Author Profile

John Carlson

John Carlson is a contributing columnist covering politics in Seattle and Washington state. He hosts a morning drive show on AM 570 KVI and is a co-founder of the Washington Policy Center, a think tank focusing on free market solutions to public policy issues.

Recent Work

City councilmembers Mike O'Brien, Kshama Sawant and Teresa Mosqueda listen to comments on a proposed tax during a committee meeting at City Hall on May 9.

Opinion

Workers of the world, unite — against Kshama Sawant

After the business tax dramas of last week, the left's hold on Seattle politics may be shaken.

John Carlson

/ May 9, 2018

FILE - In this Nov. 20, 2008, file photo, the execution chamber at the Washington State Penitentiary is shown with the witness gallery behind glass at right, in Walla Walla, Wash. Credit: AP Photo/Ted S. Warren

Opinion

Why we need the death penalty

"If people were trusted with abortion, assisted suicide, the legalization of marijuana and marriage equality, why not the future of the death penalty?"

John Carlson

/ February 11, 2018

Opinion

Trump's first year: Why he's winning bigly but might lose anyway

If Donald Trump were not president, Jenny Durkan would not be mayor of Seattle.

John Carlson

/ January 18, 2018

Politics

One question that will drive Jenny Durkan’s homeless strategy

Seattle is a city that likes to go its own way. As America moved steadily rightward during the Obama years, Seattle veered sharply left.

John Carlson

/ December 28, 2017

An income tax in Seattle? It won't happen. Ever

King County Superior Court Judge John Ruhl, left, ruled against an income tax on high-wage earners.

John Carlson

/ November 27, 2017

3 ways to find common ground on guns

In this file photograph, Matt Mulder, left, holds an AR-15 rifle as he has his photo taken while Mary Hath Spokane, center, gives info to Steel Brooks after having her picture taken during a rally by...