Bruce Harrell
Encyclopedia
Bruce A. Harrell is currently serving as a member of the Seattle City Council
. He was first elected in 2007 from a field of five candidates. He is currently Chair of the Energy, Technology, and Civil Rights Committee and is responsible for oversight of Seattle City Light, the city’s public power utility and the city’s Department of Information and Technology. Harrell is Vice Chair of Public Utilities & Neighborhoods and member of Parks & Seattle Center. He sits on the Executive Board for the Puget Sound Regional Council and is a member of the Puget Sound Regional Transportation Policy Board. Bruce Harrell also sits on the King County Flood Control Zone Advisory Committee and the Fire Facilities Oversight Committee.
(1980) where he made the national Academic All-American First Team and received the 2007 University of Washington Distinguished Alumni Award; a Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Washington (1984) where he was admitted to the Washington State Bar Association and practiced in the state of Washington for 20 years prior to running for political office; and a Master’s degree in Organizational Design and Improvement.
Bruce Harrell attended Garfield High School graduating valedictorian
in 1976. Bruce worked for US West
, now Qwest
, after law school. Bruce is married to Joanne Harrell and they are raising their family in the Mt. Baker neighborhood.
. Shortly after they graduated together, they were married in 1953. Bruce Harrell was born at Cabrini Hospital on Seattle’s Capitol Hill. Bruce’s parents remained married for over 50 years until Clayton Harrell’s passing in 2003. Bruce’s father, Clayton, served in the Korean War
and worked for Seattle City Light
until his retirement. Bruce’s mother, Rose, worked for the Seattle Public Library
until her retirement and was elected to the Seattle Credit Union Board for three consecutive terms. While his parents achieved success, they faced many challenges as a mixed-race couple (African American
and Japanese American
) during that time period.
Bruce’s African American grandmother, Lillian Harrell, was the LPN
at Seattle’s Cabrini Hospital in the newborn unit who assisted in his delivery. His grandfather, William Harrell, was a union laborer with the Seattle International Union of Wood, Wire and Metal Lathers. William moved to Seattle from New Orleans, Louisiana
, and built his own home in the Arboretum
area near Madison Valley.
On the other side, Bruce’s Japanese American grandfather, John Masaru Kobata, worked as a waiter at the Seattle Tennis Club to support his family. With his savings, he started a small grocery store on 13th and Yesler. In 1925, John (at the age of 22) managed to negotiate a lease at 905 Jackson Street and started a shop called Cherryland Florist. By 1942, Bruce’s grandfather became a successful businessman. Nevertheless, sometime after the start of World War II
, John Kobata was ultimately labeled a loyalist and a threat. For that reason, he was arrested by the FBI and sent to a Prisoner of War
camp in Montana
. Bruce’s grandmother and her eleven children—including Bruce’s mother, Rose—moved with one week’s notice. They had no choice. They were ordered to move to an internment camp
in Puyallup
and, eventually, sent to Minidoka, Idaho
. Two years later, when his grandfather was released, he joined his family and remained in Minidoka until 1945.
Bruce’s grandparents, John and Tameno Kobata, died early at the ages of 53 and 49, respectively. While they passed before their time, their lives showed by example that hard work and perseverance could be achieved in spite of the lack of resources, education, and fair and equitable treatment.
Bruce Harrell attended T.T. Minor Elementary, Meany Middle School, Eckstein Middle School and Garfield High School graduating valedictorian
in 1976. He made Garfield High School history as the first valedictorian who obtained 9 varsity letter
s and named the 1976 Metro Defensive Player of the Year for football
. After high school, he visited several schools that accepted him—including, Harvard
, Stanford and the University of Washington
. He attended the University of Washington on a football scholarship where he lettered all four years and became the 8th leading tackler in UW history. He was selected 1st Team Pac-10, 1st Team All-Coast, and 1979 Defensive Player of the Year. He led the 1978 Rose Bowl
in defensive tackles for the victorious Huskies. In 2008, he was honored by the University of Washington as a “Husky Legend.”
, now Qwest
, and achieved the positions of Counsel, Senior Attorney and Chief Counsel. There he developed legal expertise in telecommunications, technology and complex negotiations. In 1998, he entered private practice where he served in a variety of leadership roles, representing children and seniors, employees and employers, affordable housing companies and small businesses. Bruce has been particularly recognized in the community for his pro bono work with small businesses. Bruce 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 US West, and general counsel to the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Zeta Pi Lambda chapter.
