Category: Councilmember Harrell

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 1/31/2014

Councilmember Harrell to keynote "Gentrification Through the Eyes of Art"

Seattle - Kicking off the recognition of Black History Month, Councilmember Bruce Harrell will keynote an event that uses art to inspire a discussion of gentrification in Seattle neighborhoods. The evening will feature an art exhibit from local painters, sculptors, photographers and hip-hop artists illustrating the impact of gentrification.

What are the impacts of policy decisions and investments by local government? What role does class and education play in the discussion? As a native of Seattle, Councilmember Harrell will speak on the causes and effects of gentrification.

"I have witnessed the disenfranchisement of minorities, elderly and the working class as renters and owners have been driven out of the city they call home," said Councilmember Harrell. "Our policy decisions must embrace a balanced approach of development while retaining low-income households. We must make our neighborhoods more inclusive to residents of all economic backgrounds."

WHAT:
Through the Eyes of Art (Event Organized by The Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle)

WHEN:
Saturday, February 1, 2014, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

WHERE:
EMP Museum
325 5th Avenue N. Seattle, WA 98109

WHO:
Councilmember Bruce A. Harrell
Local Artists

[View in Council Newsroom]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 1/27/2014

Councilmember Bruce A. Harrell

Councilmember Harrell encourages participation in Police Chief search workshops

Seattle - Councilmember Bruce Harrell today encouraged the public to participate in Mayor Murray's police chief search process by attending one of the 7 neighborhood workshops, which begin tomorrow.  The Mayor's Community Advisory Committee will engage with Seattleites at the workshops, inquiring about the characteristics the community is looking for in a Chief of Police. If residents can't attend one of the 7 workshops, feedback is also welcome to be submitted online.

"I encourage neighbors to attend these workshops so we get the most comprehensive feedback possible as we decide the best person to command our police department," said Councilmember Bruce Harrell, chair of the Public Safety, Civil Rights and Technology Committee. "I thank Mayor Murray for undertaking such a comprehensive and community-focused Police Chief search process."

Seattle City Councilmembers will review the input collected by the search committee both from the workshops and content submitted online.  The Council's formal role in the police chief review process will occur later when the Mayor appoints a candidate and sends to Council for final confirmation.  Once the selection is made, visit www.seattle.gov/council for information about how the Council will make its final decision.

Workshop dates and locations:
University District
Tuesday, January 28, 6-8 p.m.
University Heights Center, Room 209
5031 University Way NE

Central District
Wednesday, January 29, 6-8 p.m.
Garfield Community Center, Multi-purpose Room
2323 E Cherry St

Southwest Seattle
Thursday, January 30, 6-8 p.m.
Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, Movement Studio
4408 Delridge Way SW

Rainier Valley
Saturday, February 1, 12-2 p.m.
Van Asselt Community Center, Multi-purpose Room
2920 S Myrtle St

Lake City
Tuesday, February 4, 6-8 p.m.
Pinehurst K-8 School, Lunchroom
11530 12th Ave NE

Ballard
Wednesday, February 5, 6-8 p.m.
Nordic Heritage Museum, Auditorium
3014 NW 67th St

Downtown
Thursday, February 6, 6-8 p.m.
Seattle City Hall, Bertha Knight Landes Reception Room
600 Fourth Avenue

[View in Council Newsroom]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 11/1/2013

Councilmember Bruce A. Harrell

Harrell Job Assistance Legislation Takes Effect Today

SEATTLE -- Effective November 1, 2013, job applicants with previous criminal records cannot be automatically excluded from being considered for job opportunities.  Legislation was adopted in June 2013 as an attempt to increase public safety by reducing criminal recidivism.

"Giving people a second chance will lead to a safer Seattle," said Councilmember Bruce Harrell, chair of the Public Safety, Civil Rights, and Technology Committee, and the law's sponsor.  "Study after study has shown that when people are able to land jobs, they are less likely to reoffend.  That means more opportunity for those who need help the most and less crime in our neighborhoods."

The law prohibits employers from automatically excluding individuals with any arrest or conviction record from consideration for employment. While employers may inquire about an individual's criminal history after they have completed an initial screening to eliminate unqualified applicants, they may not reject a qualified applicant solely based on their criminal record unless they have:

• Identified to the employee or applicant the record or information on which they are basing their employment decision;
• Provided the applicant or employee a reasonable opportunity to explain or correct the information and hold the position open for a minimum of two business days after notifying the applicant or employee to provide them a meaningful opportunity to respond; and,
• A "legitimate business reason" for making the employment decision.

Councilmember Harrell said, "Data shows that incarceration rates disproportionally impact people of color.  This law is one tool to remedy racial disparities in Seattle. This should be a hopeful day for many people in Seattle." 

The Public Safety, Civil Rights, and Technology Committee collaborated with businesses, the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce and social justice organizations to develop this law.  For more information about the law and its implementation, visit the Office for Civil Rights webpage.

[View in Council Newsroom]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 10/28/2013

Councilmember Bruce A. Harrell

NOTE: Deadline to submit application has been extended to November 15.

Council seeks candidates for the Office of Professional Accountability Review Board

Seattle - City Council is seeking candidates for the Office of Professional Accountability (OPA) Review Board.  The Review Board serves the City's police accountability system and works closely with the civilian OPA Director and the civilian OPA Auditor.

The OPA Review Board recommends best practices for reform with regard to police accountability oversight.  There are four open positions on the seven-member Board. The Board will also work with the 15-member Community Police Commission (CPC) to assist in the reform efforts embodied in the Settlement Agreement and Memorandum of Understanding instituted by the Department of Justice.

Members of the OPA Review Board should possess the following qualifications and characteristics:

• A commitment to and knowledge of the need for and responsibilities of law enforcement, as well as the need to protect basic constitutional rights of all affected parties;
• A history of demonstrated leadership experience and ability;
• A reputation for integrity and professionalism;
• The ability and experience to work with diverse groups and individuals with differing perspectives;
• The ability to collaborate with complainants, departmental personnel, and the residents of the City;
• The ability to work effectively under pressure in stressful situations; and,
• A commitment to the purposes and roles of civilian oversight as defined in the Seattle Municipal Code.

"It is an important moment for the City's civilian oversight board" said Councilmember Bruce Harrell, chair of the Public Safety, Civil Rights, and Technology committee. "As we move forward with the implementation of the Department of Justice Settlement Agreement and work of the Community Police Commission, the OPA Review Board has a significant opportunity to help transform the police department into a learning organization that performs effective, constitutional policing. The board members are critical in the public outreach and transparency of police conduct and their work is a tremendous value to the city."

Additional responsibilities of the OPA Review Board include reviewing the handling process for police accountability complaints, holding community outreach events to receive community feedback, and researching national trends to determine effective and innovative measures in the area of police accountability and civilian law enforcement oversight.  The OPA Review Board delivers its findings and recommendations to the City Council twice a year.  Additional information about the position is posted online: (http://www.seattle.gov/council/oparb/default.htm)

Interested candidates should deliver a resume, cover letter, and the names and contact information of three references by 5 p.m. on Friday, November 15th to Councilmember Bruce Harrell by email (bruce.harrell@seattle.gov), by fax (206-684-8587; provide cover memo with Attn: Bruce Harrell) or by mail to:

Councilmember Bruce Harrell
Seattle City Council
P.O. Box 34025
Seattle, WA 98124-4025

[View in Council Newsroom]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 10/7/2013
Councilmember Bruce A. Harrell
Council seeks candidates for the Office of Professional Accountability Review Board
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 9/30/2013
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 9/17/2013
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