are some pretty big assumptions you are making, and I’m sure homelessness won’t be solved in four years solely because Rob Saka was elected instead of Costa. People voted who they wanted to represent them, and that person won. I voted Costa the first time but switched my vote to Saka after watching all the debates. Hearing that he went to 16,000 doors does not surprise me. He worked hard, he fought hard, and won me over. But now the real work begins… let’s not be so quick to judge so early. Time will tell, Nostradamus.
- waikikigirl November 8, 2023 (9:17 am)
  
  You are correct Whittleman. No one can fix a 4 year problem in just the few months or years in office, it’s going to be a hard fix to fix. But the people who didn’t vote for Rob Saka will point this out day in and day out, if he wins.I for one didn’t vote for either, we do not live in that District but I hope whoever wins helps get our city back to the way it was…or at least close to the way it was.☮️
  - Whittleman November 8, 2023 (11:47 am)
    
    That’s my hope too. We shall see!
WS Res November 8, 2023 (8:50 am)

Five years from now there are only going to be more RVs, more tents, more robberies, and more shootings and purse snatchings. I wish people could think more strategically instead of being reactionary. And then they’ll still blame “liberals” because the Right has succeeded so well at their “government is the problem” campaign, even when they’re the ones running the government.
T Grouch November 8, 2023 (11:18 am)

Well, luckily West Seattle is not in a currency union that splits fiscal policy from monetary policy, so I’m pretty confident we’re not going to end up like Greece.Beyond that this election is not about how much money we are going to spend trying to solve the incredibly complex problems of crime, homelessness, and addiction (hint: a lot). This election is about whether we continue to elect CMs who make solving even more complex, and far more entrenched, problems of inequality a requirement for action on anything else, and who sneeringly dismiss every concern about property crime and encampments with lectures on privilege and wage theft.You seem to like analogies so here’s one for you: we have an epidemic of Type II diabetes in the country. Among the root causes are racism, agricultural subsidies, and for profit medicine. Those all need to be addressed but in the meantime you don’t deny people access to insulin because it only “addresses the symptoms”. But that is exactly the approach of social justice left in Seattle, and if there is a backlash, it’s because they spend so much time grandstanding on topics they have almost no influence over while proudly refusing to do anything about the issues and problems where incremental improvement is both possible and desirable.
- Jethro Marx November 8, 2023 (1:35 pm)
  
  I think your analogy is an interesting one. I didn’t like either candidate, but Costa trying to relate to us non-rich people by holding up her “user experience” design skills at Amazon (while making five times a normie salary) was the final straw. She also is one of those “grandstanding on topics they have almost no influence over” when it comes to climate change. Easy to make headlines with that (or get an arena named something grandiose) but you will not have a meaningful impact as a city councilmember in a city that has a statistically insignificant contribution to a global issue.
  
  Saka or someone supporting him, meanwhile, got Dynata to do some very tacky polling, and I started taking their survey against my better judgement. I was rewarded with an instant waterfall of garbage texts about how I needed to verify my address for some scam USPS package. Yeah, sure I’ll click on that link to http://www.6.lu/g/USSPPSS.com...
  
  I should note that the survey was not credited to Saka, I triangulated that from the questions being asked.
- CAM November 8, 2023 (9:16 pm)
  
  The problem with your analogy TG is that there is a group of people who seem to believe that the way to prevent crime is putting people in jail for longer periods of time. The only way that is an actually accurate answer is if 1) you build more jails, 2) hire more corrections staff (they are more understaffed then police), 3) and continue building more and more jails infinitely. Believing this fallacy would also require ignoring decades of research evidence which shows that harsher sentences and penalties do not deter people from committing most crimes. Why? Because people who commit crimes either 1) don’t think they are going to get caught, 2) don’t think they have any other option, or 3) sometimes both. You also have to ignore the decades of research that shows that the more times people spend in custody the more criminogenic traits they demonstrate. That doesn’t matter because they’re in jail/prison? Well, sorry, unless you’re building the ever expanding jail or using capital punishment for property crimes, prisoners will be released and will be your neighbors. So yes, we need to come up with a solution for dealing with crime and preventing crime that is not reliant on the failed system that was created in the dark ages. There are in fact lots of ways to improve things out there but the reason they don’t ever go anywhere is because politicians are too scared of losing their jobs because of people who think the only solution is to hide the problem behind concrete walls until it boils over. And Saka, the lawyer for FB, knows jack all about it based on the ideas he’s put forward publicly.
ConcernedInAdmiral November 9, 2023 (2:03 am)

