In the bustling landscape of Seattle politics, District 4 (Wallingford, University District, Ravenna, Sand Point, area) stands as a pivotal battleground in the upcoming City Council elections. Ron Davis and Maritza Rivera are vying for the opportunity to represent this diverse and dynamic community.

Ron Davis is an entrepreneur and local community activist who moved to Seattle in 2013. Davis’ platform prioritizes a multitude of issues, such as public safety which focuses on a  preventative narrative such as increased social services and police alternatives, but not more police. He is a strong advocate for increasing housing supply, and has stated that the lack of housing is the main cause for the homelessness crisis. He also wants to improve local transit and enhance infrastructure for city residents who don’t have cars. 

Maritza Rivera offers a different perspective, emphasizing a pragmatic and fiscally responsible approach to city governance. With a law degree, Rivera was the VP of the National Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and also has worked at the ACLU.  Her platform centers on streamlining city processes, reducing wasteful spending, and ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently. A primary focus according to her platform is improving public safety, and she talks about being a mother of Ingraham High School students who were in a lockdown after a student was fatally shot at the school in 2022. Rivera wants to take practical steps to full staff the police department, investing in alternatives to policing, and initiatives that prevent gun violence. She also wants to make Seattle more affordable by expanding housing supply and reducing childcare costs. 

The question for debate is, who would best represent District 4 in the Seattle City Council, Ron Davis or Maritza Rivera?