>>> I WANT TO THANK YOU ALL FOR
JOINING US AGAIN.
THIS IS THE OCTOBER 22nd PUBLIC
HEARING OF THE SELECT BUDGET
COMMITTEE.
THE MEETING WILL COME TOGETHER.
I'M TERESA MOSQUEDA, CHAIR OF
THE SELECT BUDGET COMMITTEE.
WILL CLERK PLEASE CALL ROLE?
>> DAN STRAUSS?
>> PRESENT.
>> GONZALEZ?
>> HERE.
>> HERBOLD. JUAREZ?
>> HERE.
>> LEWIS?
>> PRESENT.
>> MORALES?
>> HERE.
>> PEDERSEN?
>> HERE.
>> EIGHT PRESENT.
>> THANK YOU SO MUCH.
WHEN COUNCIL MEMBER HERBOLD
JOINS US, I'LL WELCOME HER FOR
THE RECORD.
I WANT TO THANK YOU.
AS YOU KNOW FROM THE AGENDA,
THIS IS A FULL TIME SLOT JUST
DEDICATED TO HEARING FROM
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.
AND THAT IS WHAT IS ON OUR
AGENDA TODAY.
IF THERE'S NO OBJECT, TODAY'S
AGENDA WILL BE ADOPTED.
HEARING NO OBJECTION, THE
AGENDA IS ADOPTED.
THANK YOU AGAIN FOR ALL OF THE
FOLKS WHO HAVE SIGNED UP TO
PROVIDE PUBLIC TESTIMONY.
WE HAVE ABOUT 220 PEOPLE SIGNED
UP FOR PUBLIC TESTIMONY TODAY.
AND IT IS OUR GOAL TO MAKE SURE
THAT WE HEAR FROM EVERY SINGLE
PERSON.
WE'RE GOING TO GO AHEAD AND
OPEN UP THE REMOTE PUBLIC
HEARING ON TODAY'S 2021 GENERAL
REVENUE SOURCE AGENDA,
INCLUDING HEARING FROM ANY
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ON
PROPERTY TAX LEVY INCREASES,
THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
ITEMS.
YOU ARE WELCOME TO SPEAK TO ANY
ITEMS THAT RELATE TO OUR
BUDGET.
I WANT TO THANK YOU AGAIN FOR
YOUR PATIENCE AS WE ENDEAVOR TO
MAKE SURE THIS REMOTE PUBLIC
TESTIMONY OPPORTUNITY IS MADE
AVAILABLE TO ALL OF YOU AND IT
IS ACCESSIBLE AS WELL.
WE ARE GOING TO CONTINUE TO TRY
TO MAKE SURE THAT WE GET
EVERYONE HEARD.
I'LL BE CONDUCTING PUBLIC
TESTIMONY IN THE FOLLOWING
MANNER.
DUE TO THE HIGH VOLUME OF
PEOPLE SIGNED UP OH TO TESTIFY,
EACH SPEAKER WILL BE GIVEN ONE
MINUTE TO PROVIDE PUBLIC
TESTIMONY.
I'LL CALL ON FOLKS WHO ARE
CALLING FROM NUMBERS OUTSIDE OF
THE CITY LIMITS.
WE DO WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU AS
WE KNOW WORKERS ARE COMING IN
AND OUT OF OUR CITY AS WELL,
AND WE WANT TO HEAR WHAT YOUR
PRIORITIES ARE.
AND I WILL ALSO CALL THOSE WHO
ARE LISTED AS NOT PRESENT TO
GIVE YOU A CHANCE TO MAKE SURE
THAT IF YOU'RE LISTENING IN,
YOU DO CALL IN.
BUT PLEASE BE PREPARED TO BE
READY TO SPEAK WHEN WE GET THE
TO YOUR NUMBER.
I'M GOING TO CALL ON YOUR NAME.
YOU WILL BE GIVEN THE CHANCE TO
UN-MUTE YOURSELF BY PUSHING
STAR 6, AND WE WILL ALSO UNMUTE
YOUR LINE.
PLEASE REMEMBER TO PUSH STAR 6
AND DOUBLE CHECK TO MAKE SURE
THAT YOUR PHONE IS ALSO NOT ON
MUTE ON YOUR END WITH THE
NORMAL DEVICES WE HAVE, IT CAN
BE TRICKY TO HIT STAR 6 AND
DOUBLE CHECK TO MAKE SURE
YOU'RE NOT MUTED.
THANKS FOR DOING THAT IN
ADVANCE OF YOUR NAME AND NUMBER
COMING UP.
SPEAKERS WILL HEAR A CHIME AT
10 SECONDS TOWARD THE END OF
THEIR THE ALLOTTED TIME TO
SPEAK.
THAT'S YOUR CUE TO WRAP IT UP.
WE'LL GIVE EXTRA TIME, 15
SECONDS TO WRAP IT UP.
JUST NOTE WE DO WANT TO PROVIDE
YOUR CLOSING COMMENTS SO YOU'RE
NOT LEFT WITHOUT THOSE LAST FEW
WORDS SAID.
SO PLEASE DO MAKE A NOTE OF
THAT AND AIM FOR ONE MINUTE
TOTAL, THOUGH.
ONCE YOU HAVE FINISHED
SPEAKING, PLEASE DO HANG UP
YOUR PHONE AND CALL IN.
CALL INTO THE LISTEN IN LINE OR
YOU CAN LISTEN IN ON ALL OF THE
OTHER OPTIONS LISTED ON THE
AGENDA TODAY, INCLUDING THE
SEATTLE CHANNEL.
PLEASE NOTE THAT IF YOU HAVE
NOT BEEN ABLE TO STAY ON THE
LINE FOR YOUR ALLOTTED TIME, WE
ARE ABSOLUTELY INTERESTED IN
STILL HEARING FROM YOU.
PLEASE E-MAIL US AT
COUNCIL@SEATTLE.GOV.
WE WILL MAKE SURE THAT
INFORMATION GETS CIRCULATED TO
EVERY MEMBER AUTOMATICALLY WHEN
YOU E-MAIL IT THAT WAY.
YOU CAN E-MAIL MY OFFICE AND WE
WILL DISTRIBUTE IT.
I WANT TO ANNOUNCE THAT WE ARE
GOING TO MAKE SURE FOLKS KNOW
WHERE WE ARE AT IN THE LIST OF
PUBLIC COMMENTERS ABOUT EVERY
15 MINUTES.
I WILL ANNOUNCE WHAT NUMBER WE
ARE ON AND MAKE SURE THAT
PEOPLE KNOW WHERE WE'RE AT IN
THE ROTATION.
AT ABOUT AN HOUR AND 30 MINUTES
INTO THE PRESENTATION, I'M
GOING TO PAUSE FOR A QUICK
SECOND TO ALLOW FOR OUR AMAZING
CENTRAL STAFF, CLERK'S OFFICE,
AND COMMUNICATIONS TEAM, OUR IT
TEAM TO HAVE A QUICK BREAK.
WE KNOW PEOPLE ESPECIALLY IN
THE CLERK'S OFFICE NEED TO DO A
SHIFT ROTATION.
PLEASE NOTE THAT ABOUT AN HOUR
AND A HALF INTO THE HEARINGS,
WE WILL MAKE SURE THAT THERE'S
THAT SHORT BREAK SO PEOPLE CAN
ROTATE RESPONSIBILITIES.
I AM ALSO GOING TO ANNOUNCE FOR
OUR COLLEAGUES ON THE LINE HERE
LIKE WE DID LAST TIME, WE DID
NOT TAKE A BREAK FOR DINNER.
SO WE ARE HOPING TO GET THROUGH
THIS BY 10:00 P.M.
I UNDERSTAND IF YOU ARE BOTH
LISTENING AND EATING DINNER
WHILE WE ARE ONLINE, I
APPRECIATE YOUR PARTICIPATION
IN THIS EVENING.
I WANTED TO MAKE SURE YOU KNOW
WHAT THE PROCESS WAS HERE.
WE WILL, THOUGH, HOWEVER HAVE
ABOUT A 10-MINUTE BREAK TO MAKE
SURE PEOPLE HAVE THE
APPROPRIATE TIME THEY NEED FOR
-- I'M SORRY, A 15-MINUTE BREAK
SO PEOPLE HAVE THE APPROPRIATE
TIME THEY NEED AROUND 8:30 TO
TAKE THE STATE LAW BREAKS THAT
WE'VE BEEN SO PROUD OF IN THIS
STATE AND IN OUR CITY TO MAKE
SURE THAT AROUND 8:30 PEOPLE
HAVE A 15-MINUTE BREAK.
OKAY.
IF THERE'S NO QUESTIONS, LET'S
GO AHEAD AND OPEN IT UP.
THANKS AGAIN FOR CALLING IN.
WE ARE GOING TO CALL PEOPLE IN
THE ORDER THEY HAVE BEEN SIGNED
UP TO TESTIFY.
AND THE FIRST THREE PEOPLE ARE
PETER, BILL SAMPSON, AND
ASHLEIGH COONEY.
GOOD EVENING, PETER.
>> HI, GOOD EVENING.
MY DISTRICT COUNCIL MEMBER ALEX
PEDERSEN SAID THE ONLY CAPACITY
IN WHICH HE'S WILLING TO DEFUND
SEATTLE POLICE IS THROUGH
FISSIONING WHAT HE CALLS THE
UNJUST, INFLEXIBLE, AND
EXPENSIVE POLICING CONTRACT.
I AGREE IT'S PROBLEMATIC.
I URGE YOU TO THINK LOGICALLY.
BROADLY SPEAKING, A CONTRACT IS
ONE THAT WOULD PAY OFFICERS
LESS AND HOLD THEM TO HIGHER
STANDARDS OF ACCOUNTABILITY.
OFFICERS WANT THE OPPOSITE.
SO WORKING FOR THE SPD WILL
BECOME LESS DESIRABLE.
ATTRITION WILL INCREASE FURTHER
FROM ITS CURRENT RATE.
LOSING OFFICERS IS ONLY
PROBLEMATIC IF WE KEEP THEIR
SCOPE OF WORK THE SAME.
ON THE OTHER HAND, IF WE FOLLOW
THE LEAD OF DE-CRIMINALIZE
SEATTLE NOW AND DEFUND THE
DEPARTMENT AS A WHOLE BY
TRANSFERRING PUBLIC SAFETY
RESPONSIBILITIES OUT OF THE
SPD, THE NUMBER OF OFFICERS
NEEDED WOULD DECREASE TO KEEP
PACE WITH THE ATTRITION.
AND IN THAT CASE, NO ONE LOSES.
COUNCIL MEMBER PEDERSEN, IT IS
ILLOGICAL TO THINK IT CAN BE
REFORMED WITHOUT DECREASING
THEIR SCOPE OF WORK.
BLACK LIVES MATTER.
WE NEED TO DE-FUND THE SPD BY
50% AT LEAST.
I SUPPORT THE SOLIDARITY
BUDGET.
THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU.
BILL, GOOD EVENING.
EXCUSE ME, BILL.
BEFORE YOU JOIN, COUNCIL MEMBER
HERBOLD, I SAW YOU COME ONLINE
RIGHT AFTER WE STARTED.
YOU'VE BEEN HERE THIS WHOLE
TIME.
I WANTED TO MAKE SURE I NOTED
THAT FOR THE RECORD.
BILL, GOOD EVENING. I
COULD HEAR YOU FOR A QUICK
SECOND AND YOU WENT BACK ON
MUTE.
>> MY NAME IS BILL SAMPSON.
I'M A RESIDENT IN DISTRICT 4.
TODAY I'M CALLING AS A
VOLUNTEER WITH THE SUNRISE
MOVEMENT.
