- Mr. Harrell and Mr. Microphone
âHe was really good up there,â said a fellow Seattle City Council member (one of six on hand) after Bruce Harrell delivered his Big Reelection Campaign Kickoff Speech.
So where is this Bruce Harrellâthis affable chap that his friends call "Brucie"âon the Seattle City Council dais? I had simply never seen this relaxed, smiling man. And although he didnât say much worth quotingâbut hereâs a token: âI am running because I want Seattle, Washington to be known as a place of hope, compassionââhe was an engaging candidate.
Lots of elected officials were there to back him up. And the big crowd, about 80 percent nonwhite, was enough to strike jealousy. âAs an elected official, there is envy in my heart because it is difficult to get such a diverse group⌠together for one politician,â said County Council Member Larry Gossett. Speaking to Harrellâs work to support minority-owned businesses, Gossett said that "we should do everything we can to help Bruce get his second term in office.â
According to the latest filings with the Seattle Ethics and Elections Commission, Harrell had raised $135,356 (and this was before last night's fundraisers/kickoff), compared to $18,580 raised by his challenger, Brad Meacham.