In addition to his legislative responsibilities, Harrell serves as Chair of the Puget Sound Regional Council’s Performance First Committee: a business development strategy of PSRC’s Prosperity Partnership; Advisory Board Chair for CASASTART; a focused strategy for youth with behavioral challenges at Seattle Public Schools
; and, member of the Social Action Committee for First A.M.E. Church.
During Bruce Harrell’s first campaign in 2007, he successfully gained the sole endorsements of The Seattle Times
and the Seattle Post-Intelligencer
, and received the most endorsements from current and former elected officials, organizations and individuals than any other of the four candidates. Known for having the most volunteers in his campaign, Harrell raised $290,077 and out-raised all of his opponents, winning the general election by a significant 20 percent margin, while capturing over 80,000 votes. He is the first member of Japanese descent to serve on the Seattle City Council.
is responsible for overseeing Seattle City Light. He has led efforts to switch streetlights
to Light Emitting Diode or LED lights.
In leading the oversight of Seattle City Light
, Harrell was faced with a difficult economy and declining revenue stream in 2008. Harrell’s leadership allowed him to announce that rates would not increase in 2008 and 2009 and he led efforts to withhold funding for approximately $18 million after thoroughly reviewing the Utility’s work plan, budget, capital projects and organizational design. Harrell achieved these savings without jeopardizing the Utility’s implementation of its strategic plan, compliance with its conservation plan or commitment to provide reliable and consistent service.
In 2009, in examining President Obama’s
stimulus package, Harrell’s advocacy to use new technology to replace many of Seattle’s residential streetlights resulted in Seattle using over US$1 million for Light Emitting Diode or LED lights. LED lights are proven to be more efficient and environmentally friendly.
On August 6, 2008, Harrell announced his initiation of a Seattle Public Engagement Portal; a technology strategy that allows the public to achieve a single sign on account which can solicit feedback from the public through electronic polling and allow the public to have a convenient method to receive legislative notices, pay utility bills electronically and utilize city services. On May 11, 2009, President Obama announced an Office of Public Engagement which validated Harrell’s vision for Seattle regarding public empowerment. Harrell has spearheaded the Seattle mentoring movement which uses mentoring strategies to help urban youth achieve effectiveness in becoming productive contributors to Seattle’s population. Harrell has initiated strategies to assist small businesses in Seattle by establishing bulk-buying power through buying co-ops and has led efforts in environmental sustainability through the development of City Light’s Integrated Resource Plan and 5-year Conservation Plan. His out-front efforts to suggest using public libraries for the disposal of Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) bulbs demonstrates his forward thinking ability to find solutions to the many challenges that face the city of Seattle.
Seattle City Council
The Seattle City Council is committed to ensuring that Seattle, Washington, is safe, livable and sustainable. Nine Councilmembers are elected to four-year terms in nonpartisan elections and represent the entire city, elected by all Seattle voters....
. He was first elected in 2007 from a field of five candidates. He is currently Chair of the Energy, Technology, and Civil Rights Committee and is responsible for oversight of Seattle City Light, the city’s public power utility and the city’s Department of Information and Technology. Harrell is Vice Chair of Public Utilities & Neighborhoods and member of Parks & Seattle Center. He sits on the Executive Board for the Puget Sound Regional Council and is a member of the Puget Sound Regional Transportation Policy Board. Bruce Harrell also sits on the King County Flood Control Zone Advisory Committee and the Fire Facilities Oversight Committee.
Education and Work Experience
Harrell holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of WashingtonUniversity of Washington
University of Washington is a public research university, founded in 1861 in Seattle, Washington, United States. The UW is the largest university in the Northwest and the oldest public university on the West Coast. The university has three campuses, with its largest campus in the University...
(1980) where he made the national Academic All-American First Team and received the 2007 University of Washington Distinguished Alumni Award; a Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Washington (1984) where he was admitted to the Washington State Bar Association and practiced in the state of Washington for 20 years prior to running for political office; and a Master’s degree in Organizational Design and Improvement.
Bruce Harrell attended Garfield High School graduating valedictorian
Valedictorian
Valedictorian is an academic title conferred upon the student who delivers the closing or farewell statement at a graduation ceremony. Usually, the valedictorian is the highest ranked student among those graduating from an educational institution...
in 1976. Bruce worked for US West
US West
U S WEST, Inc. was one of seven Regional Bell Operating Companies , created in 1983 under the Modification of Final Judgement , a case related to the antitrust breakup of AT&T...
