Seattle is truly a tale of two cities. From the outside, it’s a glimmering tech capital that’s home to the most valuable companies on the planet, high paying jobs, and the most educated population in the country. Then there’s the other side. Seattle and King County are responsible for devastating health disparities, quantifiable racism in the criminal justice system, extreme wealth and income inequality, and the third highest homeless population in the nation.

This is in stark contrast to our collective vision and to the legacy of the civil rights hero our county is named after, Martin Luther King, Jr. If we’re going to solve our biggest problems, we need to change the priorities of our political system, give our communities greater access to government, and fight for bold progressive policies.  We need to create a movement around these principles and elect leaders in office who will be uncompromising when it comes to these ideals. I promise you I will be that kind of leader.