University House Residents Host Political Debate Series

SEATTLE – On October 18, 2015, residents of University House Wallingford culminated a series of three political debates hosted at the retirement community with a lively exchange between the candidates for Seattle City Council District 4, Rob Johnson and Michael Maddux.

Maddux is a proponent of revenue reform to fund affordable housing and livability for citizens of all economic backgrounds.  Johnson is running on a platform of improving the quality of public schools and investing in transportation in Seattle.

Debates were held previously at University House Wallingford by the candidates for Seattle City Council Positions 8 and 9.

The moderator for the debates was University House Wallingford resident Dr. James Voss, former chairman of the psychology department and political science professor emeritus from the University of Pittsburgh.

The debates were organized by a committee of residents including Voss, Claudia Crawford, Sandra Sumi and Lester Goldstein, with the assistance of the University House Wallingford Life Enrichment Director, Tara Kearns.

According to Crawford, “I moved to Seattle recently from New Mexico to be near my son, daughter-in-law and grandchild. As a relative newcomer, these debates give me insight into the candidates and issues I would not otherwise have.”

Long-time Seattle resident Sumi said “The Seattle city council districts have changed so this is a good way to learn about the candidates.”

Residents find the debates to be more informative and stimulating than reading voter guides.  They also use the debates to inform candidates of their positions on senior issues such as easy access to public transportation to medical appointments and making sidewalks safe for walking. Increasing population density and managing the rapid growth of Seattle is also a concern of the residents.