THOMPSON, from Page 24

In the nine years since I began working directly with city government on public safety, environmental and transportation issues, I’ve usually found council members open, interested and helpful.

On the current council, Sally Clark, Sally Bagshaw, Tom Rasmussen, Richard Conlin and Tim Burgess are actively engaged in Seattle’s communities. In the recent past, Cheryl Chow, Sam Smith, Richard McIver, Jan Drago and David Della stayed broadly involved, too.

I’d rather hold nine electeds accountable for their positions than just three. I’d rather have access to more council members for matters that matter than fewer.

My neighbors and I already know what it’s like not to be represented by a district rep. I don’t want us to experience what it’s like not to be by six of nine on the City Council.

CRAIG THOMPSON is a longtime community activist. To comment on this column, write to CityLivingEditor@ nwlink.com.