Overview
- At a Seattle University forum, Mayor Katie Wilson waved and said “bye” while dismissing claims that high earners would leave the state, in a video that spread widely online.
- The Washington Post editorial board condemned the remark as arrogant, and Seattle Times columnist Danny Westneat said it fits a growing gaffe pattern that could hurt the city’s image with businesses.
- Coverage ties the backlash to Washington’s new 9.9% tax on income above $1 million, with Microsoft president Brad Smith previously warning he is more worried about the state’s business climate than in decades.
- As context for economic concern, Starbucks announced a $100 million expansion in Nashville with 2,000 jobs, and Fox 13 Seattle estimated Seattle could forgo up to $750 million in future tax revenue.
- Wilson’s office did not respond to reporters, and a KOMO interview ended early when staff cut off questions about surveillance cameras after a nearby shooting, according to KOMO’s account cited by Townhall.