Burgess Tied To More Ultra-Conservative Letters
Seattle P-I, 10/26/07
Burgess's Fundraising Letters for CWA, A National Anti-Gay/Anti Choice Group Released
Seattle Gay News 10/26/07
City Council's Della, Rival Burgess Trade Shots
Seattle P-I, 10/17/07
Council OK's New Rule on Police Discipline
Seattle Times, 9/25/07
Candidates Quizzed on LGBT Issues During Forum
Seattle Gay News, 9/14/07
Council members draft police-discipline proposals
Seattle Times, 9/12/07
Seattle Gay News Endorses David Della; Says Vote Against
Seattle Gay News, 9/7/07
Council Proposes $3.5 Million Pedestrian Safety Plan
KING 5, 9/5/07
City Officials Favor More Red-Light Cameras
Seattle Times, 8/18/07
Council Says No to Plan for North Bay
Seattle Times, 8/16/07
Police Accountability: Explore All Angles
Seattle PI, 8/8/07
Council Approves Skatepark Site Near Key Arena
Seattle Times, 8/7/07
King County Union Weighs in on Seattle City Council Race
Seattle P-I, 7/19/07
Seattle Weekly, 06/27/2007
Seattle Parks: A sharper tool
Seattle Post-Intelligencer, 04/29/2007
David Della Launches Campaign for Second Term
Queen Anne News, 03/07/2007
Waterfront tunnel vision overlooks impact on workers
Seattlepi.com, 03/05/2007
Della Kicks Off Campaign
Seattle Weekly, 02/28/07
Read our current and archived newsletters at the Seattle City website.
BURGESS CAUGHT RED-HANDED WITH TWO MILLION DOLLARS FROM THE RIGHT WING
For Immediate Release: October 15, 2007
Tim Burgess is trying to shade the truth again about his shady past with his new website, but like his Republican leanings, he’s been caught red-handed with millions of dollars from Concerned Women for America.
Concerned Women for America is a far-right policy advocacy non-profit that opposes gay marriage and abortion rights, according to the Seattle P-I.
In an interview with The Stranger, Burgess admitted that he was responsible “as the head of business development” for taking on CWA.
“Burgess says… he was fully aware of those views when he took them on as a client. ’From the very beginning, I rationalized it in my mind [by saying], okay, this is a nonprofit organization that deserves to communicate its message just like anybody else.’” 9/5/07
Now on his new anti-David Della website, Burgess states a half-truth by conveniently omitting his role in taking on CWA and says simply, “he urged his business partners to resign that account.”
According to the Seattle Gay News, Burgess’s firm profited to the tune of $2 million from its eight or nine year association with CWA prior to that ‘resignation.’
“Tim is trying to distract from his nearly decade-long, multi-million dollar profit with CWA because he knows how politically unpalatable their views are in Seattle,” said NARAL Pro Choice Washington Executive Director, Karen Cooper. “I have just one question: “As the owner of the company, did you or did you not cash CWA’s checks after spreading their messages of hate and intolerance?”
Cooper further urged Burgess to disclose the contents of the mailings he did for CWA. “You are trying to minimize your role with this right-wing group, but yet you’ve called the messages you promoted for them ‘messages of hate’ and admitted that you were responsible for taking them on as a client,” she said.
“Since you’ve called David’s charge of your work for CWA a ‘half-truth,’ open up your files, let the voters see the work you did and allow them to decide for themselves whether these are the kinds of values they want representing them on the City Council,” Cooper concluded.
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NORM RICE AND NICK LICATA
ENDORSE DAVID DELLA
For Immediate Release: October 9, 2007
Current Seattle City Council President Nick Licata and former Seattle mayor Norm Rice announced today they are supporting David Della for a second term on the City Council.
“The doubling of the Families and Education Levy, the reduction of City Light rates and the elimination of $57 million in debt is an impressive record. David Della merits a second term,” said Rice.
