About Peter Maier

I have lived in Seattle for most of my life. I grew up in Lake City and went to Seattle Public Schools. My wife Liz and I have lived in the Loyal Heights neighborhood for 25+ years. Both of our children went to Seattle Public Schools (Loyal Heights Elementary, Whittier Elementary, Whitman Middle School, and Ballard High.).

Public education has always been very important to me. I come from a family of educators. My father taught for many years at the University of Washington, and both of my brothers now teach at public colleges.

Over the years I have shown my commitment to our public schools by working on PTSA projects (including heading three playground construction grant projects) and by leading two successful levy campaigns to fund Seattle’s public schools.

Here’s more about my background:

Leadership in Education and Public Service

• Seattle School Board Director, 12/07 – present
• President of Schools First Coalition, 6/02 – 3/07
• Led successful levy and bond campaigns in 2004 and 2007 to ensure public funding for Seattle Public Schools.
• Leadership role in PTSAs at Ballard High School and Loyal Heights Elementary School.
  PTSA Board Vice-President and member Site Council, Ballard High. Twice awarded PTSA “Golden Acorn” in recognition of outstanding volunteer service to the school (Ballard High and Loyal Heights). Led several playground construction and grant projects.
• Board member, Alliance for Education, 6/02 – 3/07
• Active in I-728 Initiative campaign to reduce class sizes, 2000. Personally gathered over 1,000 signatures.
• Active in 36th District Democrats. Long-time Precinct Committee Officer.
• Former CASA volunteer, serving as adviser to the court in child custody cases.

Personal Education

• Harvard Law School, J.D. cum laude, 1981
• Oberlin College, B.A., with highest honors in economics, 1974
• Nathan Hale High School 1970. Also attended John Rogers Elementary, Maple Leaf Elementary, Laurelhurst Elementary and Jane Addams Junior High.

Professional Experience

• Attorney in private practice since 1981.
  Manage small law firm business. Specialize in representing consumers in Lemon Law vehicle cases.
• Recognized by legal peers as one of Seattle’s “Top Lawyers” (2001 and 2007) and one of Washington State’s “Superlawyers” (2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011).
• Serve as an arbitrator for King County Superior Court’s Mandatory Arbitration Program (18+ years).
• Taught Consumer Law courses at Edmonds Community College paralegal program (1980′s).
• Teach continuing legal education courses (since 1980′s).
• Before becoming a lawyer, worked in Washington D.C. for several years as Special Assistant to Chair of U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and for independent consumer organizations, 1974-1979. Testified before Congressional committees, wrote investigative reports that received national press attention, helped manage a public agency.

Personal

• Married 32 years to Liz Tennant, Strategic Advisor. Local Hazardous Waste Program in King County.
• Parent of two children, both graduates of Ballard High School.