Listen to Ross and Burbank weekdays on KIRO Radio 97.3 FM
 Ross+Burbank


Battle over SPD already key issue in mayor's race

BY Josh Kerns  on November 29, 2012 @ 11:26 am (Updated: 12:43 pm - 11/29/12 )

timburgesscampaignphoto.jpg
Seattle City Councilman Tim Burgess is making the handling of the police department a key issue in his newly announced bid for mayor.
Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn and the City Council have clashed frequently over the police department and it's already spilling over into next year's campaign.

Councilmember Tim Burgess became the first legitimate contender to McGinn when he announced Tuesday he would challenge the mayor in 2013.

In an interview with Ross and Burbank, Burgess said McGinn's style has alienated people, but he avoided directly attacking the mayor.

"I'm focused on what qualities I bring to the mayor's office, should the people agree," he said.

But Burgess, a former cop, journalist and small business owner, has been a frequent critic of the mayor for his handling of the Department of Justice investigation of SPD and has led the council's efforts to appoint a strong federal monitor the mayor opposed.

"My colleagues and I on the council have been very frustrated by the way the mayor has approached the Department of Justice matters. We stood very firm on the appointment of the federal monitor and it has been frustrating that things have not advanced as rapidly as we would like," he said.

Burgess refused to give a blanket endorsement to Chief John Diaz, saying he would review all city department heads, including the chief, if elected.

"Hiring a police chief is probably the mayor's single most important appointment or decision," he said.

Burgess' announcement comes as the department finds itself embroiled in another controversy about excessive force, this time the alleged choking and punching of a suspect by a Seattle police officer caught on video.

He said he hasn't watched the entire video and won't comment on whether the cop in the case went too far.

"I think what's important in this case, and in all cases of alleged police misconduct, is whether or not a council member or the people of Seattle have trust and confidence that the leadership of the police department is going to properly investigate and review the case and make the right decision," Burgess said. "I think that's an area in recent years where frankly, we've been challenged."

Burgess and McGinn have also been at odds on a number of other issues. The councilmember was among those actively supporting the deep-bore tunnel to replace the Alaskan Way Viaduct while McGinn actively opposed it.

Burgess and the mayor also clashed over a measure to crack down on aggressive panhandling, with the mayor vetoing a bill Burgess supported that would have imposed a $50 fine or community service.

And Burgess said while he has nothing against bike riders, his ideas on transportation are far more balanced than McGinn. They mayor is frequently criticized for his perceived favoring of bike riders at the expense of everyone else.

"I'm not against people riding their bikes, but it's important that our transportation service serve all users of our streets and sidewalks," he said. "I believe very firmly we should fix what we have and finish what we have started while we are planning for the future."

Josh Kerns, MyNorthwest.com Reporter
Josh Kerns is co-host of KIRO Radio's Seattle Sounds (Saturday nights 7-8) and a digital content producer for MyNorthwest.com.
More Ross and Burbank

MyNorthwest.com - Purpose of Comments statement
Bonneville Media encourages site users to express their opinions by posting comments. Our goal is to maintain a civil dialogue in which readers feel comfortable. At times, the comments can descend to personal attacks. Please do not engage in such behavior. We encourage your thoughtful comments which: have a positive and constructive tone, are on topic, are respectful toward others and their opinions. Bonneville reserves the right to remove comments which do not conform to these criteria.

Comments (10)


  • Add A Comment

  • HPD 5-0 wrote...
    One nut job liberal or another...
    November 29, 2012 11:07 am
    ...the only person worse than McGinn and Burgess is that mental midget Harell. Another perfect example of why I would NEVER live in Seattle.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • bullyforyou wrote...
    federal control
    November 29, 2012 11:24 am
    is a bad bad bad idea. there's enough federal control already with the money the depts. get. a national police force is on the horizon...
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • MagneticPatriot wrote...
    Interesting information to those who may not know...
    November 29, 2012 1:43 pm
    What is more interesting is that the city council approved the federal monitor selected when both Mayor Mike McGinn and Police Chief John Diaz initially opposed Merrick Bobb’s appointment on the grounds a board member of his nonprofit helped write last year's Justice Department report that led to the settlement agreement in July.

    How about costs PEOPLE…

    The city of Seattle has agreed to pay $880,000 for the first-year costs of the independent monitor.

    $45,000 to pay a polling firm to gauge opinions and attitudes in the community and within the Police Department regarding various policing issues.

    PARC's staff will be paid $400,000 in the first year of monitoring, which ultimately could last up to five years under the settlement. Future costs will be determined later. (right…later!)

    Nine consultants on the monitoring team will be paid $305,000, including $35,000 to the deputy monitor, Peter Ehrlichman, a prominent Seattle attorney.

    Patrick Gannon, a former deputy chief in the Los Angeles Police Department who was recently named chief of the Los Angeles Airport Police Department. He will be paid $75,000 for 75 days of work.

    Among the other costs is $130,000 for travel and expenses, accommodations and equipment and supplies.

    Bobb’s comments - "I think it's fair and reasonable in all respects," he said of the costs.

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Gunther wrote...
    Federal Monitoring
    November 29, 2012 4:20 pm
    Wake up Seattle! It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out this is a scam. City council, Mr. Mayor, please take responsibility and govern like you were elected to do. How many streets could be repaired, officers hired, or training and supervision purchased for the money that will be spent. Instead you choose not to do your jobs and pad the pockets of retired cops and lawyers. It really makes sense to hire someone from LA P.D., they have such a great track record.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • C"mon Man wrote...
    Tolerance and compassion
    November 29, 2012 8:05 pm
    Liberals claim to pride themselves on it. But in a large city, in a country that has major divide between haves, and have not's, we have a PD that is faced with more crime , and less resources. The 206, with the exception of M.I., Laurelhurst,Broadmore, and maybe a few other enclaves is faced with street crime. I worked a second job at night on MLK, and discovered that it was people vs.police. Unlike the cops who saw statistics, I saw people,good people who love their Moms,Dads,kids and family like the cops do.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }