My name is Kenneth Wilson,
and I'm running for Seattle City Council 8.
I'm a licensed, bridge structural engineer
with 30 years' experience
working on transportation
and infrastructure projects
and own a small business since 2005.
I completed my master's degree in civil engineering
at UW, and I'm a proud resident of Seattle
for over 28 years.
Having lived in West Seattle and now in
the Wallingford/Green Lake neighborhood
with my wife and two daughters,
I have a strong appreciation
for the city's many distinct neighborhoods.
This past year has taught me important lessons
and is the reason I am running.
It reminded me of the value of family.
It showed me once again the ingenuity
of American science and manufacturing
with Ford and GE quickly switching
to medical devices,
while our scientists were first to produce
mass testing and viable vaccines.
Unfortunately, it also demonstrated to me
that our incumbent representatives
do not hold our interests and needs first,
instead often focusing on political projects.
We need a better council.
Our council failed us
with homeless, our infrastructure,
including cutting the West Seattle access,
and our safety.
I will not defund our police
and instead promise to support and work
with them to better serve Seattle.
Our city is an old, mature city,
and the infrastructure needs to be updated
and upgraded.
This includes power, utility systems,
sewer mains, water,
and our city's bridges and roads.
West Seattle access must be restored
and open now, not in 2022.
We've analyzed it, we understand it better,
and there are usage opportunities.
We need homeless solutions
that are not just temporary shelter,
but real actions that correct addictions
and mental problems,
such as 18-to-24-month transition housing
with social services.
As your council member,
it's my intention to build on our strengths,
restore rational decisions,
and to assure progress follow-up.
I have the ability, energy, and expertise
to restore Seattle to the city we want.
I would appreciate your vote.