By Omari Salisbury

The Seattle City Council is seeking a new representative to fill Tammy Morales's vacancy in District 2. Edward "Eddie" Lin, an attorney with the City Attorney's Office, is among the finalists.

Who is Eddie Lin?

Eddie Lin, a 48-year-old attorney, has worked in the Seattle City Attorney's Office for seven and a half years. He has resided in Mid Beacon Hill since 2014 and previously lived in North Beacon Hill for seven years.

Lin's Work in the City Attorney's Office

Lin's experience in the City Attorney's Office has provided him with insights into city government operations. Specializing in real estate law, he has contributed to major infrastructure projects, including the waterfront redevelopment. For the past five years, he has worked full-time with the Office of Housing, advising on affordable housing projects and programs. This experience has given him knowledge of housing development, market incentive programs, and challenges facing Seattle's housing market.

Why is Lin Running for City Council?

Lin's decision to run for City Council stems from his belief that his knowledge and experience can effectively represent the district's residents. He states, "I just feel like District Two deserves a strong voice and strong representation down at City Hall, and I feel like I can provide that given my knowledge of and experience of how city government works from the past seven and a half years."

Key Issues Facing District 2

Lin has identified several key issues facing District 2:

• Public Safety in Chinatown/Little Saigon: Lin acknowledges concerns about crime and safety, supporting addressing root causes like homelessness and drug addiction. He believes the relocation of the Navigation Center will offer some relief.

• Comprehensive Plan and Housing: Lin recognizes the risk of displacement in District 2 and emphasizes the need for affordable housing and equitable development. He aims to leverage his knowledge of housing programs to ensure community engagement in the comprehensive planning process.

• Support for Youth and Education: Lin advocates for public schools and collaboration between the city and Seattle Public Schools. He said he is committed to fully funding schools and addressing educational inequities. He states, "Seattle Public Schools is facing a huge financial deficit, and we have some of the largest educational inequities anywhere in the country... If we really want to address supporting our youth, we need to do a better job partnering between the city and Seattle Public Schools.”

• Transportation Safety: Lin recognizes the need to address traffic and transportation safety issues, particularly along MLK and Rainier. He supports finding solutions that prioritize safety for all modes of transportation.

Qualifications and Vision

Lin believes his 15 years of legal experience and understanding of city government qualify him for the City Council. He states that he is committed to listening to constituents and working collaboratively. He says, “My favorite part of the job is to listen to my clients and really kind of understand where they’re coming from and their problems and goals. And so I feel like I can bring that skill to working with District Two residents.”

Lin envisions a District 2 where all residents feel heard and represented. He is committed to working with diverse communities and building relationships with community-based organizations. He also recognizes the importance of constituent services.

Lin's Commitment to Diversity

Residing in a diverse zip code, Lin understands the importance of representing a diverse constituency. He says he is committed to working with all communities in District 2, stating, “For me, it’s not about advocating for me or a particular community. It’s about how can I be of service to all the different communities in district two”

Lin's Perspective on City Government

Lin acknowledges the complexities of city government and aims to use his insider knowledge to benefit District 2. He states, “I understand how city government works... I can really hit the ground running. I can step into a lot of this hard committee work.” He also said that he would prioritize constituent services to bridge the gap between residents and City Hall.

Conclusion

Eddie Lin's candidacy for Seattle City Council District 2 presents a combination of experience, expertise, and community engagement. His understanding of city government, commitment to constituent services, and vision for District 2 are key aspects of his candidacy.

Key Dates for District 2 Residents:

Monday, January 27, 2025, at 9:30 a.m.: Special City Council Meeting for Appointment Vote