Jeanette Williams: the passing of a Seattle pioneer

With the passing of longtime Seattle City Councilmember Jeanette Williams, Seattle has lost a champion of good government, a public servant who worked tirelessly on everything from parks to helping secure a new West Seattle Bridge.

Williams was part of the golden era of the council, the 1970s and 1980s, when it was full of heft. She doggedly led the way in acquiring stunning Kubota Gardens in South Seattle.

She was instrumental in helping to acquire a new West Seattle Bridge after a distracted freighter pilot rammed the old one. Williams and former Mayor Charles Royer traveled often to Washington, D.C., to work with Sen. Warren Magnuson to secure federal funds for the bridge. Williams also was a player in the creation of Magnuson Park.

Williams introduced early legislation to prohibit discrimination in employment and housing for gays and lesbians.

This reform-minded council member made things happen. She will be sorely missed.