I THINK NOW MORE THAN EVER WE
NEED TO PRESERVE VITAL PUBLIC
SERVICES AND COMPLETE URGENT
PROJECTS THAT SUPPORT LOCAL
ECONOMIES, CULTURAL CENTERS,
AND COMMUNITY WELL BEING.
OTHER PROJECTS AND AREAS IN
SOUTH' SAT L, I'D LIKE TO TALK
ABOUT ARE NOT IN MY DISTRICT
BUT THE LONGHOUSE, IT'S VERY
UNSAFE FOR PEDESTRIANS And
VISITORS UNLESS YOU PARK AT THE
PARKING LOT THERE AND THE
PARKING LOT PEOPLE ARE OFTEN
ASKED TO LEAVE THAT PARKING LOT
FOR VOLUNTEERS, FACILITATORS,
AND PEOPLE WITH ACCESSIBILITY
NEEDS.
THERE'S OTHER PARKING LOTS
NEARBY, BUT THEY'RE VERY
DANGEROUS FOR PEDESTRIANS.
AND ANOTHER SIMILAR AREA IS
RAINIER AVENUE LIKE THE AREA
WHERE EMERALD CITY FISH AND
CHIPS ARE.
IT'S A VERY DANGEROUS FOR
PEDESTRIANS.
I THINK FUNDING SHOULD BE
MAINTAINED FOR IMPROVING SAFETY
IN THESE AREAS.
THANK YOU.
>> EXCELLENT.
THANK YOU, BILL.
ASHLEIGH, GOOD EVENING.
>> HI.
MY NAME IS ASHLEIGH.
I'M A PROTESTER AND A VICTIM OF
POLICE BRUTALITY.
I SUPPORT THE SOLIDARITY
BUDGET.
WE DEMAND THE DEFUNDING OF SPD
AND REINVEST THAT MONEY IN
BLACK COMMUNITIES,
PARTICIPATERY FUNDING.
FOCUS ON PUBLIC SERVICES
INCLUDING PARKS, COVID RELIEF,
AND A GREEN DEAL.
I SUPPORT THE BACKING OF AFRICA
TOWN SUPPORTIVE HOUSING.
I SUPPORT THE CALL FOR AN
INDEPENDENT CIVILIAN OVERSIGHT
WITH FULL CONTROL OVER SPD.
THE OPA, NGCP ARE INEFFECTIVE.
IT WAS REASONABLE TO PUNCH THE
SUBJECT TWICE TO STOP THEM FROM
STRIKING OFFICERS WITH A WATER
BOTTLE.
AS A VICTIM, THE PROCESS IS
HOSTILE AND STACKED AGAINST US.
10 OF THE 12 INVESTIGATORS ARE
SWORN OFFICERS AND CREATE A
HUGE CONFLICT OF INTEREST.
AFTER I TOLD MY INVESTIGATOR,
SHE ASKED ME IF I'D LIKE TO SIT
DOWN WITH MY ABUSERS AND TALK
IT OUT IN MEDIATION.
THIS IS NOT ACCOUNTABILITY.
THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME
TONIGH.
THE NEXT THREE SPEAKERS ARE
TIFFANY MCCOY, BARBARA FINNEY,
AND MARA DIGI.
>> GOOD EVENING.
MY NAME IS TIFFANY MCCOY, THE
LEAD ORGANIZER FOR REAL CHANGE.
I'M CALLING IN SUPPORT OF
FUNDING TO EXPAND THE SEATTLE
STREET PLAN.
THE ADVOCATES JOINED TOGETHER
AT THE BEGINNING OF THE
PANDEMIC TO CREATE THE STREET
SINK.
IT IS A SIMPLE LOW-COST WAY TO
MAKE HAND WASHING ACCESSIBLE TO
ANYONE WHO NEEDS IT.
IT WAS A GRASS ROOTS COMMUNITY
SOLUTION TO A PUBLIC HEALTH
CRISIS.
PLEASE FUND IT AND HELP US
EXPAND THIS PROGRAM CITY WIDE.
WE ALSO AT REAL CHANGE SUPPORT
MORALES EXPANSION OF THE PURPLE
BAG PROGRAM AND THE HOPE TEAM.
WE ALSO VOICE OUR SUPPORT FOR
COUNCIL MEMBER TO INCREASE TINY
HOMES.
THE PURCHASE OF A HOTEL, TENT
CITY THREE, AND ALL SERVICES
FOR SHARE WHEEL.
WE NEED TO IMMEDIATELY RAMP UP
SHORT-TERM HOUSING TO MEET THE
NEED.
WE ARE ALREADY SEEING NOT SO
CLOSE BUSINESS GROUPS TO RAMP
UP SWEEPS.
WE DO NOT HAVE ENOUGH SHELTER
SPACE FOR THOSE LIVING OUTSIDE.
WE NEED TO DE-FUND THE POLICE
BY 50% AND REDIRECT THAT MONEY
INTO HOUSING AND SERVICES.
THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME
TONIGHT.
BARBARA, GOOD EVENING.
THANKS FOR JOINING US.
>> HELLO.
MY NAME IS BARBARA FINNEY.
I'M A HOMEOWNER IN DISTRICT 5,
A UNION DELEGATE TO MLK
COUNCIL, MEMBER OF 350 SEATTLE
DSA, AND I SUPPORT THE
SOLIDARITY BUDGET, AND I'M A
MEMBER OF THE TAX AMAZON BUDGET
MOVEMENT.
THE PEOPLE'S BUDGET DEMANDS
THAT YOU CITY COUNCIL FUND
SOCIAL, ENVIRONMENTAL, AND CITY
SERVICES BY INCREASING THE
AMAZON TAX OUR MOVEMENT FOUGHT
FOR AND WON.
BOTH THE SOLIDARITY BUDGET AND
THE PEOPLE'S BUDGET ARE
DEMANDING A HOUSING RESTORATIVE
JUSTICE AND A GREEN NEW DEAL.
ALL THINGS THAT WORKING PEOPLE
NEED AND MARGINALIZED
COMMUNITIES NEED DEFUNDED.
COUNCIL MEMBER SAWANT HAS PUT
FORWARD THE PROPOSAL TO
INCREASE THE TAX TO FUND THESE
EEDS.
OTHER COUNCIL MEMBERS, YOU NEED
TO SIGN ON TOO.
ADVOCATE DEFUNDING SPD BY 50%.
DEFUND SPD BY 50%.
MAKE BIG BUSINESS PAY BY
INCREASING THE AMAZON TAX.
REJECT OSTERITY.
THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU.
MARA, GOOD EVENING.
THANKS FOR BEING WITH US.
>> HI.
MY NAME IS MARA.
I THINK IT'S IMPORTANT TO
GROUND ALL OF THESE REALLY
HISTORIC BUDGET CONVERSATIONS
IN REALITY.
THE HISTORIC PUSH TO DIVEST
FROM SPD IS BLACK LED, IT'S
BLACK CENTERED, AND IT'S BASED
IN BOTH LOVE AND TRUTH.
SO MANY FOLKS CALLING IN TO
SPEAK WITH YOU TODAY, THE
THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE IN THE
STREET, THE MASS GROUPS WORKING
IN THE BACKGROUND ARE ALL
MOBILIZING TOWARD A FUTURE THAT
HONORS BLACK PEOPLE.
AND THIS IS ALL ABOUT TRUTH.
IT'S ABOUT ACKNOWLEDGING THE
VERY UGLY PAST AND PRESENT AND
THE SPECIFIC ANTI-BLACKNESS OF
YOUR PAST DECISIONS AND MAKING
THE RIGHT DECISIONS MOVING
FORWARD.
SO HERE, THERE'S A HOPEFUL
INFLECTION POINT.
THAT IN LOVE AND TRUTH, ALL OF
YOU WILL SUPPORT THE SOLIDARITY
BUDGET.
CALLING ON LISA HERBOLD
SPECIFICALLY TO RETAIN THE
HIRING FREEZE IN 2021 AND FOR
EVERYONE TO ADVOCATE FUNDING
FOR THE PROJECT WHICH IS A
LEADING ANTI-GENTRIFICATION
EFFORT IN THE DISTRICT.
I REALLY URGE ALL OF YOU TO
REMEMBER ALL OF THIS IS ROOTED
IN LOVE AND TRUTH.
THANK YOU.
>> AMY HIGHTOWER WILL BE
FOLLOWED BY SONIA AND JIMMY
HIGHTOWER.
AMY TOWER, GOOD EVENING.
>> MY NAME IS AMY.
I WORK WITH THE TENANT'S UNION
OF WASHINGTON.
I'M HERE REPRESENTING THE TU.
I'M AN EDUCATION COUNSELOR AND
ORGANIZER.
I AM A RENTER IN DISTRICT FOUR.
WE STAND TOTALLY IN SOLIDARITY
WITH THE SOLIDARITY BUDGET.
THERE'S SOME AMAZING
ORGANIZATIONS THAT ARE, YOU
KNOW, BLACK LED.
AND WE DESPERATELY, DESPERATELY
NEED TO BE RE-DEFINING OUR
PRIORITIES.
WE SPEND MORE ON PARKING
ENFORCEMENT THAN WE DO CIVIL
RIGHTS ENFORCEMENT OR TENANT'S
RIGHTS ENFORCEMENT COMBINED.
THIS IS A HUGE ISSUE AND WE SEE
IT EVERY DAY ON OUR HOTLINE.
HOUSEHOLDS IN WASHINGTON
STATEWIDE COULD OWE UP TO OVER
$1 BILLION IN RENT BY THE END
OF 2020.
THE RENTAL ASSISTANCE WE HAVE
IS ONLY A FRACTION OF THAT.
IN ORDER TO ADDRESS THE COMING
EVICTION WAVE, WE REALLY NEED
TO BE INVESTING VERY, VERY
STRONGLY IN MORE AFFORDABLE
HOUSING, ESPECIALLY AS BLACK
HOUSEHOLDS ARE MORE LIKELY TO
BE EVICTED.
SO PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE PASS
ALL OF THE SOLIDARITY BUDGET
DEMANDS.
THANK YOU.
>> SONIA, THANKS FOR BEING WITH
US.
>> HI.
I'M A MOM OF TWO HIGH SCHOOLERS
WORKING IN DISTRICT THREE.
A MEMBER OF SOCIALIST
ALTERNATIVE AND A MEMBER OF THE
PEOPLE'S BUDGET MOVEMENT, WHICH
IS STANDING WITH THE SOLIDARITY
BUDGET.
OUR MOVEMENT IS DEMANDING THE
CITY COUNCIL STOP THE BUDGET
CUTS, INCREASE THE AMAZON TAX
FOR MOVEMENT ONE, AND DEFUND
THE POLICE BY $170 MILLION OR
50% AS COUNCIL MEMBER SAWANT
PROPOSED.
I'M TIRED OF THE TAXES I PAY
INCLUDING BLOATED PROPERTY
TAXES BECAUSE OF OUR REGRESSIVE
TAX SYSTEM HERE.
AND WE HAVE TO FIGHT FOR THIS
INCREASE TO FUND OUR IMPORTANT
SOCIAL SERVICES.
WHEN WE FIGHT BACK, WE WIN.
WE WON THE AMAZON TAX BY
BUILDING A FIGHTING MOVE.
AND WE HAVE SEEN ANYTHING
REQUIRES A STRUGGLE.
OH, NOW WE HAVE A NEW AND
EXTREMELY IMPORTANT PROPOSAL
FROM THE AFRICAN TOWN LAND
TRUST WHO EXPAND URGENTLY A
COMMUNITY-OWNED AFFORDABLE
HOUSING MANY THE DISTRICT.
