Growing Up--Editorial Launches My First Letter To The Editor

I'm still trying to find the letter, which I will eventually post. After Seattle mayor Wes Uhlman announced his plans to run for Governor of Washington, the Walla Walla UB criticized him in the above editorial, which you may be able to see by clicking on the image. 
As a fan of the young mayor, I was inspired to write the letter and it was printed.  Even today, I can see holes in the editorial and feel that it fails to back up it's pretense.

40 Years Ago--Memories Of The Wes Uhlman Campaign For Washington Governor

In 1976, Dan Evans, the 3 term governor of Washington, announced that he would not run for a fourth. Democrats had their best chance in over a decade to finally take the state house.  I was a teen and finally old enough to vote.  The candidate that excited me was the mayor of Seattle, Wes Uhlman. 
Uhlman was charismatic and considered one of the new breed of progressive mayors.  He was also a a close friend of my Uncle Arny, who at the time was practicing law in Seattle and active in local politics. 
I had just graduated from Walla Walla High School and about to enter WSU..  At the Walla Walla County Democratic summer picnic that year, my dad got to drive the Seattle mayor from the Walla Walla airport to the Gary Stromeyer (sp) ranch where Uhlman would be the main speaker.  That was where I first met Uhlman, whom I found a very engaging figure. The mayor gave my dad a Seattle tie for his driving duties, and my dad would later give the tie to me.
The next time I met  saw Uhlman in person was at the Walla Walla Fair.  I got to walk in his entourage as he shook hands with fair goers.   I was impressed with one of his staffers, who was the daughter of a Washington State Legislator. 
Sadly, a few weeks later, Uhlman would lose the Democratic Primary (at that time the Washington primary was held in Mid September), Dixie Lee Ray, who I felt was much more conservative than even the sitting Republican governor, would carry the Democratic Banner.  I so mad that I did not vote for her, although it was a good year for Democrats.  Jimmy Carter was elected president and Dixie Lee Ray was elected governor.  In the years that followed, Washington voters would get buyer's remorse for choosing Ray.
Uhlman would never again run for public office.  No subsequent Seattle mayor has been successful seeking higher office.

A Barer Ran For State House In '64

Most people who know me, know of my thirst for politics,I've always said that it runs in the family.

In 1964, my dad's brother Arny (top picture) decided to run for the state legislature in Washington's 46th district, he had been practicing law for about 5years in Downtown Seattle, unfortunately, his opponent was another young lawyer named Slade Gorton (bottom picture). Although Lyndon Johnson was able to win the Presidency by a landslide that year, his coattails did not reach this state. Washington elected Republican Dan Evans to be Governor while Gorton beat my uncle for a position in the State House. Gorton would go on to represent Washington in the US Senate and Arny would become known for being a friend and confident to Wes Uhlman, who would serve as Seattle mayor during the late 60s and early 70s.   You can click here and scroll down to the 46th district, to see the voter results from his campaign.

I can remember my grandmother having all sorts of fliers from my uncle's campaign, I'll continue to look for any posted articles or such to put on this blog.

Seattle's Tight Race For Mayor

Ever since my Uncle Arny's law school buddy Wes Uhlman was elected to be mayor of Seattle in the late 60s, I've paid close attention that city's mayoral race. It takes a special type to be able to lead a growing, cutting edge city that has seen it's share of peaks and valleys. This year's race is especially compelling. It pits a former T-Mobile executive, Joe Mallahan against a former Sierra Club president, Mike McGinn.
Both candidates ran because of their dissatisfaction with current mayor Greg Nickles. They were both able to get past the incumbent, who was considered invincible.
Joe Mallahan is touting his corporate experience. He has spent heavily to put professionals on his campaign staff. He has a smooth style. Mike McGinn is hard edged, and has a staff of mostly volunteers.
At this writing, only 500 some votes separate the two candidates.