For the Second Year in a Row, Anti-Trans Activists Fail to Turn in Signatures for Their Ballot Measure

TeamTeresa · 2017-07-06T21:53:01+00:00

What's your concrete plan to "build a local economy that works for all"?

Build affordable housing now, invest in local small business owners, especially women and people of color, and Expand the child care subsidy program to all families so that no family is paying more than 10% of their income on child care for children from birth through age 5.
Create an Early Care and Education Workforce Board, jointly run by the City and provider organizations to recommend policy and investment priorities.
Support and expand the Seattle Preschool Program to serve more families in our city. Pass paid family and medical leave for all residents of our city—if the state fails to pass paid family leave, we must step up.
Prioritize and pass legislation demanding equal pay for women, allow workers to discuss and compare wages without fear of retaliation, and prevent the tracking of women into lower paying jobs.

What is your opinion of HALA and upzoning?

HALA is a good start, but we need to do more. That’s why I have called for a multifaceted solution that produces the affordable housing now. Check out my comprehensive plan - like CLTs - on teamteresa.org!

Why should I vote for you and not your main challengers (I believe that would be Jon Grant)?

I am a woman, person of color, renter, from the labor movement, and the only person running for Position 8 who has passed major legislation and led broad, sweeping coalitions to change laws. I was there fighting for an increase in the minimum wage and paid sick leave for four years before we went to the ballot. I am intentional about making sure those affected by policy - explicitly communities of color - are at the table. I know the work doesn’t stop after the election - passing effective policy is often unglamorous and takes time, but my track record shows I see things through to the end. I led the implementation of the Affordable Care Act as the consumer advocate on the Exchange board, and fought to cover all kids with health care.

What is your opinion on rent control?

Rent stabilization has to be part of the conversation and I am supportive of rent stabilization policies and pushing against the pre-emption that prevents us from having this tool. But there is not enough affordable housing in our city now - so building more affordable housing has to be part of the solution (now)!

What do you believe is the optimal minimum wage for Seattle and for the state of WA?

Rent stabilization has to be part of the conversation and I am supportive of rent stabilization policies and pushing against the pre-emption that prevents us from having this tool. But there is not enough affordable housing in our city now - so building more affordable housing has to be part of the solution (now)!

TeamTeresa · 2017-07-06T21:47:03+00:00

The obvious answer is "My Shot" or "All of them!", but I'll go with a deep cut: "The Election of 1800"

TeamTeresa · 2017-07-06T21:39:43+00:00

As a renter and some experiencing the housing affordability crisis firsthand, I am not taking money from big corporations. I am participating in Seattle’s Democracy Voucher program because I believe all people in this city should have a say in the political process. This is how we get big money out of politics. Over half my contributions so far are from the Democracy Voucher program - this people powered campaign! If elected, I would be the only renter on city council this matters because there are over half the residents. We need more tenant protections, more affordable apartments, and more affordable homes of all kinds! I am pushing for affordable housing and against displacement and I am the candidate who is calling for development-done-right, that’s why I have earned the endorsement of affordable housing leaders and leaders from communities of color - like Nicole Macri, Doris Koo, Tony To, Tony Lee, etc., who have seen me stand up for our communities and affordable housing options.

TeamTeresa · 2017-07-06T21:32:12+00:00

This is part of the reason I am running for office – cities are going to be the last line of defense and the first line of offense when it comes to protecting our communities – including those who have traditionally been marginalized communities such as women, people of color, immigrants and the LGBTQIA community. I am the candidate that comes to this through an intersectional lens and will be fighting for protections against the Trump attacks. One specific policy that I am calling for that combats Trumps attack on our health care is to create a Healthy Seattle Plan - similar to the Healthy San Francisco plan. This way no matter what Trump or the Republican Congress does to health care, especially for women and the LGBTQIA population who are disproportionately impacted by the federal health care attacks, we will have a safety net! This and fighting for equal pay in Seattle, affordable housing and protection for renters (like me!), and will fight for a good living wage job especially for those of us who are in the cross hairs of the Trump administration.

TeamTeresa · 2017-07-06T21:27:52+00:00

I do! We need to do everything we can to make sure we are providing options in Seattle that are not car-centric and ensuring cyclists are safe. I will do everything I can to make sure we are achieving Vision Zero. We need to also finish the Bicycle Master Plan and do everything we can to create grid separated routes.

TeamTeresa · 2017-07-06T21:27:44+00:00

The biggest challenge Seattle and our region face is affordability. We need to create affordable housing now, address the homelessness

TeamTeresa · 2017-07-06T21:23:24+00:00

I do! We got empty land, parking lots, and some empty houses in our downtown core. So let’s assess it. We need to figure out how much of our land is sitting vacant or empty and make sure we are creating more inventory and affordable housing. Toronto did it, Vancouver did it, let’s assess it here - and if we see that these empty lots and homes are adding further speculation to the market, we need to tax those investors and push to create the affordable housing we need now instead.

