Harrell promises an "obsession with excellence" and kindness and will reject fear.
That said, fear was a big element in campaign messages.
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Conversation
Mayor Harrell said he'd be humble enough to accept ideas from anyone, not just those in his inner circle.
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"No more of this Seattle is dying narrative," Harrell said, saying he wants people to see Seattle thriving.
A reminder: this was a mailer that helped elect him.
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"We reject slogans and mean tweets," Harrell said, outlining his "One Seattle" vision to unite Seattle.
He is flanked by his executive team including Deputy Mayors Kendee Yamaguchi and Monisha Harrell and Director of Strategic Initiative Tim Burgess to the right.
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Harrell has sketched out a universal health care plan, a mentorship program for kids, and increased programming at community centers as initiatives he'll pursue.
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"In our administration we are not going play small ball," Harrell said. "This is not the time for small ball. This is the time to be creative and bold."
The last four years have seen plenty of small ball, delay, squabbling, and inaction.
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First question in media availability went to who asked him to outline his plan to provide opportunities to Black Seattleites. Harrell gave a lengthy answer touching on mentorship, education, and six figures jobs at the port.
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Second question was on who will be his police chief. Harrell said he likes and respects Interim Chief Adrian Diaz and wants to give him a chance to win the job. But, after a trial period, he may launch a national search.
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"Let's talk about progressive: I'm not sure what that means," Harrell said, mentioning he had most racially and culturally diverse team... "I ran on a progressive agenda," Harrell said. "When you talk about health care for all."
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Mayor Harrell seems to bristle at labels and offered an olive branch saying he'd work with progressives. "My plea to people who self proclaim to be the progressives. Give me a chance. I'll work with you" he said.
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Last question was about how soon he expects to see results on homelessness. He said it would take some time to see results, but he and Deputy Mayor Tiffany Washington are working feverishly and are passionate about getting people housed.
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Echoing Compassion Seattle language, Harrell promised 2,000 units of emergency housing in his first year.
Mayor Durkan came far short of her first year promise of 1,000 tiny houses so it could be a tall task, esp. w/o raising new public revenue.
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Also missed Harrell's affordable housing section so catching up. "In One Seattle, we'll have affordable housing for all," Harrell said, promising an executive order to review permitting process for affordable housing.
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Such an order would build on legislation passed by and the Seattle Council cutting red tape for affordable housing projects.
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