Hello Neighbor,
I am running for re-election because we need leaders with integrity, commitment and who are not afraid to make bold changes to produce great outcomes. It is easy to be against something. It is much harder to figure out how we build a bright future. As Chair of City Light, faced with some of the most challenging years in its long history, we came out with one of the lowest rates in the country; one of the best credit ratings it has ever had; and with over $100 million in a Rate Stabilization Account that will protect you and future generations from steep rate hikes. These are facts. I will continue to work overtime to help build a healthy City.
During the campaign trail, where endorsing organizations drill deeply into attendance records; legislation I sponsored, supported or opposed; ideas for the future and my electability, I am proud to say that nearly every endorsing organization endorsed my candidacy. This was despite the fact that my opponent made untrue statements about my attendance record and actual accomplishments. For example, according to the official information at www.clerk.seattle.gov, my actual attendance record for Council meetings during my first term is one of the best on the Council with an attendance percentage of 98%. This fact was confirmed by a local news source. Although my opponent intentionally stated untrue facts about this issue, his tactics proved unsuccessful.
I have not and will not waver on my commitment to you, the people of Seattle. That is why I must seek re-election. I will continue to use common sense in my approach to resolving issues and couple it with my vast experience in utility law, technology, business development, environmental stewardship and fight against social inequities. I will continue to welcome your feedback. Many of my positions, concerns and priorities and ideas can be found on my E-Newsletter, my personal blog or the City Council website. Take care.
I ask for your vote. Vote by November 8th.
Re-Elect Bruce Harrell: Effective Leadership, Recognized Across Seattle
Seattle needs leaders with courage and integrity—who lead with a sense of urgency and vision. That’s why I created the Great Student Initiative to provide 16,000 Seattle Public School students with computers and high speed Internet access for less than $10 per month. With two kids in local high schools, I know how critical it is for families to have these resources. As Chair of City Light, I’ve worked overtime to achieve the lowest power rates amongst the country’s 24 largest cities.
The facts illustrate my commitment to:
Affordable, Green Energy:
- Drove rates 40% lower than national average of 11.04 cents per kilowatt-hour; 53% below San Francisco’s; 71% below New York’s.
- Saved $67 million by improving financial policies.
- Safe Neighborhood streetlights enhance public safety and provide vibrancy. I championed the conversion of 41,000 streetlights to LEDs and required repairs to be done within 15-days. Saving taxpayers $2.4 million per year.
- City Light is Carbon Neutral. I promised clean energy at low rates. Our Environment matters.
Transportation: I am a 4-year regional leader on the Puget Sound Regional Council’s Transportation Policy Board and fought for Seattle to receive over $32.5 million in federal funds for roads and transit. I’ll get us beyond the viaduct era by opening the waterfront and creating jobs.
Social Justice: I created unprecedented race and social justice legislation that requires our City to recognize both the diversity of our city—and diversity of opinion—before taking action. Every community deserves respect.
Strong Public Safety: You must feel safe. I’ve supported adding more police officers and used my expertise as an attorney and youth mentor to enhance community relations. My proposal to equip police with body cameras rebuilds confidence in officers and protects them and the community.
Seattle Times article referred to Bruce Harrell as “The New Definition of Leadership.”
“We Endorse Councilmember Harrell For Another Term!”
- King County Democrats
- Washington Conservation Voters
- Seattle Gay News
- Municipal League’s highest rating for this position “Very Good”
- MLK Labor Council and 20 unions
- 11th, 34th, 36th, 37th, 46th District Democrats
- Seattle Firefighters
- Seattle Police Officers Guild
- “Exceptionally Well Qualified” by the K.C. Officers Guild
Note: As of 8/24/11 my opponent has not listed any endorsements by any legislative district, labor organization or elected official.
I ask for your vote.
Featured
Strong, Positive Leadership.
Historically, politics has been about power and policy; establishing rules of power and order. The news stories are filled with politicians who believed they were above the law or can ignore simple rules of professional courtesy. Power needs to be safeguarded against abuse and injustice. I make it a habit to be direct in my communications and never intimidated such that I can ask the hard, probing questions. But in this process, there is a level of respect that everyone must be afforded. Keeping a positive attitude is my trademark. At the end of the day, it is not about me. It is about the people of Seattle, many of whom passionately care for this city. They matter most. I try to maintain a super-fantastic attitude in my work … [Read More...]
Accountable
Accountability means not making excuses; taking ownership of an issue and being responsible for its success or failure. Elected officials sometimes avoid this word; I embrace it. City Light faces some significant challenges. In 2009, the snowpack volumes and actual runoff caused a runoff season to be 92% of normal. In 2010, again, caused by El Nino, the runoff could be 82% of normal. A mild and dry winter equates to a reduction of the Utility’s surplus energy and has a direct effect on its wholesale revenue. I have asked to chair City Light during these tough times because that’s what the Utility needs: leaders who are willing to be accountable, even during the toughest times. Let me provide some examples of what we … [Read More...]
Inclusiveness
In Seattle, our major issues are very complex: The Alaskan Way Viaduct; Highway 520; Public Education; Pollution and Environmental Sustainability, Energy, Public Safety, Affordable Housing. There is no single definitive solution to any complex issue, but answers can be found in viewing the issues from a variety of perspectives. We can arrive at a resolution based on our own principles, values and goals but the need to include others in the conversation can never be eroded. I believe every person has experienced some form of exclusion where they were blindsided by a decision or surprised by a major policy that directly impacted them or their family. Have you ever pondered whether a closed-door meeting occurred in your workplace … [Read More...]
Forward Thinking
Forward thinking describes the ability to focus on positive and creative outcomes without being hindered by the past or by distractions. It requires focus, commitment and perseverance. Forward thinking should equate to thoughtful policies that prepare us for the future. That is how I have directed policies for Seattle City Light. My vision is a power system that can save people money, modernize its basic infrastructure and increase reliability and conservation To position City Light on the cutting edge of customer service, I have directed City Light to develop a specific plan for the development of a Smart Grid in 2010. I want a plan that puts the Full Council and the Executive in a position to make a funding decision for Smart Grid … [Read More...]
Family & Education
Family matters. They come in all shapes and forms; no one form or shape is better than the next. Family has less to do with one’s DNA inheritance and more to do with one’s choice on who they rely on for support, love and purpose. I believe part of that purpose involves helping one find their gift; that part of them that makes them unique, special. I believe education, both formally, informally and vocationally, is the key to unlocking that door. Education is a journey, not a destination. I have friends in their 60s re-tooling themselves for new careers. As a policy leader, it is my responsibility to make sure Seattle continues to value family and education. Both have been at the core of my life. During 2008 and 2009, I … [Read More...]
Neighborhood & Community Advocacy
I believe we live around others because we all have a sense of community; an inter-connectedness that helps us shape our perspectives and self-purpose. All communities that aspire to improve their human conditions and the conditions of their environment need strong advocates. I have demonstrated my commitment to our community as a Councilmember and for over three decades as a community advocate. No community is too big or too small. While I weigh in and vote on major capital projects such as the Alaskan Way Viaduct, Highway 520 and the 2-way Mercer Street improvements, I have also, while sitting as a member of the Puget Sound Regional Transportation Policy Board and PSRC Executive Committee, advocated and obtained $758,000 in funding … [Read More...]
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