I URGE COUNCIL MEMBERS TO
SUPPORT THAT AMENDMENT FROM
COUNCIL MEMBER SAWANT TO ENACT
THE PROPOSAL TO ACQUIRE THE
KAIRO CENTER TO BE DEVELOPED IN
COMMUNITY OWNED PERMANENTLY
AFFORDABLE HOUSING.
THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU.
JIMMY, GOOD EVENING.
>> HI.
I'M JIMMY HIGHTOWER, A RESIDENT
OF DISTRICT FIVE AND CALLING TO
SUPPORT THE PROPOSAL OF THE
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH OUTREACH IN
SEATTLE.
CONDITIONS IN OUR CITY'S PARK
ARE BECOMING DIRE.
LIVING ACROSS THE STREET FROM
ALBERT DAVIS PARK IN NEAR LAKE
CITY MINI PARK HAS BEEN
CHALLENGING AS BOTH PARKS HAVE
SUBSTANTIAL ENCAMPMENTS THAT
HAVE BEEN ATTRACTING ILLICIT
ACTIVITY AND PUTTING
POPULATIONS AT GREATER RISK.
WE HAVE PROPROSED A CREATION OF
TWO BEHAVIORAL OUTREACH
SPECIALIST POSITIONS TO FILL
THE GAP AND PROVIDE SERVICES
SPD COULD NOT AND HELP FOLKS
ATTAIN AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND
HOUSE NEIGHBORS TO DEESCALATE
CONFLICT.
I FIRMLY BELIEVE THAT TOGETHER
WE CAN MAKE POSITIVE CHANGE IN
OUR COMMUNITY THROUGH
INNOVATIVE APPROACHES AND
BETTER SUPPORT WITH VULNERABLE
NEIGHBORS AND ENSURE SAFETY FOR
ALL OF OUR NEIGHBORS.
THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.
THE NEXT THREE SPEAKERS ARE
KELSEY, ELLEN, AND THEN
SPENCER.
KELSEY, GOOD AFTERNOON.
>> HI THERE.
I'M FROM DISTRICT THREE, AND I
CALL ON CITY COUNCIL TO DEFUND
SPD BY 100% AND SUPPORT THE
SOLIDARITY BUDGET.
ABOLITION IS ABOUT A PRESENCE,
NOT ABSENCE.
IT'S ABOUT BUILDING LIFE
AFFIRMING INSTITUTIONS.
I SUPPORT THE DEMANDS OF THE
SOLIDARITY BUDGET BECAUSE THEY
ARE IN ALIGNMENT WITH THIS
PRINCIPLE.
I YOU REMEMBER YOU TO DEFUND
SPD BY 100% AND EXTEND THE
HIRING FREEZE IN 2021.
SECOND, INVEST THIS MONEY FROM
DEFUNDING SPD NOT JUMP START IN
BLACK AND INDIGENOUS
COMMUNITIES.
NEXT, DIGNIFIED HOUSING FOR ALL
AND DECRIMINALIZE POVERTY TO
MAKE SURE PEOPLE EXPERIENCING
MENTAL ILLNESS OR SUBSTANCE
ABUSE ARE NOT PERSECUTED.
FUND COMMUNITY-IDENTIFIED
PRIORITIES LIKE THE CROSSWALK
FOR THE LONG HOUSE.
I SUPPORT THE TWO PROPOSALS FOR
CULTURALLY RESPONSIVE
CURRICULUM AND RESTORATIVE
JUSTICE PROGRAMMING.
BLACK LIVES MATTER.
INDIGENOUS MATTERS.
ABOLISH SPD.
INVEST IN LIBERATION.
>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
ELLEN, GOOD EVENING.
>> HI.
I'M ELLIE FROM DISTRICT SIX AND
THE SUNRISE MOVEMENT.
I'M CALLING IN SUPPORT OF THE
SOLIDARITY BUDGET.
I'M A VOLUNTEER AT HARBORVIEW.
TOO MANY OF THE PATIENTS ARE
TRYING TO HEAL AND LOOKING FOR
A PLACE TO LIVE AFTER
DISCHARGE.
THE SERVICES OFFERED TO THEM
ARE INCREDIBLY DIFFICULT TO
NAVIGATE.
MY HEARTBREAKS EVERY TIME
SOMEONE ASKS DO YOU KNOW WHEN
SOMEONE WILL CALL ME BACK ABOUT
MY HOUSING PLAN?
WE IMMEDIATE TO OVERCOME THESE
INTERLOCKING INEQUITIES BY
FUNDING DIGNIFIED EMERGENCY
SHELTER, SANITATION, AND
AFFORDABLE HOUSING.
IN ORDER TO MAKE THESE NEW
SYSTEMS ACCESSIBLE AND JUST, WE
NEED TO GIVE LEADERSHIP TO THE
FOLKS WHO KNOW THESE
EXPERIENCES IN THE FORM OF PAID
POSITIONS.
THESE ESSENTIAL STEPS AND MORE
ARE INCLUDED IN THE SOLIDARITY
BUDGET.
A BOLDREVERSAL OF MAYOR
DURKAN'S HARMFUL PROPOSED
BUDGET.
LET'S DIVEST FROM SPD AND
REALLOCATE $100 MILLION INTO
BLACK COMMUNITIES USING
PARTICIPATERY BUDGETING.
THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME
TONIGHT.
SPENCER, GOOD EVENING.
>> HELLO.
HELLO.
MY NAME IS SPENCER.
AND I'M A HOMEOWNER IN DISTRICT
THREE.
I'M A PARENT AND A SUPPORTER OF
THE SOLIDARITY BUDGET.
IN MY ENTIRE LIFE, I HAVE NEVER
REQUIRED THE POLICE.
MEDICAL ATTENTION, ANIMAL
CONTROL, A CLERK TO RECORD A
TEST, AND I'VE REQUIRED THE
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
I'VE NEVER NEEDED SOMEONE WITH
A WEAPON.
I URGE YOU TO DIVEST FROM THE
SPD BY AT LEAST 50% AND PUT
THOSE FUNDS TO BETTER USE BY
INVESTING IN BLACK COMMUNITIES
AND COMMUNITY-LED HEALTH AND
SAFETY PROGRAMS.
I ALSO URGE YOU TO EXPAND THE
DURRESS DEFENSE.
WE SHOULDN'T BE CONVICTING
PEOPLE OF CRIMES IF THEY ARE
TRYING TO MEET A BASIC NEED OR
STRUGGLING WITH MENTAL HEALTH
OR DRUG USE AT THE TIME OF THE
OFFENSE.
FINALLY, PLEASE REAFFIRM THE
VOTE YOU MADE IN 2020
REBALANCING PACKAGE TO
ELIMINATE THE NAVIGATION TEAM.
AND INSTEAD, FIND TRUSTED
COMMUNITY ORGANIZERS AND NON-
PROFITS TO CONDUCT OUTREACH TO
ENCAMPMENTS WITHOUT THE
PRESENCE OF THE POLICE.
BLACK LIVES MATTER.
TAX AMAZON.
THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU.
AND THE NEXT THREE SPEAKERS ARE
SUMMER STINSON, KITTY WU, AND
PAUL CHAPMAN.
GOOD EVENING, SUMMER.
>> HI.
I'M SUMMER STINSON, A HOMEOWNER
AND BOARD MEMBER OF THE
ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY INSTITUTE.
NOW IS THE TIME FOR YOU TO LEAD
AND BE ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF
HISTORY.
BUDGETS ARE MORAL DOCUMENTS.
I STRONGLY SUPPORT THE SEATTLE
SOLIDARITY BUDGET.
TO OVERCOME OUR GAPING ABYSS,
SYSTEMIC RACISM, AND COVID-19,
THE SEATTLE CITY COUNCIL MUST
PASS A TAX THE RICH AND NO CUTS
OTHER THAN DEFUNDING SPD BY 50%
BUDGET FOR 2021.
REALLOCATE AT LEAST 50% OF THE
FUNDS FROM SPD AND REINVEST
THAT MONEY INTO BLACK
COMMUNITIES AND COMMUNITY-LED
HEALTH AND SAFETY PROGRAMS.
FULLY FUND OUR PARKS,
LIBRARIES, SIDEWALKS, CHILDCARE
OPTIONS, AND CULTURAL PROGRAMS
AND SPACES.
INVEST MUCH MORE IN DIGNIFIED
EMERGENCY SHELTER, COMMUNITY-
OWNED HOUSING, AFFORDABLE
HOUSING, AND A GREEN NEW DEAL.
I URGE YOU TO VOTE FOR
PROGRESSIVE NEW BUDGETING
OPTIONS AND A CAPITAL GAINS TAX
AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
WE ARE DEPENDING ON YOU TO
LEAD.
THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU, SUMMER.
KITTY, GOOD EVENING.
>> HI.
THIS IS KITTY WU.
I'M A CONCERNED MOTHER WHO
LIVES AND WORKS IN DISTRICT
THREE.
I SIT ON THE SEATTLE MUSIC
COMMISSION AND THE DIGITAL
EQUITY IN YOUTH AND COMMUNITIES
COMMITTEE.
I SUPPORT A 2021 BUDGET THAT
AND SUPPORTS OUR LEAST ECTED
SUPPORTED.
FAMILIES STILL NEED INTERNET.
THOSE FAMILIES NEED DEVICES.
I SUPPORT INTERNET FOR ALL AND
DOLLARS ALLOCATED TO IT.
DIGITAL NAVIGATORS ARE A VITAL
BRIDGE THAT CAN HELP THE BABIES
TO THE GRANNIES GET
RECONNECTED.
I SUPPORT THE SOLIDARITY
BUDGET, DEVESTING FROM SPD BY
50%, AND INVESTING IN LIFELINES
FOR MARGINALIZED PEOPLE IN A
PARTICIPATERY BUDGET PROCESS.
LET'S MOVE TOWARD SOLUTIONS
THAT HELP US AND OUR NEIGHBORS
THRIVE.
THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
PAUL, GOOD EVENING.
>> HI.
I'M PAUL CHAPMAN, A MEMBER OF
WELCOME TO WALLINGFORD.
THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO US.
SEATTLE IS A FACING A CRISIS
FOR THE SOUL OF THE CITY.
WILL WE FOLLOW MAYOR DURKAN OR
FOLLOW 158 COMMUNITY
ORGANIZATIONS AND THOUSANDS OF
RESIDENTS CALLING FOR A
SOLIDARITY BUDGET ROOTED IN
EQUITY, JUSTICE, AND GENROS
THETY?
WE'RE ONE OF THE WEALTHIEST
CITIES IN THE COUNTRY.
LET'S DEVEST FROM THE SPD AND
THE WHITE SUPREMACIST VIOLENCE.
LET'S INVEST IN OUR NEIGHBORS
SUFFERING FROM OUR POLICY
FAILURES THAT CAUSE
HOMELESSNESS.
INVEST IN OUR BLACK
COMMUNITIES.
INVEST IN OUR NATIVE
COMMUNITIES.
INVEST IN MUNICIPAL BROAD BAND,
FOUR FLOORS AND CORNER STORES,
AFFORDABLE HOUSING.
INVEST IN MORE TRANSIT AND BIKE
LANES.
INVEST IN A PROGRESSIVE TAX
CODE.
IN THIS HISTORIC INFLECTION
POINT, LET'S NOT BUILD A FUTURE
AS STABLE AS THE WEST SEATTLE
BRIDGE.
LET'S BE BOLD AND CREATE IN
THIS MOMENT THE EQUITABLE CITY
WE NEED.
THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU SO MUCH.
