SHOULD MURRAY RESIGN? West Seattle’s Greg Nickels, 3 other ex-mayors say no. Councilmember González wants ‘voluntary or involuntary transition’ issues addressed

West Seattleite Greg Nickels (mayor from 2002-2010) is one of four former Seattle mayors – Norm Rice (1990-1998), Charles Royer (1978-1990), Wes Uhlman (1970-1978) – say it’s enough that Ed Murray is not running for re-election. Despite the most recent revelation that an Oregon caseworker believed Murray had molested his foster child, they don’t think he should resign. Here’s the “open letter” sent to media this morning:

Murray has said he doesn’t intend to quit. The signatories to the letter represent four of the six mayors who served before Murray; his immediate predecessor Mike McGinn – now running to get the job back – has called for Murray to resign. (Paul Schell, who held the job for one term between Rice and Nickels, died in 2014.)

The City Council could take action to remove Murray, and West Seattle-residing citywide Councilmember Lorena González said last week that he should consider stepping down. In a new statement today, she says the City Council should “independently address issues related to either a voluntary or involuntary transition of Executive leadership.”

West Seattle Hipster July 24, 2017 (10:25 am)

Murray should step down, as I believe he has zero credibility as a leader. He has been a poor mayor and the city is in need of new leadership asap.

T Rex July 24, 2017 (11:06 am)

I think it is pretty apparent that he dropped out of the re-election race because he knew the paperwork would be found eventually. To stay in office now is simply for the benefits and a very sad attempt to save what is now a very damaged reputation. This entire situation is a very sad mark on Seattle’s city government.

And who is God’s name thought to ask former mayor’s? Who cares? This story just keep getting more bizarre.

And what are we thanking Murray for exactly? More homeless people and soon “safe injection sites”?

ScottG July 24, 2017 (11:29 am)

So, some far from the past mayors say- let it ride, because switching up is too much trouble.. (That’s my take, anyway.)

office administration has changed a great deal in the last 40 years, 30 years, 20 years , etc- so, respectfully- what is the value of this perspective? Murray’s leadership has been an abysmal failure far before any of these allegations, so- how much worse could things get by changing up now?

What about the value of showing that Seattle leadership cares about this city and it’s citizens, and is willng to take a stand for what’s right, and move forward NOW- even if it hurts Ed Murreys feelings..?! Get some dignity, Seattle! The time is NOW! Show the world that we have some integrity, and that honor is an important part of leadership.

DadWest1 July 24, 2017 (11:30 am)

Step down. He’s the worst mayor we ever had. Nickels can also stop talking.

Gina July 24, 2017 (11:46 am)

Financially speaking he should lame duck the remainder. Either way he will get a huge severance package. Not as if there would be any consequences to him. For the taxpayer it would be cheaper for him to stay until the end of the year.

FJ July 24, 2017 (12:17 pm)

In other news….. sexual predator still in office! It is super gross they are defending him.

Donald Minke July 24, 2017 (12:24 pm)

Ed Murray is needs to go hand over the office now.

His abuse of children under his care in foster care is pure Evil…(and I do t say that often)

He has brought his evil to Seattle: Homeless and heroin needles in way larger quantity than when he started almost makes me wonder if he favors that policy so there are more young victims in the area for him to prey on…

There are so many more issues with this man…

Ed just go away please…If you really care more about this city than your own self…go…

paul July 24, 2017 (12:31 pm)

Having him step down is a waste of money. Just let him be until a new mayor is elected. How about focusing some energy on traffic lights that are not timed, or intersections that are dangerous. If I was a resident, (Im out of the city limits by 3 blocks) I would be more vocal. I can say that I do not support Gonzalez at all.

skeeter July 24, 2017 (12:32 pm)

As long as he’s showing up at his duty post and making an
effort to run the city I see no benefit to him stepping down. His
political career is over. As long as he stays away from vulnerable
children lets let the man continue to do his job for a few more months.

Idontknow July 24, 2017 (1:03 pm)

Not enough proof to put him in jail- so, he might as well be mayor..!

stay in office, because to change would be costly..?

This perspective assumes he would otherwise effectively maintain office. How effective could he be? Every stilted move from this point forward is heavy with scandal and staff eager to distance themselves! It would be more effective to shut the office down, with no replacement, than to continue as is?!

get a clue- Seattle needs to show quick and decisive action to maintain ANY credibility. (If that’s even possible at this point.) how have we become so paralyzed? Do we find it more politically correct to let this alleged molester reign, than to remove him? If you’re worried about Murray taking an undeserved admonishment, it’s ok- better people lose their jobs all the time! and he’s gotten plenty of free pass cards in the past.. For seattle’s honor- I feel he can take the heat.

Gene July 24, 2017 (12:47 pm)

Who in the heck cares what former Mayors have to say.

You gotta scratch your head at a comment like” as long as he stays away from vulnerable children( which would mean all children) let the man continue to do his job” Sheesh!

