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-Hi. I'm Pat Murakami.
When I first moved to Seattle, I got a good union job,
paid my way through college, earning two
bachelors and a master's degree,
I opened a small tech company, I worked hard,
was able to buy my first house in the Central District
and build a life for myself.
Unfortunately, the same opportunities aren't available today.
The American dream seems further out of reach than ever.
Our district has a shameful history
of redlining, gentrification, and racism
with residents being overlooked and ignored.
I want to provide and restore the opportunities
in District 3 that allow everyone to thrive.
The American dream is having a good job
that can support a family.
I will expand opportunities for apprenticeships,
create a website to help individuals navigate all the
training and educational
opportunities available,
and ensure protections for workers across
all industries.
The American dream is being able to own a home.
I will start a home-buying program
to help those now excluded from ownership
and protect seniors from being taxed out of their homes.
I will tax out-of-state or -country
real-estate purchases
to pay for affordable units
rather than taxing us
and assess fees on Seattle's many
empty apartments and commercial space.
I will bring an end to inadequate in-lieu fees
and demand affordable units in new development.
The American dream is being able to start a business.
I will make it easier to start or expand
a small business in Seattle
and provide support for immigrant, minority,
and women-owned businesses.
The American dream is a community
that has your back when you're in need.
I will fight for on-demand mental health
and drug treatment.
We must provide results-oriented
services to help people,
not just give those suffering a space to suffer in.
I ask you to join me.
We can once again aspire to our highest potential.
You, too, can have the American dream
right here in Seattle.
If you put your faith in me,
I will dedicate all of my energy to making
Seattle the best that it can be.
I am Pat Murakami, and I am ready to fight for you.
We can do better together.