Candidate Profile: Bobby Lindsey Miller For Seattle City Council

SEATTLE — Voting is underway and the 2021 primary election is heating up in King County ahead of Election Day, Aug. 3. Nearly 650 candidates are seeking various offices in 2021, beating the previous record set in 2017. Out of that total, more than 200 candidates appear in the primary, which features all the races with three or more people seeking the same office.

Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles leading up to Election Day.

Candidate

Bobby Lindsey Miller

Age (as of Election Day)

36

Position Sought

Seattle City Council Position 8

Party Affiliation

None

Family

Only child (happily)

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

My mother and father both served in the Military and went on to work for the United States Postal Service. Due to decades of racial discrimination and harassment my mother resigned after 28 years as a branch manager in Louisville, KY. My father transferred to Mesa, AZ 20 to avoid the same issues my mother faced, he's now up for retirement.

Education

Briefly attended the University of Louisville majoring in Psychology.

Occupation

Bartender - 7 years: Professional Cleaning - 10 years. I've always worked directly with the public. I enjoy people, problem-solving, having unique experiences, and its where I feel most comfortable.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

None. I attempted to run for Seattle city council District 6 in 2019, but was unable to raise the filing fee as I was living out of my car at the time.

Campaign website

https://votebobbylindsey.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

To break the cycle of failed programs/policies, restore civility, and prioritize the needs of Seattle residents. I will bring accountability and integrity back to the city council. Our leaders lack diversity and life experience, we need new eyes and a fresh perspective; that's me.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Public safety: ban encampments, tough restrictions on RV parking, hold criminals accountable, work with SPD to more efficiently police problematic areas, support businesses burdened by crime/vandalism.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I'm Black/Gay, formerly homeless, earn less than $40k yearly salary.

Are you for or against the proposed "Compassion Seattle" charter amendment? Please explain your priorities for addressing homelessness.

Opposed, because we can not "spend" or "fund" our way out of homelessness. There needs to be accountability, transparency, and less reliance on nonprofit organizations that only seek to manage the crisis rather end it.

How should Seattle proceed with changes to policing? What does an acceptable police contract look like?

A contract with highly detailed language, clear expectations and boundaries, what is and is not acceptable behavior, strict consequences for actions. Ending the use of military grade weaponry. Access to an officer's misconduct records and ongoing implicit racial bias training.

What needs to improve about the city's preparations and responses to extreme weather events, including heat waves and wildfire smoke?

Requiring HVAC installation on all new construction. Seattle needs neighborhood community centers equipped with central air to protect residents from dangerous heat and toxic smoke. A surplus of portable cooling equipment for home-bound/older residents available by request during extreme events.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

The incumbent consistently advocates on behalf of special interest groups, the Housing Industry, and developers. Her policies allow foreign investors to swallow entire neighborhoods. She has no loyalty or respect for the people of Seattle.

How do you think local officials performed in responding to the coronavirus? What if anything would you have done differently?

Supporting local businesses struggling to stay afloat through financial aid would have been a priority for me.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Immediate housing for the homeless using currently vacant MFTE units. Transparent spending especially in regards to nonprofit organizations. Returning power to community councils to decide how funds are allocated within their neighborhood. Hold developers accountable for improving infrastructure and investing in the neighborhoods they profit from. Revising Land Use Codes to favor ADU-additions and small property owners, de-incentivizing foreign investors. Free Public Transportation for Seattle residents. More community input/involvement required before permitting any significant building proposals.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I've worked with the public my entire life in various roles and positions. I know how to listen effectively, find common ground, and empathize with opposing opinions. Overcoming homelessness on my own - starting my own business with no help or support I'm creative, determined, and focused on success.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

"Words don't teach, only life experience." Words are meaningless until you experience it for yourself; that's how you overcome obstacles and grow to become your best self.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I'm authentic, honest, and fearless. Money doesn't solve problems, changing how you view the problem reveals the solution.