“I am supporting David Della for City Council because his critical role on the council has made Seattle a safer, more affordable, and more livable city. He shares my progressive values on a host of issues from holding our police more accountable to standing up to corporate giveaways,” said Licata.
Licata and Rice add their names to a growing list of community leaders endorsing Della’s re-election including Governors Christine Gregoire, Gary Locke and Mike Lowry; Speaker of the State House Frank Chopp; King County Executive Ron Sims and County Councilmembers Larry Gossett and Bob Ferguson; Seattle City Councilmembers Richard Conlin, Sally Clark, Jan Drago, Richard McIver and Jean Godden.
Della has also received contributions from over 1,000 individuals, more than any other candidate running for any office in Seattle and nearly 30 percent more than his opponent.
“I’m grateful for the outpouring of support from so many of my colleagues, community leaders and residents who share our city’s values and share my vision about making Seattle a city where everyone can thrive, regardless of income,” Della said.
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DELLA LEADS ON PARKS AND POLICE
For Immediate Release: September 26, 2007
Seattle residents can look forward to more open space at Discovery Park and new measures to balance public safety with public trust in Seattle’s police force under legislation sponsored by City Councilmember David Della and passed unanimously by the City Council yesterday.
Council Bill 115945, which was brought forth from Councilmember Della’s Parks, Education, Libraries and Labor Committee, authorized $11.1 million to purchase 24 acres of land in Discovery Park that will be returned to its natural state.
Another Della sponsored piece of legislation, Council Bill 116021, requires the Police Chief and the Director of the Office of Professional Accountability, the civilian board that investigates allegations of police wrongdoing, to provide written explanations to the Council of the final settlement of an officer misconduct complaint when they disagree.
Additionally, Della voted in favor of the Neighborhood Police Staffing Plan, which lays out a path to providing 105 new officers over the next five years, and a resolution establishing annual performance measures for the department. (Resolutions 31014/30996)
“It has been my goal to make Seattle more livable for people, regardless of income. Creating more open space, adding police officers and holding them accountable is a step in the right direction,” Della said.
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SEAMEC ENDORSES DAVID DELLA
For Immediate Release: September 21, 2007
In a unanimous decision, the Seattle Metropolitan Elections Committee (SEAMEC) board endorsed David Della for re-election to the Seattle City Council.
Della was recognized for his significant contributions on behalf of Seattle’s gay, lesbian, and trans-gender communities, both before and during his first-term on the Council.
In SEAMEC’s press release, Della was called a consistent supporter of city and state legislation that prohibits discrimination against the community. In addition, as executive director of the Governor's Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs, he worked against homophobia within his own community.
“SEAMEC endorsements are typically presented to candidates that have ‘a distinguished history of activism on behalf of the GLBT community,’” said SEAMEC Co-chair, Barbara Sehr, “David Della clearly has such a record.”
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GOVERNOR GREGOIRE ENDORSES DAVID DELLA
For Immediate Release September 13, 2007
Seattle City Councilmember David Della received the endorsement of Governor Christine Gregoire today.
Gregoire praised Della’s leadership and steadfastness in office and his willingness to fight for all families, regardless of income.
“David Della represents Seattle’s core values,” Gregoire said. “He has fought for transportation options that are affordable and his work on pedestrian safety measures, such as advocating in Olympia for long-overdue hands-free cell phone legislation, will make it safer for people to walk or bike throughout the city.”
“David also lead the charge for Seattle’s kids by sponsoring and passing the city’s largest Families and Education levy. We agree on the importance of investing in our children for the long-term health and economic success of our communities,” Gregoire said.
Della thanked the Governor for her support saying, “Governor Gregoire’s endorsement means so much to me because we share the same priorities on creating good paying jobs, improving our transportation system, delivering a first-class education to our kids and protecting our environment.”
