Transparency and Accountability

As City Attorney I will bring real commitment to Open Government, honoring the public’s right to know AND helping city leaders and employees to avoid problems in the first place. Instead of tying up staff time fighting public access, I will focus on important functions like public safety and protecting our quality of life.

The current interpretation of the attorney-client privilege in the City Attorney's Office has closed the door of public disclosure in Seattle. As your City Attorney, I will remember that you, the citizens of Seattle, are my most important clients and you deserve an advocate who will fight for your interests, not just the City's.

Seattle residents demand a higher standard for their government. As City Attorney, Pete will work to make sure that standard is met through open, honest government that is truly accountable to the people.

Open, Accountable, Transparent    

 

As City Attorney I will immediately take steps to create a true spirit of open government at City Hall:

 

·         I will approach questions of open meetings and open records from the perspective of the citizens and the spirit of the law, by figuring out how we can provide information, rather than how to hide it.

 

·         I will provide training for all city employees and elected leaders. We will talk to City Council members and department heads about how to release information without violating the right to privacy of our citizens and city employees.

 

·         The City Attorney’s office will lead the way by once again publishing legal opinions online, a practice discontinued under the Carr years. Citizens have a right to see the opinions – the product of the law office – that were produced with taxpayer dollars.

 

·         The City Attorney’s office will provide “one stop shopping” online for information regarding civil litigation involving the City of Seattle from start to finish.