As Washington State lawmakers in the State Capitol Building debate Governor Jay Inslee’s latest expensive proposal to fix the state’s never-ending homeless problem, just a mile or two away there is a clear example of one approach which helps lift people out of homelessness and another example which has kept people living in the cruel...
Eina Kwon, a pregnant 34-year old woman, was murdered in the Belltown area of Seattle Tuesday in what appears to be a random attack. The child, which was almost full term, lived briefly but did not survive.
While current state law unbelievably still does not allow police to vehicularly pursue most criminal suspects, we’re pursuing a fix to it this legislative session – and we need your help to make it happen.
Four city councilmembers, including Socialist councilmember Kshama Sawant, have announced they will not be running for reelection this year.
Two years ago, the majority party in the state legislature decided to go crazy on crime. This legislative session, we have an opportunity to roll some of that crazy back and restore common sense to public safety when it comes to vehicular pursuits of criminal suspects. During the 2021 legislative session, the majority party voted...
With the systematic homelessness and public safety crisis in our region, you’d think King County would be primarily focused on addressing those issues. But apparently, the county government was taken over by the Grinch. Recently it was revealed that King County sent out a memo to its employees instructing them not to have any holiday-related...
Seattle voters have made it adamantly clear what they want when it comes to public safety, as polling has repeatedly demonstrated. They want crime reduced so they feel safe, and more police officers on the force, not fewer. Yet, the majority of the City Council isn’t listening. Recently the council voted 6-3 to approve a new...
The people of Seattle have spoken loudly regarding its priorities for the city, but apparently the majority of the City Council isn’t listening. According to recent polling by the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, public safety is the top priority, second only to homelessness. In his budget released in September, Mayor Bruce Harrell listened to...
On the latest episode of [un]Divided, independent journalist Brandi Kruse interviews King County Prosecutor candidate Jim Ferrell to discuss crime and public safety in the region. Read Change Washington’s Q&A interview with Ferrell here.
Now that Halloween is over and trick-or-treaters aren’t knocking on your door, here’s something scarier. Criminals could come breaking down your door instead, and get a slap on the wrist for robbing you. The King County Prosecutor’s Office recently started up a “diversion” program for juveniles that keep them out of the courtroom and a jail sentence...
Although many local, regional, and state elected offices are up for election, you could argue that the most important political race in our state is for King County Prosecutor. It will in large part determine the future of Seattle and other cities in the county regarding public safety, crime, and business climate. While cities handle...
Who’s got experience, endorsements and a track record?
Earlier this month we emailed both King County Prosecutor Candidates, Jim Ferrell and Leesa Manion, inviting them to participate in a questionnaire about public safety and crime in the region. Below are the questions and responses from Jim Ferrell. Leesa Manion did not respond after several emails were sent. Question 1: Describe your background and...
Although King County’s Restorative Pathways Community (RCP) program has a lot of problems that need to be fixed if it’s going to reduce crime – which isn’t even the program’s described goal or purpose – county officials have an even crazier idea in mind. Never jailing youth for committing crime and emptying the jails, starting...