Mayor Mike McGinn Our Double Talking Nanny

There has been a lot of talk recently about our Seattle Mayor Mike Mcginn and Seattle’s continued advertising with the Seattle Weekly newspaper. Seattle currently has a Contract with the Seattle Weekly newspaper and are spending $158,000 for this “great deal”. However, Mayor Mike Mcginn has put a pause on it due to a concern of “underage sex trafficking”. They are negotiating at this time and may continue or not, depending on those talks. Here is the problem, however, first why are we spending tax money for this type of advertising? The paper is poor at best and has limited distribution. Everywhere you go in Seattle you see a stack of them and nobody even reads them. They just sit there collecting dust every month. Their distribution area and readers is completely shady and over-rated. The magazine has been filled with adult ads forever. This is not something new and you can pick one up anywhere and see for yourself. Just flip to the back pages and you noticed pages and pages of adult prostitution, massage parlors, and other garbage. Did anyone actually pick up the magazine and flip through it before signing this $158,000 advertising deal for the city?

Here is the other problem—The Stranger newspaper. It’s very similar to the Seattle Weekly; both are filled with the same type of adult advertising in the back pages. However, he has no problems with them. He obviously knows about this paper since he got a $1,000 contribution from the paper for the anti-tunnel initiative. Yes, he received contributions for the anti-tunnel initiatives. Perhaps that is why he is turning the other cheek when it comes to The Stranger.

In the end, I am not sure what we do with this mess except we shouldn’t be spending tax money in this shady newspapers in the first place and perhaps an investigation is in order. It’s all just a little shady and has a lot of double talk.

Who is Mike McGinn?

Early Life and Education

Mike McGinn, born in 1959, hails from Long Island, New York. He pursued his higher education at Williams College in Massachusetts, graduating in 1982 with a degree in economics. His educational journey didn’t stop there, as he later earned a law degree from the University of Washington, signaling the beginning of his deep ties to Seattle.

Career Before Politics

Before venturing into politics, McGinn carved out a career in law, focusing on environmental issues. His legal background was complemented by a strong commitment to activism, particularly in urban sustainability and green initiatives. This passion for environmental advocacy led him to serve as the executive director of the Sierra Club’s Washington State Chapter, where he championed various environmental causes and helped raise public awareness about sustainable urban planning.

Political Career

Mike McGinn’s political journey began in earnest when he decided to run for the mayor of Seattle in 2009. Positioning himself as a progressive candidate, he focused on environmental issues, transportation improvements, and educational reforms. McGinn’s grassroots campaign strategy and his ability to connect with Seattle’s progressive base helped him secure a victory against incumbent Greg Nickels.

Tenure as Mayor

Mike McGinn served as the mayor of Seattle from 2010 to 2013. His tenure was marked by several significant initiatives and policies:

• Transportation: McGinn was a staunch advocate for public transportation and cycling infrastructure. He worked towards expanding Seattle’s light rail system and enhancing the city’s bike paths, aiming to reduce dependency on cars and lower the city’s carbon footprint.
• Technology and Innovation: Recognizing the potential of the tech industry in driving economic growth, McGinn supported the expansion of broadband services and worked to position Seattle as a hub for tech innovation.
• Environmental Policy: True to his roots, McGinn implemented several green policies, including efforts to make the city’s buildings more energy-efficient and initiatives to increase recycling rates.
• Social Issues: McGinn was vocal about social justice, advocating for marriage equality and supporting policies to help the homeless community in Seattle.

Challenges and Controversies

Despite his accomplishments, McGinn’s tenure was not without its challenges. He often faced criticism for his handling of the police department and for his sometimes contentious relationships with the city council and business leaders. These issues became focal points during his re-election campaign.

Post-Mayoral Career

After losing his bid for re-election to Ed Murray in 2013, McGinn continued to engage with civic issues in Seattle. He remains an influential voice in advocating for sustainable urban policies and has been involved in various initiatives aimed at improving city governance and environmental stewardship.

Legacy and Impact

Mike McGinn’s legacy as mayor is a complex one, marked by his unwavering commitment to environmentalism and urban innovation but also tempered by the political and social challenges of his time in office. His leadership during a period of significant growth for Seattle helped shape the city’s development, making it a more sustainable and progressive urban environment.

Mike McGinn’s story is one of passion for public service and dedication to the principles of sustainability and social justice. His efforts as mayor have left a lasting impact on the city of Seattle, making him a notable figure in its modern history.