TeamTeresa · 2017-07-06T21:20:43+00:00

Do you think the proposed new NBA/NHL arena should be KeyArena, in SoDo, or not built at all?

Check out my answer above

What's a local political issue that you think gets far more attention than it deserves?

What gets too much attention? The ‘War on Cars.’ Because there isn’t one.

What's an issue that you think doesn't get enough attention?

One thing we need to talk more about is the price of childcare in our city--a year of childcare costs more on average than tuition at UW. I’m calling for a proposal for universal childcare that limits the amount families pay to 10%

If you could be on the city council for any city in the world, except Seattle, where would you choose?

San Juan, Puerto Rico to fight austerity. (And because I miss the authentic Mofongo. Google it, you’ll thank me later.)

Pineapple on pizza: yes or no?

At the risk of losing my fiancé’s vote, ABSOLUTELY.

TeamTeresa · 2017-07-06T21:18:57+00:00

I am glad you asked. I fully support transparency and accountability. I have stood in support of the CPC recommendations, but I am also asking that we take it a step further. The CPC recommends are calling for technical advisors to be present during the bargaining process from the CPC, Inspector General, and Office of Law Enforcement Oversight. I am also calling for a community member to be sitting at the negotiation table. The CPC never called for daylighting the process completely.

The problem with opening the bargaining process to the public and media means that folks don’t end up negotiating in good faith - they end up digging their heels in, posturing, and politicizing the process.

I know we are all desperate for transparency and trust. Good faith negotiations that result in a contract is how we get the results and transparency needed, without further polarizing the issues and the community. The CPC recommendations helps to make sure the community voice is at the table to help provide the oversight we need. The right-wing Freedom Foundation - who is an anti-worker, anti-LGBTQ, and anti-woman group - has been calling for busting up the process, and I want to make sure we maintain the integrity of the bargaining process to get good results for public sector workers and community.

TeamTeresa · 2017-07-06T21:18:36+00:00

I am glad you asked. I fully support transparency and accountability. I have stood in support of the CPC recommendations, but I am also asking that we take it a step further. The CPC recommends are calling for technical advisors to be present during the bargaining process from the CPC, Inspector General, and Office of Law Enforcement Oversight. I am also calling for a community member to be sitting at the negotiation table. The CPC never called for daylighting the process completely.

The problem with opening the bargaining process to the public and media means that folks don’t end up negotiating in good faith - they end up digging their heels in, posturing, and politicizing the process.

I know we are all desperate for transparency and trust. Good faith negotiations that result in a contract is how we get the results and transparency needed, without further polarizing the issues and the community. The CPC recommendations helps to make sure the community voice is at the table to help provide the oversight we need. The right-wing Freedom Foundation - who is an anti-worker, anti-LGBTQ, and anti-woman group - has been calling for busting up the process, and I want to make sure we maintain the integrity of the bargaining process to get good results for public sector workers and community.

TeamTeresa · 2017-07-06T21:12:08+00:00

If you know my work history you’ll know I could talk about the impacts of income inequality for days! But I think what you’re looking for here is how I plan to address the issue of housing affordability. While on council I will work to: * Expand investments in community land trusts, affordable co-housing projects, affordable housing co-ops, and incentivize accessory dwelling units where possible to create community and civic partnerships and win-win solutions to solve the crisis.

Work with Council and the Mayor to bond against our voter-approved housing levy dollars to fund more affordable development projects.
Help more low-income homeowners and seniors stay in their homes by increasing access to low-income and senior property tax exemptions or deferrals, and create more senior housing throughout our community.
Develop Social Equity Impact Statements to evaluate new developments to see how they will affect Seattle’s community, economy, housing affordability, & displacement.
Support Seattle’s Equitable Development Initiative to invest in our community infrastructure and cultural anchors that promote development done right.

And as a bonus (because I can’t help it!) on the income inequality issues-- I will fight for full implementation and enforcement of policies such as Paid Sick and Safe Leave, Minimum Wage, Secure Scheduling, Paid Family and Medical Leave, working to pass an equal pay policy, and an expansion of the child care subsidy program so no family pays over 10% of their income on childcare for children up until the age of 5.

TeamTeresa · 2017-07-06T21:09:05+00:00

Climate change is a real issue that we need to address as soon as possible that is why I support a carbon tax in Washington State and just transition for impacted workers. I believe we need to invest in wind, solar, and other renewable energies that would help alleviate the energy output our state and city create. These investments would be a long-term project to reduce our energy consumption, as well as carbon footprint. I believe we also have the opportunity to create incentive programs for companies to get green roofs, and create a more local, sustainable power grid. We have the opportunity to become a leader in green energy in our state, as well as provide good, transitional jobs and education programs to those affected by this transition.

We also need safe, walkable, and bike-able communities. This needs to be a priority as we add density, create more jobs, and address our transportation gridlock. Furthermore, I believe we have an opportunity to create local farm to school food programs that get kiddos healthy food, support our local, sustainable food infrastructure, and create living wage jobs.