Idontknow July 24, 2017 (1:16 pm)

“We should now Thank the mayor for his service to our city, and look forward to him coming to work every day on behalf of the people of Seattle..”

Spoken like a bunch of former mayors.

Truly embarassing…

Steve July 24, 2017 (1:19 pm)

The hypocrisy is so disgusting. If mayor Eddie was a cop the council would host a town forum to persecute him and Satwant would be shutting down the streets with her minions. What are we saying about Seattle when we condone this type of behavior by the mayor?

Diane July 24, 2017 (1:19 pm)

please include the very important news that the City of
Seattle LGBT Commission has called for the mayor’s resignation; that is huge;
personally, I’d like to see him handcuffed, locked up, and pay significance
financial restitution to the victims who were so brave to tell their truth

Diane July 24, 2017 (2:18 pm)

also, I have lost
respect for the majority of City Councilmembers who have remained silent,
and/or called for the mayor to remain in office, and criticized Lorena (when
she was only CM ask for the mayor’s resignation, CM Bagshaw accused her of “grandstanding”);
same loss of respect for the four former mayors coming out with this statement;
what a slap in the face to all survivors of child rape; highest praise and
respect for CM Lorena Gonzales for her courage in standing up to the mayor and
all the other CM’s, calling for mayor to consider resigning; thanks to former
mayor McGinn, who has joined several other mayoral candidates (Nikkita Oliver,
Cary Moon, Jessyn Farrell) in calling for the mayor’s resignation; I was deeply
disappointed to hear mayoral candidate Bob Hasegawa at king5 debate say he
would not call for mayor’s resignation, “We need to let the process play itself
out”; I was wavering between Nikkita or Bob for mayor; he instantly lost my
vote with that answer; we vote in 8 days; Nikkita Oliver for Mayor; and please
get current mayor out of city hall now

Diane July 24, 2017 (2:23 pm)

“The Seattle LGBTQ Commission on Monday called for Mayor Ed Murray to immediately resign”; I’m so proud of our LGBTQ Commission calling the mayor’s behavior SILENCING, MANIPULATIVE, MORALLY REPUGNANT; I totally agree; “We acknowledge that you have dismissed these allegations of sexual assault as ‘right-wing, anti-gay’ activity,” the commission said. The commission added, however, “We perceive your attempt to dismiss these claims as a ‘politically motivated’ monolithic issue of homophobia to be a maneuver that is divisive and damaging to our community. Claiming homophobic intent to shield yourself from accountability and erase the experiences of survivors of sexual abuse is silencing, manipulative, and morally repugnant.”

http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/seattle-lgbtq-commission-says-mayor-ed-murray-should-resign-former-mayors-disagree/

skeeter July 24, 2017 (2:28 pm)

Gene I think you are missing my point. Seattle voters elected this man to do a
job. He should only resign or be removed
if he can no longer perform that function.
I’m not excusing his behavior. I
have no idea if he abused children. By
all means, if he broke the law then he should be brought up on charges. But I don’t see how removing a person elected
to office is in the best interest of the city and its citizens unless someone
can demonstrate he can no longer perform the task he was elected to do.

Mark July 24, 2017 (2:55 pm)

The city is dysfunctional regardless. Whatever happened to basics, law enforcement being allowed to arrest or cite people breaking the law, fixing maintaining streets and having the expectation that people need to conduct themselves within the law.

Enid July 24, 2017 (3:13 pm)

I agree with Paul and Skeeter. Murray’s career is over anyway. Forcing him to step down so close to the end of his term serves only to make a statement – but at great cost to taxpayers. Let him do the perp walk on his way out.

Nigel July 24, 2017 (3:18 pm)

As a gay man, I remember when I could not be employed by the federal government due to my sexual orientation, I also remember when I could not teach due to my sexual orientation. I vaguely remember the concept of innocent until proven guilty. If you want the mayor to give up his job and go to jail due to an allegation, I say be very careful unless someone accuses you of a crime. Would you so willingly give up your job and go to jail without a trial and guilty verdict?

AmandaK July 24, 2017 (3:57 pm)

If he can’t be held accountable by law, he needs to be held accountable by the people of Seattle. Professionals found enough questionable behavior to conclude he is not allowed to foster children FOR LIFE in Oregon. I could care LESS what former Mayor’s think. He needs to be removed immediately, it’s a travesty that he is still in office.

Gene July 24, 2017 (4:08 pm)

Well Skeeter- the thought that the leader of City of Seattle government can/ should continue in that capacity as long as he ” stays away from vulnerable children” is not only nonsensical- it’s actually an abhorrent thought- to me- but obviously not to you & others.

skeeter July 24, 2017 (4:44 pm)

He’s accused of abusing children. There is documentation he abused children. Why is it nonsensical/abhorrent to try to keep him away from children while he serves out the remainder of his term?

I feel like we might be on different pages. Of a different book.

