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City Attorney Candidate Holmes Responds to Council Concerns
In a letter to all nine members of the Seattle City Council, city attorney candidate Pete Holmes responded today to concerns about statements he has made about the role of the city attorney. Holmes has consistently said he considers the city attorney the attorney for all the people of Seattle, not Seattle city government. Earlier this week, PubliCola reported that city council members are concerned that Holmes won't represent their interests, and are thinking about moving attorneys from the city attorney's office into the legislative department if Holmes gets elected.
In the letter, Holmes says, "Please be assured that there is no conflict in my belief that the City Attorney acts in the best interests of all citizens when counseling and zealously defending fellow public servants in the good-faith exercise of our duties."
He continues, "That Mr. Carr would attempt to raise concerns two weeks before Election Day is disingenuous, considering that he made the same promise to Seattle citizens in his 2001 Seattle Voters Guide statement “… [Carr] believes the City Attorney should not just prosecute people — it should represent all Seattleites and use mediation and problem solving to find solutions…and [he will] ensure that it represents you.”
Full letter below the jump. October 22, 2009
Dear City Councilmembers,
Some members of the council are concerned that my view of the City Attorney’s accountability to the Seattle electorate would compromise Law Department’s ability to deliver outstanding legal services to you as privileged attorney-client communications. Please be assured that there is no conflict in my belief that the City Attorney acts in the best interests of all citizens when counseling and zealously defending fellow public servants in the good-faith exercise of our duties.
Voters are now trying to choose the City Attorney candidate whose professional judgment best reflects Seattle’s values and priorities: who knows how and when to settle disputes before they become costly lawsuits; who will communicate with honesty and integrity; and who
will ultimately ensure that the City carries out the policies enunciated by you in the Legislative Department within the law.
I have been consistent throughout this campaign in my view of this shared responsibility on the part of every Seattle official to the same collective boss—the citizens of Seattle. That Mr. Carr would attempt to raise concerns two weeks before Election Day is disingenuous,
considering that he made the same promise to Seattle citizens in his 2001 Seattle Voters Guide statement “… [Carr] believes the City Attorney should not just prosecute people — it should represent all Seattleites and use mediation and problem solving to find solutions…and [he will] ensure that it represents you.”(Emphasis added in bold.)
I learned first-hand as chair of the OPA Review Board how it feels to be abandoned by the City Attorney while working hard—as you do every day—to make Seattle a better city. In May 2006, City Council unanimously enacted legislation (reinstated just this month by the
Public Employee Relations Commission) to protect board members when the City Attorney would not. If the voters choose me to be your next City Attorney, no such extraordinary measures will be necessary for you to receive my full, loyal and undivided legal support as we
work together for Seattle.
As a partner in a private law firm, I gained excellent experience working with corporations in times of crisis. I understand how to communicate and negotiate when two or more sides are divided and determined. In short, you will always receive the best possible legal
advice and representation from me as City Attorney. I look forward to speaking with you directly about any specific concerns you may have. My personal cell phone number is (206)XXX-XXXX.
Sincerely,
Pete Holmes
In the letter, Holmes says, "Please be assured that there is no conflict in my belief that the City Attorney acts in the best interests of all citizens when counseling and zealously defending fellow public servants in the good-faith exercise of our duties."
He continues, "That Mr. Carr would attempt to raise concerns two weeks before Election Day is disingenuous, considering that he made the same promise to Seattle citizens in his 2001 Seattle Voters Guide statement “… [Carr] believes the City Attorney should not just prosecute people — it should represent all Seattleites and use mediation and problem solving to find solutions…and [he will] ensure that it represents you.”
Full letter below the jump. October 22, 2009
Dear City Councilmembers,
Some members of the council are concerned that my view of the City Attorney’s accountability to the Seattle electorate would compromise Law Department’s ability to deliver outstanding legal services to you as privileged attorney-client communications. Please be assured that there is no conflict in my belief that the City Attorney acts in the best interests of all citizens when counseling and zealously defending fellow public servants in the good-faith exercise of our duties.
Voters are now trying to choose the City Attorney candidate whose professional judgment best reflects Seattle’s values and priorities: who knows how and when to settle disputes before they become costly lawsuits; who will communicate with honesty and integrity; and who
will ultimately ensure that the City carries out the policies enunciated by you in the Legislative Department within the law.
I have been consistent throughout this campaign in my view of this shared responsibility on the part of every Seattle official to the same collective boss—the citizens of Seattle. That Mr. Carr would attempt to raise concerns two weeks before Election Day is disingenuous,
considering that he made the same promise to Seattle citizens in his 2001 Seattle Voters Guide statement “… [Carr] believes the City Attorney should not just prosecute people — it should represent all Seattleites and use mediation and problem solving to find solutions…and [he will] ensure that it represents you.”(Emphasis added in bold.)
I learned first-hand as chair of the OPA Review Board how it feels to be abandoned by the City Attorney while working hard—as you do every day—to make Seattle a better city. In May 2006, City Council unanimously enacted legislation (reinstated just this month by the
Public Employee Relations Commission) to protect board members when the City Attorney would not. If the voters choose me to be your next City Attorney, no such extraordinary measures will be necessary for you to receive my full, loyal and undivided legal support as we
work together for Seattle.
As a partner in a private law firm, I gained excellent experience working with corporations in times of crisis. I understand how to communicate and negotiate when two or more sides are divided and determined. In short, you will always receive the best possible legal
advice and representation from me as City Attorney. I look forward to speaking with you directly about any specific concerns you may have. My personal cell phone number is (206)XXX-XXXX.
Sincerely,
Pete Holmes
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