Crime, homelessness among top issues in Seattle’s mayoral primaries

As the city continues to distance itself from the COVID-19 pandemic, Seattle faces the next mayor to grapple with other glaring problems.

SEATTLE – On Tuesday, voters will decide who will continue in the race for the next Seattle mayor.

It’s been a heated primary so far, and today’s two winners have to discuss some of the major challenges posed by the pandemic.

Before Election Day, several voters expressed frustration at the rise in crime in the city.

Neighborhoods like Dunlap and Rainier Beach account for roughly 40% of the gunfire and gunfire in Seattle.

But the rise in crime is also a cause for concern in downtown Seattle.

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“The recent shootings here in Seattle have made me concerned about gun violence, so I want to see what you do about the second amendment,” said resident David Chen.

Voters say they want action against homelessness in addition to crime.

“The garbage, the human garbage that builds up in all of these campsites. I think we need to provide more sanitation for people to use the toilets,” said Rick Deluga, who lives in South Seattle.

Another hot topic for voters is the hiring crisis facing the Seattle Police Department.

Mayor Durkan has proposed a budget plan for work incentives and the recruitment of officers. The plan has yet to be approved by the city council, but Deluga is not convinced the plan would fight crime.

“We have to improve our systems, they are broke. I believe part of the reason that crime is rising is because people are desperate for something,” added Deluga.

However, this is not all bad news for the future mayor. Both Deluga and Chen say they are happy with Mayor Durkan’s COVID-19 response and are not looking for any change on that front.