I APPRECIATE THE ANALOGY.
THE NEXT THREE PEOPLE ARE DORIS
ONEIL, MAUREEN EWING, AND ALLEN
BALLWAY.
WE'RE ON 17, 18, AND 19.
THAT WOULD GET US UP TO NUMBER
20.
I DO NOT SEE DORIS ONEIL OR
MAUREEN EWING PRESENT.
WE'LL COME BACK TO THEM IF THEY
DO JOIN US.
LET'S MOVE TO ALLEN.
GOOD EVENING, ALLEN.
>> GOOD EVENING.
I'M ALLEN.
I'M A RESIDENT OF DISTRICT
SEVEN.
AND I WANTED TO CALL IN TO
VOICE MY SUPPORT FOR THE
SOLIDARITY BUDGET AS WELL AS A
COMPLETE REJECTION MAJOR
DURKAN'S RACIST AND CLIMATE
DENIALIST PROPOSED BUDGET.
I WANTED TO HIGHLIGHT THAT WE
NEED TO DEFUND SPD BY AT LEAST
50%.
AND WE NEED TO CONSIDER
ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS THAN
BUILDING UP MORE AND MORE
FOSSIL FUEL CAR INFRASTRUCTURE
AND INVEST IN TRANSIT AS WELL
AS OUR INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY.
THANK YOU.
>> EXCELLENT.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TESTIMONY.
AND THE NEXT THREE SPEAKERS WE
HAVE ARE TUSHAR KUNARA, CARLY
GARRIE, AND CASTEEL HIGHTOWER.
THAT WILL BRING US UP TO
NUMBERS 22.
I DO NOT SEE PRESENT TUSHA AND
CARLY.
SO WE ARE GOING TO GO AHEAD TO
CASTEEL.
THANKS FOR JOINING US TONIGHT.
PLEASE GO AHEAD.
>> HI.
CAN YOU HEAR ME?
>> YES.
THANKS SO MUCH.
>> BY NOW, YOU SHOULD KNOW MY
BROTHER WAS KILLED BY SPD IN
2004 DURING A HEALTH CRISIS.
BY NOW, YOU SHOULD KNOW THE
DEMANDS OF THE PEOPLE AND
SOLIDARITY BUDGET AND DEFUNDING
SPD BY 50% CREATING COMMUNITY-
OWNED AFFORDABLE HOUSING,
PROVIDING GOOD-PAYING JOBS, AND
IMPLEMENTING A DEMOCRATICALLY
ELECTED COMMITTEE WITH AN
OVERSIGHT BOARD TO DISCIPLINE
OFFICERS.
AND SO MUCH MORE WILL ALL TAKE
THE BURDEN OF THIS PANDEMIC OFF
THE SHOULDERS OF WORKING AND
POOR PEOPLE AND FORCE AMAZON TO
PAY THEIR FAIR SHARE.
AND NOW THAT YOU KNOW, NOW THAT
YOU HEARD THE VOICES OF THE
PEOPLE IMPACTED BY YOUR
DECISION MAKING DEMANDING A
FAIR SHARE TO LIFE AND LIBERTY,
IT'S TIME TO SHOW YOU STAND
WITH US AND NOT AGAINST US.
THANK YOU.
I YIELD MY TIME.
>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH,
CASTEEL.
THE NEXT THREE SPEAKERS ARE
EMILY MURPHY, GEORGE BARREN,
AND AKISHA CHATTERING.
AGAIN, IF YOU HEARD YOUR NAME
AND YOU ARE NOT PRESENT,
CALLING ON DORIS, MAUREEN, AND
CARLY.
UNTIL THEN, EMILY, THANKS FOR
JOINING US AGAIN.
>> THANK YOU.
CAN YOU HEAR ME?
>> YES.
THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU, MADAME CHAIR.
I AM EMILY MURPHY.
I'M A RESIDENT IN D-4. I WAS
BORN AND RAISED IN D-5. I AM A
MEMBER OF NORTH SEATTLE FOR
BLACK LIVES, A NETWORK OF
NEIGHBORHOOD GROUPS WORKING TO
UNDO THE ON GOING LEGACY OF
WHITE SUPREMACY AND SUPPORT THE
MOVEMENT FOR BLACK LIVES.
WE SUPPORT THE BLACK-LED
COMMUNITY SOLIDARITY BUDGET,
INCLUDING DIVEST FROM SPD BY
50%.
DISTRIBUTE DIVESTMENTS FROM
POLICING.
PRESERVE VITAL PUBLIC SERVICES,
INCREASE DIGNIFIED EMERGENCY
SHELTER, AND AFFORDABLE
HOUSING.
AND DECRIMINALIZE HOMELESSNESS
SERVICES.
IMPLEMENT THE GREEN NEW DEAL
AND CURB THE CRIMINALIZATION OF
POVERTY AND MENTAL HEALTH
STRUGGLES.
WE CALL ON CITY COUNCIL TO MAKE
SURE THAT INVESTMENTS IN BLACK
COMMUNITIES COME FROM FUNDS
DIVESTED FROM POLICE, NOT FROM
JUMPSTART SEATTLE OR ANY OTHER
CITY FUNDS.
THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH, EMILY.
GEORGE?
JORGE?
GOOD EVENING.
>> THANK YOU, COUNCIL MEMBERS.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME TODAY.
I RESIDE IN DISTRICT 7. I'M
HERE TO URGE YOUR SUPPORT TO
THE AMENDMENT TO MAINTAIN LEVEL
FUNDING FOR THE KING COUNTY
EXPANDED LEGAL DEFENSE NETWORK
OR ELDN BASED OUT OF THE OFFICE
OF IMMIGRANT REFUGEE AFFAIRS.
I WAS PROUD TO SEE OUR CITY
CREATE THIS PROGRAM IN 2017 TO
ENSURE THAT CITY RESIDENTS AND
WORKERS FACING A DEPORTATION
HEARING WOULD NOT HAVE TO FACE
AN IMMIGRATION JUDGE ALONE
BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT PROVIDED
APPOINTED COUNCIL IF THEY CAN'T
AFFORD ONE.
MAYOR DURKAN PROPOSED A 20% CUT
IN FUNDING TO THE PROGRAM FROM
THE CURRENT LEVELS AND ARE
ASKING YOU TO SUPPORT THE
AMENDMENT TO MAINTAIN LEVEL
FUNDING FOR 2021.
I'M AWARE OF THE CHALLENGES THE
CITY FACES FOR THE FINANCIAL
CRISIS CAUSED BY THE PANDEMIC.
AS WE GATHER VIRTUALLY, THERE
ARE HUNDREDS OF COMMUNITY
MEMBERS BEING HELD AT THE
NORTHWEST DETENTION CENTER MANY
TACOMA.
SOME OF THEM WILL BE FACING
DEPORTATION HEARINGS AS EARLY
AS TOMORROW MORNING.
IF THEY CAN'T AFFORD TO HIRE AN
ATTORNEY, THEY WILL HAVE TO
FACE THE PROSPECT OF BEING
SEPARATED FROM THEIR FAMILIES.
I URGE YOU TO SUPPORT FULLY
FUNDING THIS CRITICAL PROGRAM.
THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU SO MUCH.
AND GOOD TO HEAR YOUR VOICE.
SORRY FOR THE MISPRONUNCIATION
OF YOUR NAME AS WELL AS AT THE
BEGINNING.
THANKS FOR CALLING IN.
AKEESHA, THANKS FOR JOINING US.
>> HI.
CAN YOU HEAR ME?
>> YES.
THANK YOU SO MUCH.
>> HI.
MY NAME IS AKEESHA.
I'M A RENTER IN DISTRICT FIVE.
A STUDENT AT THE UNIVERSITY OF
WASHINGTON AND A VOLUNTEER WITH
350 SEATTLE.
I'M SPEAKING TODAY TO ASK THAT
THE CITY COUNCIL MAKE THE
FOLLOWING NECESSARY AMENDMENTS
TO THE 2021 BUDGET PROPOSAL.
I REPEAT WHAT MANY HAVE SAID
AND URGE YOU TO DIVEST FROM THE
SPD BY 50% AND REINVEST THESE
FUNDS IN BLACK-LED COMMUNITIES.
THIS IS THE FIRST STEP TOWARD
DIVESTING FROM SYSTEMS OF
OPPRESSION.
THESE FUNDS MUST BE ALLOCATED
TO A JUST AND TRUE BUDGET
PROCESS.
NOT A HAND-PICKED MAYOR DURKAN
TASK FORCE.
THIRD, THIS MONEY SHOULD COME
FROM THE CITY'S POLICING
BUDGET.
WE NEED IT TO MEET BASIC HUMAN
NEEDS.
WE MUST RECOGNIZE AN INVESTMENT
IN THE COMMUNITY GOES HAND IN
HAND WITH DIVESTMENT IN
POLICING.
I STAND IN SOLIDARITY WITH THE
PEOPLE WHO HAVE ENDURED
INJUSTICE FOR TOO LONG.
THE TIME TO DO UNDUE RACIST
SYSTEMS OF OPPRESSION WAS
YESTERDAY.
THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU SO MUCH.
AND KELLY, GOOD EVENING. HEY,
KELLY.
IT LOOKS LIKE YOU'RE ON MUTE ON
OUR END.
JUST PUSH STAR 6 ONE MORE TIME.
AND AS KELLY IS UNMUTING, I
WANT TO NOTE WE WILL GO BACK TO
MAUREEN.
KELLY, ANY LUCK WITH UNMUTING?
JUST STAR 6 ON YOUR END.
OKAY.
WHY DON'T WE GO BACK TO MAUREEN
AND THEN WE'LL COME BACK TO
KELLY.
KELLY, IF YOU CAN HEAR ME,
WE'LL COME RIGHT BACK TO YOU.
GOOD EVENING, MAUREEN.
THANKS FOR CALLING IN.
>> GOOD EVENING, COUNCIL CHAIR
MOSQUEDA AND COUNCIL MEMBERS.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP
DURING THIS TIME AND THE
OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK.
I'M THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF
THE UNIVERSITY HEIGHT CENTER IN
THE U-DISTRICT.
I'M HERE TONIGHT TO
WHOLEHEARTEDLY ADVOCATE FOR A
PROPOSED TINY HOUSE VILLAGE IN
THE U-DISTRICT.
THE U-DISTRICT IS IN GREAT NEED
OF SUPPORTIVE SERVICES FOR
NEIGHBORS.
AND HAS BEEN A LONG HOME TO A
LARGE POPULATION OF UNHOUSED
YOUTH.
WE SEE THE DISPROPORTIONATE
TOLL THE PANDEMIC HAS HAD ON
OUR UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES.
WE KNOW TINY HOUSE VILLAGES ARE
PROVEN PROGRAMS THAT GIVE FOLKS
THE SAFETY OF LOCKING A DOOR
AND A PATHWAY TO HOUSING.
WE KNOW THAT 40-56% OF TINY
HOUSE RESIDENTS EVENTUALLY FIND
THEIR WAY INTO PERMANENT
HOUSING.
WE THANK ALEX PEDERSEN FOR
IDENTIFYING A SITE.
PLEASE ACT NOW AND FUND A TINY
HOUSE VILLAGE IN THE U-
DISTRICT.
>> GOOD TO HEAR FROM YOU AGAIN.
AND KELLY, WE'RE GOING TO GO
BACK TO YOU.
SEE IF WE CAN GET YOU OFF MUTE.
STAR 6. AFTER KELLY WILL BE JOE
SCOTT, JUSTIN BARR, AND KATIE
WILSON.
KELLY, I STILL SEE YOU MUTED ON
MY END.
