Councilmember Andrew J. Lewis (District 7 – Pioneer Square to Magnolia) was sworn in Dec. 31 during a ceremony at the UpGarden P-Patch in the Queen Anne neighborhood.
Seattle City Clerk Monica Martinez Simmons administered the Oath of Office, while Rep. Gael Tarleton affixed the ceremonial City Councilmember lapel pin.
Lewis, who was surrounded by his family, friends, supporters and community, delivered a speech following the oath, highlighting what the P-Patch represents to District 7 residents.
You can read the full version of Lewis’ speech here.
Lewis also announced the City is no longer moving forward with plans to close the P-Patch, following strong advocacy by the gardeners, neighbors and community supporters.
From his speech:
“It is my pleasure to make the official announcement that the UpGarden is here to stay. Deputy Mayor Fong and I discussed the final details of a new lease yesterday. The specifics will be announced in the next few days, but in the meantime I can share that the UpGarden will remain in its current location as long as the Mercer Street Garage remains a structure.”
Lewis will serve his first day in office on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2020.
Lewis is currently a prosecutor in the Seattle City Attorney’s Office. He has previously served on the Seattle Human Rights Commission, the Rental Housing Inspection Stakeholder Committee, as an executive board member of the 36th District Democrats and as a campaign Manager for Nick Licata’s successful 2009 re-election campaign.
Lewis graduated from the University of Washington, and holds a master’s degree from the London School of Economics and a law degree from the University of California, Berkeley.
Councilmember Andrew J. Lewis takes the oath of office from Seattle City Clerk Monica Martinez Simmons, while Rep. Gael Tarleton looks on.