Mayoral Candidate Ry Armstrong Campaigns on Community, Affordability, and Art
In a recent interview on "The Day with Trae," Seattle mayoral candidate Ry Armstrong offered a passionate and insightful vision for the city's future, emphasizing a return to community, affordability, and a thriving arts scene. Armstrong's candidacy comes at a pivotal time for Seattle, grappling with issues of housing, rising costs, and a perceived loss of its unique character.
Armstrong shared their political awakening, ignited by caucusing for Bernie Sanders in 2015-2016. This experience, coupled with a desire to see a new generation of queer leadership, propelled them into the mayoral race. They articulated a clear commitment to fighting for "queer trans babies" to not only survive but "thrive in Seattle." Beyond identity, Armstrong is driven to address pressing issues like climate change and the housing crisis, acknowledging that the city's decade-old plan to combat homelessness has fallen short. Their dedication to real, tangible change was evident in their willingness to "make real actual change if even if it's me with a hammer and nail making those tiny homes."
A central theme of the interview was the need to dismantle the "silos" within Seattle's government. With a master's degree in sustainable development and systems thinking, Armstrong aims to make City Hall more efficient and responsive to its residents. They highlighted issues like unreliable payroll systems for city employees and the lengthy two-year wait times for design review on affordable housing projects as examples of governmental inefficiency. This frustration with bureaucracy extends to the broader issue of affordability, which Armstrong has personally experienced and heard countless times from the 6,000 voters they've called and 4,000 doors they've knocked on: "the rent is too damn high."
Armstrong believes Seattle has "given up a little bit of our soul" in exchange for tech development, where profits haven't returned to the people. They advocate for progressive revenue to fund programs like housing vouchers and even municipal grocery stores, aiming for a regenerative system that benefits all. Looking to the future, Armstrong envisions Seattle as a "creative economy hub," a climate-resilient haven for artists and film production, especially as other regions face increasing climate challenges. This perspective, rooted in their identity as a Democratic Socialist, underscores a commitment to addressing inequality and ensuring Seattle remains a place for "regular working people," not just millionaires and billionaires. Ry Armstrong's campaign offers a compelling narrative of change, community, and a fight to reclaim Seattle's vibrant essence.
Learn More: https://armstrongforall.com/