AND JUST A HEAD'S UP TO J█OE
SCOTT, IT SHOWS YOU AS NOT
PRESENT AS WELL.
IF YOU COULD DIAL IN, WE'LL
COME BACK TO YOU.
KELLY, APOLOGIES FOR THAT.
IF YOU WANT TO SHOOT OUR OFFICE
A MESSAGE AND IF WE CAN HELP
TROUBLESHOOT, I KNOW OUR OFFICE
IS STANDING BY AS WELL AS THE
TECH TEAM.
LET US KNOW IF YOU CAN GET BACK
IN, AND WE WILL COME BACK TO
YOU IF WE CAN GET YOU UNMUTED.
I DON'T SEE JOE SCOTT LISTED.
LET'S GO AHEAD TO JUSTIN BARR.
GOOD EVENING, JUSTIN.
AND JUST STAR 6 TO UNMUTE
YOURSELF.
>> CAN YOU HEAR ME?
>> NOW WE CAN.
THANK YOU.
>> MY NAME IS JUSTIN.
I'M A DISTRICT FIVE RENTER.
MEMBER OF SOCIALIST
ALTERNATIVE.
I'VE BEEN ACTIVE IN THE
PEOPLE'S BUDGET MOVEMENT AND
SUPPORT THE SOLIDARITY BUDGET.
TONIGHT, I URGE THE DEMOCRATS
ON THE CITY COUNCIL TO JOIN
COUNCIL MEMBER SAWANT IN
OPPOSING MAYOR DURKAN'S
SHAMEFUL OSTERITY BUDGET.
YOU BETRAYED THE BLACK LIVES
MATTER MOVEMENT BY NOT
SUPPORTING COUNCIL MEMBER
SAWANT'S CONCRETE PROPOSAL TO
DO THIS.
DON'T BETRAY US AGAIN.
IF THE YOU DO NOT ACCEPT THE
AMENDMENTS FROM THE SOLIDARITY
BUDGET, THAT MEANS YOU'RE A
PRUDE, ANTI-POOR BUDGET, WHILE
THE WEALTHIEST IN OUR CITY HAVE
RAKED IN MAJOR PROFITS.
WE WANT YOU TO INCREASE THE
AMAZON TAX TO FUND A MASSIVE
EXPANSION OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING
BY TAXING THE RICH INSTEAD OF
WORKERS.
THE AMENDMENT FROM AFRICA TOWN
AND COUNCIL MEMBER SAWANT AND
FOR THOSE IN THE MOVEMENT
LISTENING, WE KNOW WE CAN'T PUT
OUR FAITH IN THESE DEMOCRATS.
>> THE NEXT PERSON IS KATIE
WILSON.
HELLO, KATIE.
THANKS FOR JOINING US.
HELLO, COUNCIL MEMBERS.
HEY.
THIS IS KATIE WILSON.
I'M REPRESENTING THE TRANSIT
RIDERS UNION.
WE ENTHUSIASTICALLY SUPPORT THE
SOLIDARITY BUDGET.
IN PARTICULAR, I WANT TO
EMPHASIZE THE IMPORTANCE OF
EXPANDING DURESS LANGUAGE AND
EXTENDING THE POLICE HIRING
FREEZE THROUGH 2021.
ALONG WITH THE MASK COALITION,
WE SUPPORT AMENDMENTS TO
RESTORE FUNDING FOR THE
SIDEWALK, THE GEORGETOWN TO
PARK 4 TRAIL, AND ALSO
CONTINUING PLANNING BIKE
CONNECTIONS IN SOUTH SEATTLE.
WE ASK THAT YOU RESTORE THE $30
MILLION STRATEGIC INVESTMENT
FUND TO ACQUIRE LAND FOR
DEVELOPMENT AND ANTI-
DISPLACEMENT PROJECTS.
IF WE DON'T USE THESE FUNDS TO
ACQUIRE NEW PUBLIC LAND FOR
PUBLIC USE, WHAT WAS THE CITY
DOING LAST YEAR WHEN THEY
DECIDED TO SELL A MASSIVE PIECE
OF PUBLIC LAND?
WE STRONGLY SUPPORT FUNDING FOR
THE INDOOR SHELTER NETWORK TO
REMAIN OPEN 24/7 AND TINY HOUSE
VILLAGES AND SHARED TENT CITY
3. WE SUPPORT THE HOPE TEAM
AMENDMENT AND HAND WASHING
STATIONS AND ADDITIONAL TRASH
PICK UP FOR ENCAMPMENT
RESIDENTS.
THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU, KATIE.
THE NEXT THREE SPEAKERS ARE
NATALIE, GABRIELLE, AND MARCY
BOWERS.
NATALIE, GOOD EVENING.
>> HI.
MY NAME IS NATALIE.
I'M A RENTER IN COUNCIL MEMBER
ALEX PEDERSEN'S DISTRICT FOUR.
I URGE YOU TO DEFUND THE
SEATTLE POLICE DEPARTMENT BY AT
LEAST 50% AND REINVEST THOSE
FUNDS IN BLACK COMMUNITIES.
I WHOLEHEARTEDLY SUPPORT A
PARTICIPATERY BUDGET PLANNING
PROCESS.
FINALLY, WE ARE IN A TRIPLE
PANDEMIC.
COVID-19, OF COURSE.
BUT ALSO THE CLIMATE CRISIS AND
SYSTEMIC RACISM.
WE NEED TO ADDRESS ALL OF THESE
CRISIS SIMULTANEOUSLY.
I URGE YOU TO DIVEST FROM THE
POLICE AND INVEST IN THE
HEALTH, SAFETY, AND FUTURE OF
ALL SEATTLE RESIDENTS.
THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
AND GABRIELLE, YOU ARE NEXT.
GOOD EVENING.
>> HI.
HI.
MY NAME IS GABBY, AND I'M A
RENTER IN THE U-DISTRICT AND A
GRADUATE STUDENT AT U- DUB.
WE NEED A BUDGET THAT
COMMUNITIES IN SEATTLE ACTUALLY
SUPPORT.
AND WE NEED A BUDGET THAT
ACTUALLY SUPPORTS COMMUNITIES
IN SEATTLE.
THIS MEANS THAT IN THIS BUDGET
( BUDGET CYCLE, WE NEED TO
DEFUND THE SPD AND THAT MONEY
NEEDS TO BE ALLOCATED BY THE
COMMUNITIES THROUGH A BUDGETING
PROCESS.
EIGHT MONTHS INTO A GLOBAL
PANDEMIC AND COMING OUT OF THE
WORST FIRE SEASON IN HISTORY,
WE CAN'T BE TAKING FUNDING AWAY
FROM COVID-19RY LEAF COVID-19
RELIEF AND THE GREEN DEAL.
I URGE YOU TO LEGISLATE AND
SUPPORT ALL OF THE SOLIDARITY
BUDGET DEMANDS AND USE THIS
BUDGET CYCLE TO BEGIN WORKING
TOWARD A SEATTLE WHERE EVERYONE
IS SAFE, HAS A PLACE TO LIVE,
AND CAN THRIVE.
THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME
TONIGHT.
AND NEXT WE'LL HEAR FROM MARCY
BOWERS.
MARCY, AFTER YOU WE'RE GOING TO
GO BACK TO CARLY GRAY, KELSEY,
AND THEN WE'LL HEAR FROM LAURA
LOWE.
MARCY, GOOD EVENING.
>> GOOD EVENING.
I'M HERE TONIGHT REPRESENTING
SOLID GROUND AND POVERTY
ACTION.
I'M HERE TONIGHT TO URGE THE
COUNCIL TO DO THREE IMPORTANT
THINGS.
FIRST, SUPPORT THE SOLIDARITY
BUDGET THAT ENSURES INVESTMENTS
IN BLACK COMMUNITIES COME FROM
FUNDS DIVESTED FROM POLICE, NOT
FROM JUMP STARTS OR OTHER CITY
FUNDS.
SECOND, A $7 50,000 IN
INVESTMENT TO SUPPORT THE
HOUSING NEEDS OF OUR CITY'S
RESIDENTS IN THE WAKE OF COVID-
19.
AND TO INCLUDE $85,000 IN
FUNDING FOR THE HUMAN SERVICES
DEPARTMENT ORGANIZATIONAL
ADVOCACY CONTRACT.
HELD THIS CONTRACT FOR OVER 15
YEARS.
IT'S BEEN A SUCCESSFUL
PARTNERSHIP WITH THE CITY DOING
ANTI-POVERTY POLICY ADVOCACY
AND ORGANIZING.
YOU'VE HEARD ABOUT THE
SOLIDARITY BUDGET SO I'LL FOCUS
ON THE ADVOCACY CONTRACT.
IT REPRESENTS A MODEST
INVESTMENT IN THE CITY THAT
BRINGS A SIGNIFICANT RETURN TO
PEOPLE IN SEATTLE.
IT BRINGS DIRECT CASH
ASSISTANCE TO THE POCKETS OF
SEATTLE'S RESIDENTS AND LIMITS
THE NEED FOR CITY FUNDED
SERVICES, AND WE URGE YOUR
SUPPORT ON EACH OF THOSE THREE
THINGS.
THANK YOU SO MUCH.
>> GREAT.
THANKS FOR YOUR TIME TONIGHT.
WE'RE GOING TO HEAR CARLY.
CARLY, GOOD EVENING.
I'M WONDERING IF WE GOT THE
MUTE BUTTON WORKED OUT ON YOUR
END.
IT MIGHT BE ON OUR END, SO
PLEASE LET US KNOW.
GREAT.
IT LOOKS LIKE IT CAME UNMUTED.
PLEASE GO AHEAD.
>> HI.
MY NAME IS CARLY GRAY.
I'M A RESIDENT OF ANDREW LEWIS'
DISTRICT SEVEN.
I'M CALLING LIKE MANY OTHER
PEOPLE TONIGHT IN SUPPORT OF
THE SOLIDARITY BUDGET TO MAKE
SIX KEY AMENDMENTS TO MAYOR
DURKAN'S BUDGET.
I SUPPORT THE DEMAND TO DIVEST
FROM THE SEATTLE POLICE
DEPARTMENT BY AT LEAST 50%.
THEY SHOULD BE DISTRIBUTED
THROUGH A BUDGETING PROCESS.
FUNDING THROUGH MONEY DIVESTED
FROM POLICE, PROSECUTORS, AND
COURTS NOT BY TAKING AWAY MONEY
FROM JUMP START SEATTLE REVENUE
OR OTHER CITY FUNDS.
I URGE YOU TO REJECT MAYOR
DURKAN'S TACTICS.
CONTINUE TO FUND PROJECTS LIKE
THE SOUTH PARK TRAIL, SIDEWALK
REPAIR ALONG THE RAINIER
CORRIDOR, AND FUND ESSENTIAL
SERVICES IN SEATTLE.
FIVE MONTHS OF PROTEST AND
ORGANIZING SHOULD MAKE OUR
MESSAGE MORE THAN CLEAR BY NOW.
I URGE YOU TO SUPPORT A
SOLIDARITY BUDGET FOR 2021 AND
BEYOND.
THANK YOU.
>> THANKS FOR CALLING IN,
CARLY.
AND THE NEXT TWO ARE GOING TO
BE KELSEY AND JOE SCOTT, AND
THEN WE'LL GO BACK UP TO NUMBER
33, WHO IS LAURA LOWE.
GOOD EVENING, KELSEY.
JUST STAR 6 TO UNMUTE YOURSELF.
STAR 6. OH, PERFECT.
GREAT.
GO AHEAD.
>> SORRY FOR THAT DIFFICULTY.
