SEATTLE (Diya TV) — The Seattle City Council ushered in the new year with a swearing-in ceremony for seven members, including five newly elected representatives and two reelected members. The council also unanimously voted 9-0 to appoint Citywide Councilmember Sara Nelson as the Council President for the 2024-2025 term.
As part of the proceedings, District 2 Councilmember Tammy Morales and District 6 Councilmember Dan Strauss were sworn in for their second four-year terms. Morales expressed her commitment to equitable community development, police reform, and pedestrian safety, while Strauss reiterated his focus on public safety, homelessness, and housing affordability.
The council’s committee assignments were also unveiled, with Morales leading the Land Use Committee and Strauss overseeing the Finance, Native Communities, and Tribal Committee. Nelson, as the most senior member after her first four years in office, will chair the Governance, Accountability, and Economic Development Committee.
During her speech, Nelson emphasized the importance of collaboration and good governance, stating, “We have one job: that is to work together with the Harrell administration and to do the most good for the greatest number of people.”
You may recall Nelson was the only member of the City Council that voted against former Councilmember Kshama Sawant’s caste discrimination bill, the first bill of its kind ever passed by a major city.
The new council includes a mix of experienced and inexperienced members, with veterans like Rob Saka, an Air Force veteran leading the Transportation Committee, and newcomers like Joy Hollingsworth, representing Capitol Hill and Madison Valley, heading the Parks, Public Utilities, and Technology Committee.
Cathy Moore, a former King County Superior Court judge, will lead the Housing and Human Services Committee, emphasizing the need to address the challenges posed by the pandemic, drug crisis, homelessness, and crime.
The council will need to appoint a replacement for former Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda, who moved to the King County Council. The appointee will serve until November 2024 when voters will elect someone for the citywide District 8 position.
