Councilman Bruce Harrell jumps into crowded Seattle mayor's race

January 15, 2013 @ 1:50 pm (Updated: 2:19 pm - 1/15/13 )

bruceharrell.jpg
Seattle City Councilman Bruce Harrell is the latest to announce his candidacy for mayor. (Bruce Harrell image) | Zoom
A crowded field has grown again, as Seattle City Councilmember Bruce Harrell announced Tuesday he's joining the race for Seattle mayor.

"I am running for Mayor because people in Seattle need strong, proactive leadership and a leader who inspires our city to build a pathway to success for all; a leader who will jumpstart our city with fresh ideas and energy," Harrell said in a statement.

Harrell has been a leading voice on the council for police reform and social issues and has been at odds with incumbent Mayor Mike McGinn, especially over appointment of a strong monitor to oversee changes to the police department mandated by the Department of Justice.

"Gang violence and substandard housing described other cities, not Seattle. Our culture demanded that we worked hard to understand the needs of others. My administration will listen and provide "honest straight talk," this will distinguish it from all others," he said.

Harrell is proposing the addition of 20 Community Service Officers across the city to "strengthen the police department's community presence, build relationships and conduct meaningful outreach for the police department and facilitate a program known as Saving Streets and Saving Souls that bring faith communities, gang outreach workers and mentors to the most troubled parts of the city and downtown."

He's also proposing extending a program to all Seattle public high schools allowing graduates to attend South Seattle Community College for free.

Harrell has plenty of competition. The former University of Washington football player joins a field that includes McGinn, state Senator Ed Murray, former Seattle City Councilmember Peter Steinbrueck, City Councilmember Tim Burgess, former Greenwood Community Council president Kate Martin and real estate broker Charlie Staadecker.

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Comments (11)


  • Add A Comment

  • CH wrote...
    Come one come all -
    January 15, 2013 2:04 pm
    republicans need not apply!!
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • TwoTrees wrote...
    Bruce Harrell:
    January 15, 2013 2:32 pm
    The Asian Billy D. Williams.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Cash wrote...
    HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA...
    January 15, 2013 5:18 pm
    If you want someone that is described in the second paragraph do not vote for this fool...
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Cash wrote...
    Maybe
    January 15, 2013 9:29 pm
    Just maybe we can get the chick who was running before for something until she got a DUI to run again??? It sure would be nice to have someone take office who is not one of these regular idiots... For the love of god I would vote for my dog to run the city before any of these fools but especially this Harrell guy...

    Oh yea it is a pleasure for me to be here today... I would like to give a shout out to my council buddies who are here also... What a freaking idiot... Note to Harrell; next time 5 innocent people get murdered in cold blood please don't take pleasure in it, that really was by far the dumbest thing anyone has ever said, ever.

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • John wrote...
    Oh lord, please anyone but this guy
    January 15, 2013 9:58 pm
    Enough is enough. Appointed to the council, now on the "council-for-life" program. This guy is all talk, no action.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • shark75 wrote...
    Hey Gcurvey
    January 16, 2013 8:39 am
    I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable. You must be a liberal...feeling the need to ban anything that you don't like. If you can't take it, don't read comments posted by Shark75. Harrell is an IDIOT of the highest order and you probably worship the doosh.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • shark75 wrote...
    Fascist Gcurvey removes posts she doesn't agree with...
    January 16, 2013 10:50 am
    Definitely a hack of Harrell’s. Typical lib….
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • shark75 wrote...
    Dear Gcurvey: BRUCE HARRELL IS A WORLD CLASS IDIOT
    January 16, 2013 11:08 am
    Have that removed you big baby.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Seattle Joe wrote...
    Harrell is already sounding better than Burgess
    January 16, 2013 6:57 pm
    I may not agree with all of his stances, but he sounds like a guy that isn't afraid to talk with people and work things through. Unlike McSchwinn who doesn't seem to give a rats a-- about anyone that doesn't ride a bike to work and follow his ideals. And Burgess who wants to fire Police Chief Diaz! Hey Tim, why not do something about the police department when you were in charge of the public safety committee! You're a little late with a solution that is as original as you are.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }