The Seattle Democrat admits he is ‘very concerned’ about going out of business
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A Democratic city council member who once welcomed “change” from Seattle’s Socialist Mayor Katie Wilson now admits she is “deeply concerned” about the corporate exodus affecting America’s biggest city.
This comes as green states like Washington and New York face an exodus of businesses in favor of market-friendly red states. Starbucks, a major player in the Seattle business community, recently announced a major expansion in Nashville while at the same time cutting jobs for Seattle-based companies, a move that has raised concerns about Seattle’s business climate and economic competitiveness.
Wilson, a self-proclaimed socialist, recently publicly mocked the exodus of billionaires and business leaders from his hometown, saying, “I think the claims that billionaires are going to leave our country are overblown,” adding, “these are the ones leaving? Like, bye.”
Now, less than five months after Wilson’s start, Seattle Democratic Councilman Rob Saka admitted to the New York Times, “I’m very concerned,” telling the outlet, “This is true.”
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Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson declared last year in a barista row, “I don’t buy Starbucks, and neither should you.” (David Ryder/Reuters)
Saka previously endorsed Wilson after defeating incumbent Bruce Harrell, in a statement, “Voters have spoken, they want change and a renewed focus on shopping, community, and fighting Trump’s renewed agenda.”
He praised “the power he brings to leadership,” and said “look[ing] forward in working with him to build a thriving, inclusive Seattle that lifts working families, expands elementary school for all, ends food deserts, and creates safer, more connected places throughout our city.”
Starbucks recently announced that it will move 2,000 corporate jobs, mostly in IT and supply chain management, to a new regional headquarters in Nashville. Last week, KOMO News reported that Starbucks laid off 61 more employees as part of a reorganization of its technology department at corporate headquarters.
State leaders in Washington also faced criticism for recently passing the “million tax,” which was signed by Democratic Gov. Bob Ferguson on March 30. The measure has been described as the country’s first income tax, supported by progressives and socialists and opposed by conservatives.
The new tax would impose a 9.9% income tax on households earning more than $1 million a year.
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Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson said the Seattle Police Department would be required to investigate, verify, and document any reports of immigration enforcement. (Katie Wilson from Seattle)
Starbucks is not the only business affected by the state’s economic policies. The Columbia Tower Club, the iconic business club at the top of Seattle’s tallest building, closed last month after more than four decades. Long considered a hub for executives, developers and community leaders, the club has cited a decline in office travel and downtown business activity coupled with long-distance work and high vacancy rates. Critics were quick to point to the closure as another sign of declining business confidence in Seattle.
On Monday, the Washington State Republican Party took a dig at Wilson and the city council, tweeting on X, “Marxist @MayorofSeattle Katie Wilson is more concerned with bathroom ribbon cutting photos than #Seattle’s big city plane all the while @SeattleCouncil stands idly by like a once iconic city.”
The jab refers to Wilson’s recent event promoting new public restrooms in the city, which critics have derided amid concerns about Seattle’s economy and business climate.
Although Wilson’s now-infamous “like, bye” line drew laughter and applause from his audience, it quickly sparked backlash on social media from conservatives criticizing his economic policy.
“The Socialist Mayor of Seattle responds to the outflow of wealth from Washington State with ‘BYE’ … then laughs. We will be destroyed,” writes Brandi Kruse.
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The Space Needle towers over the Seattle skyline and Mt. Rainier seen in the background in Seattle, Wash., on March 13, 2022. The observation tower was built in 1962 for the World’s Fair and continues to attract visitors despite the city’s recent challenges with homelessness and crime. (John Moore/Getty Images)
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“This piece will be infamous,” the Washington State Republican Party wrote on X. “@MayorofSeattle Katie Wilson is not only unfit to be mayor, she lacks grace and gratitude. Perhaps, she is the one who should leave #Seattle.”
Fox News Digital has reached out to Saka and Wilson for further comment.
Fox News Digital’s Rachel del Guidice, Joshua Q. Nelson and Andrew Mark Miller contributed to this report.
