Bruce Harrell sworn in as Seattle mayor (construction, utilities)

[homesinseattle]

Article link here: https://www.king5.com/article/news/l...9-0f569685931a

"Bruce Harrell was ceremonially sworn in as the mayor of Seattle Tuesday morning. Harrell officially took office on Jan. 1, 2022, tweeting that he was “energized by what we can achieve for Seattle and each other by working together and leading with our shared values.”

Harrell avoided a large public inauguration due to rising COVID-19 cases. Instead, he was joined by members of his executive team and delivered an address to Seattleites “about his vision for a united city.” During his address, Harrell outlined policy goals and promised to tackle issues including health care, the COVID-19 pandemic, police reform and homelessness to unite the city around a “one Seattle vision.”
One of the goals Harrell addressed is having health care for all. Harrell said his administration has already begun to have discussions with health care facilities and civic leaders to make sure “every resident in our city not only has health care but is healthy,” adding that his goal is to ensure Seattle has the healthiest population in the nation.

Harrell also discussed a plan to clean up city parks and not allow people to suffer on Seattle streets and sidewalks, saying his office will publish a homelessness response plan during his first quarter in office.

Harrell also said he would issue at least two executive orders concerning the homelessness crisis and affordable housing. One executive order would require a transparent plan and direct public utilities to provide the city information on utility shut-offs, which Harrell said is often an indicator of human service needs or homelessness vulnerability. The second executive order relating to affordable housing would provide a full review of the permitting and approval process. Harrell said affordable housing construction needs to be expedited, and gaps need to be filled where zoning is already available.

Harrell also highlighted his focus on public safety during this inaugural address. “A safe and supported city employs the right kind and right number of police officers and establishes unarmed, community-based responders we desperately need to restore trust and street-level safety,” said Harrell. He said he could be working with safety and justice leaders, along with gun violence prevention leaders to redefine what policing looks like in Seattle. He asked all Seattle officers to help him build trust with residents and provide “a beacon of hope and healing for the nation.”

“Seattle is a unique and truly great city, but one Seattle doesn’t mean ‘Seattle is number one,’” said Harrell. “Our place, our pride, our greatness, is not contingent upon the subordinate position of others. It is measured by the examples we set and how we lift ourselves and others.”

[rjshae]

Congratulations to Mayor Harrell. May his term in office go smoothly.

[bergun]

Originally Posted by rjshae

Congratulations to Mayor Harrell. May his term in office go smoothly.

I wish Harrell well since he has a tough job ahead of him, but I believe he is the right person that Seattle needs as a mayor in today’s environment. I just hope the radicals within the city’s council are kept in check and do not purposely sabotage his effects at every single turn.

[jabogitlu]

I'm more than willing to give Harrell a fair shake in office. I do find the emphasis on healthcare to be strange and maybe out of left field? I'd prefer the city focus on things like repairing streets and sidewalks, parks and rec maintenance - you know, city things, things that aren't being done right now.

[Guineas]

Originally Posted by jabogitlu

I'm more than willing to give Harrell a fair shake in office. I do find the emphasis on healthcare to be strange and maybe out of left field? I'd prefer the city focus on things like repairing streets and sidewalks, parks and rec maintenance - you know, city things, things that aren't being done right now.

A lot of problems with the city are tied directly to mental health and addiction. You address those two and you solve a huge proportion of our homeless problem.

[jabogitlu]

Well, if that's what he means by "healthcare," then, cool. I was a little confused because his statement mentioned healthcare AND homelessness...