Seattle mayoral race 2013
Bruce A. Harrell ▼

Bruce A. Harrell

City Council member, 54 years old

Persona
Football star with a social-justice streak.
Big idea
Develop a fund so every Seattle Public Schools graduate can attend one year of college tuition-free.
Residence
$1,369,000 Seward Park house.*
Conventional wisdom
Charismatic debate performances making people take notice.
Baggage
Brings a lot of swagger, but may not have a record of effectiveness.
Family
Married to Joanne; three kids.
Pets
No pets.
Management experience
As a council member, he manages a staff of three and a budget of about $200,000. He's also managed campaigns with five employees and budgets of about $350,000.

I'm trying to change the conversation. This whole city should be completely livid that the (math) proficiency level for African Americans at Rainier Beach is 8%. Their success and our success is intertwined. —Bruce A. Harrell

Election results

15.3%

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Recent news about Bruce A. Harrell

Bruce A. Harrell on the issues

In summary

Hire new chief

First move the new mayor should make at the Seattle Police Department

Harrell doesn't think the mayor should be waiting to hire a police chief. If he's elected, he will start a search right away for a new leader.

Candidates with a similar view: Ed Murray, Mike McGinn, Peter Steinbrueck, Doug McQuaid

In summary

Use Sound Transit plan

Funding light rail in Seattle

Harrell thinks the city should focus on improving bus service instead of planning for additional light rail.

Candidates with a similar view: Ed Murray, Peter Steinbrueck, Kate Martin, Mary Martin, Joey Gray

In summary

End them

Homeless encampments in Seattle

Harrell signed a letter to the mayor asking him to clear out the Nickelsville encampment and enforce no-encampment rules.

Candidates with a similar view: Ed Murray, Peter Steinbrueck, Charlie Staadecker, Kate Martin

In summary

OK as affordable housing

Microhousing and aPodments

Harrell says the city has to embrace density in certain areas, and aPodments are a good idea if done right, with neighborhood input about parking and safety.

Candidates with a similar view: Ed Murray, Mike McGinn, Peter Steinbrueck, Charlie Staadecker, Kate Martin, Joey Gray

In summary

Good idea

NBA arena in Sodo

Harrell was part of the council majority that voted to borrow city money to help pay for a new basketball arena in Sodo.

Candidates with a similar view: Ed Murray, Mike McGinn, Charlie Staadecker, Doug McQuaid

In summary

Too expensive

Parking meter rates

Harrell says the current parking rates are too high in many neighborhoods, including downtown. He would work to lower them, based on data and conversations with business owners.

Candidates with a similar view: Peter Steinbrueck, Charlie Staadecker, Doug McQuaid, Mary Martin

Join the conversation

Major endorsements

King County Democrats, Young Democrats at the University of Washington, Seattle Building and Construction Trades Council, 32nd, 37th and 11th District Democrats

Money raised

$259,382

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