, now Qwest
Qwest
Qwest Communications International, Inc. was a large United States telecommunications carrier. Qwest provided local service in 14 western U.S. states: Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.On April...
, after law school. Bruce is married to Joanne Harrell and they are raising their family in the Mt. Baker neighborhood.
Family History
Bruce’s parents, Clayton and Rose Harrell, attended Garfield High SchoolGarfield High School (Seattle, Washington)
James A. Garfield High School is a public high school in the Seattle Public Schools district of Seattle, Washington, USA.Located along 23rd Avenue between E. Alder and E. Jefferson Streets in Seattle's urban Central District, Garfield draws students from all over the city...
. Shortly after they graduated together, they were married in 1953. Bruce Harrell was born at Cabrini Hospital on Seattle’s Capitol Hill. Bruce’s parents remained married for over 50 years until Clayton Harrell’s passing in 2003. Bruce’s father, Clayton, served in the Korean War
Korean War
The Korean War was a conventional war between South Korea, supported by the United Nations, and North Korea, supported by the People's Republic of China , with military material aid from the Soviet Union...
and worked for Seattle City Light
Seattle City Light
Seattle City Light is the public utility providing electrical power to Seattle, Washington and parts of its metropolitan area, including all of Shoreline and Lake Forest Park and parts of unincorporated King County, Burien, Normandy Park, Seatac, Renton, and Tukwila...
until his retirement. Bruce’s mother, Rose, worked for the Seattle Public Library
Seattle Public Library
The Seattle Public Library is the public library system serving Seattle, Washington, USA. It was officially established by the city in 1890, though there had been efforts to start a Seattle library as early as 1868. There are 26 branches in the system, most of them named after the neighborhoods in...
until her retirement and was elected to the Seattle Credit Union Board for three consecutive terms. While his parents achieved success, they faced many challenges as a mixed-race couple (African American
African American
African Americans are citizens or residents of the United States who have at least partial ancestry from any of the native populations of Sub-Saharan Africa and are the direct descendants of enslaved Africans within the boundaries of the present United States...
and Japanese American
Japanese American
are American people of Japanese heritage. Japanese Americans have historically been among the three largest Asian American communities, but in recent decades have become the sixth largest group at roughly 1,204,205, including those of mixed-race or mixed-ethnicity...
) during that time period.
Bruce’s African American grandmother, Lillian Harrell, was the LPN
Licensed Practical Nurse
Licensed practical nurse is the term used in much of the United States and most Canadian provinces to refer to a nurse who cares for "people who are sick, injured, convalescent, or disabled under the direction of registered nurses and physicians. The term licensed vocational nurses is used in...
at Seattle’s Cabrini Hospital in the newborn unit who assisted in his delivery. His grandfather, William Harrell, was a union laborer with the Seattle International Union of Wood, Wire and Metal Lathers. William moved to Seattle from New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is a major United States port and the largest city and metropolitan area in the state of Louisiana. The New Orleans metropolitan area has a population of 1,235,650 as of 2009, the 46th largest in the USA. The New Orleans – Metairie – Bogalusa combined statistical area has a population...
, and built his own home in the Arboretum
Washington Park Arboretum
Washington Park is a public park in Seattle, Washington, USA, most of which is taken up by the Washington Park Arboretum, a joint project of the University of Washington, the Seattle Department of Parks and Recreation, and the nonprofit Arboretum Foundation. Washington Park also includes a...
area near Madison Valley.
On the other side, Bruce’s Japanese American grandfather, John Masaru Kobata, worked as a waiter at the Seattle Tennis Club to support his family. With his savings, he started a small grocery store on 13th and Yesler. In 1925, John (at the age of 22) managed to negotiate a lease at 905 Jackson Street and started a shop called Cherryland Florist. By 1942, Bruce’s grandfather became a successful businessman. Nevertheless, sometime after the start of World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, John Kobata was ultimately labeled a loyalist and a threat. For that reason, he was arrested by the FBI and sent to a Prisoner of War
Prisoner of war
A prisoner of war or enemy prisoner of war is a person, whether civilian or combatant, who is held in custody by an enemy power during or immediately after an armed conflict...
camp in Montana
Montana
Montana is a state in the Western United States. The western third of Montana contains numerous mountain ranges. Smaller, "island ranges" are found in the central third of the state, for a total of 77 named ranges of the Rocky Mountains. This geographical fact is reflected in the state's name,...
