Open town advocates like Gill and Seattle Times publisher Alden J. Blethen argued for the economic benefits of an "open town" while trying to keep these "vices" mostly confined to the area below Yesler Way, a major east–west road through what is now known as Pioneer Square. One of the most prominent figures on the other side of the debate was Presbyterian minister Mark Matthews, who already in 1905 had faced off against Gill, accusing him of "condoning vice"; other opponents included other church groups, but also progressives, prohibitionists, and women's suffragists.
Proponents of an open town, such as Gill and Alden J. Blethen of the Seattle Times, believed it would bring economic benefits while keeping the negative aspects contained to the area beneath Yesler Way in Pioneer Square. Conversely, Presbyterian minister Mark Matthews opposed this idea, having previously criticized Gill for promoting immorality in 1905. Other opponents included church groups, liberals, prohibitionists, and women's rights activists.