Seth grew up active in the forests and waters of the Northwest, and the playfields and schools of Bellingham. Steeped in his parents' political and community activism, Seth was aware early on of the social and environmental costs of complacency and the advocacy necessary to counter it. Taught to defend what one loves and what one thinks right, Seth from an early age was offended by injustice and was compelled to defend the rights of the underdog.

After graduating from Sehome High School and the University of Washington, he received his law degree from Willamette University College of Law, with the idea of practicing either public interest or environmental law in a metropolitan area. However, the pull of home was great and Seth instead set up a general law practice in Bellingham, eventually spending a full half of his time on pro bono work for individuals and causes who needed legal representation but had little money to pay for it.

Upon Seth’s return to Bellingham, he had been dismayed to see the kinds of changes that were happening in his beloved hometown. The sprawl, and the degradation of the very things he loved about the Northwest prompted immediate action. As he set up his law practice above the ever-familiar Tony’s Coffee Shop, he also began to advocate against unchecked growth and for preservation of our natural heritage and those things classically Northwest.

Before long his activities led him to board membership and advocacy for a great many causes aimed at reversing the ill effects of poor planning and sprawl, and move Bellingham and Whatcom county toward the beautiful, thriving and progressive place he envisioned. But it was his leadership in the pivotal Beyond Greenways campaign that brought him to public attention and inspired his next move: a run for the County Council At Large seat, then occupied by Marlene Dawson.

Elected to the seat in 2001 Seth immediately set to work leading on protection of Lake Whatcom, fostering housing affordability, promoting a thoughtful and sensible approach to growth, and working for farm land protections. All the while Seth was proving that by listening to all sides, working across jurisdictions, leading on tough issues, and sticking to your vision, real accomplishments were possible.

Regarded as a prime mover and effective leader on the difficult issues facing Whatcom county, Seth was reelected by the people in 2005 and has continued to work hard to form constructive relationships, and to create policies that support the vision of a sustainable Whatcom County.

To continue that work and fully implement those policies, Seth concluded that Bellingham needed leadership that could accomplish the biggest single piece of our regional challenge – preserving Bellingham’s unique character and ensuring that as we grow, we grow well.

To meet that challenge, Seth is running for City Council, At-Large, equipped with a vision, a long record of successful collaborations with people from across every spectrum, and the determination to do everything it takes to make that vision a reality for the future of Bellingham.

The decisions we make in the next several years will chart the course for the Bellingham that we become. As a native son, Seth’s perspectives and experience offer compelling insights of where we have been and what we can be: a successful model for growing well; with lively cultural arts, inspired design in our buildings, diverse neighborhoods, a thriving, accessible waterfront, and an abundant park and trail network – in short, a great Northwest community worthy of the heritage we’ve been given.