SEATTLE — The Oath of Office was administered to elected Seattle City Council members on Jan. 2.
Those sworn in included five new members and two who retained their seats during the 2023 November general election.
The following council members were sworn in:
- Councilmember Rob Saka, District 1
- Councilmember Tammy J. Morales, District 2
- Councilmember Joy Hollingsworth, District 3
- Councilmember Maritza Rivera, District 4
- Councilmember Cathy Moore, District 5
- Councilmember Dan Strauss, District 6
- Councilmember Robert Kettle, District 7
Of those names, Morales and Strauss are the only returning council members.
“We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape the culture here at City Hall from the ground up – a culture that truly unifies our City,” Saka said.
Saka won the race for District 1 over challenger Maren Costa after receiving 54% of the vote during the 2023 general election.
“I’m honored to be here today to begin my second term representing the people of District 2 – a part of the city with so much brilliance and so much potential. I want to thank everyone who voted for me. I want to thank my entire district for the honor of continuing to serve you. I want to welcome my new colleagues to the Seattle City Council. I’m looking forward to working with each and every one of you." Morales said.
Morales was reelected to serve District 2 after receiving 51% of the vote and defeating challenger Tanya Woo.
“I can’t wait to get to work with my new Council colleagues. As we usher in a new era at City Hall together, I am excited to get to work, give my D3 neighbors a voice at city hall, and address the issues we face in both District 3 and the city,” Hollingsworth said.
Hollingsworth won the race for District 3 over challenger Alex Hudson after receiving 53% of the vote.
“I believe we can earn back the trust and respect of the residents of Seattle. I am humbled by the privilege to work with my colleagues on the Council, with Mayor Harrell, and with our entire community," Rivera said.
Rivera narrowly defeated challenger Ron Davis for District 4 with 14,180 votes over Davis' 13,945.
“Friends, at this time when the sirens of a strongman sing loudly, we must demonstrate that a pluralistic society and democratic government can meet the needs of all its residents for safety, for housing, for opportunity, and for community and care. I have no doubt that Seattle will rise to the call and, once again, show itself a leader. So, now, without a moment to lose, Iet us get to work," Moore said.
Moore was elected over challenger Christiana Obeysumner after receiving 64% of the vote.
“It is us working together that will create the success we all want and know we can be. I look forward to working with you, working for the residents of D6 and Seattle. Now, let’s get the job done for our city," Strauss said.
Strauss was reelected after receiving 53% of the vote over challenger Pete Hanning.
“As a new Councilmember I am looking to bring my public service experience from my Naval career and from the past decade being a civic volunteer and community leader to my new role. Ultimately, it’s about creating a safe base for our children, our families, our small businesses, our bigger ones too, our schools, and our busses. But, also, importantly, for the most vulnerable amongst us and those in crisis,” Kettle said.
Kettle defeated incumbent Andrew Lewis after receiving 51% of the vote.
An immediate task for this council will be appointing someone to fill the citywide seat left open by Teresa Mosqueda, which will make six new members on the council. That application opens on Wednesday and the seat has to be filled in the next 20 days.
KING 5 asked three of the councilmembers what qualities they are looking for as they decide on who they will appoint to this seat:
“I'm looking for someone who has a demonstrated record of collaborating across differences, finding common ground, and ultimately getting stuff done, stuff that works for all of us,” said Councilmember Rob Saka.
“We have a very new council, and I think it will be important to try to find somebody who has a little bit of experience in these topics,” said Councilmember Tammy Morales, referring to topics like a transportation levy, a new police contract, and the city’s comprehensive plan.
“A person who has been engaged, someone who has really sought to better their neighborhoods and a person who knows the issues from that engagement,” said Councilmember Bob Kettle.
Nelson is council president, committee chairs selected
Meanwhile, Councilmember Sara Nelson was unanimously selected as council president and committee chairs were selected on Jan. 2.
The following council members will serve as chairs on these committees:
- Saka - Transportation
- Morales - Land Use
- Hollingsworth - Parks, Public Utilities & Technology
- Rivera - Libraries, Education, & Neighborhoods
- Moore - Housing and Human Services
- Strauss - Finance, Native Communities, and Tribal Governments
- Kettle - Public Safety
- Vacant, Position 8 - Sustainability, City Light, and Arts and Culture
- Nelson - Governance, Accountability, and Economic Development
"It’s the biggest issue were facing I mean there's a lot of top issues, but as I mentioned in my remarks we have to start with a safe base," said Councilmember Bob Kettle, of chairing the Public Safety committee.
"I’m really interested in supporting our local businesses, our small businesses, and being able to locate within our neighborhoods," said Councilmember Tammy Morales of working on housing and commercial districts in the city. "So that's one of the things I'm interested in doing on the Land Use Committee."
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