. Bruce’s grandmother and her eleven children—including Bruce’s mother, Rose—moved with one week’s notice. They had no choice. They were ordered to move to an internment camp
Japanese American internment
Japanese-American internment was the relocation and internment by the United States government in 1942 of approximately 110,000 Japanese Americans and Japanese who lived along the Pacific coast of the United States to camps called "War Relocation Camps," in the wake of Imperial Japan's attack on...
in Puyallup
Puyallup, Washington
Puyallup, Washington is a city in Pierce County, Washington about five miles east of Tacoma. The population was 37,022 at the 2010 Census. Named after the Puyallup Tribe of Native Americans, Puyallup means "the generous people."-History:...
and, eventually, sent to Minidoka, Idaho
Minidoka, Idaho
Minidoka is a city in Minidoka County, Idaho, United States. The population was 129 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Burley, Idaho Micropolitan Statistical Area....
. Two years later, when his grandfather was released, he joined his family and remained in Minidoka until 1945.
Bruce’s grandparents, John and Tameno Kobata, died early at the ages of 53 and 49, respectively. While they passed before their time, their lives showed by example that hard work and perseverance could be achieved in spite of the lack of resources, education, and fair and equitable treatment.
Bruce Harrell attended T.T. Minor Elementary, Meany Middle School, Eckstein Middle School and Garfield High School graduating valedictorian
Valedictorian
Valedictorian is an academic title conferred upon the student who delivers the closing or farewell statement at a graduation ceremony. Usually, the valedictorian is the highest ranked student among those graduating from an educational institution...
in 1976. He made Garfield High School history as the first valedictorian who obtained 9 varsity letter
Varsity letter
A varsity letter is an award earned in the United States for excellence in school activities. A varsity letter signifies that its winner was a qualified varsity team member, awarded after a certain standard was met.- Description :...
s and named the 1976 Metro Defensive Player of the Year for football
American football
American football is a sport played between two teams of eleven with the objective of scoring points by advancing the ball into the opposing team's end zone. Known in the United States simply as football, it may also be referred to informally as gridiron football. The ball can be advanced by...
. After high school, he visited several schools that accepted him—including, Harvard
Harvard University
Harvard University is a private Ivy League university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States, established in 1636 by the Massachusetts legislature. Harvard is the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States and the first corporation chartered in the country...
, Stanford and the University of Washington
University of Washington
University of Washington is a public research university, founded in 1861 in Seattle, Washington, United States. The UW is the largest university in the Northwest and the oldest public university on the West Coast. The university has three campuses, with its largest campus in the University...
. He attended the University of Washington on a football scholarship where he lettered all four years and became the 8th leading tackler in UW history. He was selected 1st Team Pac-10, 1st Team All-Coast, and 1979 Defensive Player of the Year. He led the 1978 Rose Bowl
Rose Bowl Game
The Rose Bowl is an annual American college football bowl game, usually played on January 1 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. When New Year's Day falls on a Sunday, the game is played on Monday, January 2...
in defensive tackles for the victorious Huskies. In 2008, he was honored by the University of Washington as a “Husky Legend.”
Legal and Community Experiences
After college, Bruce Harrell attended law school. Bruce began his public service in 1980 working for the Seattle City Council under then-Council President Paul Kraabel. Bruce’s professional career excelled when, in 1987, he joined US WestUS West
U S WEST, Inc. was one of seven Regional Bell Operating Companies , created in 1983 under the Modification of Final Judgement , a case related to the antitrust breakup of AT&T...
, now Qwest
Qwest
Qwest Communications International, Inc. was a large United States telecommunications carrier. Qwest provided local service in 14 western U.S. states: Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.On April...
, and achieved the positions of Counsel, Senior Attorney and Chief Counsel. There he developed legal expertise in telecommunications, technology and complex negotiations. In 1998, he entered private practice where he served in a variety of leadership roles, representing children and seniors, employees and employers, affordable housing companies and small businesses. Bruce has been particularly recognized in the community for his pro bono work with small businesses. Bruce served as chief legal advisor to the Rainier Valley Community Development Fund, chief legal advisor to the First A.M.E.
