Sue Donaldson

Sue Donaldson was a member of the Seattle City Council from 1990 to 2000 and served as council president from 1998 to 1999.

Seattle city council Appointment and elections Donaldson was appointed to the council on January 19, 1990, to fill the first of two years of Norm Rice's remaining term, after he was elected Mayor of Seattle. She would run in the 1990 special election with David Moseley, a political adviser and community activist, her primary opponent. In the November general election, Donaldson defeated Mosely in a landslide, 73% to 27%.

In 1991, Donaldson ran for reelection with three challengers, with Freedom Socialist Party member Yolanda Alaniz moving past the September primary. In the November general election, Donaldson again won in a landslide earning 82% of the vote. Brower sued the city of Seattle in October 1995 for allegedly misusing federal housing money for the new Nordstrom flagship store, which Donaldson voted in favor of. In the general election, Donaldson would win in another landslide, 77% to 23%.

Donaldson was council president from 1998 to 1999. As president, she lobbied the United States Department of State to host the World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference of 1999. During the conference, people protested the event, which led to rioting through downtown Seattle, sometimes referred to as the Battle of Seattle. Police chief Norm Stamper resigned after the riots, which Donaldson opposed and placed blame on Mayor Paul Schell saying, "It is unfortunate that the mayor has taken this action at this time."

In 1999, Donaldson announced that she would not seek reelection.

Personal life Donaldson is a graduate of Harvard University and earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Washington. Before running for city council, she was a property lawyer for Perkins Cole.

Donaldson is married to Dr. Paul Fletcher, and they have three daughters.