Seattle gets third mayor in a week

SEATTLE — Seattle has its third mayor in less than a week following the resignation last week of Ed Murray amid allegations that he sexually abused teenage boys decades ago.

On Monday, Seattle city council named Councilman Tim Burgess, a former Seattle police detective, to serve as mayor until voters elect a replacement in November.

“I promise to work every day for the next 71 days to help heal and move the city forward,” Burgess said after the 5-1 vote to approve his nomination.

In accordance with the city’s charter, Council President Bruce Harrell had been sworn in after Murray resigned last Wednesday.

Harrell had five days to decide whether to give up his council seat and serve out Murray’s term; he took two days before declining the top job.

Burgess, 68, was first elected in 2007 and helped lead the effort to expand preschool access in Seattle. He had decided not to run for re-election.

Murray, Burgess and Harrell are all Democrats.

Murray, a first-term mayor who previously served as a state lawmaker, denied the accusations against him but said his resignation was best for the city.

Former U.S. attorney Jenny Durkan and urban planner Cary Moon, both Democrats, are running for mayor in the November election.