5 years from now there will NOT be more RVs, NOT more tents, NOT more robberies, and NOT more shootings and NOT more purse snatchings! Period. Survival of the strongest isn’t always the fittest but the most adaptable. As the turnout stands so far, I believe what I’m seeing is we are smart because we pay attention…at least enough of us are, currently. Thank god for a true democratic process because the majority are flexible, adaptable, aware & not lost to the idea of wanting “the current cohort of teens and adults committing armed robberies, business robberies, car thefts, drug dealing, etc. taken off the streets and staying off the streets for long periods of time” as a great solution to the problems we have on our hands. #wegotthisyall

wheeee! November 8, 2023 (2:19 am)

rob saka has no plans to do anything. voting for fluff and comfort is the seattle way…

Liberal isn't moderate November 8, 2023 (5:26 am)

There are a lot of factors, historical and very recent alike, that have contributed to the mess Seattle is in. We definitely need to address the historical issues but let’s face it, most of the solutions are long term. We cannot solve problems related to the lack of affordable housing, crisis and long term mental health and drug treatment resources, enough effective schools and curricula, non-police resources for some urgent situations, systemic racism, etc. overnight. We can and must continue moving in that direction but things like brick and mortar buildings don’t suddenly get built overnight nor can we instantly find all the needed employees when already our social service, Healthcare, education, and construction employers cannot fill vacancies. To staff new resources it’s going to take more education, training, apprenticeships and a weekend or 6 week seminar doesn’t do it. But I think the fact that the Housing Levy passed and is going to triple money for investing in some of those resources (not all) demonstrates Seattle liberal (aka “moderate”) residents do want to do the longer term work.Meanwhile, though, I want the current cohort of teens and adults committing armed robberies, business robberies, car thefts, drug dealing, etc. taken off the streets and staying off the streets for long periods of time. While detained provide intensive drug and mental health treatment and education. That takes time and resources and the present system with releases on recognizance or 30 day sentences don’t do that and the majority have demonstrated they aren’t just going to go along with house arrest and participate in treatment (in scarce or nonexistent programs).So that’s why I voted for liberals and not progressives. I voted for progressives until now but armed carjackings, car thefts, home and business robberies, shootings, homelessness, all continue. The progressives didn’t stop it. I’m hoping the liberals can.

Maria November 8, 2023 (2:17 pm)

Perfectly said. I’ve lived in Seattle for almost 20 years & I’ve always voted for the most progressive candidates on the ballot. But after the last couple of years rise in aggressive crime, I’m completely over progressive politics. Liberal isn’t moderate but it is regressive. At this point I want law and order. I want to feel safe walking down the street.
- Yes! November 8, 2023 (11:14 pm)
  
  100% agree with Maria!!
- Rockatansky November 10, 2023 (2:57 pm)
  
  Agree with Maria, thanks for speaking up. I personally will no longer support any progressive policies. Progressives push reasonable boundaries., then when that boundary is crossed and just normal citizens notice ? They are labeled “Nimby” or “reactionary” or worse. It’s poison at this point. Just done being manipulated, that’s all.
CAM November 8, 2023 (10:04 pm)

Nobody, never, under any circumstances, will “stop” crime. And you cannot jail all the people you reference for the length of time you want to with the amount of space currently available. And you cannot provide the services to the ones you do put in jail at the rate you want to provide them with the amount of people currently available to provide them. And you can’t just say “Make it so!” and have it magically appear immediately to satisfy your demand. Forcing under-resourced and understaffed agencies to provide ever increasing levels of services without giving them anything (because you’re spending all that money on police and correctional staff and building jails) leads to those agencies becoming…MORE UNDERSTAFFED AND MORE UNDER-RESOURCED. Please stop shuffling the deck chairs on the Titanic.
- Great November 8, 2023 (11:18 pm)
  