Gregoire is the third Democratic Washington State Governor to endorse Della, joining former Governors Gary Locke and Mike Lowry. Additionally, Della has the support of King County Executive Ron Sims; Speaker of the House Frank Chopp; State Senators Ed Murray, Margarita Prentice and Erik Poulsen; and State Representatives Helen Sommers, Eileen Cody, Mary Lou Dickerson, Phyllis Kenney, Eric Pettigrew, Sharon Tomiko Santos, Zack Hudgins and Bob Hasegawa.
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NARAL PRO-CHOICE WASHINGTON ENDORSES DAVID DELLA OVER TIM BURGESS
For Immediate Release 9/12/07
Yesterday, NARAL Pro-Choice Washington announced its endorsement of first-term Seattle City Councilmember David Della.
It was the second time in less than a week that a prominent organization has broken with tradition of not issuing endorsement,s and chose to support a Seattle City Council candidate. Over the weekend, the Seattle Gay News also endorsed Della.
NARAL cited Della’s history of supporting a woman’s right to make her own reproductive decisions and his opponent, Tim Burgess’s long association with the anti-choice group Concerned Women for America.
“There was a clear difference in each interviewee’s positions, actions, and history on choice. After interviewing both Mr. Burgess and Councilman Della, we voted to endorse Mr. Della in this race,” said Karen Cooper, Executive Director of NARAL Pro-Choice Washington.
You can read the NARAL press release by clicking on this link or by visiting: http://www.prochoicewashington.org/news/press/200709111.shtml
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SEATTLE GAY NEWS ENDORSES DAVID DELLA; URGES READERS TO VOTE AGAINST TIM BURGESS
For Immediate Release 9/10/07
In a tradition-breaking move, the Seattle Gay News, which has typically declined to endorse candidates for public office, has given its endorsement to first-term Seattle City Councilmember David Della.
SGN cited Della’s good record in office, ‘can-do style’ and long-time commitment to civil rights on behalf of poor workers and the LGBT community as rationales for their support.
The editorial board of SGN took an even more unusual step, urging voters for only the second time in 30 years to vote AGAINST a candidate—Della’s opponent, Tim Burgess.
“In the past three days rumors became fact when media reports confirm by interview with Burgess that for seven years he helped run the hate mail operations of Concerned Women [for] America, a virulent anti Gay front group for the far right,” SGN wrote.
“Burgess now admits under pressure that his firm earned $2 million plus from helping to write/prepare the hate monger mailings.”
“There is no room for his lack of integrity in the roster of political leadership… He should not be welcomed at the elected councils of power in our fair Emerald City,” the editorial concluded.
The entire editorial can be read by clicking on this link or visiting www.sgn.org.
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BURGESS ATTACKS KARL ROVE
AFTER WORKING FOR HIS ALLIES
For Immediate Release: 9/6/07
In a statement released on his campaign website this morning, candidate for City Council Tim Burgess condemned the tactics of former Bush chief strategist Karl Rove after spending almost a decade working for Bush-Rove allies, Concerned Women for America.
By his own admission in an article published in this week’s edition of The Stranger, Burgess-owned firm, The Domain Group, worked for CWA “for eight or nine years.” Burgess went on to say that “he was fully aware of (CWA’s political) views when he took them on as a client.”
“From the very beginning, I rationalized it in my mind [by saying] ‘okay, this is a nonprofit organization that deserves to communicate its message just like anybody else,’” Burgess said.
According to IRS documents cited in the article, Burgess’ firm was paid $328,479 by Concerned Women for America in 2003 alone to help them raise at least $8 million on outreach efforts.
On their website, Concerned Women for America lists their core issues as opposition to marriage equality, public education, the Equal Rights Amendment, US membership in the United Nations and the right of a woman to make her own reproductive decisions—www.cwfa.org.
“By allowing his firm to help CWA produce media and ad campaigns in the critical year of 2004, Burgess profited from the promotion of a radical-right agenda that, if implemented, would cause profound harm to gays, lesbians, young people and women,” wrote The Stranger City Hall Reporter Erica Barnett.
