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April 8, 2013January 6, 2023Councilmember Burgess, News Releases

Councilmember Tim Burgess responds to the retirement of Chief Diaz

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City of Seattle
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 4/8/2013

Councilmember Tim Burgess

Councilmember Tim Burgess responds to the retirement of Chief Diaz

Seattle -- City Councilmember Tim Burgess issued the following statement today in response to today's announcement that Chief Diaz will retire:

"I thank Chief Diaz for his 33 years of dedicated service to the people of Seattle. The life of a police officer is rarely an easy one and John has served this city faithfully.

"This is a critical time for our police department. New leadership is necessary for implementing the reforms that will lead us to where we should be focused: more effective and evidence-based policing, preventing crime rather than just responding to it after it has occurred and improved police-community relations.

"Chief Diaz's retirement gives us an opportunity to move forward with new leadership. The chief of police is one of the most important positions in city government."

[View in Council Newsroom]

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April 8, 2013January 6, 2023Councilmember Harrell, News Releases

Councilmember Bruce Harrell responds to the retirement of Chief Diaz

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City of Seattle
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 4/8/2013

Councilmember Bruce Harrell responds to the retirement of Chief Diaz

SEATTLE -- City Councilmember Bruce Harrell, Chair of the Council’s Public Safety, Civil Rights and Technology Committee, issued the following statement today in response to today’s announcement that Chief Diaz will retire:
"I thank John for his years of dedicated service. John was a hard-working officer, protecting and serving the people of Seattle for three decades.  He served with honor and distinction, and I wish him the best in retirement.

"I urge the Mayor to immediately begin the process of identifying the next police chief through a national search and to allow for a thorough public review and Council consideration.  I would like to see decisiveness and a sense of urgency to establish a clear chain of command to establish effective public safety.  It is critical we have a leader that will communicate effectively with the public.  The public should not tolerate randomness, arbitrariness or the dragging of feet.  The public expects openness, transparency and collaboration in this hiring process that will serve as a basis to provide public confidence in its leadership.

"I look forward to working with Interim Chief Jim Pugel to implement body cameras on our police officers to enhance police accountability and public safety, execute a strong proactive policing plan by setting public safety enforcement and performance objectives and advancing the long-lasting positive changes in the police department as part of the Department of Justice Settlement Agreement."

[View in Council Newsroom]

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April 8, 2013January 6, 2023Councilmember Harrell, News Releases

Statement on Bellevue Police Department action in Columbia City from Councilmembers Sally J. Clark and Bruce Harrell

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City of Seattle
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 4/8/2013

Council President Sally J. Clark
Councilmember Bruce Harrell 

Statement on Bellevue Police Department action in Columbia City
from Councilmembers Sally J. Clark and Bruce Harrell

Seattle -- Seattle City Councilmembers Sally J. Clark and Bruce Harrell issued the following statement on the Bellevue Police Department’s attempted warrant service and shooting in Columbia City:

“Two weeks ago the Bellevue Police Department attempted to serve a warrant in Columbia City. That action went terribly wrong to our minds. The result was the arguably unnecessary loss of life of the suspect, destruction of private property and the blooming of deep anger and suspicion from the neighborhood about police operations and law enforcement’s regard for the community.

We appreciate Bellevue Police Department Chief Linda Pillo’s request that the Seattle Police Department handle the officer-involved shooting investigation. A complete account must explain why the Bellevue PD choose to carry out the warrant service in the way they did and what steps were taken to ensure service of the warrant would result in the lowest risk of violence for both the suspect and the surrounding families.

Serving a warrant on an alleged violent offender can be dangerous and without question requires preparation. Officers must take steps to be safe. However, neighborhoods, whether in Bellevue or South Seattle, should be assured best practices are followed to ensure safety for all. Neighbors around 42nd and Hudson and throughout South Seattle deserve a full explanation of what happened March 22."

[View in Council Newsroom]

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April 3, 2013January 6, 2023News Releases

Seattle City Council Welcomes New Communications Director

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City of Seattle
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 4/3/2013

Council President Sally J. Clark

Seattle City Council Welcomes New Communications Director

SEATTLE -- Council President Sally J. Clark announced today the hiring of Dana Robinson Slote as Communications Director for the City's Legislative Department.  Robinson Slote most recently served as Director of Communication for the Washington State Senate Democratic Caucus where she crafted and executed communication plans for a diverse set of elected officials.

"Dana has a solid understanding of issues facing Seattle, significant experience supporting a legislative body and is committed to connecting government with the public," said Council President Sally J. Clark.  "I'm excited for Dana to join the team."

Robinson Slote brings a dozen years of communication expertise from both public and private sectors. From 2005-11, she worked in communications at the University of Washington.  In earlier roles, she served as a press secretary working on a number of issue and candidate campaigns, including levies for Seattle Public Schools, the Seattle Housing Levy, Seattle Public Utilities and the City of Seattle's Office of Policy Management.