  “ because you’re spending all that money on police and correctional staff and building jails”sure hope so, Cam! One day the city will realize crime went up as soon as the defund movement began
  - CAM November 9, 2023 (1:40 pm)
    
    Maybe one day all the people on the internet trying to intentionally mislead will stop spouting the nonsense that the police budget was ever cut. If you click your heels together 3 times and say defund does that make our former president reappear for you?
    - Barton November 9, 2023 (2:22 pm)
      
      Did I miss someone on this thread making the claim that the police budget was cut? Most understand that the defund movement had a profound effect on qualified officers being willing to serve in this city, adding to the critical shortage of officers and unaddressed crime and safety issues. And please stop with the suggestion that anyone that would like a fully staffed police department is somehow a Trump supporter. Try being the victim of an impactful crime and having to wait weeks for the police to be able to address due to staffing shortages.
    - CAM November 10, 2023 (2:56 pm)
      
      There is a nationwide shortage of police. Desantis is recruiting officers from other states because he can’t get enough to fill his positions. The low number of police is not the result of people talking about and never actually cutting the police budget. If that’s what you believe, why isn’t it also the result of the decades long federal investigation and oversight into the police department for engaging in violence against citizens?

WS NEEDS CHANGE November 8, 2023 (6:46 am)

In the old days, after an election, the losing candidate was gracious and the people who voted for the loser accepted the tyranny of the majority. And the politicians were less extreme, and thus incited less consternation. We have seen so much discord at the national level on this front, I hope we can decide not to repeat this at the D1 level. Phil Tavel and crew were sore losers and bad actors in their meddling after the primary. Lets we voters be good actors and see how this election resolves and then work with our elected representative to have our district represented at City Hall. We can actually influence them if we care to!

abovealki November 8, 2023 (7:30 am)

Costa completely lost me when I started getting those mailers trying to link Saka to Donald Trump. Ridiculous and disgusting. Then her flyers talked about her support for hiring 400 police, after having earlier said she supported defunding the police.It would be interesting to interview all the failed primary candidates who came out in support of her, and see what their current views are.

JF November 8, 2023 (4:13 pm)

From before the campaign to the very end of the campaign she supported hiring police… the actual context of the defund comment has been lost… she even directly confronted him about the lie and he continued to repeat it… almost $500k was donated from outside our district to rob… 2 of the main donors to the pac were Trump donors… just a sad fact…

flimflam November 8, 2023 (7:33 am)

Regardless of who wins, I’m consistantly shocked by how low our voter turnout is – it couldn’t be any easier to vote here. yes, yes, I’m aware that all ballots are not in but it’s looking like the lowest turnout in years.

Yes!! November 8, 2023 (7:40 am)

Yes!!!! Rob Saka!!!! Seattle Times also has a great article from Danny Westneat. The lefty experimentalism is going down! Enough of the polarizing politics.

Kadoo November 8, 2023 (11:35 am)

Amen. Westneat nailed it.

shotinthefoot November 8, 2023 (8:14 am)

Very disheartening to see so many cheer the Magat money being pumped into a local election. Lie down with dogs and you get fleas, people.

Whittleman November 8, 2023 (11:56 am)

You should do more research regarding this misinformation. It’s very easy to have a kneejerk reaction because MAGA is such a trigger word. That’s why I voted Costa the first time. I read MAGA and Saka in the same sentence and felt like I instantly knew who NOT to vote for. But once it was down to the two candidates and I did more research, I could very easily see Costa trying to tie Saka, unfairly and erroneously, to MAGA money because someone who donated to Trump once (and also to a bunch of Democrat candidates like Inslee) donated to Saka. If you look beyond the sensationalism and actually watched the debates, went to the candidates websites, you could easily make a more informed decision and drown out all the noise. They were both good candidates for different reasons. For me, Saka said it best when he said he wouldn’t let perfect get in the way of the good. There has to be a balance of solving for problems now, rather than letting the problems run amok while arguing over which policy actually addresses the root problems. I’ve seen enough data to show me results, and voted accordingly.
- Jeff November 8, 2023 (3:18 pm)
  
  Again, the problem is not WHO is doing the donating, but why is a guy who favors Trump favoring Saka. It’s not that hard!
  - Barton November 8, 2023 (4:53 pm)
    
    It really isn’t that hard. It’s because he is the more moderate of the two choices. It’s also not that hard to understand that doesn’t equal Saka being in favor of Trump’s policies. I favor Saka. I do not favor Trump. See.

