The Seattle City Council welcomed Mayor Mike McGinn and City Attorney Pete Holmes, and new Councilmembers Sally Bagshaw and Mike O’Brien at today’s swearing in ceremony. Newly-elected and returning Councilmembers Richard Conlin and Nick Licata were also sworn in today as part of this traditional Oath of Office ceremony.

Family, friends and colleagues filled the Seattle City Council chambers to celebrate new local government leadership. Each elected official was sworn in by someone of their choice and gave brief remarks.

In her remarks, new Councilmember Sally Bagshaw said, “I make this pledge today to my colleagues and to my community: I will listen, I will build coalitions, I will seek to solve problems. I will value your opinions and your time, and we will work together to get things done.”

Newly-elected Councilmember Mike O’Brien stated, “I’m thrilled to be working with an outstanding group of fellow councilmembers, city attorney and mayor and I look forward to learning from and collaborating with them as we work to make Seattle the best city it can be.”
Councilmember Licata added, “The Council will meet the challenge of starting a new decade with new and reinvigorated energy, to tackle both the old and new problems. The future is ours to create, as we move ever onward in pursuit of the common good.”

Also sworn in today, Council President Richard Conlin stated, “All times present challenges. What is so exciting about the challenges of these times is that America has turned the corner toward renewal of our economy, our environment, ourselves, and our spirit. This is Seattle’s time to foster sustainable economic development by building the green business sector, strengthening regional partnerships, and helping small businesses.”

The inaugural ceremony and reception following was a great opportunity for the public to witness and participate in their government. The ceremony was also broadcast live on the Seattle Channel and posted at http://www.seattlechannel.org/videos/video.asp?ID=2021001.

The new council looks forward to serving in their new committee assignments, working with Mayor McGinn and City Attorney Pete Holmes and pursuing their 2010 legislative agenda.

Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast live on Seattle Channel 21 and Webcast live on the City Council’s website at http://www.seattle.gov/council/. Copies of legislation, archives of previous meetings, and news releases are available on http://www.seattle.gov/council/. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook at Seattle City Council.