By Ken Robinson

It is disheartening to watch the ceaseless attack on Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn by the Seattle Times. In their words, McGinn can do nothing right. We know him from his many appearances in Ballard and West Seattle during his reign listening to the people. In our view, he is the best, most responsive mayor Seattle has ever had.

The Times, irked because the candidate they endorsed took a drubbing in the election that elevated McGinn, has not been able to get over it. They lowered the guns on him immediately and have not missed a moment to vilify him. It seems shameful that to a person, the Times reporters and columnists have not had the guts to back from the attack demanded by their publisher, who is a fellow traveler with downtown business interests.

But we get it. Whose bread I eat, his song I sing. All those writers want to keep their jobs and you do that by writing what the boss tells you to write.

McGinn is an honest, forthright man who follows a path with a heart. He has stepped on his own feet a couple of times. But his character can go unchallenged. He says and does what is best for the people. We respect him for that.

Does it matter to you who is mayor of Seattle? Yes, if you work in Seattle, travel there or through there. Ideas promulgated by his office touch lives through the region.

No mayor before spent as much time in the communities as McGinn has. Most stay in the castle while their staff representatives made the visits to bring back the views of the constituents for consideration by his honor.

McGinn doesn't do that. He is very grounded and very smart.

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