Chad November 8, 2023 (8:23 am)

Costa came walking around Andover street just a few months after the giant encampment was removed. It was there for 3 years, terrorizing residents. She boldly stated that she would have left it alone, continuing the hellish nightmare we all lived. So she lost easily hundreds of votes from the neighborhood. Unfortunately so, because we mostly agree with everything else she stands for.

Marcus November 8, 2023 (8:53 am)

Finally over! Now these new guys need to perform. No honeymoon-just get to work.

Nachobeaver November 8, 2023 (9:23 am)

Go Saka!!! Make Seattle Great Again🇺🇸🇺🇸

shotinthefoot November 8, 2023 (9:40 am)

Well, that’s gross. We don’t need that kind of hate here. I voted late, and voted for Costa so hoping this turns around so we don’t have that Saka/Maga element ruining our city.
- flimflam November 8, 2023 (2:01 pm)
  
  Whats gross about wanting a better Seattle than we currently have?
  - Jeff November 8, 2023 (3:15 pm)
    
    What’s gross is using the Trump phrasing and likening it with local neo-liberal politics.
  - shotinthefoot November 8, 2023 (3:19 pm)
    
    “make seattle great again” – you really don’t see that? shall I print it on a red hat for you?
    - flimflam November 8, 2023 (9:02 pm)
      
      I’m really not worried about trump here in Seattle. There are plenty of real, big problems that are actually here – that guy isn’t one of them.

April November 8, 2023 (10:04 am)

Yes! Go Rob! We need change!

anonyme November 8, 2023 (10:11 am)

Interesting how the anti-Saka crowd who likes comparing Saka to MAGA lovers sound EXACTLY like the whiny MAGA/Trump losers whom they criticize. Huh. What’s next – election denial?

Jeff November 8, 2023 (11:46 am)

You literally have a Saka supporter saying “Make Seattle Great Again” what are you talking about? It’s the Saka-supporter comment right above yours that makes the connection, not others.
James November 8, 2023 (12:27 pm)

You’re somehow doing the same thing as the people you’re lampooning by equating the people who are against Saka and saying they’re going to automatically stoop to Trumper levels. You could teach a class on this hyperbole gymnastics you’re doing here. Instead of addressing the clear correlation between Saka donors to Trump. You’re just trying to gloss over that with another insult. Doesn’t work that way and it’s transparent.

Jeepney November 8, 2023 (10:56 am)

Saka leading in the polls is good news for this moderate Democrat, but the fact the city voted to give 1 billion dollars of taxpayer money to fiscally irresponsible agencies is bothersome. Hopefully all of the candidates will pick up the signs now that the election is over.

Shawn November 8, 2023 (10:58 am)

I didn’t vote for him but I have to say he wrote a much better, much more on topic pamphlet statement than Costa. He managed to avoid bring up his pro cop position, which was the reason I assume most people that voted against him did so, so I can see why a lot of people voted for him who may have been unaware or didn’t care. It’s less that he’s so great but that Costa was not a very good candidate whose seemed to care more about her previous job than her potential next one. And he’s quite tolerable. I guess we’ll see how he actually turns out.

N November 8, 2023 (12:55 pm)

Interesting. More than didn’t care I think for everyone that feels strongly we should contract the police force further there is someone appalled at having a police force size at a 30 year low when the population has grown so much and crime is shrugged off.

PDiddy November 8, 2023 (11:05 am)

I am extremely hopeful by the results so far that we are finally getting rid of the council agenda we have been stuck with and that hard change may finally happen and start rebuilding the city the last 12 years of city council members have destroyed.