“Tim Burgess worked for the same people who Karl Rove used to attack gays and lesbians throughout this country in the 2004 election. By promoting CWFA, Burgess was a foot soldier in Karl Rove’s homophobic army. Trying to pin that moniker on his opponent not even three years later smacks of rank hypocrisy,” said Bill Dubay, longtime LGBT activist.
“When Tim Burgess writes that he wants to make sure Karl Rove’s influence stays out of Seattle, I agree. We don’t need one of Rove’s lieutenants on our City Council,” said former State Democratic Party Chair Charles Rolland.
The full text of The Stranger article titled “Challenged Challenger” can be viewed at www.thestranger.com.
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BURGESS SHADES THE TRUTH ON
DELLA PUBLIC SAFETY RECORD
For Immediate Release: August 17, 2007
In a release sent out earlier this week, candidate for Seattle City Council, Tim Burgess, falsely claimed that incumbent Councilmember David Della had voted against additional police staffing.
Della has in fact voted to add 63 new officers in his first term including:
- 2005—Voted to appropriate $837,3000 for 25 new patrol officers in the budget (Resolution 30773)
- 2006—Voted in favor of the public safety package of $6 million, including 30 new officers (Council Bill 115772/Ordinance 122298)
Della also voted for a 2006 resolution requesting a five-year police-staffing plan with input from the mayor. (Resolution 30930)
“David has been a staunch supporter of both public safety and public trust in our police force,” said Council President Nick Licata.
“David Della consistently stands for a safer Seattle,” said Seattle Police Management Association President, Captain Dan Oliver.
“I’m disappointed that Tim continues to play fast and loose with the facts in this campaign,” said Charles Rolland, a Della supporter and former State Democratic Party Chair. “David’s record is clear. Tim’s, on the other hand, is full of platitudes and pandering; this is just the latest example. From changing his political donations to suit Seattle’s electorate, downplaying his support for parts of the Bush Patriot Act or doctoring David’s record on public safety, we don’t need a Councilmember who will trade principle for political
expediency.”
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DELLA GAINS SOLE ENDORSEMENT OF KING COUNTY DEMOCRATS
Garners 90 Percent of All Delegates
For Immediate Release: July 25, 2007
Seattle City Councilmember David Della received the overwhelming endorsement of the King County Democrats last night at their monthly meeting.
Della, who sponsored Seattle’s largest Families and Education Levy while chairing the Parks and Education Committee and oversaw the first decrease in City Light rates this decade while Vice-Chair of the Energy Committee, cited his progressive record of standing up for working families as a key reason for the endorsement.
“My first term on the Council has reflected my roots as one of nine children growing up on Beacon Hill with very limited resources -- support public schools, give people opportunities, make it easier for everyone to get around the city, take care of your environment and don’t blow your budget on luxuries you can’t afford,” Della said.
"David has consistently stood up for working class families and progressive values on the City Council. I especially appreciate his commitment to reducing the achievement gap in our schools as well as his work protecting wetlands and open space,” said Susan Sheary, Chair of the King County Democrats.
In a separate vote, the group declined to endorse Della challenger, Tim Burgess, with over 75 percent of the delegates voting against him.
"This one’s a no-brainer,” said Ivan Weiss. “David is a loyal Democrat who represents working people and communities of color. Tim Burgess cannot pretend that his contribution to Rob McKenna was meaningless. Those of us who supported Deborah Senn through the hate campaign directed against her know that a contribution to Rob McKenna speaks volumes.”
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DELLA LEADS CHANGES AT SEATTLE CENTER
RELEASE DATE: July 23, 2007
Councilmember sponsors legislation to create more open space for the
cultural and community heart of Seattle
SEATTLE - The Council, today, unanimously passed a resolution,
sponsored by Councilmember David J. Della, to develop a new Master Plan
that will include more open space for Seattle Center. The resolution is
the latest part of Councilmember Della’s, chair of the Parks,
Education, Labor, and Library Committee, effort to update the beloved
cultural and community heart of Seattle. Councilmember Della said,
“Seattle Center needs new investment to ensure its vitality in the
21st Century. While we are updating Seattle Center, we must make sure it
remains an accessible gathering place for our community’s working
families.”
