Jim Ferrell announces for King County Prosecutor
Protecting public safety by increasing accountability and transparency
January 26, 2022 Contact: Jim Ferrell, 253-569-4482
FEDERAL WAY – Jim Ferrell, a Democrat and three-time elected Mayor of Federal Way and former supervisor of the King County Prosecutor’s Domestic Violence Court Unit formally announced his candidacy for King County Prosecutor today to succeed Dan Satterberg.
“It’s time for new leadership and I am pleased to announce my candidacy for King County Prosecutor,” said Ferrell, the only candidate in the race who does not live in Seattle.
“Serving as an elected Mayor and city councilmember in King County for almost two decades, I have a unique understanding of the public safety issues facing our local communities and how policies of the elected prosecutor impact our region.”
Ferrell cites increases in tragic gun violence to drug-related property crimes as a need to ensure there is greater accountability for persistent offenders and justice for victims of crime. He also looks to strengthen our county diversion programs.
“I believe in second chances. Everyone deserves an opportunity to learn from their mistakes and course correct,” he said. “I will bring together local leaders, community organizations and law enforcement to ensure these programs succeed while rooted in accountability.”
Mayor Ferrell announces his candidacy with the support of the Mayors of Auburn, Renton, Kent, Tukwila, Maple Valley, Enumclaw, Black Diamond, Covington, Pacific and Algona along with the endorsement of the Washington State Fraternal Order of Police.
“We believe Jim Ferrell is a practical, reasonable and thoughtful leader who will bring common sense back to the office and provide a more balanced approach to this crucial position in our criminal justice system,” said Theresa Schrimpsher, president, Green River Lodge #27 for the Washington Fraternal Order of Police.
“Too often, the King County Prosecutor’s Office has failed in its responsibility to hold criminals responsible for their actions, sometimes with grave repercussions. It is time for a fresh approach, one that understands both sides of the criminal justice system and how charging decisions ultimately affect law enforcement and the health of our communities.”
As mayor, Jim Ferrell leads a 100,000-person city, manages a staff of over 400 and a budget of over $100 million dollars.
Prior to being elected Mayor, Ferrell served as a King County Senior Deputy Prosecutor, defending victims of crime, survivors of domestic violence and assault, and working to keep our community safe. Over his career he has had hundreds of jury trials, and prosecuted thousands of cases; more than any other candidate in the race.
Ferrell began his career as a prosecutor for the City of Renton, Washington before moving onto the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office in 1998. That same year Ferrell won an award from the King County Sheriff’s Office for performing life-saving CPR on an opposing defense attorney and, in 2003, won an award for chasing down on foot and apprehending a defendant who had fled a courtroom. In 2009, Ferrell was also awarded the Prosecuting Attorneys Award for “Inspirational Leadership.”
In 2000, Ferrell became the supervisor of King County’s newly created domestic violence court and later (2005–07) served two terms as the president of the King County Prosecuting Attorneys Union. Ferrell in 2007 finished second behind Dan Satterberg to be appointed as King County Prosecuting Attorney to fill the position following the death of Norm Maleng.
Growing up in Yelm with a single mom who worked two jobs to provide for their family, Jim and his twin brother learned the importance of hard work and perseverance. Jim saw firsthand the difference a good job made for his family – and the support of neighbors and community left a lasting impact.
As a member of the Federal Way City Council from 2003 to 2013, Jim worked to support students and schools, protect parks and greenspaces, and promote public safety. In 2009, he led the successful grassroots effort to change Federal Way’s form of government and ensure greater government accountability, convincing voters to move from a council and city manager to an elected mayor system.
Centering his mayoral agenda on local priorities, Jim has been a champion for safe communities, smart growth, and transparent government. During the pandemic, Jim has led with a public health approach, advocating for needed support for small businesses, workers, and the most vulnerable.
Ferrell graduated from the University of Washington where he played college football as a walk-on for Coach Don James. He later graduated from Gonzaga University School of Law.
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