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...
In the film V for Vendetta, the protagonist reflects on the dystopian condition of England. “How did this happen? Who’s to blame? Well certainly there are those more responsible than others, and they will be held accountable.” There are those who are more responsible than others for the criminal ecosystem that currently exists in the...
Seattle City Attorney Ann Davison’s election last November showed that Seattle residents are ready for real change for the city. However, the ongoing rampant crime would not be possible if it weren’t for the gross enabling by former mayors, the City Council, and former city attorney Pete Holmes. Under his tenure, an astounding 50 percent...
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 his recent State of the City address Mayor Bruce Harrell promised to clear public spaces of homeless encampments. We implored him to use this historic opportunity to make Seattle safe again, and this week his actions indicate he will make good on that pledge but we hope he will continue using good judgment with...
Anyone who thinks downtown Seattle doesn’t have a crime problem hasn’t talked to small business owners Olga Sagan. The owner of Piroshky Piroshky bakery, her business is one of many that have either fled downtown Seattle or, in her case, temporarily closed due to the lack of basic public safety. Sagan’s plight is well described...
For years the city of Seattle and other regional entities have tried – and failed – to reduce homelessness in their communities. We’ve argued that the reason for this is that they ignored or downplayed the primary causes – substance abuse and mental health issues – under the belief that housing availability or affordability is...
In January a 30-year-old Marysville man was charged with first degree murder for killing his 65-year-old roommate and attempting to set the residence on fire. A proposed bill moving through the state legislature would allow him, if convicted, to be released early – even if his sentence is for life. Under current state law, anyone...
Three years ago, Bartell Drugs announced it was closing one of its downtown Seattle stores due to rampant thefts. Anyone who has visited, lives in or has even heard of Seattle knows it’s not the only place. From the Safeway in South Seattle to Uwajimaya’s Chinatown-International District location, businesses throughout the city are reeling from...
Seattle’s police staffing crisis is worse than you probably think. It’s no secret that on top of public safety concerns the city of Seattle has a police staffing crisis. But what’s often unseen are the number of quality officers in the area who might have joined but didn’t because of the toxic environment that currently...
This week marks the beginning of the 2022 Washington legislative session. As lawmakers consider, revise, debate, and vote on proposals over the next 60 days, it is imperative that public safety is among the top priorities. Part of that is undoing the harm done during last year’s session in which legislators hastily enacted HB 1054,...