Politics
Tim Burgess: Seattle’s police-chief appointment comes at a critical time
Mayor McGinn faces his most important hire yet, at a time when crime and street disorder are on the rise and the public's trust in its officers is faltering.
Tim Burgess
Tim Burgess served for 10 years as a Seattle City Council member and as the city’s 55th mayor. He retired in 2017. He is also a former Seattle police officer and detective.
Latest work
Politics
Tim Burgess: Less is more in punishing crime
City Councilmember Burgess's aggressive panhandling ordinance has drawn lots of stones. He says the plan can work as part of larger efforts to re-establish community norms, reduce the emphasis on punishment, provide better services, and target those whose behavior is a real problem.
Opinion
Fight 'alternative facts': Build a center for public media
Editors’ note: This guest opinion advocates for a center that could be of benefit to Crosscut, its sister organization KCTS
Politics
City Council President: 5 key post-Ferguson police reforms
Guest Opinion: U.S. history plays a powerful role in shaping the reactions to police power. But if we understand how we arrived here, Seattle can plan a better future.
Politics
It’s time for universal preschool in Seattle
Guest Opinion: Universal preschool would level the playing field for Seattle kids at all income levels.