Tim Burgess steps up to become latest Seattle mayor

Councilmember Tim Burgess will become the city’s next leader as Seattle’s game of mayoral hot potato continues — a game that began when Ed Murray resigned last week after another allegation of sexual abuse surfaced.

“This is certainly not the way anyone would have chosen to become the mayor of Seattle, but it is where we are at today,” Burgess said after being appointed as mayor. “We will carry on our work to make Seattle a safe, fair and equitable city.”

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The Seattle City Council voted Monday to bump Councilmember Burgess up to the position of mayor, after council president Bruce Harrell opted not to stay in the role. He was nominated by Councilmember Lorena Gonzalez, and recused himself from voting on the matter. No other members were nominated for the appointment.

“I have very much appreciated how solid you are, you’re sturdy and dependable,” said Councilmember Sally Bagshaw. “You will make a great mayor even if is only for 10 weeks.”

Bagshaw said that it will be helpful to have Burgess as mayor while the council tackles the budget in the coming weeks.

But while most of the council voted in favor of Burgess’ appointment, the decision was not unanimous. Councilmember Kshama Sawant voted against his appointment. She argued that Burgess’ history on the council proves he will not stand up for the people she fights for.

“The question for me is: will the person as mayor work in the interest of working people?” Sawant said. “Will the person as mayor use their position to put together a business-as-usual budget with a bloated police department?”

Sawant also pointed to the need to address housing and the homeless crisis.

“In 2010, Councilmember Burgess put forth a bill that would … fine those found engaged in panhandling a fine of $50,” she said. “This would have been an inhumane position to people in our homeless community … this is an example of the point of view of Mr. Burgess in the past.”

“I do not support a mayor who is pro (homeless) sweeps as Councilmember Burgess has been,” she added.

Burgess and the mayor’s office

Burgess is the city’s third mayor this year, and won’t be its last. Seattle will have jumped from its 53rd mayor to 56th before 2017 is out. Burgess will likely helm the mayor’s office for just over two months — until the results of November’s election are verified. Once a new mayor is voted into office, they will immediately take on the job, instead of traditionally being sworn in after the new year. The two leading mayoral candidates are Jenny Durkan and Cary Moon.

Harrell was immediately sworn in as mayor after Ed Murray resigned his position last week. He resigned after a fifth person came forward with allegations he was molested by Murray as a minor.

Burgess is a logical choice for the temporary position. He was slated to leave office at the end of 2017 anyway. He represents the council’s 8th position — a citywide seat. Jon Grant and Teresa Mosqueda are currently running in the general election to take over that position.

The city council is now tasked with appointing a new council member to take over Burgess’ seat until the election.

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