Committee recommends confirmation of Vivian Vassell to Seattle Ethics and Elections Commission

The Governance, Accountability and Economic Development Committee on March 27 recommended the full City Council confirm Vivian Vassell to the Seattle Ethics and Elections Commission by a 3‑0 roll call vote.

Vassell appeared by remote video for the committee briefing and described herself as a Seattle native with a law degree and a background in public service. "I'm born and raised in Seattle," Vassell said. "...I'm committed to public service. I really love living in this city ... I just wanna help kind of make this city, keep this city the great place it is." She said she has participated in at least one commission meeting and that she supports the ethics commission’s role in reviewing complaints under the ethics, elections and lobbying codes, and in whistleblower protections.

Wayne Barnett, executive director of the Seattle Ethics and Elections Commission, introduced Vassell to the committee and said she was the commission’s unanimous choice. "Vivian is the unanimous choice of the commission for a seat on the commission," Barnett said.

Chair Sarah Nelson moved the committee recommendation. After the motion was seconded, the clerk called the roll: Council Member Teresa Rivera voted aye, Council Member Andrew Solomon voted aye and Chair Sarah Nelson voted aye. The clerk announced, "3 in favor," and the chair said the motion carries; the appointment will move to the full council on the council’s next scheduled meeting for final confirmation.

Vassell told the committee she has professional experience in the Washington attorney general's office and named current and former commission members as professional contacts who inspired her interest in the work. She said she supports the commission’s oversight of the democracy voucher program and other codes administered by the commission.

Next steps

The committee’s recommendation will be transmitted to the full council for a confirmation vote at the council meeting noted by the committee (the committee indicated the appointment will be considered by the full council on the Tuesday following the committee schedule).