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Seattle’s The crisis of homelessness Differences have been opened between two progressive candidates ahead of the mayoral campaign in November.
Democratic Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell highlighted his record of cleaning up camps, even as the city’s homeless population continues to grow.
Harrell told Seattle Times In a report released on Tuesday.
By contrast, his opponent, progressive activist Katie Wilson, took what the Seattle Times described as “more compassionate” approach, advocating more shelters funded through “new progressive tax sources” or new taxes.
Progressive activist Katie Wilson and current Democratic Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell were both promoted to the election in August. (Katie Wilson campaign/Getty image)
However, Wilson also acknowledged the need to move the camp out of public areas such as parks.
“The government is essentially moving people to a place without really bringing them into the support they need,” Wilson told Fox News Digital. “So, it’s definitely not a compassionate approach. It’s not a good use of our public funds, either because we spend all the money to move people out. We’re spending all the money trying to provide services and medication, but if people don’t have a stable place to go, that doesn’t work.”
She added: “In some cases, we do need to move camps or move people, even if we can’t put them in at the time. And I think it’s necessary to take this case by case. But, overall, overall, we can actually move people indoors, the better.”
This marks a turnaround for Harrell’s progressive 2021 rival M. Lorena González, who is totally opposed to clearing the camp. Harrell, who was running a professional campaign at the time Nearly 30 points against Gonzalez.
MAMDANI effect: Is the top current mayor of the left-wing challenger in the Seattle primary?
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell works to clear the Seattle Times homeless camp on Tuesday. (Mat Hayward/Getty Images)
Wilson repeatedly criticized Harrell for saying that the number of temporary shelters is not enough to solve the homeless crisis. She has promised to add 4,000 emergency housing units if elected and run for vacant houses.
Fox News Digital also contacted the Harrell campaign for comment.
Last month, Harrell and Wilson emerged from the city’s nonpartisan mayors as two leading candidates. Surprising results, Wilson was eliminated The current mayor, with 46% of the vote, would Harrell’s 45% of the vote.
Wilson has been compared to New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani in search of progressive policies such as a raise in minimum wage and more affordable housing. Her other campaign commitments include plans The city of “Fanglang” If she wins.
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Both Seattle mayor candidates address the need for more homeless shelters. (John Moore/Getty Image)
Democratic Portland Mayor Keith Wilson’s own efforts Solve the homeless people in his city As he warned earlier this month, this could make the city a target for President Donald Trump.
“Recent events in Washington, D.C. show us what will happen to Portland if we don’t resolve the humanitarian crisis on our streets with speed, purpose and compassion,” Wilson wrote. “The federal government has deployed mass arrests of bulldozers and masked agents; contrary to our outreach workers and emergency shelter strategies.”
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