Abstract

Records documenting Norm Rice's eleven years on the Seattle City Council, 1978-1989; included are correspondence, memoranda, and reports relating to Rice's work on financial management, housing, public safety, and education, among other issues.

Scope and Contents note

General correspondence and responses to and from constituents, covering a wide array of topics. The series generally includes complaints, requests to investigate issues and allegations, invitations, thank you letters, and marketing/lobbying correspondence. Many letters are from individuals and organizations seeking Smith's support for issues that are coming before the City Council, or asking his active support for issues taken up by other jurisdictions.

Scope and Contents note

Correspondence, memoranda, reports, and studies relating to Smith's activities and interests on City Council, especially during his final six years in office. Primary subjects include utilities, public safety, social services, and issues within the African-American community.

Scope and Contents note Correspondence to and from City departments and regional agencies, including letters to Smith which he forwarded to relevant departments for their response. The largest body of material relates to utilities, public works, parks, and public safety. The vast majority of the correspondence comprises constituent regarding charges of racial discrimination, complaints against the Seattle Police Department, issues related to utility billing, and the discontinuation of utility services. In some...

Scope and Contents note

Records include speeches and prepared statements delivered by Rice during his years on City Council. Includes Martin Luther King Jr. Day speeches and mayoral campaign speeches and policy statements.