Wesley C. Uhlman facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Wesley C. Uhlman
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| 47th Mayor of Seattle | |
| In office December 1, 1969 – January 1, 1978 |
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| Preceded by | Floyd C. Miller |
| Succeeded by | Charles Royer |
| Member of the Washington Senate from the 32nd district |
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| In office January 9, 1967 – December 1, 1969 |
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| Preceded by | Jack England |
| Succeeded by | Peter D. Francis |
| Member of the Washington House of Representatives from the 32nd district |
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| In office January 12, 1959 – January 9, 1967 |
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| Preceded by | Richard Ruoff |
| Succeeded by | Joseph L. McGavick |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Wesley Carl Uhlman
March 23, 1935 Cashmere, Washington, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
Wesley Carl Uhlman, born on March 23, 1935, is an American lawyer and politician. He served as the 47th mayor of Seattle, Washington.
Early Life and Education
Uhlman was born in Cashmere, Washington. He went to Aberdeen High School. Later, he attended Seattle Pacific College, which is now Seattle Pacific University. He also studied at the University of Washington.
Political Career Highlights
In 1958, at 23 years old, Uhlman became the youngest person elected to the Washington State House of Representatives. He served four terms there. After that, he won a seat in the Washington State Senate.
He was elected mayor of Seattle, Washington in 1969. He was reelected in 1973. At 34, he was Seattle's youngest mayor. He helped protect the historic Pioneer Square area. He also expanded services for older citizens.
Serving as Seattle's Mayor
Wesley Uhlman became mayor on December 1, 1969. He took office earlier than usual because the previous mayor had left. Soon after he started, a big economic downturn began. This was called the "Boeing Bust." The Boeing company, a major employer, greatly reduced its number of workers. Seattle faced high unemployment, and Mayor Uhlman had to cut city budgets.
Uhlman chose Frank Moore to be the chief of police. During this time, there were concerns about safety in the city. Uhlman worked to ensure peace and safety for all residents. He made it clear that violence would not be tolerated.
On November 6, 1973, Uhlman was re-elected as mayor. He won against Liem Tuai, who later became a judge. Early in his second term, in 1974, he created the Office of Policy Planning. This office helped the city plan for the future.
Mayor Uhlman wanted the city government to be more efficient. This led to some disagreements with city workers. They even tried to recall him from office. However, in a vote on July 1, 1975, the recall effort failed. Many people in Seattle supported Uhlman.
During Uhlman's time as mayor, more opportunities opened up for women and people of color in city jobs. He appointed the city's first female department head. He also supported changes to make labor unions more diverse.
His administration helped create an agreement with the United Indians of All Tribes. This led to the peaceful establishment of the Daybreak Star Cultural Center. This center is on land that was once part of Fort Lawton, now within Discovery Park.
The Kingdome stadium was built and opened in 1976 during Uhlman's term. The Mariners baseball team started playing there in 1977. The Seahawks football team began playing in 1976.
In 1977, Uhlman declared Seattle's first Gay Pride Week. In 1978, he supported civil rights protections for gay and lesbian people. After 1978, Uhlman mostly left politics. He focused on land development instead. He later opposed expanded legal rights for renters.
Uhlman had a small, non-speaking part in the 1974 movie Harry in Your Pocket. The movie was partly set in Seattle.
