Longtime Seattle City Councilmember Richard McIver, 71, died at Swedish Hospital Saturday night.
McIver served on the city council for more than 20 years before stepping down. During his tenure he chaired the City Council s Housing & Economic Development Committee and was vice-chair of the Environment, Emergency Management and Utilities Committee. He was also a member of the Transportation Committee.
Prior to his tenure on the Seattle City Council, McIver managed and evaluated rehabilitation of affordable housing, urban renewal, neighborhood development, and historic preservation efforts.
Personal problems during his last year in office preceded his decision to retire in 2009. In 2007 he was arrested at his South Seattle home on domestic violence charges following an altercation that occurred with his wife. Charges were subsequently dropped when his wife refused to testify.
The Seattle City Council released a statement Sunday, saying Richard's deep knowledge of economic development strategies and belief in the positive power of government action made him a valuable ally not just for people of color and small businesses, but for a just and equitable future for the city as a whole.
Richard employed terrific dignity, a wicked sense of humor and a sharp ear for equivocation in pursuit of a better city for all. We will miss him greatly.
Seattle Mayor McGinn on Sunday released a statement on the passing of McIver, saying Richard was warm, funny, well-loved and dedicated to his city. My thoughts are with his family and his friends. He will be missed.
