Last week, the Seattle Times published an op-ed from two advocates for child sex abuse survivors asking why why Mayor Ed Murray continued to hold office for nearly six months after the initial allegations against him were reported. After four allegations of child sex abuse, the Seattle City Council decided not to ask Murray to step down, but after a fifth, Murray resigned.
"How was Murray able to remain in public office during this time?" they asked. "And why do we consistently doubt the personal accounts of those who have the courage to come forward?"
We probably won't ever get access to City employees' internal conversations about the allegations, but a public records request for all messages about the allegations the Mayor's Office received between April and July 31 reveals how some City employees chose to respond to those first four allegationsâand Murray's claims that his accusers were untrustworthy or conspiratorial. After Murray sent out a letter to City staffers claiming that the allegations were false but that he had still decided not to run for reelection, nearly all responses from City employees offered condolences and praise. All the emails turned over to the Stranger were sent to Murray within the week after the mayor's announcement.
Read excerpts of the emails below. We have not included city employees' names, but their departments instead. Tomorrow, we'll publish excerpts from constituents' messages over that same period of time.
May 9, 2017
Mayor Murray,
As a City of Seattle employee, please know I will be doing everything I can to support you and the work youâve started as Mayor. As resident of Seattle, please know I have appreciated your strong and decisive leadership on difficult issues. And as a member of the LGBT community, please know I am grateful beyond words for your decades of tireless effort. Thank you for all that youâve done and will continue to do.
Seattle City Light
May 9, 2017
It has been a pleasure to serve under you and I look forward to seeing you as a future city advocate once your tour of duty is complete. I hope to continue hearing your voice in the policy work of Seattle.
Department of Finance and Administrative Services
May 9, 2017
Sorry you are leaving.
Look at Trump who woke up every mo9rnin g to see how he can irritate people.
Look at what you have accomplished working to make life better for all Sealltlelites and have done so much better for everyone|
Seattle City Light
May 9, 2017
Thank You for the great work , and the goals you have impressed on all of us
Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections
May 9, 2017
Dear Mayor Murray, I am deeply sadden by the news and I feel the pain your family and the City is going through. I was very impressed by your speeches given in several RSJI conventions. I was inspired by your dedication to help the most under served and under privileged populations. I am so proud to live in Seattle because of you who stood up and lead us bravely forward at difficult time like this.
May our paths cross again. Take heart and onward!
Seattle Center Staff
May 9, 2017
Best wishes to you and thank you for your decades of service to our community. I know your good work will continue and I will continue with you.
Seattle Parks and Recreation
May 9, 2017
Good afternoon Sir,
I want to thank you very much for all the accomplishments and the stance to make Seattle the best place to live.
I am in hopes to make the best 8 months possible for all of us as a City family!
Again, Thank you.
Miscellaneous Staff
May 9, 2017
I just want to let you know that I always have and always will support you. I believe that you are a fantastic Mayor, and awesome person, and are doing great things for this city. I believe that since you have been doing what is right for us, and that you have helped the city grow in an progressive manner, and have taken a stand in consideration of all peoples in Seattle, like announcing that we are a Sanctuary City, could be why you have been targeted by folks who are simply out to damage the great reputation of someone who is doing the right thing, and will not follow their leader, but follow your conscience by doing what is right for all, instead of the few. My heart is completely broken with what has happened. My gut instincts tell me that they are lies and a smear campaign put together by those who are opposite of what Seattle is and has accomplished under your
leadership.. It sickens me so much. My heart goes out to you and your family. If there is anything that I could do to help, I surely will. Unfortunately, I do not live in Seattle, otherwise, I would of course vote for you if I could. You have done such good work for us. I sincerely hope that not only are you successful in your future endeavors, but that they include public service. We need you. We need good people like you. You have and do inspire so many folks, including me. I am so sad that you will not be running for reelection. I am sure that you would win. You will be missed for sure. I look forward to seeing what you do next. You are a pillar of the greater Seattle community. Thank you so much for all that you do! You are awesome!
Seattle Parks and Recreation
May 9, 2017
My Mayor, I so very sorry â I will certainly do all I can to see your/our work through to best of my ability/support.
Seattle Parks and Recreation
May 9, 2017
I am so sorry that you are leaving your position, Mayor Murray. I think you have been one of our best mayors for this City. I think the City of Seattle has improved a great deal in many ways because of you. I hope that you return again after all this commotion is over and you are able to concentrate completely on the job again. I wish you all the best in the future and thank you wholeheartedly for all your hard work on behalf of our City. I will be looking forward to voting for you again whenever you believe you are ready to return. Many blessings.
Seattle City Light
May 9, 2017
Thank you for your GREAT leadership, Mayor, your legacy will endure!
Office of Planning and Community Service
May 9, 2017
Thank you for ALL you have done!
Proud to call you MAYOR Ed Murray!
Seattle Parks and Recreation
May 9, 2017
Hello Mayor,
Thank you for all you have done for the people of Seattle; it has been an honor working for you. I am so sorry you and Michael have had to suffer from these vicious, hate-motivated attacks.
Seattle Parks and Recreation
May 10, 2017
Edward Murray,
Thank you for all youâve done for the City of Seattle.
Iâve enjoyed working under you leadership and for one, hate to see you go.
Peace, joy, love and many blessing for you and Mikeâs future years.
Seattle Public Utilities
May 11, 2017
I was truly disheartened when this announcement was made that you wouldnât seek re-election. You were doing a remarkable job as Mayor; standing strong in your beliefs in keeping Seattle a sanctuary city, even with threats from the White House to pull Federal Funding. You stood against homelessness, poor or unfair treatment of Immigrants and Refugees, as well as making sure we have affordable housing.
I understand the cloud these allegation may have cast on your campaign, but from all youâve shown, you have the proven ability to pull through and weather the storms.
Having said all that please always remember even âthis too-shall passââŚ
I thank you for your service as our Mayor, and I wish you further greatness and blessings in whichever direction your future leads you.
Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections
May 11, 2017
Sir, if you are guilty of the allegations made against you, please admit to them and perhaps set a tone for others (e.g., our president) to admit to their mistakes, too.
Seattle Parks and Recreation
May 15, 2017
Dear Mayor Murray,
I am deeply grateful for all the terrific work you have done over the past decades.
Your legacy will live on.
City of Seattle Legislative Branch
