Council News Release

Councilmember Bruce Harrell

COUNCILMEMBER HARRELL WILL OVERSEE CITY LIGHT
Attorney and community volunteer is sworn into office

SEATTLE – Councilmember Bruce Harrell took the oath of office today in front of an enthusiastic crowd of supporters in Council Chambers at City Hall. The attorney and community volunteer is excited about his new role as one of the City’s nine lawmakers. Councilmember Harrell said, “It is an honor and privilege to have been chosen by the people of Seattle to represent them at City Hall. I will apply the skills I have acquired in the private sector and as a community leader to my tasks as Councilmember.”

Councilmember Harrell will chair the Energy and Technology Committee that provides the Council’s oversight of City Light and the Department of Information Technology. Councilmember Harrell said, “Seattle is incredibly fortunate to own its own electric utility. Public power is vital to all Seattleites—rich or poor, entrepreneur or unemployed, and young or old. I will continue the Council’s stewardship of the utility’s fiscal, organizational, and environmental health.”

Councilmember Harrell attended Seattle Public Schools, graduating from Garfield High. He played football for the University of Washington (1978 Rose Bowl Champion, 1979 Sun Bowl Champion, 1st Team Academic All American and All Pac-10) and was subsequently elected to the UW Alumni Board of Trustees, and received the 2007 University of Washington Distinguished Alumni Award in Political Science.

Councilmember Harrell began his public service in 1979 working for the Council under then-Council President Paul Kraabel. In 1984, Harrell graduated from the University of Washington’s law school and has served in a variety of leadership roles, representing kids and seniors, union members, non-profits, affordable housing companies and working as a senior attorney for technology and telecommunication companies. Councilmember Harrell has consistently protected the rights of people; always advocating for fairness, respect and civility. Councilmember Harrell served as chief legal advisor to the Rainier Valley Community Development Fund, chief legal advisor to the First A.M.E. Church and First A.M.E. Housing Corporation, Chief Counsel to U S WEST, and general counsel to ITM Source, Inc.

Bruce Harrell is married to Joanne Harrell and they are raising their family in the Mt. Baker neighborhood. He enjoys the outdoors with his family, fishing, swimming, and exercising.

-30-

City Council