-Hi. I'm Nilu Jenks.
I'm running because, like so many of you,
I'm tired of the divisiveness
that has taken root in Seattle politics,
that has not brought us the policy solutions we deserve.
As a second-generation Iranian American
whose parents were granted political asylum,
I know how fragile democracy can be,
and that we need elected leaders
who can focus on practical solutions and coalition-building
to address our housing crisis, our transportation needs,
and to create a world where we can all feel safe.
-In 2019, my son and I heard a car crash,
and ran outside to help.
We immediately ran into a policeman pulling out his gun,
telling us to run back inside as he went on
to confront the Sandpoint mass shooter only 20 feet away.
I believe he saved our lives that day.
And this happened to me in my community,
someone who had organized with two moms to fundraise for
and establish our nation's largest gun buyback program
after the Parkland shootings.
We need to continue to make progress
addressing our gun violence epidemic.
And I want to bring that passion,
commitment, and proven collaborative
working skills to Seattle City Council.
We are all tired of false choices
when it comes to public safety.
We should be able to keep our parks and neighborhoods safe
without blaming our unhoused neighbors
as the root of our problems.
These issues are heightened by our climate crisis,
with ever hotter days and stifling wildfire smoke.
Climate activists have chosen this campaign
as the top climate platform of all candidates citywide.
In this platform,
there are solutions for our housing crisis,
plans to move towards a greener transit system
that includes sidewalks, and funding
for alternative police models and behavioral response teams,
and to get our unhoused population
into shelters and homes.
I'm endorsed by former City Councilmember
Jim Street, County Councilmember Rod Dembowski,
Sen. Javier Valdez,
and have the sole endorsement of the 46th District Democrats,
and many, many more.
I would be honored to earn your vote.
Thank you.