The annual Westside Awards Breakfast May 4, presented by the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce at Salty's on Alki, honored local people and businesses nominated by community members.

The winners were:
Westside Not-for-Profit of the Year: West Seattle Helpline
Westside Emerging Business of the Year: HomeStreet Bank – West Seattle Branch
Westside Business of the Year: C & P Coffee
Westsider of the Year: Dave Montoure

Former Mayor Norm Rice spoke in a conversational style presentation with questions coming from Hamilton Gardiner, Partner at Holmquist & Gardiner LLC and the audience.

Rice noted the "can-do" attitude about this region and said "You need a strong banking and financial community to make the kinds of investments that everybody benefits from."

He politely declined to offer advice to current elected officials saying, "I didn't like anyone giving me advice so I try to keep my mouth shut and offer no comment."

Speaking about the rapid growth in West Seattle Rice said, "I think you're doing it by the organizations you belong in and by understanding it isn't just your business it's your community and being involved in your community as much as you are your business. The more you have your finger on the pulse in that way, the better off you are... One of the things that i see about West Seattle not only geographically but you are very unique place... there's a sense of community that's strong and I think it is felt no matter where you go. I think that spirit for want of a better word, makes sure your voice is heard."

Rice mentioned that another mayor, West Seattle's Greg Nickels was his Legislative Assistant and Irene Stewart and David Della were on his campaign staff.

The city has changed representative structure since his terms in office as Mayor from 1989 to 1997. He said he "liked the at-large system for City Councilmembers" over the District Representative system, because, " in some ways you had to go all over the city rather than one place... you had to make sure your decisions could be justified wherever you go, and that's the city."

Gardiner asked what Rice was most proud of and Mayor Rice revealed he's in the process of writing a book about his successful election as Mayor in 1989. but said, "What I really like is the re-birth of downtown and the economic development that took place. The first education summit, bringing the city together over the issue of bussing, which whether your like it or not was very divisive, and trying to make an investment which led to the Family and Education Levy to make every child safe, healthy and ready to learn."

Rice felt he had a hand in, "Recognizing that Seattle is a regional player, not just by itself but recognizing that it is part of a region."

"And it's probably at the end of the day, being an honest broker for change."

Rice wanted to applaud Mayor Murray and the Seattle Police Department for their handling of the May Day demonstrations, saying, "That is tough...He did a damn good job."