Mark Sidran

Mark Sidran (born July 7, 1951) is a former Seattle City Attorney, serving three terms from 1990 to 2002. He is remembered most for his controversial "civility" laws.^[1][2]

Early life

Sidran grew up in the Rainier Valley neighborhood of Seattle, Washington. He attended Franklin High School alongside future-Governor Gary Locke and was elected Class President during his senior year.^[3] He attended college at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, graduating in 1973 with a Bachelor's degree in Government. He then returned to Seattle to attend the University of Washington School of Law, graduating in 1976 with a Juris Doctor.^[4] Sidran is Jewish.^[5]

Legal career

Sidran spent ten years (1975-1985) as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office. Later, as head of the Juvenile Division, he played a major role in the child molestation prosecution of Judge Gary Little.^[6]

From 1986 to 1989, Sidran was a partner at McKay & Gaitan.^[7] He was also a Special Counsel to Governor Booth Gardner.^[5]

In 1990, Sidran ran for and was elected as Seattle City Attorney. Sidran was highly controversial for his "no broken windows" approach to law enforcement.^[8] He has been called the Rudy Giuliani of Seattle.^[9] For example, he sponsored civility ordinances against public urination, public drinking, aggressive panhandling, sleeping in parks, sitting on sidewalks, and driving with a suspended license. His supporters have claimed that these ordinances cleaned up the city significantly, while detractors claim that they unfairly harass the homeless.^[4][10]

Political career

In 2001, Sidran became the Commissioner of the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission.^[5]

In 2001, Sidran ran unsuccessfully for Mayor of Seattle, losing to Greg Nickels.^[11]

In 2004, Sidran ran unsuccessfully for Attorney General of Washington, losing to Deborah Senn in the primary ^[12]

References