I want to thank Councilmember Morales for her service to District 2 and the whole of Seattle. I recognize we approach issues from different perspectives but her collaboration and co-sponsorship on our Vacant Building Abatement legislation is particularly appreciated. It’s an example of working together to provide for a safer Seattle from dangerous buildings that can also contribute to the blight...
Robert Kettle
Blog Posts from Councilmember Kettle
City council approves police recruitment bonuses and technology for crime prevention tools
Bills part of the council’s coordinated focus on improving public safety Today the Seattle City Council overwhelmingly approved legislation, sponsored by Council President Sara Nelson (Position 9), to further accelerate police hiring by offering competitive bonuses to attract the new police recruits from across the country. The full Council also passed Councilmember Bob Kettle’s (District 7) sponsored legislation that clears...
Law targeting drug-related criminal activity passes City Council
Legislation marks another major accomplishment for council’s public safety work Today the Seattle City Council adopted the creation of Stay Out of Drug Areas (SODA) which authorize the courts to prohibit a defendant from entering a designated areas in the city if they commit a drug-related criminal offense in that zone. Introduced in partnership with City Attorney Ann Davison, the...
Seattle City Councilmember Kettle’s Mid-Year Update
At a public safety forum this past spring, moderator Enrique Cerna started his conversation with Mayor Harrell by stating how he was struck while watching a news report on two recent shootings in the Central District. A resident in the report said, “I hate to say this but it’s just another day here in the Central District.” Cerna said the...
Council approves expansion of license plate reading technology for police vehicles
Tool aimed at improving public safety, preventing crimes, and helping investigations SEATTLE – The Seattle City Council passed legislation today that will expand automated license plate reader (ALPR) technology to the entire Seattle Police Department’s fleet. This technology is an important tool to help address crime across the city, both in-progress activity and investigations after-the-fact. To address privacy concerns, the...
Council Passes Legislation to Demolish Dangerous, Vacant Buildings
The emergency legislation will take effect immediately after being signed by the Mayor SEATTLE – The Seattle City Council unanimously passed legislation today that would allow the Seattle Fire Department (SFD) to swiftly order the demolition or remediation of unsafe vacant buildings that pose risks to public safety. The bill was sponsored by Councilmembers Bob Kettle (District 7, Downtown to...
An open letter to all Seattleites: Our first 100 days
The most consequential moment of Mayor Bruce Harrell’s recent public safety forum was at the beginning. As moderator Enrique Cerna started his conversation with Mayor Harrell, he mentioned how he was struck while watching a news report on two recent shootings in the Central District. A resident in the report said, “I hate to say this but it’s just another...
Councilmember Kettle Visits MOHAI, Attends Fire Station 31 Groundbreaking
Last Friday, February 2nd, Councilmember Kettle and his staff visited the Museum of History and Industry. This was the first in-district “field trip” for the Councilmember, and while he was there, he was greeted by the Executive Director Leonard Garfield, Director of Education Sondra Snyder, Ben Straley, Mike Stanley, and Maureen Frisch. The MOHAI is one of the most...
Seattle City Councilmember Kettle, Hollingsworth visit East Precinct
Councilmembers Bob Kettle and Joy Hollingsworth stopped by the Seattle Police Department’s East Precinct yesterday for the shift change between First and Second Watch. “Thank you to SPD and the East Precinct for hosting us and giving us such a warm welcome!,” said Councilmember Kettle.
New Seattle City Councilmembers sworn-in during inauguration ceremony at City Hall
The seven winning candidates from November’s General Election were just sworn-in as Seattle City Councilmembers. Five of the seven individuals are new councilmembers, the most in more than a century. Two others are returning for their second term in office. More information about each of them, including quotes can be found below. Rob Saka (District 1) “We have a once-in-a-generation...