Robinson Slote is a lifelong Seattle-area resident.  She is a two-time Ironman competitor (Canada '09, '10), holds a B.A. in Communications from Western Washington University and an M.A. in Communications from Gonzaga.

Interim Communications Director Dan Nolte will manage media affairs for Seattle City Council until Robinson Slote begins work Monday, April 22.

[View in Council Newsroom]

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April 3, 2013January 6, 2023Councilmember O'Brien, News Releases

Councilmembers Clark, O’Brien Advocate for Transportation Options in Olympia

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City of Seattle
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 4/3/2013

Council President Sally J. Clark
Councilmember Mike O'Brien

Councilmembers Clark, O'Brien Advocate for Transportation Options in Olympia

Seattle City Councilmembers Sally J. Clark and Mike O'Brien today will meet with key state legislators to advocate for local transportation funding options. Both will travel to Olympia as part of the "Keep King County Moving Coalition," highlighting the need to preserve King County Metro transit service and critical roadway maintenance.

Metro faces a $75 million annual shortage if the state Legislature fails to approve transit funding tools, a shortfall that would result in the reduction of up to 17 percent of Metro's bus service.  According to King County Metro, 65 transit routes are at risk of being cancelled, with another 86 routes at risk for service reductions. "Keep King County Moving" has coordinated business, government and community advocates to speak with one voice about the threat transit cuts pose to business, growth management and quality of life.

"It's do-or-die time," said Council President Sally J. Clark.  "Without funding options, we can expect commutes to suffer and business to be impacted."

"Metro cuts will disproportionally affect low-income communities," said Councilmember Mike O'Brien.  "I have faith that our friends in Olympia will recognize that giving local jurisdictions tools to provide service is the right thing to do.

Seattle City Councilmembers frequently meet with legislators as part of the "Seattle for Washington" program, which is intended to strengthen relationships with key policy makers and better understand issues important to communities around the state.  For more on Metro's funding shortfall and what it could mean for the future of transit riders and our economy, please visit Metro's website.

[View in Council Newsroom]

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April 1, 2013January 6, 2023News Releases

Seattle City Council statement on the passing of former Councilmember Cheryl Chow

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City of Seattle
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 4/1/2013

Council President Sally J. Clark          

Seattle City Council statement on the passing of former Councilmember Cheryl Chow

Seattle -- The Seattle City Council issued the following statement on the passing of former Councilmember Cheryl Chow:

"As a teacher, principal, coach, City Councilmember and School Board member the Honorable Cheryl Chow worked tirelessly to improve the lives of children and families in Seattle.  As a Seattle City Councilmember from 1990-1997 Cheryl pushed hard for and won policies, programs and budgets that made Seattle a better place for the children she regarded as Seattle's future. She leaves a lasting legacy when it comes to youth enrichment programs, the city's rich network of community centers, and guided the transformation of the Coliseum into Key Arena. Cheryl served with intelligence, compassion and sharp wit. 

While colleagues (and sports opponents) knew her as a strong-willed competitor, Cheryl brought strong-willed competition to a whole new level in her fight against cancer. In her final role as a public advocate Cheryl's coming out made her a hero to many who never knew her work as a councilmember.  Cheryl's work as an advocate and her positive, competitive presence will be missed."

The Seattle City Council honored Cheryl Chow with a proclamation on September 17, 2012, declaring "Cheryl Chow Day" in Seattle.  The full text of the proclamation can be viewed here.

A Seattle Channel tribute to Cheryl Chow can be viewed here.

[View in Council Newsroom]

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April 1, 2013January 6, 2023Councilmember Bagshaw, Councilmember Harrell, Councilmember Licata, Councilmember O'Brien, Councilmember Rasmussen, News Releases

Seven remaining Councilmembers announce candidacy for Mayor

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City of Seattle
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 4/1/2013

Councilmember Richard Conlin
Council President Sally J. Clark
Councilmember Sally Bagshaw
Councilmember Jean Godden
Councilmember Nick Licata
Councilmember Mike O'Brien
Councilmember Tom Rasmussen

Seven remaining Councilmembers announce candidacy for Mayor
Will run as collective

Seattle -- The seven Councilmembers who are not already in the race for Mayor today announced that they will pioneer a new model for Seattle governance by running for Mayor as a collective. The seven will appear on the ballot as a single name, "O'Bagcloddenconrasita," reflecting their collegial approach to the position.

"Experience teaches us that seven heads are better than one," said the group speaking in unison. "Seven of nine is an excellent model for decision-making," they commented, making the obligatory geeky Star Trek allusion.

"This way the people of Seattle will know that there will always be a Mayor on the job," O'Bagcloddenconrasita added. "By taking shifts, we can cover the Mayor's office 24-7. And the Mayor can lobby in Olympia, cut a ribbon in West Seattle, and hold a town meeting in Ballard, all at the same time."

