This is a blog about bikey things. Races, rides, and fun things that encourage people to get on their bikes and ride. It puts a smile on my face, and I hope it does yours too. I sometimes touch on things that you can do to improve access to your community by bike as well as upcoming advocacy events. But I don’t generally talk politics.

After the most recent presidential election, I think many people realized that anything is possible, and what we do locally really affects national and world affairs. I personally believe that local elections are very important. Not only because the laws that go into affect in your town directly affect us as individuals, but on a larger scale, these are the people that represent your town to the county, state, and federal governments. If you have an elected official that, say, dislikes bikes; it is unlikely that the projects that promote effective cycling will be put into place by that administration.

If you live in Seattle, you probably know by now that Greg Nickels will not be our mayor for another term. It might have had something to do with the fact that as Seattle was buried under snow last winter for about 10 days, Nickels’ didn’t have a fix, though his neighborhood was plowed first and more often.  Seattle didn’t like it. He came in third in the primary, putting him out of the race for another term.

What is obvious is that Seattle, like the United States as a whole, is ready for change. Taking Nickels’ place on the ballot are two newcomers to political office. The vice president of T-mobile, Joe Mallahan; and the attorney and community organizer Mike McGinn. Two candidates offering very different backgrounds and strategies to help shape Seattle into a city to be lived in and enjoyed by their respective constituents. Because of their many differences, it also becomes obvious that Seattle hasn’t agreed on what path to go down.

Who will represent and lead Seattle for the next four years? Who do you think will do a better job?

Mike McGinn will be getting my vote. Not only does he ride a bike for transportation, he in my opinion will work towards growing Seattle into a more liveable community.

Mike McGinn has amazing support from the community. Not so much from big business, nor from the “insiders” within the city as it is, but from everyday people. He got more votes in the primary than his opponents while spending $10+ less PER VOTE than Joe Mallahan. Not to mention his Facebook and Twitter followers. Man, this guy is popular. Much like our presidential election, not all depends on campaign contributions.

As a cyclist, McGinn is the obvious choice. His support of public transit, walking, and biking as transportation is strong. In a “Lightning Round” of questions the other night in Ballard, when asked about the completion of the “Missing Link” trail, McGinn said he was for it, Mallahan was against it. (Since then, Mallahan has stated on his website that he is “a big supporter of bike and pedestrian facilities throughout the City and region.” It goes on to say that he supports some sort of completion, but it sounds unfocused, and I don’t believe for a second that he views cycling as anything besides something that one does until they get the keys to their first car)

Both candidates oppose Tim Eyman’s ballot measure 1033, which would cap government revenues and cut property taxes, while devastate public services, and likely impede the states recovery from the recession.

Mallahan, like many state and local politicians, likes the idea of a deep bore tunnel to replace the dated, and possibly dangerous Alaskan Way Viaduct. McGinn opposes it, by simply saying that the money isn’t there, and it is a waste of resources to spend more time and money pursuing it. I have to agree. $1.4 Billion? Not in these times.

Of course, neither candidate has any experience in political office. McGinn has more time in the community, while Mallahan has spent most of his time in the board room. I for one don’t like the idea of my city being run like T-mobile. I don’t even like their cell service. One works for people, the other for profit.

To wrap it up- I’m not telling you who to vote for. I’ll say that whoever you think will do a better job leading Seattle for the next four years, you should vote for them. Most important is that people take advantage of their right to vote. It’s your community. What you do in it, who you vote for, and where you spend your money, all affect the future. Seattle to me is a great little city, and I see elections as an opportunity to help keep the wheels rolling down the good road. But really, you should vote for McGinn. No really.

And election day is November 3, 2009. If you ain’t registered, you ain’t voting.

Remember. Anything is possible.

Of course there are other things to be voted on this November 3rd.  Some of the other candidates that have my vote:

• Michael McGinn for Mayor of Seattle
• Dow Constantine for King County Executive
• Mike O’Brien for Seattle City Council, Position 8
• Sally Bagshaw for Seattle City Council, Position 6

Get informed.  You are the city.  Do your part.