Thanks to all of you that came out to the candidates forum in Rainier Valley last night. It was good to be able to hold the candidates feet to the fire as this is the only scheduled forum that deals with issues that are important to those on the south side and communities of color.

I have to say I was disappointed with how both Mallahan and McGinn floundered during the Q+A. As hard as they tried it is apparent that both candidates are out of touch with these issues. Although I shouldn’t have expected much based on their socio-economic status and privileged upbringing. They obviously both have a lot of listening and learning to do before they are qualified to lead on these issues.

The crowd definitely threw its support behind Peter Holmes, candidate for city attorney, who came out swinging and throughly took advantage of the no show of his opponent, Tom Carr. He declared that the city would not build a new jail on his watch and he would fight for the people by holding the police accountable to them.

This stance was followed up later in the forum when every candidate in turn declared they’re opposition to building a new municipal jail in Seattle.

There was good sparing between the city council candidates, but overall on the issues of public safety I believe it is going to come down to who can face up to their ignorance the best and look to the communities to inform their policy decisions come November 4th.

Publicola also has a summary here.