Tom Rasmussen - Seattle Pos. 5
Age: 56
Residence: Alki
Occupation: Director, Mayor's Office for Senior Citizens
Education: B.A., Pacific Lutheran University; J.D., Valparaiso University
Community/political experience: Deputy prosecuting attorney, Yakima County; legislative assistant to Jeanette Williams, Seattle City Council; former member, Queen Anne Community Council; member, Alki Community Council; former board member, King County Sexual Assault Resource Center; member of the Fairness Lobby
Campaign Web site: www.tom2003.com
Questions:
1. Is Seattle too accommodating or too hostile to business?
Business owners say that the city can do a better job and I agree. The most frequent complaint I hear is that it takes the city too long to make critical decisions affecting businesses. One of my three priorities as a council member is to create living wage jobs in Seattle.
2. If forced to choose, which would you cut first: police or human-services budgets?
As director of the Mayor's Office for Senior Citizens, I understand the importance of programs that help seniors remain in their homes. As a council member I would understand that the first responsibility of city government is to provide public safety.
3. Has Mayor Greg Nickels successfully led Seattle city government?
He has been successful in giving direction and gaining leadership and requiring accountability of city departments, yes.
4. What one initiative or change to city law do you pledge to accomplish during a first term?
A primary focus will be to get people and goods moving by solving our transportation problems. This is key to a healthy economy and creating new jobs. We must replace the Alaskan Way Viaduct, begin construction of light rail and the monorail.