How to Help:
1. Tell 10 Friends about me
2. Change your MySpace pic to my logo
3. Contribute $10 - we’re running a bare bones campaign but still need to cover the costs of collateral http://www.votelaurenbriel.com/contribute.php
4. Volunteer with us!
Thank you!
Today I saw the P-I endorsement. And I must say - what a disappointment.
I have come to understand that the endorsement process is often just as political (if not more so) as the rest of the race; organizations need to play the odds, and often choose candidates by the most likely victor, or whom they have already endorsed in previous races. I do not fault them for this, as long as they do not pretend they are truly choosing the candidate who best aligns with their values.
That being said, to be written off by the P-I as one in a "lackluster field(s) of challengers" disturbs me on a deeper level. I was NEVER contacted by the P-I for an endorsement meeting with their review board. As far as Editorial Review Boards, I have so far been to meetings with The Seattle Times, and with The Stranger. I truly hope they endorse me, but if they don’t I would know that they at least did their research.
These same editors will lament not being able to get good people to run for office; yet when they do, they don’t even give them a chance. The establishment is stacked against the challenger in many ways, and when "journalists" don’t provide the opportunity that other groups cannot due to political motivations, it is no wonder there are so few people to step up to the plate.
That being said, I have never regretted running, nor do I now. If we do not have good, qualified people running and showing the flaws in the system, we will never be able to improve it. We need highly motivated, energetic people on the Council with a safe and sustainable vision of our city to lead us through our current growing pains, and I am that person.
~L
So far this week has been busy, per usual. Tuesday night was the meeting of the 43rd district democrats who gave NO ENDORSEMENT to position 1. This follows last week’s meeting of the 36th district democrats who also gave NO endorsement for position 1. My interview with the 36th executive board is summarized (in bold) here.
Last night I attended the candidate forum at Horizon House, a "Continuing Care Retirement Community" (their language). It was the first event I have been to with all the candidates present for all the races. Most people feel the same; that as Seattle is growing we need to address the problems of affordability. I see the issue through the lens of land use; transportation, affordable housing for all income levels, and parks and open space are all interconnected in how we grow and develop/preserve our land. Although not (yet) a housing policy expert, the issue of affordability is integral to my life. As the only renter running for Seattle City Council position 1, and as someone who works at a non-profit, when the candidates talk about "people getting pushed out of Seattle," they’re talking about ME. I know what it feels like to have rents increase, and it is not fathomable for me to be able to purchase a home anytime soon. If the City Council doesn’t take action and address this issue, we will be losing the people the City has so proudly attracted. 47% of us may hold bachelor’s degrees, but if we cannot afford to stay how does that further our society? Long-term residents build connections; by pushing out the working and middle class we are not only eroding the economic diversity of the city, but also our communities.
~L
Woah, it has been quite a while since I posted. My only real excuse is that working and campaigning is like having two full time jobs…maybe I can be the next subject for Barbara Ehrenreich.
Last night I went to the West Seattle Summer Fest via the West Seattle Water Taxi. While my transit intentions were good, it turns out there is no way to get up to West Seattle via bus after 7:25 ish (allowing for some variation due to traffic) - either way, my Water Taxi did not arrive on Alki until 8pm…leaving me stranded with no way to get up the hill other than walking, taking a cab, or calling a friend for a ride. (Luckily due to the kindness of the Carpenters in West Seattle whom I had met on the Taxi I got a ride). This highlights an important part of what is needed for Seattle: a better connected transit SYSTEM. For people in West Seattle who want to commute via Water Taxi, they have to know in advance how late they will be in downtown to determine if they need their car parked down by the Water Taxi landing. This is NOT mobility…making transit difficult for people discourages them…I was certainly discouraged when I was stranded at the landing, and I know the bus system fairly well…I can only imagine how someone feels who is not familiar with the system, as there was no signage. Both the Metro buses that run along Alki and the Water Taxi are run by King County Metro - their funding hands are most likely tied due to the 40-40-20 policy that only allows them to spend 20% of their funding in Seattle. The City Council needs to work more closely with the County to either change the policy or implement a creative solution to fix the gaps in the system we already have.
That being said, the West Seattle Summer Fest was great, I suggest you check it out this weekend if you get the chance.
~L
Hello all,
I’m running for the Seattle City Council because I want to make a difference. While preparing for this job, there are many things I am learning not only about campaigning and politics, but about our wonderful city. This blog is a glimpse into the campaign and more information about my issues. As we progress I want to be able to share with you information I am researching and answer your questions. This is the forum for that interaction. It is imperative for your representatives to be accessible, and for you to be knowledgeable on the issues that face your city. Although people pay attention to politics on a national level, not many are aware of what happens at the City Council; the decisions made there have a much greater impact on your daily life than any changes at the federal level. Please check back for updates, and I hope to hear from you.
Thank you,
Lauren
Please help the Community for Briel spread the word about Lauren’s candidacy for Seattle City Council position 1!
How can I do that?
1. Invite your friends to be Lauren’s friends.
2. Invite your friends friends to be Lauren’s friends.
3. Use the ad as your profile picture so people recognize Lauren’s name.
4. Remind people to register to vote by July 21.
5. Remind people to vote August 21.
6. Visit her website at www.votelaurenbriel.com.
7. Let us know if you want to volunteer!
The Community for Briel THANKS YOU!!!
