District 1

Question 1

Public Safety: The DSA’s core mission is to create a healthy, vibrant downtown for all. It is no secret that the pandemic took a heavy toll on downtowns across the country and Seattle is no exception. As we work toward recovery on all fronts, issues of public safety downtown continue to be one of the top themes we hear from stakeholders. How will you address public safety in downtown Seattle?
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Rob Saka

Everyone has a right to feel safe in this city, free of threat of crime or unequal justice. I have had the knees of injustice on my neck, which is why I understand firsthand the importance of rooting out systemic injustices that lead to Black folks being overrepresented in the criminal legal justice system. Seattle is experiencing a troubling rise in crime and gun violence. We must enact BOTH effective prevention strategies to ensure a better tomorrow AND appropriate response capabilities to meet the realities of today. Timely responses from police and first responders. Invest in non-armed responses, such as behavioral health and social work responses when appropriate. Hire, train, promote, and retain the right number of good, community-centered police officers. Strengthen community engagement and trust. Empower police and first responders to effectively carry out their public safety mandate and hold them accountable if they fail to do so in a just, equitable, unbiased, and constitutional manner.

Question 3

Fiscal Priorities: Given the fragile state of downtown’s revitalization, do you agree that the City should prioritize existing spending before imposing new taxes or increasing existing ones? In a detailed manner, please describe how you would propose addressing the budget issues the city is facing.
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Rob Saka

I understand the importance of fiscal responsibility. I believe in finding innovative solutions and addressing budget issues in a thoughtful and strategic manner. Here’s a detailed proposal on how I would approach these challenges:

-Comprehensive Budget Review
-Performance Audit
-Prioritization of Essential Services
-Collaborative Decision-Making
-Revenue Diversification
-Streamlining Processes
-Responsible Economic Development
-Long-Term Financial Planning

By taking these measures, we can ensure fiscal responsibility while maintaining the vitality and growth of our city.

Question 5

Return to Office: One of the most impactful things we can do to drive downtown revitalization is to get more people here – visitors, tourists, residents and perhaps most importantly, workers. A steady and consistent flow of employees downtown who are eating, drinking, shopping and engaging in recreation brings much needed support for our small businesses and public spaces. Do you believe that city workers should work in person three or more days per week?
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Rob Saka

Yes I would like to see city workers in person at least three days per week.

Stephen Brown

City workers MUST be required to return to the workplace. At least three days a week. City workers [sic] number one job is making this city a great place. If they are not going to lead with their feet and their actions, they are neglecting the essence of their job. I would also encourage the private sector to bring workers back but that is ultimately up to each individual entity.

Question 6

If there were any important details about your candidacy that you were unable to provide in response to the previous questions, please take this opportunity to share that information here:
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Rob Saka

I am a Seattle Public Schools dad of three, attorney, justice reform advocate, Air Force Veteran, and West Seattle resident. As the son of a Nigerian immigrant, I overcame abject poverty, a traumatic and unstable home life cycling through the foster care system, to rise in the ranks of the U.S. Air Force, earn my college and law degrees under the G.I. Bill, and achieve success as an attorney and policy advocate in Seattle and King County.

I grew up in the foster care system in Minnesota until my father was able to rescue me at nine years old. We moved out west and settled in low-income apartments in Kent, blocks away from a justice center that would later house some of my childhood friends. Growing up, I watched my dad work numerous physically demanding low-wage jobs. Though he earned a Master’s degree, my dad was unable to break into his chosen field. So, as a single father, he ended up settling for any honest work he could get to put food on our table. He sacrificed his own career ambitions to focus on raising me.

Working parents shouldn’t have to choose between their own professional success today or that of their children tomorrow. Through it all, my dad taught me the importance of hard work and selfless service – guiding principles that I use in my everyday life.

Additionally, I have run the strongest campaign in this race. I have outworked every other candidate and have shown the most community support by far.