Surprisingly tight race for Seattle city attorney as voting begins – KIRO 7 News Seattle

Seattle

SEATTLE – Seattle is one of the most affluent cities in the country – but persistent homelessness and public safety are key issues in the race for Seattle city lawyers.

Three-term incumbent Pete Holmes faces a surprisingly difficult challenge as voters receive their ballots for the August 3 election.

The latest poll shows he is effectively tied in a three-way battle with Ann Davison and Nicole Thomas-Kennedy. He has 16% of the vote, while Davison and Thomas-Kennedy each have 14%. Overall, 53% of voters are unsure. In addition, 617 people were interviewed and the error rate is 4.3%. Only the top two in the August primaries will take part in the November parliamentary elections.

In contrast, Holmes won the 2017 general election with almost 75% of the vote.

The survey was conducted by the Northwest Progressive Institute. Commenting on Holmes’ appearance, Executive Director Andrew Villeneuve said, “It’s a very low number for someone who has been in office for so long. It seems to indicate that voters are unsure of his performance as a city attorney. ”Villeneuve also noted that with so many undecided voters, Holmes can still perform well in the primary.

Davison is on the more conservative side of this race. She said Holmes allowed too many repeat offenders to go through the system.

“The experience we all have in the city of Seattle is the prosecution of crimes. … There is a clear neglect in the city, ”Davison said.

On the more progressive side, Thomas-Kennedy said criminal raids would not solve public safety problems.

“We can address these security issues by trying to lift people out of poverty and ensuring that people’s basic needs are met. There is none, there is no law enforcement that will solve poverty, ”she said

Both candidates disagree with Holmes’ new counterclaim against journalists seeking public records that the city has not fully released.

Thomas-Kennedy said, “Absolutely not. I mean, it’s a little bit, it’s a little bit mind-blowing. We spend tax money that has to be concentrated elsewhere. “

In the video of his voter brochure, Holmes relies on his experience.

“This is not the time for an untested voice in this important office,” he said.

Holmes’ campaign later issued a statement responding to criticism of Davison.

“Pete takes pride in holding those who violate our laws accountable, supporting small businesses, and working with proven redirect programs to help people in crisis. Seattle voters should beware of a failed Republican candidate who has lost two election campaigns in two straight years but now wants to be the independently elected attorney to represent the people of our city. Seattle needs strong progressive leadership committed to community security, not failed Republican intimidation tactics, ”the statement said.