High Point November 8, 2023 (1:49 pm)

PDIDDY. First of all, Seattle has not been destroyed and my property value is a good indication of that. Also, if it had been destroyed, you are giving the council WAY too much credit. I am going to assume, and I’m going to be right in assuming this, that what you consider “destruction” is actually people living way below poverty. I think it would, again, be safe to assume that capitalism and wealth, also with a well oiled propaganda machine, had more to do with how you perceive the city’s destruction then anything done by the council. In fact, I think a well supported argument could be made showing that Seattle has more “destruction” today then it did two years ago and that all happened during Mayor Harrell’s leadership. But you know what, I’m going to put the ball into your court and play your game. Today is day one, ground zero if you will, with new leadership at City Hall. With your statement you are showing that Seattle will look less “destroyed” during the new council’s watch then it does today. I’m going to hold that to you. I’ll tell you what, if you are right I’ll vote more centrist in future elections but I want to hear that if Seattle doesn’t look more “destroyed” and in fact looks worse, that you will eat your words and vote more progressive. PDiddy, you game?
- CAM November 8, 2023 (5:13 pm)
  
  The thing is, High Point, the city (by other’s definition that we are using here) will look “less destroyed” in the next 2 or 4 years but it won’t be because of anything the (purportedly elected but not yet official) council reps will do. The way policy works is that it takes time to have effects that are felt by the community. Governmental policy doesn’t say, hey we enact this change today and you see a difference tomorrow. So any positive changes that become visible on a city wide scale in the next 5 to 10 years (yep that long, maybe even longer) will be a result of the policies put in place by the current council that have been building change over time. This is the reason why republican federal administrations always seem to have a surplus when they take over the government and Democrats always seem to be dealing with a deficit. But unfortunately many voters only vote based on what they see in front of their nose today vs what they would see if they were able to wait for the policies to take effect.

Carson November 8, 2023 (11:24 am)

A few times over the years I have tried to email and call Lisa Herbold, in a very polite way and never even received the courtesy of any response or acknowledgment. A few weeks ago rob knocked on our door, we had serious questions for him, ie crime, drugs, taxes, housing etc. He came in our house, listened, explained his visions and ideas and gave me his phone number when he left. He won our votes

James November 8, 2023 (12:31 pm)

Lisa always responded to my emails about the bridge and Covid stations etc. I don’t think this comment is true.
- Carson November 8, 2023 (3:14 pm)
  
  My comment is true as far as it pertains to me
  - Joe November 8, 2023 (7:16 pm)
    
    I also emailed Lisa Herbold several times with concerns, usually public safety, and she never responded. Can’t wait until she’s out and Rob Saka is in!
High Point November 8, 2023 (1:39 pm)

A few times “over the years” I have reached out to Lisa Herbold with questions about what I singularly saw as an important issue. She got back to me that day, left me feeling herd and important and directly connected me with someone in her staff to continue reaching out to. All of this during a time when she didn’t need anything from me (such as a vote as was clearly the case in Carson’s situation). I also enjoyed seeing her around the city participating in events, including being a judge at a Halloween time dog costume contest. She was the best and always had my vote.
- Maria November 8, 2023 (2:39 pm)
  
  Lisa never responded to me (phone calls/ emails) and I was always courteous and polite. I did vote for her and wound up regretting it. I’m glad you had a positive experience with her but others have not. Both experiences are valid.

rdubs November 8, 2023 (12:17 pm)

The real winner here is my mailbox since it will no longer be filled with flyers stating the same questionable points day after day

TRUMP2024 November 8, 2023 (1:51 pm)

Contrary to popular belief… it appears Seattle still has enough common sense to admit when we are wrong. I know there isn’t a lot of Trump Fans or Republicans on the WS Peninsula, but for those of us out here in the words of Ice Cube…. “ today is a good day…!” Go enjoy the sunshine y’all, it’s free! (:

Danimal November 8, 2023 (7:25 pm)

If you think that this was a win for Republicans or Trump psychofans (intentionally misspelled), then you’re completely misinformed. And sorry, not sorry, delusional. Trump is going to jail and all his supporters look less than intelligent. All of them, at this point. You haven’t won anything.
- TRUMP2024 November 8, 2023 (9:09 pm)
  
  I guess we will all just have to wait and see what happens to the Donald. I’m not a Trump Psychofan… just someone that gets out of the liberal bubble of Seattle sometimes and has friends of all political beliefs. Most American’s don’t like the direction our country is going and I think 2024 is going to be the wake up call the DNC didn’t learn from in 2016. I hope you enjoyed the sunshine today, it was sure a beautiful day eh?

