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Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson Faces Sharp Decline in Favorability as Voters Express Concern Over Public Safety

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson has seen a precipitous drop in public approval, with her favorability rating falling from 56% in April to 37% in August. A new poll commissioned by the Seattle Metro Chamber shows that 62% of voters now view her administration unfavorably, primarily due to concerns regarding public safety and the handling of the Bite of Seattle shooting. While Wilson acknowledged the concerns, she emphasized that public safety remains a high priority for her office. The decline is particularly notable because it is driven by policy performance rather than a single scandal. Critics point to her decision to abruptly remove Police Chief Shon Barnes and her handling of the city's CCTV camera system as key factors in the voter dissatisfaction. Despite the low marks, Wilson remains focused on leading the city and addressing issues such as transportation, homelessness, and affordable housing. She stated that she will be represented by counsel at an upcoming court hearing regarding a recall petition that accuses her of mishandling public safety.

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