The resolution about Seattle Center’s Master Plan is an outgrowth of
the work of the Century 21 Committee, a group of citizens who were asked
to chart the course for the next twenty years of Seattle Center’s
success. Councilmember Della wants a new Master Plan to be developed in
advance of plans for significant investment in Seattle Center.
Councilmember Della said, “Seattle Center needs new investment, but
before we can ask the public for more money we must clearly state what
our plans are for the future.”
Seattle Center will release a draft Environmental Impact Statement for
its master plan in November 2007. Councilmember Della’s proposed
resolution sets forth several questions that the Mayor must answer by
January 2008 including the financial feasibility of any new plans and
justification for any new buildings. The resolution also states that the
Council favors a significant increase in the amount of open and green
space on Seattle Center’s campus. A possible ballot measure to fund
the new master plan is envisioned for November 2008.
Councilmember Della said, “The Seattle Center belongs to all of us.
I intend to ensure that the public is fully informed and engaged as the
next phase of Seattle Center’s life begins.”
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David Della Receives Sole Endorsement of M.L. King County Labor Council
For Immediate Release: July 19, 2007
In a significant boost to his re-election campaign, the M.L. King County Labor Council, an organization representing 150,000 men and women, as well as the 11th District Democrats of South Seattle, endorsed Seattle City Councilmember David Della last night.
Della earned the backing of the Seattle’s largest labor unions (whose support he did not receive in his 2003 bid) through his unwavering advocacy for Seattle’s 37,000 waterfront and maritime related jobs, and his commitment to families struggling to survive in Seattle by reducing City Light rates and sponsoring the largest Families and Education Levy in the city’s history.
“Councilmember Della earned the support of the largest labor organization in King County due to his leadership on issues affecting working families. A former ILWU-IBU activist, Della has worked for affordable transportation solutions, expanded parks and open space and reduced electricity rates because he understands that too many families are being squeezed out of our city. The Labor Council is confident he'll continue that successful track record into a second term,” said Executive Secretary Treasurer David Freiboth.
“I know David Della's Democratic values. He has my support, the support of the 11th Legislative District Democrats and Democrats throughout King County, because of his long-time fight for social justice, his consistent support for a woman's right to make her own reproductive decisions and equal rights for all. David Della might not be a blue blood, but his blood bleeds Democratic blue,” said 11th District Chair Susan Krueller.
Della said he was grateful for the outpouring of support. “With nearly 900 donors and the support of organizations across this city, I’m building a grassroots campaign like Seattle has never seen. Voters know I won’t change my tune just because I’m up for election or because the political winds are shifting. Working families who want to live their dreams here will always be able to count on me.”
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GOVERNORS LOCKE AND LOWRY ENDORSE DAVID DELLA
For Immediate Release: July 17, 2007
Former Washington State Governors Gary Locke and Mike Lowry announced their support today for incumbent Seattle City Councilmember David Della.
"David Della has scored an impressive list of accomplishments in his first term, from reducing electricity rates to supporting family-wage jobs. But as the father of three children, I appreciate that David has kept his commitment to our kids: sponsoring the largest Families and Education Levy in Seattle's history, supporting school health clinics and voting against cuts for school nurses,” said Governor Locke.
“I have known David a long time, and I am supporting him because he is willing to stand up for the rights of people who can’t afford a lobbyist, but who need a voice on their behalf. He is a strong leader for the city because he has the courage of his convictions,” said Governor Lowry.
Della said he was grateful for the support of “two leaders who consistently fought for children, public schools and opportunities for all families, regardless of income.”
“I’ve been a reliable advocate for affordable transportation options, expanded parks and open space and housing for families who are being squeezed out of our city. I’m not an election year convert to the issues that shape the future of our city. Governors Locke, Lowry and all families in our city will be able to count on me in a second term to continue to work towards a Seattle where every family can thrive,” Della said.