Commenting on the legality of the proposed candidacy, City Attorney Pete Holmes was sanguine about the outcome of any possible court challenge. "Nothing in the City Charter prevents innovative approaches to governance," Holmes added. "Furthermore, this will make it much easier to get a Mayoral signature on City documents."

The group noted that the departure of seven Councilmembers simultaneously would make it difficult to do business and fill the seven vacancies on the Council, since there would not be a quorum remaining. However, the group agreed that this could easily be resolved by the use of serial resignations spaced one week apart between the election and taking office on January 1. That way, each week eight Councilmembers could conduct business and appoint someone to the vacant seat. By the end of December, seven new Councilmembers would be seated and join Mayor O'Bagcloddenconrasita in governing the City.

[View in Council Newsroom]

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March 28, 2013January 6, 2023News Releases

Sustainable Path Foundation Names Councilmember Richard Conlin as “Sustainability Trailblazer”

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City of Seattle
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 3/28/2013

Councilmember Richard Conlin

Sustainable Path Foundation Names Councilmember
Richard Conlin as "Sustainability Trailblazer"

Seattle -- Councilmember Richard Conlin has been honored as a "Sustainability Trailblazer" by the Seattle-based Sustainable Path Foundation. The Foundation recognized Councilmember Conlin's commitment to sustainability through his accomplishments, including his creation of the Zero Waste Strategy, the Local Food Initiative and his shepherding of 37 neighborhood plans through the Seattle City Council.

"I am honored to receive this award from Sustainable Path Foundation," Councilmember Conlin said. "Sustainability has been my passion since co-founding Sustainable Seattle more than 20 years ago, and it continues to be the guiding principle for my work on the Council."

The Mission Statement of the Sustainable Path Foundation is to promote sustainability and health in our region through collaborative approaches informed by scientific understanding and systems thinking. The Sustainable Path Foundation envisions a sustainable future based on scientific understanding and respect for the interconnected nature of our world.

Gretchen Garth, Paul Brainerd, Chris Jordan, Cathy Tuttle and Kathleen O'Brien were also named "Sustainability Trailblazers."  More information about each of the six honored recipients, including a full description of Councilmember Conlin's credentials, is available at the Seattle Path Foundation's website.

"Richard Conlin, Seattle City Council member, is our sixth Trailblazer," read the Foundation's announcement.  "Richard is being recognized for blazing a trail of sustainability through ensuring that the city values and practices environmental stewardship, economic opportunity, social justice, and community in its every day operations.  Thank you Richard Conlin!"

[View in Council Newsroom]

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March 25, 2013January 6, 2023Councilmember Harrell, News Releases

Seattle City Council to hear from Department of Justice Monitor Merrick Bobb

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City of Seattle
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 3/7/2013

Council President Sally J. Clark
Councilmember Bruce A. Harrell

Seattle City Council to hear from Department of Justice Monitor Merrick Bobb

Seattle - Seattle City Council will host Merrick Bobb and members of the Monitoring team at Council Briefing on Monday, March 11. Bobb is the court-appointed independent monitor for the Department of Justice (DOJ) Settlement Agreement and will provide an update and briefing on the Monitoring Plan.

"The Council looks forward to hearing Merrick Bobb's thoughts and plans to help our Police Department implement the changes required under the Settlement Agreement. We are encouraged that a Monitoring Plan will soon be approved by the Court and look forward to a focused approach on specific outcomes," said Councilmember Bruce Harrell, chair of the Public Safety committee.

The Monitoring Plan for the first year was submitted on March 5 and the Department of Justice filed its "Notice of Approval of the Monitoring Plan for the First Year" with the U.S. District Court on March 6. This is a critical checkpoint in Seattle's DOJ Settlement Agreement. The proposed Monitoring Plan establishes expectations and guidance for the City and DOJ on how the Monitor will assess compliance with the Settlement Agreement.

Monitoring Plan as submitted to U.S. Federal District Judge Hon. James Robart on March 5.

WHAT:           Council Briefing

WHEN:           Monday, March 11, 2013, at 9 a.m.

WHERE:         Council Chambers, second floor
                        Seattle City Hall, 600 Fourth Avenue, Seattle 98104

WHO:              Council President Sally J. Clark
                        Councilmember Bruce A. Harrell
                        Councilmember Sally Bagshaw                    
                        Councilmember Tim Burgess
                        Councilmember Richard Conlin                    
                        Councilmember Jean Godden
                        Councilmember Nick Licata
                        Councilmember Mike O'Brien
                        Councilmember Tom Rasmussen
                        Merrick Bobb (Department of Justice Monitoring Team)
                        Chris Moulton (Department of Justice Monitoring Team)
                        Nick Armstrong (Department of Justice Monitoring Team)
                        Peter Ehrlichman (Department of Justice Monitoring Team)
                        Ronald Ward (Department of Justice Monitoring Team)

[View in Council Newsroom]