Mildred Towne Powell

Mildred Towne Powell (February 9, 1886 – June 16, 1977) was an American politician who served on the Seattle city council from 1935 until her resignation in 1955. She was an active member of the Moral Re-Armament movement until her death in 1977.

Biography

Powell was born on February 9, 1886, in New London, Connecticut. She attended Smith College where she earned her bachelor's degree in 1908, and became a teacher.

Seattle city council After her husband died in 1934, she was encouraged by city leaders, including Bertha Knight Landes, to run for Seattle City Council. Powell was elected to city council on March 12, 1935, in a top-three general election, coming in third behind Frederick Hamley and Arthur B. Langlie. She ran as Mrs. F. F. Powell in honor of her husband, and was referred that way throughout her first term.

Powell served for 20 years, winning reelection six times, and was council president from 1940 to 1941. In 1950, Powell unsuccessfully ran for Congress in Washington's 1st congressional district. She described the MRA movement as aiming to "restore God to leadership as the directing force in the lives of men and of nations." She continued to speak and advocate for MRA until she died in 1977.

Personal life

Powell was active in many civic and religious organizations, including as vice president of the Seattle Council of Churches and on the boards of directors of Goodwill Industries and Camp Fire Girls. She died on June 16, 1977 and was survived by three sons.