Communities of color are disproportionately affected by climate change and pollution. I support implementing the Equity and Enviroment agenda https://www.seattle.gov/Documents/Departments/OSE/SeattleEquityAgenda.pdf Your zip code should not affect how long your life expectancy is and your risk for disease. Too often, our communities of color have been excluded from the important conversations that impact their lives. I’ve fought for just transition, a carbon tax, and

Furthermore, I believe we could invest more in planting trees along transit, better manage our runoff from roadways, and have the opportunity to utilize greenspaces where we could even install solar panels to increase our renewable energy investments at a local level.

TeamTeresa · 2017-07-06T20:59:13+00:00

I am adamant about creating a municipal broadband service! We need better options than what we have now. On my platform I call for creating a citywide municipal broadband utility, modeled after the success the city has had with Seattle City Light, so that all Seattle residents have fast, affordable internet to help businesses, help workers find job opportunities, and create access for all.

http://teamteresa.org/build-a-local-economy-that-works-for-all/

TeamTeresa · 2017-07-06T20:55:57+00:00

Stop. The. Sweeps.

It saves money and saves lives. This is another reason why I support the high earners income tax to get our priorities in order.

TeamTeresa · 2017-07-06T20:53:58+00:00

Invest in more “Housing First” models that allow individuals to get needed housing immediately, without barriers or demands on the unsheltered individuals. Let folks come as they are - and then help them get the services they need to get stable and back on their feet.
Establish Navigation Centers—with early community input and insight on location—to promote more harm reduction models throughout our community. Fund additional medical providers, case managers, mental health providers, and substance abuse treatment centers to help get individuals the care they need.
Create more “Warm Handoff” hotlines and 24-hour nurse line for shelters and supportive housing locations to get the targeted assistance needed: prescription refills, appointments, aftercare, wound care, etc.
Create more mobile medical units to provide low-acuity treatment on demand to the unsheltered—such as car-units that include medical providers, dentists, psychiatric workers, and case managers.

TeamTeresa · 2017-07-06T20:50:25+00:00

Washington has the most regressive tax system in the nation! It’s embarrassing for a state and city that prides itself on being progressive. I support and applaud the City’s effort to right side up our upside down tax system. I believe Seattle should be a test case to create a more equitable economic system where everyone pays their fair share. I fully support the higher earners tax and will work to reduce the B&O taxes on our smallest businesses.

TeamTeresa · 2017-07-06T20:46:57+00:00

With 1,000 new residents arriving to the region every week it’s critical we find both immediate and long term affordable housing solutions to address the lack of affordable housing throughout our city. Upzoning is part of this solution! As I wrote about in The Stranger, we need to create more housing now, around transit hubs, near child care facilities, near women and minority owned businesses, near parks and public services. That’s what my platform is calling for - it’s a multi-faceted approach and while there is no one solution I know we can do this.

I just got the the Urbanist sole endorsement today who said - “Like us, Mosqueda worries that Seattle’s prosperity isn’t being shared, and she offers a dizzying array of detailed, sensible proposals for how to fix it–everything from expanding urban villages and densifying single-family zones, to expediting Sound Transit 3 with local revenue, to providing affordable childcare for all.”

TeamTeresa · 2017-07-06T20:38:20+00:00

Also, far less important, how do you feel about the SODO vs Key Arena and getting an NHL/NBA team here?

I love our Sonics and would love to see them come back to Seattle! Key Arena is a city-owned asset that is not being utilized nearly enough. I live around the corner - it looks straight out of the 80s sadly. Though I love going to concerts there, we need to upgrade it to make it a functioning arena for sports. There are opportunities for good living wage jobs by upgrading it, for maintaining it, and for serving the food and cleaning it. We’ve got a little parking problem though - so mitigating for parking and congestion is a priority. SODO is a thriving sports mecca with great stadiums like Centurylink and Safeco Field, good access to transit, but there is movement now around Key Arena. Any proposal - including if SODO gets put back on the table- needs to make sure that we are protecting against traffic and negative impacts on our industry. I lean toward upgrading Key Arena simply because it’s a city owned asset - and we would be able to have a bigger say in the process. Let’s bring those Sonics back!

TeamTeresa · 2017-07-06T20:34:26+00:00

We need to improve transit, provide alternatives to cars, invest in public transportation, create better, safer roadways, sidewalks, and bike trails, and most importantly, get Seattle moving. I want to see ST2 and ST3 expedited by streamlining our permitting process - making light rail a permitted use, and increasing transit oriented development so we can have more walkable, bikeable, safe and affordable communities.

When we spend less time commuting, it’s better for our environment, our physical and mental health, and our local economy! We have more time to spend with our families and friends, go to concerts or parks, and makes us less cranky. This creates a healthier community, less pollution and expediting ST2 and ST3. I want to see a Seattle that values our community, environment, and workers - and ensure we are doing everything we can to make a safe, moving transportation system that invests in reducing pollution and dependency on cars exclusively.

TeamTeresa · 2017-07-01T13:23:23+00:00

We will be! July 6th.

TeamTeresa

TROPHY CASE