THIS IS KELLY, AND I'M IN
DISTRICT 7. I NEED TO GET TO MY
NOTES NOW AFTER ALL THAT.
OH, MY GOSH.
HOLD ON ONE SECOND.
>> WE'LL RESTART YOUR TIME
HERE.
GO AHEAD, KELLY.
>> I KNOW.
SORRY.
>> THAT'S OKAY.
>> OKAY.
DISTRICT 7. WE SUPPORT MAYOR
DURKAN'S BUDGET.
NO TO THE SOLIDARITY BUDGET.
IMPROVE ON THE PLAN BY
REQUIRING ACCOUNTABILITY.
EVERY TAXPAYER DOLLAR MUST BE
HELD TO SMART GOALS.
YOU HAVE A FIDUCIARY
RESPONSIBILITY TO REQUIRE THIS.
NO TO DEFUNDING THE POLICE.
YOUR ACTIONS HAVE ALREADY
CAUSED 44 POLICE TO LEAVE.
NO TO LEGALIZING MISDEMEANORS.
YOUR NUMBER ONE RESPONSIBILITY
IS THE SAFETY OF THOSE WHO LIVE
HERE.
NO TO PROVIDING LOOPHOLES TO
CRIMINALS.
USE THE RAINY DAY FUND AS IS
NECESSARY.
UNPRECEDENTED ECONOMIC DOWNTURN
DUE TO COVID-19 AND CIVIL
UNREST IS WHAT THE RAINY DAY
FUND WAS MEANT FOR.
MASK UP, OPEN UP.
ENCOURAGE THE GOVERNOR TO OPEN
US TO PHASE THREE.
ADDRESS HOMELESS AS YOUR NUMBER
ONE ITEM.
REINSTATE THE NAV TEAM.
THE TRASH, HUMAN WASTE, NEEDLES
LITTER OUR PARKS AND STORE
FRONTS.
SHELTERS, SOCIAL SERVICES,
HOUSING OPTIONS WITH RULES.
ACCEPTANCE IS REQUIRED
INVOLUNTARY INCARCERATION AS
APPROPRIATE.
OUR COMMUNITY CANNOT SURVIVE
WITH THIS MESS OR TOLERATE
CRIMINAL ACTIVITY.
>> THANK YOU FOR CALLING IN
TONIGHT, KELLY.
JOE?
GOOD EVENING.
THANKS FOR BEING WITH US.
JUST STAR 6 TO UNMUTE YOURSELF.
GREAT.
THANK YOU.
>> HI.
MY NAME IS JOE SCOTT.
I AM A RENTER IN DISTRICT 4 OF
SEATTLE.
I'M ON THIS CALL TODAY TO SPEAK
IN FAVOR OF THE SOLIDARITY
BUDGET.
SPECIFICALLY IN FAVOR OF
AMENDING THE MAYOR'S BUDGET TO
DEFUND THE POLICE AND INVEST IN
BLACK COMMUNITIES.
WHAT BRINGS ME HERE IS A
PERSONAL STORY.
MY BIKE WAS RECENTLY STOLEN
FROM MY HOUSE.
I CALLED THE POLICE TO SEE WHAT
COULD BE DONE.
THEY TOLD ME TO SET UP MY OWN
STING.
BEST CASE, WE SHOW UP AND GET
THE GUY.
WORST CASE, HE ATTACKS YOU.
I REALIZED NO MATTER WHAT,
INVOLVING THE POLICE WOULD MEAN
VIOLENCE, POTENTIAL HARM TO AN
OFFICER AND MYSELF, AND
DEFINITE HARM TO THE THIEF.
ALL OVER A COUPLE HUNDRED
DOLLARS.
I WANT TO AFFIRM THE TRUTH THAT
MORE PEOPLE ARE REALIZING, THE
POLICE ARE A VIOLENT AND
INEFFECTIVE FORCE FOR PROVIDING
PUBLIC SAFETY.
WE MUST MAKE SEATTLE
ECONOMICALLY JUST AND THE
SOLIDARITY BUDGET WOULD HELP
STEER US TOWARD THAT HORIZON.
I WANT TO GIVE A SHOUT OUT TO
THE VERY FIRST SPEAKER ON THIS
CALL WHO CALLED OUT ALEX
PEDERSEN SPECIFICALLY FOR HIS
ILLOGICAL NONSENSE STATEMENTS
ON THIS ISSUE.
I SUPPORT HIS STATEMENT.
THANK YOU.
>> LAURA, THANKS FOR WAITING.
LAURA IS GOING TO BE FOLLOWED
BY ANNAMARIE DOOLEY.
LAURA, GOOD TO SEE YOU ON THE
LIST AGAIN.
PLEASE GO AHEAD.
>> HI, COUNCIL.
I'M CALLING TODAY JUST AS
MYSELF TO SAY A LONG LIST OF
WONDERFUL THINGS THAT WE NEED
TO DO.
I WANT TO SAY THAT THE UNITY
THE SOLIDARITY BUDGET HAS
BROUGHT TO THE BUDGET PROCESS
IS SO INSPIRING AND ENERGIZING,
AND IT'S GOOD TO HAVE VOTES IN
THESE DIFFICULT AND DARK TIMES.
I'M JUST WOWED BY THE WORK OF
THE FOLKS THAT HAVE LED THE
PROTEST FOR 150 DAYS AND ARE
LEADING ON THIS BUDGET PROCESS
AND REALLY UNIFYING ALL OF US
SEATTLE FOR A GREEN NEW DEAL,
AND REALLY HAPPY TO SEE THINGS
LIKE THE HOPE PROGRAM FROM
COUNCIL MEMBER MORALES AND
REALLY CREATIVE SOLUTIONS THAT
ARE COMING FROM THE COMMUNITY
AND BEING BROUGHT FORTH FROM
ELECTS.
IT'S A REALLY HOPEFUL SIGN.
I HOPE YOU FEEL THAT ENERGY AND
ARE INSPIRED TO TAKE BOLD
ACTION AND NOT SETTLE FOR A
REALLY AWFUL DURKAN BUDGET.
AND THANKS FOR ALL YOU'RE
DOING.
>> THANK YOU, LAURA.
AND THE NEXT PERSON IS NUMBER
34.
MEHR, I DON'T SEE YOU LISTED AS
PRESENT.
CALL IN NOW AND WE'LL COME BACK
TO I DON'T MEAN TO ANNAMRIE,
YOU ARE UP NEXT.
THANKS FOR WAITING.
>> I'M A DOCTOR AND A MEMBER OF
WASHINGTON PHYSICIANS FOR
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY.
UNLIKE THE COUNCIL MEMBERS
LISTENING, I DON'T WRITE
BUDGETS.
INSTEAD, I WRITE PRESCRIPTIONS.
THIS YEAR, I'VE WRITTEN TOO
MANY.
FIRST DIALYSIS FOR THOSE DYING
FROM COVID-19.
AND INHALERS FROM MANY UNABLE
TO BREATHE FROM THE SMOKE.
YOU CAN'T CONTINUE TO WRITE
BUDGETS IN THE WAY YOU HAVE
BECAUSE THE PUBLIC HEALTH COSTS
OUT OF OUR CLIMATE CRISIS ARE
UPON US NOW.
DAYS LOST FROM WORK, COSTS
NEVER MEASURED BECAUSE THEY
FOLLOW LOWER INCOME AND
COMMUNITIES OF COLOR.
FUND THE GREEN NEW DEAL BY
RESTORING STAFF POSITIONS IN
THE OFFICE OF SUSTAINABLE.
RESTORE CUTS TO TRANSPORTATION,
BIKING, AND WALKING PROJECTS.
YOU MUST GIVE LARGE CORPORATE
GROUPS THE BAD MUSE THEY MUST
PAY MORE.
I'M CONCERNED ABOUT LIVES LOST.
PLEASE PUT PUBLIC HEALTH AND
SOLIDARITY BEFORE PROFIT.
>> THANK YOU AND THANKS FOR
EVERYTHING YOU DO ON A DAILY
BASIS DURING THIS TIME OF COVID-
19 AS WELL AS A HEALTHCARE
PROVIDER.
LAURA BUTLER FOLLOWED BY SEANA
SMITH AND AMANDA SARILE.
NUMBER 37, WE HAVE YOU LISTED
AS NOT PRESENT.
LAUREN, GOOD EVENING.
THANKS FOR BEING WITH US.
>> HI.
THANKS.
CAN YOU HEAR ME?
>> YES, WE CAN.
MY NAME IS LAUREN.
I'M A D-3 RENTER.
I'VE WORKED IN SOCIAL SERVICES
IN SEATTLE FOR THE PAST 10
YEARS.
I'M CALLING AS A PROTESTER TO
EXPRESS MY UNEQUIVOCAL SUPPORT
FOR DEFUNDING SPD BY AT LEAST
50% IN ORDER OH TO INVEST
SPECIFICALLY IN BLACK AND
INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY SOLUTIONS.
I WANT TO ADD MY SUPPORT TO THE
SOUTH SEATTLE PROGRAM THAT
COUNCIL MEMBER HERBOLD TALKED
ABOUT.
SPEAKING AS A PERSON WITH A
MASTER'S IN SOCIAL WORK, I KNOW
FOR SURE THAT YOU DO NOT NEED A
SOCIAL WORK DEGREE TO BE
EFFECTIVE.
I WANT TO BE WORKING ALONGSIDE
PEOPLE WITH RELEVANT LIVED
EXPERIENCES IN THOSE FIELDS.
THIS IS AN IMPORTANT WAY THAT
-- [ NO AUDIO ]
>> THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME
TONIGHT.
SHAWN, I STILL SEE YOU LISTED
AS NOT PRESENT.
WE'LL COME BACK TO YOU IF YOU
DIAL IN.
NUMBER 38, AMANDA.
GOOD EVENING.
THANKS FOR BEING WITH US.
>> HI.
CAN YOU HEAR ME?
>> YES.
THANKS, AMANDA.
>> HI.
MY NAME IS AMANDA.
I'M A RENTER IN D-4 AND AN
ORGANIZER WITH 350 SEATTLE.
I'M HERE TODAY IN SUPPORT OF
THE SOLIDARITY BUDGET.
ONE OF OUR DEMANDS IS YOU
DEFUND SPD BY 50% AT LEAST AND
REINVEST THOSE FUNDS IN BLACK
COMMUNITIES THROUGH A BUDGETING
PROCESS.
MAYOR DURKAN SHOULDN'T BE ABLE
TO HIDE BEHIND A SELF-APPOINTED
TASK FORCE OR PROMISES OF
SUPPORT.
SHE PROMISED $100 MILLION TO
BLACK COMMUNITIES, WHICH IS A
START.
BUT THAT MONEY SHOULD COME FROM
POLICE, PROSECUTORS, AND COURT
BUDGETS AND NOT FROM THE JUMP
START TAX THAT THOUSANDS OF US
WORKED TO MAKE A REALITY.
THE FUNDS WERE ALREADY
DEDICATED TO COVID-19 RELIEF
AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING, ALL OF
WHICH ARE VITAL.
WHAT ISN'T VITAL IS PUNISHMENT
OF PEOPLE TRYING TO SURVIVE
THROUGH THESE OVER LAPPING
CRISIS.
WITH THAT MONEY, YOU CAN WORK
TO MEET PEOPLE'S BASIC NEEDS
AND BUILD OTHER WAYS OF
RESPONDING TO HARM IN OUR
COMMUNITIES, WHICH WILL RESULT
IN THE PUBLIC SAFETY THE POLICE
CLAIM TO PROVIDE BUT DO NOT.
VOTE FOR A BUDGET THAT KEEPS US
ALL SAFE AND HEALTHY AND NOT
JUST SOME OF US.
THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
THE NEXT THREE SPEAKERS ARE
ROBIN, TYLER, AND ANITA.
ROBIN, GOOD EVENING.
>> HI.
THIS IS ROBIN BRIGGS.
I LIVE ON CAPITAL HILL.
I URGE THE COUNCIL TO
PRIORITIZE BUDGET ITEMS
ADDRESSING THE CLIMATE
EMERGENCY.
I ASK YOU TO RESTORE THE
FUNDING TO THE OSC.
THESE PLANNING POSITIONS ARE
CRITICAL TO BEING ABLE TO
MAKING FORWARD PROGRESS ON
CLIMATE CHANGE.
WE'LL LOSE THREE YEARS OF
PROGRESS BECAUSE WE WON'T BE
PREPARED WHEN WE DO HAVE MORE
RESOURCES.
THE JUMP START REVENUE SHOULD
BE DIRECTED TO WEATHERIZATION
AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING.
I SUPPORT THE MASK PROPOSAL.
WITH COVID-19, THE NEED FOR
BIKING AND WALKING HAS
INCREASED TREMENDOUSLY.
WE SHOULD PRIORITIZE THOSE
PROJECTS IN THE SOUTH SOUND
WHERE THE NEED IS GREATEST.
THANKS VERY MUCH.
>> THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME
TONIGHT.
SORRY, TYLER SAXTON, YOU ARE UP
NEXT.
>> GOOD EVENING.
MY NAME IS TY.
I AM A RENTER IN DISTRICT
THREE.
AND AS OTHERS HAVE ALREADY
SAID, A BUDGET IS A MORAL
DOCUMENT.
AND SO MAYOR DURKAN'S BUDGET IS
CLEARLY IMMORAL BECAUSE IT
UNNECESSARILY CUTS TOO MANY OF
OUR ESSENTIAL PUBLIC SERVICES
RIGHT IN THE MIDST OF MULTIPLE
CRISIS WE'RE FACING.
IT WILL ONLY WORSEN THESE
CRISIS.
WE HAVE TO REJECT OSTERITY AND
PAY FOR THE VITAL INVESTMENTS
WE NEED TO ADDRESS THESE CRISIS
BY INCREASING AND EXTENDING
TAXES ON BIG BUSINESSES AND THE
RICH BECAUSE THEY ARE THE ONES
WHO HAVE TO PAY FOR THIS
CRISIS.
THEIR EXPLOITATION OF OUR
REGRESSIVE TAX STRUCTURE IN
SEATTLE AND WASHINGTON HAS
CREATED THIS CRISIS.
BY CONCENTRATING ABSURD AMOUNTS
OF WEALTH IN THE HANDS OF THE
ULTRA RICH WHERE THE WEALTH IS
LEAST LIKELY TO BE SPENT ON THE
PUBLIC INTEREST.
INCREASE MONEY FOR AFFORDING
HOUSING, EMERGENCY GROUP
PROGRAMS, AND A GREEN NEW DEAL.
THANKS.
>> THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.
ANITA, GOOD EVENING.
>> HELLO.
THIS IS REVEREND ANITA PEEBLES.
I'M A RESIDENT OF DISTRICT 7.
I'M CALLING TO URGE YOU TO LEAD
WITH COURAGE IN THIS HISTORICAL
MOMENT AND DIVEST FROM SPD BY
AT LEAST 50% AND SUPPORT
DISTRIBUTION OF FUNDS DIVESTED
THROUGH A BUDGETING PROCESS.
I AND OTHERS IN MY CONGREGATION
ARE ASKING YOU TO INVEST IN
BLACK COMMUNITIES AND COMMUNITY-
LED HEALTH AND SAFETY LED WITH
DIVESTMENT FROM SPD.
AS A FAITHFUL LEADER, I URGE
YOU NOT TO LET COMMUNITY NEEDS
BE PITTED AGAINST EACH OTHER
BUT SEE SYSTEMIC RACISM AND
CLIMATE JUSTICE ARE ALL THE
SAME FIGHT.
ANOTHER WORLD IS POSSIBLE IF
YOU MAKE THE BRAVE CHOICES
TODAY TO BE LEADERS WHO TAKE
SERIOUSLY THE NEEDS OF THOSE
AMONG US WHO LIVE CLOSEST TO
THE MARGINS OF SOCIETY.
WE ENDORSE THE SOLIDARITY
BUDGET.
THANK YOU SO MUCH.
>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR
CALLING IN TONIGHT, REVEREND.
SEANA SMITH, RICH VOGET, AND
DANIEL LOCKETT.
THANKS, SHAWN FOR DIALING BACK
IN.
IF YOU CAN HEAR ME, YOU ARE UP
NEXT, SHAWN. HI THERE.
>> GOOD EVENING, CITY COUNCIL.
MY NAME IS SHAWN SMITH.
SUPPORTS THE PEOPLE'S BUDGET
AND THE SOLIDARITY BUDGET.
WITH WE OPPOSE SWEEPS OF ANY
TEAM THAT INCLUDES POLICE OR
CITY WORKERS GOING OUT TO
ENCAMPMENTS AND SHUTTING THEM
DOWN.
WE DO SUPPORT THE IDEA OF A
HOPE TEAM.
THANK YOU, COUNCIL MEMBER
SAWANT FOR THE SUPPORT AND
INCLUDING THE TWO BUDGET
ACTIONS THAT WE ARE FOCUSED IN
ON TO NIGHT.
ONE IS INCREASING ENCAMPMENT
AND TINY HOUSE VILLAGES IN
SEATTLE.
THANK YOU, COUNCIL MEMBER
MORALES AND LEWIS.
THE OTHERS TO HELP INDOOR
SHELTERS OPEN 24/7 SO THEY
DON'T HAVE TO GO BACK TONIGHT
TIME ONLY.
THANK YOU MORALES AND GONZALEZ
FOR CO-SIGNING THIS.
AND THANK YOU HERBOLD FOR YOUR
CONCERN.
DIVERSITY AND SHELTER OPTIONS
ARE NECESSARY FOR MOVING
FORWARD.
COOKIE CUTTER SHELTERS AND
VILLAGES DO NOT FIT ALL PEOPLE.
WE MUST BUILD A VARIETY.
IN CONCLUSION, SUPPORT
DIVERSITY AND SHARED SHELTERS
AND ENCAMPMENTS.
THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH, SHAWN.
RICH, GOOD EVENING.
>> MY NAME IS RICH, AND I AM A
MEMBER OF THE 43rd DISTRICT
DEMOCRATS ENVIRONMENTAL CAUCUS.
LATELY, I READ THE FOLLOWING.
COVID-19 IS A POP QUIZ.
CLIMATE CHANGE IS A FINAL EXAM.
IN COLLEGE, YOU COULD GOOF OFF
AND CRAM AND STILL PASS A
FINAL.
CLIMATE CHANGE IS LIKE FARMING.
NOT ADDRESSING CLIMATE CHANGE
NOW BRINGS US CLOSER TO THE
POINT WHEN IT BECOMES
IRREVERSIBLE.
THE COST TO CLIMATE CHANGE
GROWS EVERY DAY THAT WE DELAY.
IT'S ABSOLUTELY CLEAR THE CITY
NEEDS ADDITIONAL REVENUES IN
2021.
WE DO NOT SUPPORT THE DIVERSION
OF THE JUMP START PAYROLL TAX.
WE HOPE YOU WILL CONSIDER NOW
THE $20 INCREASE IN THE VEHICLE
EXCISE TAX AND CONSIDER
SUBMITTING THE FULL TAX TO
VOTERS IN 2021.
WE SUPPORT FUNDING OF EXECUTIVE
AND COUNCIL STAFF TO STUDY
POSSIBLE TAXES SUCH AS A 1%
INCOME TAX, A SEATTLE GAS TAX,
AND A BUILDING CARBON EXCISE
TASKMENT AND IMPLEMENT ONE OR
MORE OF THEM IN 2021.
THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
THE NEXT PERSON IS DANIEL.
DANIEL, GOOD EVENING.
>> GOOD EVENING.
MY NAME IS DANIEL, ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT MANAGER FOR THE U-
DISTRICT PARTNERSHIP.
I'M CALMING TODAY TO SUPPORT
COUNCIL MEMBER PEDERSEN'S
STATEMENT FOR DISTRIBUTING
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO SMALL
BUSINESSES ADVERSELY IMPACTED
DURING CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS.
IN THE U-DISTRICT, SEVEN
BUSINESSES ARE AT RISK OF
DISPLACEMENT AS CONSTRUCTION OF
THE LIGHT RAIL STATION AND
43rd STREET, COVID-19, AND MOST
RECENTLY VANDALISM HAVE HAD A
COMPOUNDING AND
DISPROPORTIONATE IMPACT ON
THESE SMALL BUSINESSES.
WE NEED YOUR HELP TO CREATE A
CONSTRUCTION IMPACT MITIGATION
PROGRAM TODAY.
PLEASE SUPPORT COUNCIL MEMBER
PEDERSEN'S STATEMENT OF
LEGISLATIVE INTENT AND A
CONSTRUCTION IMPACT MITIGATION
PROGRAM TO PREVENT THE
DISPLACEMENT OF MANY OF THE
SMALL BUSINESSES WE ALL LOVE.
THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU FOR CALLING IN.
THE NEXT THREE SPEAKERS ARE
GRACE, MELINDA FRAZIER, AND
LOGAN SWAN.
GRACE, GOOD EVENING. GRACE,
JUST STAR 6 TO UNMUTE YOURSELF.
GRACE, IF YOU CAN HEAR ME, STAR
6 TO UNMUTE YOURSELF ONE MORE
TIME.
SOMETIMES IT DOESN'T GO THROUGH
THAT FIRST TIME.
OKAY, GRACE.
I'M GOING TO COME BACK TO YOU.
WE WILL GO TO MELINDA.
GOOD EVENING, MELINDA.
>> CAN YOU HEAR ME?
>> YES, WE CAN.
THANKS, MELINDA.
>> MY NAME IS MELINDA FRAZIER.
I STAY AT THE WOMEN'S SHELTER
AT TRINITY PARISH.
AND I'M ASKING FOR YOUR SUPPORT
FOR BUDGET ITEM NUMBER 19 SO
THAT OUR SHELTER AND THOSE OF
OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS CAN
CONTINUE 24 HOURS THROUGH 2021.
WHEN I'M DEPRESSED, I CAN JUST
STAY INSIDE AND KNOW I'M SAFE,
AND I CAN REST AND EAT IN
PEACE.
AND I DON'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT
TOTING MY STUFF AROUND AND
WHERE I'M GOING TO GET MY NEXT
MEAL.
I HAVE PTSD.
AND BEING OUTSIDE, I DON'T KNOW
WHAT'S GOING TO SET ME OFF.
HAVING 24/7 SHELTER HAS HELPED
ME CHILL AND LOOK TO THE FUTURE
AND GET MY LIFE TOGETHER.
I FEEL LIKE MY OLD SELF AGAIN
BEFORE I WAS HOMELESS.
I'M GETTING ME BACK.
WE'VE BEEN GIVEN A CHANCE AGAIN
BY BEING HERE 24/7, AND THIS
FUNDING WILL SAVE OUR LIVES.
THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR
STORY TONIGHT.
LOGAN, GOOD EVENING.
>> YEAH.
MY NAME IS LOGAN SWAN.
I'M A UNION IRON WORKER.
I'M CALLING THIS EVENING WITH
THE PEOPLE'S BUDGET MOVEMENT,
WHICH STANDS WITH THE
SOLIDARITY BUDGET.