Done with Seattle July 24, 2017 (4:21 pm)

He doesn’t need to resign – he needs to REGISTER! Come on, Seattle let’s get this creep off our payroll.

wscommuter July 24, 2017 (4:21 pm)

Interesting to read the comments here, which seem to fall mostly into a couple of camps: those that presume the mayor is guilty and those who don’t care whether he’s guilty, but they dislike him for other reasons.

I don’t know whether Murray is guilty of molesting these young men. My suspicion is that he did, but I can’t condemn someone when I don’t know all the facts (hence, why we have courts and rules of evidence). It bothers me how easily others do jump to conclusions apparently because the conclusions conveniently fit a larger narrative of disliking the mayor, especially for other reasons.

This is what Trump does – attacks those he perceives as enemies regardless of what the truth may be. It is to act without shame and little sense of honor.

If the mayor did do these things, then a small bit of justice is served by the destruction of his career. If he didn’t, then it is unjust to have his career destroyed this way. I don’t know which is true. And neither does anyone else commenting on this site. So it doesn’t make much sense to me to get all worked up over whether he should resign with a few months to go.

Double Dub Resident July 24, 2017 (6:43 pm)

Is that what the LGBTQ Commission did wscommuter? Act like Trump? or are they exempt because it doesn’t fit your narrative of accusing others of their reasons

West Seattle Hipster July 24, 2017 (6:25 pm)

Thank you Seattle LGBTQ Commission for calling this person out as he truly is, he is a gay man “playing the card” to save face to the people who elected him. He is a disgrace to Seattle and a disgrace to the LGBTQ community.

Shameful.

dsa July 24, 2017 (6:26 pm)

When was the trial? I missed that part. I don’t like the mayor, but until proven guilty…stop convicting him.

Lesswimpy July 25, 2017 (11:09 am)

We don’t need a trial. Who is suggesting a criminal sentence?

This scandal is enough to render the office ineffectual at best. All we are asking for is to remove this blight from the command post of our city. True or false, if this person TRULY CARED about the well-being of Seattle, they would step down and allow our city to move forward, and attempt to regain some dignity..

Its not you, Ed- it’s us. Can you please just let us be?

Enough July 25, 2017 (9:53 am)

It is enough! Does anyone really feel like this person has such a profound effect on anything that a random group of people from his past are going to selectively come forward to participate in some grand conspiracy to defame him!?! That is not enough for you? The sheer ick factor of having our city run by this buffoon so foul that multiple people will face the stigma of admiting they were sexually molested by him- SHOULD BE ENOUGH! This is not a court ordered sentence- the burden of proof is not that high. We can determine this man is not fit to run our city! Seattle , quit being such mamby pamby ninnies. Are you really not CITY enough to stand up to this monster? I am embarassed..

skeeter July 25, 2017 (1:06 pm)

” if this person TRULY CARED about the well-being of Seattle, they would step down and allow our city to move forward, and attempt to regain some dignity.. “

I see your point but it’s not that simple. If he was to step down, it would create a leadership vacuum. That would be followed by months of chaos and distraction. The city has hundreds and hundreds of employees and ongoing projects. The best way to move forward, in my opinion, is keep the man in his job so long as he’s able and willing to do it.

Enough July 25, 2017 (3:41 pm)

I think you have it, except exactly wrong. Were Murray to remain in position…

That would be followed by months and months of chaos and distraction.

I don’t know what you think the mayor is going to be doing from this point forward that is so critical? He’s not doing the scheduling or anything.

in my estimation, anyone, or no one, would be preferable and more effective than the current situation. This scandal is not going to die down or go away, as long as he is in power- so best thing would be to address it and move on..

and – there really IS a value in the symbolic gesture- and Seattle NEEDS it.
- Double Dub Resident July 26, 2017 (6:23 am)
  
  I’ll also add that it is a hyperbole hypothetical that all will be in chaos if the mayor steps down. Positions are put into place for a reason and an interim mayor will simply be put into place.
  
  It’s not like Murray staying he’s going to get anything done. He will simply be the lamest of what a lame duck mayor is. He needs to step down. He has been a disaster in just about every aspect and now even the LGBTQ Commission is calling for him to step down.
  
  Yes, symbolic gestures can mean something.

Greg August 9, 2017 (10:31 pm)

He needs to go, yesterday. I agree with Diane – I have lost respect for most of our CMs, including Lisa Herbold in District 1. Those who have not had the courage to take a strong and courageous stance on this need to go as well. If they cannot read an Oregon DSHS Report, and its findings – a governmental agency, and not understand the seriousness of it, they are also not fit for public office in my view. This report is a type of administrative adjudication. If DSHS in WA investigated you or I, and disqualified us to be foster parents due to abuse allegations, do you think we would ever be able to run for mayor and get elected? Whether or not he was convicted in a formal court is a moot point. DSHS does these types of investigations all the time, and, they are determinative. Kudos to the LGBTQ Commission for having the courage to call for the mayor’s resignation – that is what leadership is all about.

Sorry, comment time is over.