Former Sonic would have to address larger issues as mayor

Local businessman and former Seattle SuperSonic James Donaldson has thrown his hat in the ring as candidate for mayor of Seattle. Sports fans know Donaldson not only from his actions on the court, but as a frequent guest on Sports Radio 950 KJR.

There’s no doubt he’s a friend of hoop, but many know very little of his politics. As a small business owner (he owns a physical therapy clinic), Donaldson will no doubt stump for that constituency. And Sonics fans will no doubt feel that if he actually wins the election, they’d have a real advocate to help return NBA basketball to Seattle.

Even though I’ve spent the majority of my time the last many years working in downtown Seattle, I can’t vote for mayor because I don’t live there. While I’d certainly be interested in what Donaldson could do, if anything, to lure the NBA back to Seattle, there are far more important issues facing the city.

Street crime is out of control. The fact that you can’t wait for a bus anymore without being attacked by street thugs is one issue. Once you’re on the bus, you’re not safe either. Actually finding and prosecuting criminals is another. I’ve personally witnessed dirt bags in broad daylight intimidating commuters waiting for a bus ride home. Gangs, inner-city transit, infrastructure, aggressive panhandling, clearing the effing snow from the streets – just a few of the things that need undivided attention.

Current Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels has for the most part ignored the basics of running a city to instead focus on Earth Day-type activities. You know, closing roads and forcing people to walk, promoting city tap water instead of bottled water, buying million dollar self-cleaning toilets for the homeless – pretty much all around nonsense for someone who should be focusing on day-to-day metropolitan civic activities. Then there’s the whole thing about letting the Sonics go to Oklahoma City with Clay Bennett for pennies on the dollar.

I wish Donaldson all the luck in the world. I just caution those who are hoping Donaldson will be the Pied Piper leading the NBA back to Seattle.