Running for Seattle City Council was an incredible experience and I enjoyed every minute of it. The people I met across the city and their enthusiasm for making Seattle a better place invigorated me as candidate and made me proud as a fellow Seattleite. Solutions to our city's challenges are easy to find -- just ask the people who live here.

The business of running a political campaign was challenging. I made some beginner's mistakes, particularly in how to get the campaign message across. Thanks to the many kind folks who sat down with me since the 2009 primary with words of advice and encouragement -- especially those who came with examples of people who lost the first time out, learned their lessons, and ended up serving their constituents with distinction after succeeding in subsequent elections.

I started the campaign to bring Business, Neighborhoods, Labor, and Environmentalists together. If you check out the endorsement list below, you'll see I was successful. Here are the two most important things I learned on the campaign trail:

1. There is much more common ground between business, labor, neighborhoods, and the environment than most people expect.
2. Anyone who spends time telling you otherwise is trying to generate readership or cynically believes false conflict is the surer path to electoral success.

Many people have asked me, "What's next?" I will stay involved in Seattle issues. Strengthening our tree regulations, creating a world-class waterfront centered on transit and people, Seattle's Comprehensive Plan, real reform at DPD, and a stronger role for progressive neighborhood voices continue to be passions of mine. While I need to spend time on my business and especially need to make better progress on our ongoing remodel, you'll see me involved.

Thank you again for your support and interest in my campaign. My campaign e-mail address will continue to operate or you can reach me at
PO Box 75187, Seattle, WA 98175. Don't hesitate to drop me a note from time to time.

Warmest Regards,

David