Succeeded by Tom Carr Political party Democratic Party Role Attorney | Name Mark Sidran Occupation Lawyer
Politician | |
Alma mater Harvard University
University of Washington School of Law Residence Seattle, Washington, United States Education University of Washington School of Law, Harvard University | ||
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.
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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. In 1973, he graduated from Harvard University 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. Sidran is Jewish.
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.
From 1986 to 1989, Sidran was a partner at McKay & Gaitan. He was also a Special Counsel to Governor Booth Gardner.
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. He has been called the Rudy Giuliani of Seattle. 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.
Political career
In 2001, Sidran became the Commissioner of the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission.
In 2001, Sidran ran unsuccessfully for Mayor of Seattle, losing to Greg Nickels.
In 2004, Sidran ran unsuccessfully for Attorney General of Washington, losing to Deborah Senn in the primary