Nick Licata (politician)

Nick Licata is a past president of the Seattle City Council and is currently serving his fourth term on the Council. He has chaired numerous committees, including Parks, Public Safety, Human Services, Housing, Arts and Culture. His aides Newell Aldrich, Lisa Herbold, and Frank Video have worked for him since he took office in 1998. Licata is also a published author of a children's book.

Education

In 1969 Licata received his bachelor's degree in political science from Bowling Green State University where he was President of Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) and then elected Student Body President. In 1973 he received his master's degree in sociology from the University of Washington.

On the City Council

Upon his election to the City Council, he instituted poetry readings, titled Words Worth, in his committee meetings believing that the personal insight of poetry has the power to enlighten the routine of government. Close to 200 poets have read, all of their poems are posted at http://www.seattle.gov/council/licata/poetword.htm

Licata initiated Seattle’s Poet Populist position in 1999 which engaged the public in voting each year for a local poet to lead public events, read in public schools and libraries.

Since 1996 he has written Urban Politics, Seattle’s longest running electronic newsletter analyzing local political issues. Over 300 have been written and all are posted at...
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