True North November 8, 2023 (2:00 pm)

After reading all of these comments I have only one thought. It is quite apparent to me that many of those who commented lack one seriously needed voter ability; critical thinking skills. Emotionally, reactionarily, accusatory, ignorance and gullibility are not methods of how one should make important decisions. Using critical thinking skills is the best way to make any CRITICAL decision. If you are among those who don’t understand exactly what critical thinking skills are, look up the definition and how to develop them. Then if you can, utilize them when you vote one year from now.

WestSeattleBadTakes November 8, 2023 (3:51 pm)

There’s one thing you forgot – a coherent and good ethical system. “Critical Thinking” can bring about all sorts of “solutions” if the underlying ethical system isn’t good.

And before you say it, I know “good” is doing a lot of work here. The good (hehe) news is that we humans get to define what is good, so why don’t we start there.

Scarlett November 8, 2023 (2:18 pm)

We got a two-for-one today in your Seattle Times. There was the now-standard fluff piece from Danny Westneat about those horrible, horrible Seattle socialists and their horrible, horrible socialist policies (like that scandalous $15/hr minimum wage!) and another fluff piece from failed LA Times columnist and now provincial hack, David Horsey, fawning over the departing Jeff Bezo’s.

west side lady November 8, 2023 (2:27 pm)

Go Rob!!!!

Shaniqua November 8, 2023 (3:26 pm)

Bezos does not have an apostrophe in his name.

Namcy November 8, 2023 (6:54 pm)

Something scarier than Saka? CM Nelson as the only holdover with a whopping two years of “experience” becoming Council President?

flimflam November 9, 2023 (8:20 am)

Nelson is the most even keeled and pragmatic council member so this is probably a very good thing. She also has actual, tangible “lived experience” as a local business owner.
- CAM November 10, 2023 (1:12 pm)
  
  Are we extending the “lived experience” line to being a business owner now? Because lived experience was created as a way to describe why more economic, racial, and LGBTQIA diversity was needed to adequately inform decision making rather than just rich white people. So now we’re going to start using that line to insert more (predominantly) rich white people back into the conversation? Gross.

Admiral neighbor November 8, 2023 (8:55 pm)

Voting is closed. The results will be the results.There is no need to convince anyone of one candidate vs. another at this point. The candidates, this forum, and others had plenty of time for that.I hope whoever is elected can represent this community well. There is a lot of work that needs to be done. Kudos to both for trying.

R-and-B November 9, 2023 (2:34 am)

When Rob Saka came to my door the first time the main takeaway was that he REALLY wanted me to sign over all of my vouchers right away, even presenting me with a printed out copy that he was hoping I’d fill out on the spot. A lot of the other catch phrases and jargon, especially the “I normally wear a daishiki” diversity ploy were apparently schticks he would use repeatedly in public forums and interviews. I felt they were disingenuous at best and I couldn’t really get any straight answers from him about anything. His “hiring more police” without any clear plan or answers about how we’d achieve this responsibly was met with a lot of bloviating and reference back to stories about his personal life without answering my questions directly. When I later read an interview he gave The Stranger I could see that he answered in an almost identical manner after they asked similar questions. My overall impression is that he’s good at turning on a very artificial charm while being armed only with a lot of talking points that play off fears about the homeless, the poor, and police safety. They felt like issues I’d see hammered to death on FOX “news”. As it got closer to election day, the one thing I continuously found in my mailbox were mudslinging ads telling me to “Vote NO on Costa”. Interestingly enough, it then started appearing as pop-up ads on the internet when I was veiwing entertainment sites. There was obviously a LOT of money spent on negative ad campaigns and it was a huge turn-off for me. He’s a used car salesman with a lot of B.S. answers and no real track record of walking the walk to speak of. I’m so thoroughly disappointed in the shortsighted voters that were fooled by this Facebook lawyer huckster.

Scarlett November 9, 2023 (8:33 am)

Bleh. Voters look to politicians to do what they, themselves, lack the courage and convictions to do or to articulate publicly. They hide behind the anonymity of the ballot box and the successes of their candidates and failures of their candidate’s failures. Politicians are a reflection of society, not the other way around.