♪♪
-I'm James Donaldson.
I'm worried about my beloved Seattle,
where one bad decision after another
have hurt our quality of life,
our communities, our businesses,
and our future.
Seattle isn't dying,
but it's sick.
1% of Seattle residents
are homeless,
and we have an enormous drug crisis.
City policies
have only made things worse.
I promise healing.
I promise a return to greatness.
I've learned a few things,
and I'm not afraid
to use my own personal,
deeply painful experiences
and apply my life lessons
to helping people
who are unable or unwilling
to help themselves.
I came to Seattle 40 years ago,
starting a 20-year pro-basketball career
with the Sonics.
Midway through,
I became a small-business owner
of several physical-therapy clinics,
healing bodies and helping people
to return to normal lives.
After a health crisis,
I became a passionate advocate
for mental health
and suicide prevention.
I've been there.
I know the level of support it takes
to not give up.
When they are ill, people can't make
the best decisions on their own.
I promise you that we will
improve public safety.
I promise you that we will
protect and expand public parks.
I promise you that we will
protect business districts and jobs.
I promise to build new bridges,
accessible to all modes
of transportation.
I promise to make Seattle more livable
and accommodating to seniors
and people with disabilities.
I promise to listen to our residents
when they come to City Hall.
And I promise to be out there
in the community and learn
and listen to you every day.
My life has involved teamwork,
practice, dedication,
and winning.
I've been in Seattle for 40 years,
and I've seen her promise.
I stand before you,
and I promise you
that when we do this together,
we will heal this city.
I ask for your vote --
James Donaldson.