Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell’s fundraiser on September 17 illuminated the path ahead as he seeks a second term in a competitive race against challenger Katie Wilson.
Hosted at Diamond Bay Restaurant in the Chinatown-International District, the event attracted nearly 250 supporters, raising over $20,000 for Harrell’s campaign.
Among the attendees were community members, business leaders, and notable political figures, such as former Mercer Island Mayor Benson Wong and former Burien Mayor Jimmy Matta.
Emceed by community leader Assunta Ng, the evening opened with energetic remarks from Denise Moriguchi, CEO of Uwajimaya, who emphasized civic engagement’s significance.
Harrell first took office in 2021 and is contending with a challenging primary result in August, where he earned 41.2% of the vote against Wilson’s 50.8%.
The fundraiser served as a vital platform for Harrell to galvanize support and reiterate his commitment to pragmatic leadership as debates loom in the coming weeks.
The event also highlighted Harrell’s rapport with diverse communities, crucial for a city that thrives on inclusivity.
LeVoy Cooks, a producer at Converge Media, commended Harrell’s understanding of various cultural dynamics.
“His big heart and awareness concerning different cultures align with Seattle’s spirit of inclusion,” he noted.
Auriza Ugalino, a Filipino American and Capitol Hill resident, expressed a desire to learn how Harrell would advocate for Seattle’s trans community, which is particularly important to them as an undecided voter.
“I want assurance that Seattle and our mayor support our human rights and right to exist,” Ugalino stated.
Seth Eisner, from Seward Park and a former tech executive, highlighted Harrell’s business-savvy leadership as essential for addressing Seattle’s numerous challenges.
“Continuity matters,” Eisner stated, reinforcing a plea for steady governance over disruptive changes.
The fundraiser not only served as a rallying point for Harrell’s supporters but also showcased the pressing issues facing the Asian American Pacific Islander community, notably public safety and economic vitality within the CID.
During a Q&A session, Harrell addressed critical topics such as protecting diverse communities, bolstering support for small businesses, affordable housing, and public safety.
On public safety, he advocated for comprehensive approaches, emphasizing that merely cleaning streets is insufficient without accompanying treatment solutions.
Harrell pointed to new facilities, like the Stability Through Access and Resources center and the Opioid Recovery and Care Access center, intended to provide long-term support.
Seattle has pioneered equipping first responders with buprenorphine alongside Narcan, a significant step in managing addiction treatment during emergencies.
Following the fundraiser, Harrell announced a proposed investment of nearly $40 million to enhance public safety and behavioral health services.
This plan aims to double the number of Community Assisted Response & Engagement responders and bolster various response teams, enhancing the city’s overall emergency response framework.
Notably, this package is credited with contributing to a 20% reduction in overdose deaths compared to the previous year.
Reflecting on his tenure, Harrell discussed the rewarding complexities of rebuilding relationships with the Seattle Police Department while remaining attentive to community concerns.
Upon entering office, he faced a substantial drop in police staffing and recognized the need to cultivate both accountability and effective recruitment.
He shared a poignant message with the police force, urging them to confront the realities of systemic injustices, particularly in the wake of George Floyd’s death.
According to Harrell, current recruitment efforts now aim to attract candidates who represent the city’s diverse population, including those who speak languages other than English.
He articulated that the ongoing challenge of diversifying the police force, while ensuring accountability, is one of the most fulfilling aspects of his tenure.
“This race is bigger than me. We have an opportunity to move forward and be the city that we all love, or we can go back,” Harrell remarked to the audience.
He emphasized the crucial role local businesses play in fostering a vibrant city, stating, “We will only be a great city when we support small businesses like the one we’re in right now.”
Benson Wong expressed admiration for Harrell’s temperament and collaborative approach, stating, “It’s going to take someone like Mayor Harrell to bring people together.”
With a commitment to lead effectively, Harrell invoked his days as a football linebacker to express his dedication to the city’s challenges.
“I don’t run away from contact; I run right into it. That’s what you’re going to need in this next mayor,” Harrell concluded, reaffirming his commitment to Seattle’s future.
As the campaign heats up, the decision before voters hinges on moving toward progress or reverting to past challenges.
With his strong backing from the community and an agenda focused on addressing key issues, Harrell’s campaign is pivotal for shaping Seattle’s trajectory.
Nina can be reached at [email protected].
image source from：nwasianweekly
