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The Candidates' Debate

News   September 10, 2009 at 2:04 pm Erica C. Barnett

McGinn and Mallahan

McGinn and Mallahan

Just a heads-up that I’ll be doing a comprehensive post shortly about the Chamber of Commerce debate this afternoon between mayoral candidates Joe Mallahan and Mike McGinn. My (short) take: The debate, which focused on how the next mayor will make the city a business-friendly environment, was pretty lackluster. McGinn came across as well-informed but far to the left of the business-leader-heavy crowd, and Mallahan came across as business-friendly but ill-informed about issues surrounding development such as community benefits districts and incentive zoning.

Full report in less than an hour.


  • Stacy

    I had second hand embarrassment for Mallahan, he had no idea what to say when he got off of his scripted talking points. Felt like Biden-Palin part 2, without the winks.

  • Stacy

    I had second hand embarrassment for Mallahan, he had no idea what to say when he got off of his scripted talking points. Felt like Biden-Palin part 2, without the winks.

  • Rowe Rowe Rowe the boat

    zzzzz….it was amateur hour

  • Rowe Rowe Rowe the boat

    zzzzz….it was amateur hour

  • me likey the kool aid

    yep

  • rachel

    It was awful. There were more than a few folks muttering under their breath that they’re contemplating a move out of town.

  • rachel

    It was awful. There were more than a few folks muttering under their breath that they’re contemplating a move out of town.

  • pl

    I’ve never said this before, but I may not vote in this particular race. I was hoping the debate would change my mind. McGinn is well-informed, thoughtful, and well-spoken. I would vote for him if not for his stance on the tunnel, which isn’t acceptable to me. Mallahan is simply a dope. A terrible quandry. We need a candidate who is pro-tunnel and well-informed on the issues…oh wait…

  • pl

    I’ve never said this before, but I may not vote in this particular race. I was hoping the debate would change my mind. McGinn is well-informed, thoughtful, and well-spoken. I would vote for him if not for his stance on the tunnel, which isn’t acceptable to me. Mallahan is simply a dope. A terrible quandry. We need a candidate who is pro-tunnel and well-informed on the issues…oh wait…

  • Chris Stefan

    @5
    To me basic competence is much more important than a candidate’s stances on issues unless those issues come down to fundamental rights or matters of life and death.

    While I appriciate you feel the tunnel is important, is it really so important you are willing to have an ill-informed dope run the city for the next 4 years? Or can you get past McGinn’s opposition to the tunnel and realize how much better he will be on everything else?

  • Chris Stefan

    @5
    To me basic competence is much more important than a candidate’s stances on issues unless those issues come down to fundamental rights or matters of life and death.

    While I appriciate you feel the tunnel is important, is it really so important you are willing to have an ill-informed dope run the city for the next 4 years? Or can you get past McGinn’s opposition to the tunnel and realize how much better he will be on everything else?

  • ap

    Who knew Sarah Palin would spawn so many wannabe elected officials here in Seattle. First Susan Hutchinson, now Joe Mallahan.

  • ap

    Who knew Sarah Palin would spawn so many wannabe elected officials here in Seattle. First Susan Hutchinson, now Joe Mallahan.

  • Mmkos

    @5 the tunnel is a major major issue and may be life or death if there is an earthquake soon. We have a decision, one we are lucky to have and I want to move on!

  • Mmkos

    i mean @6!

  • Mmkos

    @5 the tunnel is a major major issue and may be life or death if there is an earthquake soon. We have a decision, one we are lucky to have and I want to move on!

  • Mmkos

    i mean @6!

  • Chris Stefan

    @8
    It must not be all that life or death because the viaduct is supposed to stay operational until 2015. If the viaduct is so dang dangerous why doesn’t the state close it tomorrow and start tearing it down?

    I hope you do know McGinn wants to get rid of the current viaduct.

  • Chris Stefan

    @8
    It must not be all that life or death because the viaduct is supposed to stay operational until 2015. If the viaduct is so dang dangerous why doesn’t the state close it tomorrow and start tearing it down?

    I hope you do know McGinn wants to get rid of the current viaduct.

  • me likey the kool aid

    yep