Seattle City Councilmember Bruce Harrell

The Seattle Storm embarked on their tenth season on Saturday, June 6th, with a victory over the Monarchs in Sacramento. SWEET! On Sunday, June 7th, I had the opportunity to read a proclamation before the tip-off of their home opener, declaring it Seattle Storm Day. I was joined on the floor by my colleague, Councilmember Jan Drago. The energy in the Key was electric as the Storm went on to win the game 80-70. More than 9,000 people attended the game. They let their voices be heard, as they expressed their adoration for the team. When I watch the Storm, I am always very impressed with their selfless style of play and the crowd’s die-hard enthusiasm.

I cannot say enough about the impact sports has in Seattle. Let’s not underestimate its importance on morale, business generation, mentorship, revenue and our sense of community. It was my pleasure to honor the Storm. I look forward to another exciting, successful season. Go Storm!

View the proclamation (left image) that was read by Councilmember Drago and I before the game.

Photo credit: Aaron Last/Storm Photos

Throughout the last 18 months, I have observed (and participated) in the manner in which the City Council approves departmental capital improvement plans. While this process involves many city departments and devoted employees who work long hours developing thoughtful plans, I still questioned whether an agreed on process or criteria was used when evaluating such plans. In Thomas Friedman’s book “Hot, Flat and Crowded,” he talks about how certain organizations are notorious for inflating their capital improvement plans. I wanted to make sure we had in place complete transparency and consistency when we evaluated such large expenditures of taxpayer money.

In an effort to make informed decisions about spending and improve communications between Seattle City Light and the City Council, the Council will engage the services of Energy & Environmental Economics, Inc. (E3). E3 will develop guidelines to help analyze large electric transmission and distribution projects, as well as improve transparency between City Light and the Council. The purpose is to ensure that when City Light seeks approval for proposed capital projects, the information is sufficient for the Council to conclude that the project is both needed and reflects the best option to address the identified issue.

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[Update]: A second day has been added to exchange a $40 dtv coupon for a no-cost converter box. Sat 11am-4pm at the Beacon Hill Festival, Jefferson Community Center.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 04, 2009

Seattle residents can exchange DTV coupons for a no-cost box on Friday

What: DTV Converter Box Swap

When: Friday, June 5, 2009 – from 1 to 7 p.m.

Where: New Holly Community Center, 7050 32nd Ave S. (at Myrtle), Seattle 98118

Who: The Leadership Conference on Civil Rights (LCCR-EF), Reclaim the Media, Youngstown Cultural Arts Center/Youth Media Institute, The Leadership Academy, Dish Network, The ARC of King County, and Thee Way Out

Why: With one week remaining until the June 12th Digital Television Transition, Seattle residents have the opportunity to swap their government-issued $40 coupons for
a new DTV converter box. Get hands-on instruction in setting it up and tuning in digital channels.

“With seven days remaining, this is a great opportunity to exchange your $40 coupon for a free DTV converter box,” said Councilmember Bruce Harrell. “Seattle residents, who are still not ready, need to act now to continue receiving their normal television programming.”

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