Seattle’s Own Municipal Idol

With the country in deep recession, unemployment at dismal levels, and an inspiring community organizer in the White House, who wouldn't want a gig that combines public service with four years' job security? There's barely a week left before the filing deadline, but Seattle City Council candidates are jockeying for position, creating alliances, and doing everything they can to stand out to you, the judges at home. Welcome to... Municipal Idol!

POSITION 2: RICHARD CONLIN, INCUMBENT

David Ginsberg: The All-American Dad

Ginsberg, 44, and his partner shop local, know their neighbors, and have adorable twins in first grade at Pathfinder Elementary in West Seattle. Ginsberg even works at a bank, just as nice middle-class men did in the 1950s.

But after putting in some serious volunteer hours for Obama, including a trip to the state convention, Ginsberg decided to get into politics full-time. And he's not taking the easy route either, attempting to unseat a three-term incumbent who he claims has been ineffective.

The Issues: Having witnessed the massive layoffs by his employer, the bank formerly known as Washington Mutual—layoffs he managed to survive— Ginsberg thinks we're too dependent on big companies. He wants the city to set up "small-business incubators" where entrepreneurs could go for advice and help with things like setting up payroll systems. Ginsberg says he would try to get the UW and other area colleges on board to provide space, expertise, and funding. Or, he says—waving his crossed fingers—"hopefully some stimulus money." (The state received more than $4.1 billion from the federal stimulus package, and the Office of Financial Management is still sorting out who will get what and how local governments can apply for money.)

The Odds: Not good. As of April 30, Ginsberg had raised only $18,000. That's not nearly enough to unseat an incumbent, especially when the public hasn't been calling for Conlin's ouster.

Confession Cam Analysis: Ginsberg is noticeably nervous during his interview—as many political novices would be. But get him talking about his kids and he's in his element. Ginsberg might not get a lot of votes, but he and his adorable family will get a flood of invitations to barbecues this summer.

POSITION 4: JAN DRAGO, RETIRING

Sally Bagshaw: The Sneaky Grandma

With her blonde/grey bob, bright eyes, soft voice, and gentle smile, Sally Bagshaw is the grandma you always wanted. At the end of an interview with SW, she responded to a question about anything we might have missed by saying "You've done a very good job, this is a very thorough interview." I hope we get cookies next! No, wait...get tough.

Bagshaw's cuddly exterior belies her professional résumé. From 1999 to 2007, she ran the civil division of the King County prosecutor's office, defending the county in litigation over everything from Metro to sewers. She's a licensed pilot, and also sailed a 39-foot sailboat to Bora Bora last year. Bagshaw was hand-picked by Jan Drago, who retired, then decided to challenge Greg Nickels for mayor. Anyone taking her on not only faces a candidate with almost incumbent-like backing, but the risk that voters will turn on them if they attack her too aggressively.

The Issues: Bagshaw, 58, says she emphasized mediation during her time as a litigator, and could bring the warring city council and mayor together. Her conflict-resolving nature may explain why it's nearly impossible to get her to say anything specific on what the city council should do about the problems facing Seattle. To combat the rise in gang violence, she wants to encourage more neighborhood watch groups. To address unemployment, she wants to see entrepreneurs work together to save on administrative costs.

The Odds: As any reality-show veteran knows, alliance-building is the key to victory. Liberal activists may like the fact that her husband, Brad Bagshaw, was on the legal team representing eight gay and lesbian couples in a 2004 case seeking marriage recognition in King County (a case they lost). The center-right is also on board, with Republican Prosecuting Attorney Norm Maleng's widow, Judy, on Bagshaw's steering committee.

Confession Cam Analysis: She's incredibly likable to everyone not running against her. Opponents will have to point out her lack of any substantive policy proposals in the politest manner possible.

David Bloom: The Scruffy World-Saver

Like another well-known politician, David Bloom has significant experience as a community organizer. He even looks the part, showing up for an interview with the sleeves of his button-down plaid shirt rolled to the elbows and a Real Change button on his jacket.

Now 67, Bloom fought redlining in the Central District in the 1970s. Back then he helped found the Seattle Displacement Coalition to advocate for low-income housing projects; the Downtown Emergency Service Center, which provides meals and runs a short-term shelter; and Common Ground, a group that provides administrative and management help to contractors working on low-income housing projects. And as an ordained minister, he worked until 1994 in various positions with the Church Council of Greater Seattle—a group most recently active in finding new spots for the roaming encampment called Nickelsville, currently located at a church south of Rainier Beach.