African Methodist Episcopal Church
The African Methodist Episcopal Church, usually called the A.M.E. Church, is a predominantly African American Methodist denomination based in the United States. It was founded by the Rev. Richard Allen in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1816 from several black Methodist congregations in the...
Church and First A.M.E. Housing Corporation, Chief Counsel to US West, and general counsel to the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Zeta Pi Lambda chapter.
In addition to his legislative responsibilities, Harrell serves as Chair of the Puget Sound Regional Council’s Performance First Committee: a business development strategy of PSRC’s Prosperity Partnership; Advisory Board Chair for CASASTART; a focused strategy for youth with behavioral challenges at Seattle Public Schools
Seattle Public Schools
Seattle Public Schools is the school district serving Seattle, Washington, USA. Its headquarters are in the John Stanford Center for Educational Excellence.-List of schools:...
; and, member of the Social Action Committee for First A.M.E. Church.
During Bruce Harrell’s first campaign in 2007, he successfully gained the sole endorsements of The Seattle Times
The Seattle Times
The Seattle Times is a newspaper serving Seattle, Washington, US. It is the largest daily newspaper in the state of Washington. It has been, since the demise in 2009 of the printed version of the rival Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Seattle's only major daily print newspaper.-History:The Seattle Times...
and the Seattle Post-Intelligencer
Seattle Post-Intelligencer
The Seattle Post-Intelligencer is an online newspaper and former print newspaper covering Seattle, Washington, United States, and the surrounding metropolitan area...
, and received the most endorsements from current and former elected officials, organizations and individuals than any other of the four candidates. Known for having the most volunteers in his campaign, Harrell raised $290,077 and out-raised all of his opponents, winning the general election by a significant 20 percent margin, while capturing over 80,000 votes. He is the first member of Japanese descent to serve on the Seattle City Council.
Seattle City Council
Harrell was elected tp the Seattle City Council in 2007. He is the first member of Japanese descent to serve on the Seattle City Council. On the Seattle City Council Harrell has chaired the Energy and Technology Committee whichis responsible for overseeing Seattle City Light. He has led efforts to switch streetlights
to Light Emitting Diode or LED lights.
In leading the oversight of Seattle City Light
Seattle City Light
Seattle City Light is the public utility providing electrical power to Seattle, Washington and parts of its metropolitan area, including all of Shoreline and Lake Forest Park and parts of unincorporated King County, Burien, Normandy Park, Seatac, Renton, and Tukwila...
, Harrell was faced with a difficult economy and declining revenue stream in 2008. Harrell’s leadership allowed him to announce that rates would not increase in 2008 and 2009 and he led efforts to withhold funding for approximately $18 million after thoroughly reviewing the Utility’s work plan, budget, capital projects and organizational design. Harrell achieved these savings without jeopardizing the Utility’s implementation of its strategic plan, compliance with its conservation plan or commitment to provide reliable and consistent service.
In 2009, in examining President Obama’s
Barack Obama
Barack Hussein Obama II is the 44th and current President of the United States. He is the first African American to hold the office. Obama previously served as a United States Senator from Illinois, from January 2005 until he resigned following his victory in the 2008 presidential election.Born in...
stimulus package, Harrell’s advocacy to use new technology to replace many of Seattle’s residential streetlights resulted in Seattle using over US$1 million for Light Emitting Diode or LED lights. LED lights are proven to be more efficient and environmentally friendly.
On August 6, 2008, Harrell announced his initiation of a Seattle Public Engagement Portal; a technology strategy that allows the public to achieve a single sign on account which can solicit feedback from the public through electronic polling and allow the public to have a convenient method to receive legislative notices, pay utility bills electronically and utilize city services. On May 11, 2009, President Obama announced an Office of Public Engagement which validated Harrell’s vision for Seattle regarding public empowerment. Harrell has spearheaded the Seattle mentoring movement which uses mentoring strategies to help urban youth achieve effectiveness in becoming productive contributors to Seattle’s population. Harrell has initiated strategies to assist small businesses in Seattle by establishing bulk-buying power through buying co-ops and has led efforts in environmental sustainability through the development of City Light’s Integrated Resource Plan and 5-year Conservation Plan. His out-front efforts to suggest using public libraries for the disposal of Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) bulbs demonstrates his forward thinking ability to find solutions to the many challenges that face the city of Seattle.