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DELLA WINS SOLE ENDORSEMENT OF
37TH DISTRICT DEMOCRATS
For Immediate Release: July 10, 2007
Seattle—Seattle City Councilmember David Della received the official backing of the 37th District Democrats last night at their monthly meeting at the Central Area Senior Center. Della, who is running for a second term, received in excess of the necessary 60% support from the membership to secure the sole endorsement. “I grew up in South Seattle, and I understand how the skyrocketing costs of our city are squeezing out families and limiting opportunities,” Della said. “It’s why I nearly doubled the size of our city’s Families and Education Levy, worked to reduce electric rates for the first time this decade, voted to fix our streets without the frills and stood against the financially shaky waterfront tunnel plan.” “I believe the members of the 37th understand my values and know they don’t waver just because I’m up for election. I’m a proud Democrat. I support Democrats and have a consistent record on issues that matter to Democrats like a woman’s right to control her reproductive decisions, marriage equality and opposition to George Bush’s not-so-patriotic Patriot Act.” I’ll continue to stand up for those values just as I’ve kept my trust with the voters of this city on issues like bringing fiscal sanity to City Light and bringing more openness and transparency to our Parks Department,” Della concluded.
COUNCILMEMBER DELLA ANNOUNCES NEW PARKS LAND ACQUISITION IN CAPITOL HILL
SEATTLE – Councilmember David J. Della announced the passage of legislation to acquire land in Capitol Hill for new park space. The land, currently a parking lot at 16th and Howell, will be acquired, in part, by funds from the Pro Parks Levy.
“With the density in many of our neighborhoods, it is important that we find ways to create more open space. The ability to turn a parking lot into a neighborhood park for families and children is a great opportunity,” said Della.
The Pro Parks Levy, approved by Seattle voters in 2000, has enabled the City to invest $198.2 million to help acquire land for parks and open space, develop hundreds of capital projects, enhance recreation programs, and improved the operations of parks throughout the city. Acquiring this property will help meet the City's goal of providing parks within walking distance for residents in our urban villages, particularly those in the Center City, and will serve the needs of families on Capitol Hill for many years to come.
“The future park site at 16th and Howell will provide another opportunity for all of Seattle’s families to come together and share in a new park, adding to our city’s treasured open space” said Della. “I am excited to work with the Parks Department on this project, and look forward to the positive impact this park will have on the neighborhood.”
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DELLA ENDORSED BY BOEING MACHINISTS AND LABORERS UNION
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers and Laborers Union, Local 1239 endorsed David Della for a second term on the Seattle City Council today.
IAMAW, Local 751, which represents 45,000 active and retired workers at The Boeing Company, is one of the largest unions in Washington State.
"Over the last three and a half years, David Della has proven he is willing to stand up for working families. This is why he has our endorsement,” said Larry Brown, Political Director IAM, Local 751.
“I’m looking forward to continuing our work together,” said John Masterjohn, Business Manager of Local 1239.
“It’s an honor to have the endorsement of the Machinists and the Laborers because I’ve spent most of my adult life fighting for the needs of working families. My position on creating family wage jobs in this city has been consistent and consistently successful; I’m not an election-year convert to the issue,” Della said. “The voters of Seattle know where I stand.”
The Machinists and Laborers are the latest unions to endorse Della, joining SEIU, Local 775; ILWU, Local 19; Inland Boatmen’s Union; IFPTE, Local 17; and UA, Local 32. The Alki Foundation, Seattle Police Management Association, Rental Housing Association and the Association of General Contractors.
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Seattle Police Management Association Endorses
David Della for Seattle City Council
For Immediate Release May 31, 2007
For More Information Michael Grossman 301-0167
The Seattle Police Management Association (SPMA) endorsed Seattle City Councilmember David Della candidacy for reelection to the Seattle City Council this week.
Eric Sano, SPMA Vice President, wrote Della that the organization is hoping to maintain the “strong relationship we have fostered during your first term.”
