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 March 23, 1935) is an American lawyer and politician. He served as the 47th mayor of Seattle, Washington.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Wesley Uhlman was born in Cashmere, Washington. He went to Aberdeen High School. Later, he studied at Seattle Pacific College (now Seattle Pacific University). He also attended the University of Washington. There, he joined the Theta Delta Chi Social Fraternity.
Political Career
In 1958, at just 23 years old, Wesley Uhlman became the youngest member of the Washington State House of Representatives. He served four terms there. After that, he was elected to the Washington State Senate.
Becoming Seattle's Mayor
In 1969, Uhlman was elected mayor of Seattle. He was only 34, making him Seattle's youngest mayor. He was reelected in 1973.
Facing Challenges as Mayor
Uhlman became mayor on December 1, 1969. Soon after, the "Boeing Bust" happened. The Boeing company, a major employer, cut many jobs. This led to high unemployment in Seattle. Mayor Uhlman had to make tough decisions and cut city budgets.
He worked to keep the city safe. He chose Frank Moore to be the chief of police. Uhlman also made sure that local police would act fairly if federal agents were involved in city matters.
Key Achievements and Changes
During his time as mayor, Uhlman helped save the historic Pioneer Square area. He also expanded services for senior citizens. His administration worked to create more opportunities for women and people of color in city jobs. For example, he appointed Virginia Galle as the city's first female department head.
Uhlman's team also made an agreement with United Indians of All Tribes. This led to the creation of the Daybreak Star Cultural Center. This center was built on land that used to be part of Fort Lawton.
Sports and Community
The Kingdome stadium was built and opened in 1976 during Uhlman's term. This allowed new sports teams to play in Seattle. The Seahawks football team started in 1976. The Mariners baseball team began playing in 1977.
In 1977, Mayor 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.
A Movie Cameo
Wesley Uhlman even had a small, non-speaking part in the 1974 movie Harry in Your Pocket. The movie was partly set in Seattle. He played a "victim" of the main character, who was a pickpocket.
Images for kids
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Wes Uhlman in Pike Place Market, 1976.
