Farewell To Jim Street, Good Servant And Wonk

------------------------------------------------------------------ THE END OF 1995 also marks the end - or at least a significant break - in the career of two noteworthy local officials, King County Councilman Bruce Laing and City Councilman Jim Street. Today, we wish the merriest of Christmases to all of our readers and pay special tribute to these two and the traits we most admire in their combined 28 years of public service. ------------------------------------------------------------------

AFTER twelve years, Jim Street departs the Seattle City Council this week. He leaves open the possibility of seeking another elective office in the future, perhaps even the mayoral spot, which he unsuccessfully sought in 1989.

In many ways, Street is the quintessential Seattle politician - which is to say, more policymaker than backslapper, more concerned with good government and citizen input than power politics.

Many have criticized the inordinate amount of "process" connected to public policy in this community. And at times, the process can slow down needed action to a glacial pace. But process is also the only means by which ordinary citizens, parents, business people connect to the decisions being made on their behalf.

Street, as he himself admits, has a very high tolerance for process. He has logged in more hours at more community meetings, land use hearings, neighborhood planning sessions than most people can stomach. The result is an intimate familiarity with the down-on-the-ground issues that affect urban life.

His progressive leanings and support for family programs have made a real difference. His willingness to stand his ground on less-than-popular positions - such as his opposition to the Mariner ballpark ballot measure - deserves some respect too.

Seattle should count itself lucky to have had many elected officials like Street. Accessibility, rationality, and diligence among local leaders have made Seattle a more livable and compassionate city. Street exemplifies those qualities in a public servant, and he will be missed.