Della, a member of the City Council’s Public Safety Committee, voted to add 56 police officers to the force in the last two years and has held neighborhood watch walks in various neighborhoods in the city to foster better communication between Seattle police and the residents they serve.
The SPMA endorsement adds to a growing list of organizations that are supporting Della including the Service Employees International Union, Local 6, International Longshore and Warehouse Union, Local 19, Filipino American Political Action Group of Washington, and Inland Boatmen’s Union.
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David Della Named Maritime Person of the Year
For Immediate Release: May 17, 2007
For More Information: Michael Grossman 206-301-0167
Seattle City Councilmember David Della was named “Maritime Person of the Year” at an awards ceremony this afternoon at the Catholic Seamen’s Club in downtown Seattle.
The annual award was given to Della on behalf of the Maritime Trades Department, Puget Sound Council and the AFL-CIO Labor Management organizations for his significant contributions to Seattle’s maritime industry.
Terry Mast, Secretary Treasurer of the Inland Boatman's Union, called Della, "the voice for working families on the waterfront.”
“David has long record of supporting of the maritime industry, so I am very excited to see him honored with this distinction,” she said.
In his speech to the group, Della recounted his father’s annual trek to Alaska and his own experiences working and organizing workers in the salmon canneries, which shaped his views on the connection between a successful maritime economy and opportunities for working class families.
“The maritime industry and the working waterfront are in my blood, and a big part of my heritage. You can count on me to advocate for its future and the future of ordinary men and women who help build this industry and this city,” Della said.
Della is in the final year of his first term on the City Council. During his first term, he worked hard to protect the 37,000 jobs in the maritime industry and has served on the boards of organizations whose missions are to foster economic growth and provide living wage jobs to people throughout the Puget Sound region, such as Port JOBS, enterpriseSeattle and the Puget Sound Regional Council.
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For Immediate Release • February 28, 2007
For More Information • Michael Grossman 301-0167
Councilmember David Della Kicks Off Bid for Re-Election
Seattle—Seattle City Councilmember David Della kicked off his re-election bid this morning with a speech to nearly 500 supporters at Seattle Center’s Fisher Pavilion.
During the speech, Della paid tribute to his late mother, Inocencia, who came to Seattle in the 1940’s, found a job at Boeing and raised nine children, despite being afflicted with polio during Seattle’s mid-century epidemic.
“If my mother were here today, she would tell you the possibilities of our City doesn’t have to depend on the size of your pocketbook, just the size of your heart,” Della said.
Della pledged to continue fighting for working class families, like the one he grew up in on Beacon Hill, who are being squeezed out of Seattle due to the lack of an affordable housing and coordinated transportation system.
“Seattle can’t shut out its next generation of dreamers, based solely on their ability to pay,” he said.
Della cited his commitment over the last three years as a voice for struggling families, including doubling the size of Seattle’s Families and Education Levy to help lessen the achievement gap between poorer and wealthier students, dropping City Light rates for the first time this decade and opposing a multi-billion dollar tunnel to replace the Alaskan Way Viaduct.
“It is my hope that my daughter’s generation can dream their dreams like her grandmother did—right here in our city,” he said.
Della said his goals for a second term included creating an affordable transportation system that can get people around the city, increasing pedestrian safety, developing more affordable housing opportunities through mixed development projects like Holly Park and revitalizing Seattle Center.
Della has already raised $60,000 from over 1,100 donors for his re-election campaign, and is endorsed by King County Executive Ron Sims; County Council members Bob Ferguson and Larry Gossett, City Council members Nick Licata, Jan Drago, Richard Conlin and Richard McIver; State Senators Ed Murray and Adam Kline; State Representatives Frank Chopp, Helen Sommers, Eileen Cody, Mary Lou Dickerson, Bob Hasegawa, Eric Pettigrew, Sharon Tomiko Santos and Phyllis Gutierrez Kenney; Port of Seattle Commissioners Lloyd Hara and Bob Edwards.