The King County Prosecutor’s Office is in trouble. In theory, it goes after felony crimes and seeks harsh sentences for particularly severe offenses. Its focus is on protecting the public and filing charges that match the crime in an effort to reduce the number of incidents. But is that what actually happens? Unfortunately, no. Recently...
It’s no secret to any of you that Seattle is in bad shape, but you may not be aware of just how dysfunctional the situation is – and it may only get worse if there isn’t a change in course. The level of dysfunction was revealed in a recent Seattle Times story that we’ll be...
Earlier this year we said those responsible for King County’s high and increasing crime rate would be held accountable. This week’s presents another opportunity. Seattle Times editorial board member Alex Fryer recently penned a column highlighting the process by which violent offenders are either released or held on bail. If you don’t have high blood...
If Seattle had a Darwin Award-type honor bestowed to public servants, the winner no doubt would be Councilmember Kshama Sawant. However, Councilmembers Tammy Morales and Teresa Mosqueda are giving her a run for her money when it comes public safety. Recently Seattle Times columnists Danny Westneat accurately described what’s going on in the city: This...
If you were among those surprised to find most Seattle voters agree with you on issues like crime and homelessness, it’s likely because you assumed that the loudest voices in public reflected public sentiment. But it’s like with the city’s petty crime, in which a handful of serial offenders are committing most of it. Likewise,...
Recently we wrote about how Seattle City Attorney Ann Davison wants to reduce petty crime in the city, but she can’t do it without your help. In response, many of you reached out to her office to express your support for her ongoing efforts. Well, now your help is needed once more. Davison wants to...
It’s easy at times to feel we’re alone in how we feel about the poor state of Seattle. But a new survey by the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce reveals the complete opposite. We’re not alone. In fact, we’re the vast majority. The survey of 700 registered voters in Seattle show what Chamber CEO Rachel...
The 2022 legislative session ended on March 10 with a mixed bag that included some menial public safety reforms, unsustainable state spending, and homelessness policies that at best scratch the surface of the problem. Public Safety We began the session imploring lawmakers to fix a “police reform” law that effectively defanged police responses to actual...
In 2020, 2,369 restaurants and bars in Washington state closed their doors permanently. That’s 2,369 places where people earned a living, where locals met up with friends and family, and where a business owner poured the sweat of their life in the hopes of making it in a tough industry. However, many of those small...
2021 tested Seattle in a way that likely leaves many residents and business owners more than ready for a new year. There’s the ongoing pandemic creating uncertainty and anxiety. Increasing homelessness is dividing communities who want to see people get the help they need and also want to enjoy beloved neighborhood parks. One of the...
“Residents say they’re frustrated with the lack of progress by Seattle, King County, and Sound Transit officials to address their safety concerns.” South Seattle Emerald How many more times do elected officials need to hear the same message? Residents of the Mount Baker neighborhood again are asking for some help (really any help) from their...
This week’s local elections sent a message that it’s time for a dramatic shift in Seattle politics. With the election of candidates like Bruce Harrell for mayor, Sara Nelson for Seattle City Council and the likely election of Ann Davison to serve as City Attorney, voters made clear that their patience has run out. They...
Former Seattle Police Chief and Change Washington adviser Carmen Best says that despite the city of Seattle trying to address homelessness, “if you just walk around, you can see that it hasn’t necessarily worked.” Best’s message underscores the need for Seattle’s leaders to develop a real plan to address homelessness that matches the scale of...
Change Washington Adviser and former Seattle Police Chief Carmen Best believes that the recent spike in gun violence in Seattle requires both additional resources for police to respond, but also deter crimes. “We do need to have more visibility with officers in the field so that there is a deterrent for people to gather in...