FOLLOWUP: Will the lone City Council appointment finalist from West Seattle run next year?

One day after City Councilmembers chose Tanya Woo to fill the citywide Position 8 vacancy until November, we heard from the lone West Seattleite among the other seven finalists. Steve Strand, who is commander of the West Seattle VFW Post as well as a Seattle Police captain, told WSB, “I would like to send out a big thank you to the outpouring of support I received from the West Seattle community. I will continue to work hard to make Seattle safe as a captain on the Seattle police department. It was just gratifying to hear the lives I’ve touched throughout West Seattle.” When each councilmember nominated a finalist from among the 72 “qualified applicants” on January 12th, Strand was nominated by Council President Sara Nelson, but on Tuesday, she was one of the five councilmembers who voted to appoint Woo (as was D-1 Councilmember Rob Saka). The appointment only lasts until someone is elected this fall, so will Strand file to run for the job? His reply: “I haven’t decided yet. We’ll see what kind of feedback I get.”

Josh January 24, 2024 (4:59 pm)

Just as Woo will get mopped by whoever they run against so would this guy. The only way people like an antitax activist and a police captain will get into office in this city is when they are appointed. Especially considering the election will be in an even year presidential election 6 out of 8 of the finalists would get completely laughed off the ballot. This is not a critique of them or their politics just the obvious reality of politics in this city.

Jeepney January 25, 2024 (5:28 am)

The vitriolic anti-Woo sentiment on the WSB is disturbing but not surprising. What inspires such disdain and negative comments? Sad times we are in…..

4people January 24, 2024 (7:14 pm)

He should definitely run for District 1 in 3 years. Got my vote for sure.

Alki resident January 25, 2024 (8:12 am)

Yes! Please run. We will definitely vote for you. I think it’s past time we get a member of law-enforcement on the city council. For one, it sends a clear message to our beleaguered police department that the citizens of Seattle DO support them, and that the previous activist council did not represent all of our views. Two, I think it’s important to have their input and hand In the policies affecting this city.

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