FOR YEARS, I'VE BEEN BUILDING
GLITTERING TOWERS IN THE CITY.
THE EVER INCREASING COMMUTES
FROM HOME FROM AN INCREASINGLY
UH UNAFFORDABLE CITY.
IN PREVIOUS MEETINGS, I'VE
HEARD COUNCIL MEMBERS SAY THEY
OPPOSE AN OSTERITY BUDGET.
THAT'S WHAT MAYOR DURKAN IS
DOING.
DEFUND SPD BY 50%, WHICH IS
NECESSARY IF OUR LIBRARIES,
PARKS, AND ROADS WILL KEEP OUR
BUDGET RUNNING.
WHAT'S BEING DECIDED IN THE
CITY BUDGET IS PRIORITY.
AND YOU ALL ARE MAKING A CLEAR
CHOICE AS TO WHOSE SIDE YOU'RE
ON AS WE ENTER A PROLONGED
CRISIS.
THE WORLD'S BILLIONAIRES ENRICH
THEMSELVES BY $2 TRILLION WHILE
WORKING FAMILIES ARE STANDING
IN LINE AT FOOD BANKS.
DON'T PUT IT FURTHER ON THE
SHOULDERS OF WORKERS.
OUR KNEES ARE BUCKLING FROM
HIGH RENT.
DON'T PRIORITIZE THE POLICE
DEPARTMENT OVER BLACK LIVES.
SUPPORT AFRICA TOWN AND
SAWANT'S AMADEMENT TO REQUIRE
THE CENTER TO BE DEVELOPED INTO
COMMUNITY OWNED AND PERMANENTLY
AFFORDABLE HOUSING.
>> THANK YOU, LOGAN.
WE'LL GO BACK TO GRACE AGAIN TO
SEE IF WE CAN ADDRESS THE
TECHNICAL ISSUES ON OUR END.
MAKE SURE THAT YOU'RE OFF MUTE.
STAR 6. OH, GREAT.
WONDERFUL.
GRACE, PLEASE GO AHEAD.
>> HELLO, CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS.
MY NAME IS GRACE.
I LIVE IN DISTRICT 4. I'M A
BOARD MEMBER OF THE SEATTLE
PUBLIC LIBRARY FOUNDATION.
SINCE THE SEATTLE PUBLIC
LIBRARY CLOSED, OUR LIBRARY
BRANCHES ON MARCH 13th DUE TO
COVID-19, LIBRARY SERVICES,
PROGRAMS, AND ACCESS TO BOOKS
AND MATEALS HAVE GONE ONLINE.
THE BUDGET ASSUMED OUR
LIBRARIES WOULD REMAIN CLOSED
THROUGH JUNE OF NEXT YEAR.
GOVERNOR INSLEY SUBMITTED
GUIDELINES THAT CREATE THE
OPPORTUNITY FOR OUR LIBRARIES
TO OPEN AT 25% CAPACITY.
I HOPE THE SEATTLE CITY COUNCIL
WILL GIVE FULL CONSIDERATION TO
INCREASING THE MAYOR'S BUDGET
REQUEST SO THAT THE LIBRARY CAN
SUCCESSFULLY IMPLEMENT THE
GOVERNOR'S GUIDELINES TO SAFELY
AND CREATIVELY REOPEN OUR
LIBRARIES AT 25%.
IT WOULD BE WONDERFUL TO HAVE
OUR LIBRARIES REOPENED AGAIN.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT.
>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
THE NEXT THREE SPEAKERS ARE
NAOMI, KATE RUBENS, AND CHRIS
SAMES.
>> I SUPPORT THE SOLIDARITY
BUDGET.
WE MUST DIVEST BY SPD BY AT
LEAST 50% WITH THOSE FUNDS TO
THOSE COMMUNITIES MOST
IMPACTED.
HOUSING, HEALTHCARE, AND OTHER
ESSENTIAL SERVICES.
WE CANNOT CREATE HOLISTIC OR
COMMUNITY SAFETY BY DRAINING
OTHER PUBLIC SERVICES LIKE
TRANSPORTATION, PARKS, AND
COVID-19 RELIEF.
OVER POLICING BLACK COMMUNITIES
HAS LED TO THE CRIMINALIZATION
OF BASIC SURVIVAL.
IT'S TIME TO SHOW YOU BELIEVE
IN BLACK LIVES MATTER BY
DEFUNDING THE POLICE.
YOU MUST FURTHER DECRIMINALIZE
SURVIVAL FOR THOSE UNHOUSED TO
OFFER DIGNIFIED SUPPORTIVE
SYSTEMS FOR THOSE LIVING
HOMELESS, EMERGENCY SHELTER
ALONGSIDE COMMUNITY-BASED
OUTREACH RATHER THAN POLICING.
DEFUND SPD, INVEST IN
COMMUNITY.
THANK YOU.
>> THANKS FOR YOUR TIME
TONIGHT.
KATE, GOOD EVENING. AND JUST
FOR THE RECORD, KATE RUBEN IS
WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR.
THANKS, KATE.
>> HI.
MY NAME IS KATE RUBEN.
I'M A RENTER IN DISTRICT 2. WE
ARE PROUD ENDORSERS OF THE
SOLIDARITY BUDGET.
I'M CALLING TO ASK YOU TO
DIVEST FROM SPD BY AT LEAST 50%
AND INVEST THESE FUNDS INTO
BLACK COMMUNITIES AND COMMUNIT-
LED HEALTH AND SAFETY PROGRAMS.
WE ARE EXPERIENCING A
HOMELESSNESS CRISIS IN THIS
CITY WITH BLACK AND INDIGENOUS
FOLKS BEING DISPROPORTIONATELY
AFFECTED AND A MASSIVE WAVE OF
EVICTIONS UPON THE MORATORIUM.
FULLY FUNDING TENANT SERVICES
AND EVICTION DEFENSE, TINY
HOUSE VILLAGES, PURPLE BAG
TRASH PICK UP, AND IMPLEMENTING
THE PROPOSED HOPE TEAM WOULD
IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR
MANY MARGINALIZED MEMBERS OF
OUR COMMUNITY AND ULTIMATELY
REDUCE CRIME AND SEGREGATION.
THIS PANDEMIC IS NOT ENDING ANY
TIME SOON, And WE NEED TO
PROTECT YOUR NEIGHBORS RATHER
THAN CRIMINALIZING POVERTY.
THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH, KATE.
CHRIS, GOOD EVENING. HEY,
CHRIS.
JUST STAR 6 TO UNMUTE.
>> HELLO.
>> HI THERE.
>> GOOD EVENING, NEIGHBORS.
CAN YOU HEAR ME?
>> YES.
THANK YOU SO MUCH.
>> GREAT.
THANK YOU.
I'M RESIDENT OF D-5 COMMENTING
ON THE PROPOSED BUDGET.
ILLEGAL ENCAMPMENTS ARE
DEVASTATING LIVES ALL ACROSS
SEATTLE.
WE'RE FED UP WITH ILLEGAL
ENCAMPMENTS IN OUR PARKS AND
PUBLIC SPACES, AND THE HUMAN
TRAFFICKING AND ILLEGAL DRUG
USE THAT YOUR POLICIES ARE
ALLOWING TO CONTINUE.
AS A RESULT, WE SHARE THE
FOLLOWING HUMAN DIGNITY
PROCLAMATION WHICH WE ASK THE
COUNCIL TO CONSIDER.
WE WILL NO LONGER TOLERATE
HUMAN TRAFFICKING AND ILLEGAL
DRUG USE IN OUR PARKS AND
PUBLIC SPACES.
WITH AFFIRM THAT ALL PEOPLE
HAVE DIGNITY AND ARE TO BE
TREATED WITH RESPECT AND
KINDNESS.
WE'LL PROVIDE SAFE AND SECURED
SHELTER WHERE THEY'LL BE
OFFERED REST, FOOD, AND
SERVICES.
WE WILL REMOVE ILLEGAL
ENCAMPMENTS CITY WIDE AND THE
PEOPLE LIVING IN THESE
ENCAMPMENTS MAY CHOOSE FROM
THREE OPTIONS.
ONE, TO BE TRANSPORTED TO CITY-
PROVIDED SHELTER WHERE THEY
WILL BE OFFERED SERVICES AND
REST.
TWO, TO MOVE ON.
OR THREE TO BE CITED AND/OR
ARRESTED AS THE LAW ALLOWS.
WE'LL PRIORITIZE HUMAN DIGNITY
WHILE RECOGNIZING THAT
GOVERNMENT CANNOT AND SHOULD
NOT SOLVE EVERYTHING.
THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH, CHRIS.
THE NEXT THREE SPEAKERS ARE
ELISA RAMAN, ANDREW PALMER, AND
BRIAN CLARK.
ELISA, GOOD EVENING.
>> HELLO.
THIS IS ELISA.
CAN YOU HEAR ME?
>> YES.
THANKS, ELISA.
>> THANK YOU.
I AM A CONSTITUENT.
I REPRESENT 6000 SEA AT L
SUPPORTERS OF MOMS DEMAND
ACTION.
WE STAND WITH OUR PARTNERS TO
URGE YOU TO ENSURE THAT THIS
$100 MILLION INVESTMENT IS
DESIGNATED THROUGH
PARTICAPATORY BUDGETING, NOT
THROUGH THE MAYOR'S TASK FORCE.
THIS CALLS FOR A PARADIGM SHIFT
AND HOW WE DISPERSE DOLLARS AND
BUDGETING IS THAT SHIFT.
THOSE MOST IMPACTED KNOW WHAT
THEIR COMMUNITY NEEDS TO BE
HEALTHY AND SAFE AND SHOULD
DECIDE HOW TO SPEND IT.
WE ASK THESE FUNDS BE
SPECIFICALLY INVESTED IN THE
BLACK COMMUNITY.
WE ASK THAT THE MONEY NOT BE
TAKEN FROM OTHER CRITICAL
EFFORTS RESOURCED BY THE CITY.
WE SUPPORT ASSIGNING FUNDS TO
PREVENTION PROGRAMS BASED ON
WHAT THE COMMUNITY DEEMS MOST
IMPACTFUL.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
>> EXCELLENT.
THANKS FOR CALLING IN.
THE NEXT THREE SPEAKERS ARE
ANDREW PALMER, BRIAN CLARK, AND
KYLA NEWCOMER.
I DO WANT TO NOTE BEFORE
ANDREW, BEFORE YOU START WE ARE
STILL INTERESTED IN HEARING
FROM DORIS ONEIL, NUMBER 17.
TASHAR KUNANRA, NUMBER 20.
AND MEHR GRAYWALL, NUMBER 34.
WITH THAT, WE'LL TURN IT OVER
TO ANDREW.
ANDREW, YOU'RE NUMBER 51.
THANKS FOR WAITING.
JUST STAR 6 TO UNMUTE.
LOOKS LIKE WE STILL HAVE YOU
MUTED ON MY END OVER HERE,
ANDREW.
STAR 6 TO UNMUTE REAL QUICK ONE
MORE TIME.
OKAY.
I THOUGHT I SAW YOU COME OFF
MUTE EARLIER.
SO I'M JUST GOING TO REMIND
FOLKS, WE HAVE ANDREW AND THEN
BRIAN CLARK AND KYLA.
ANDREW, IF YOU CAN HEAR ME,
JUST STAR 6 TO UNMUTE OR WE'LL
COME BACK TO YOU.
BRIAN, GOOD EVENING.
WE'LL TURN IT OVER TO YOU.
THANKS FOR WAITING.
>> I'M A HOMEOWNER IN BALLARD.
I'M CALLING IN SUPPORT OF
DEFUND SPD TO CALL ON YOU TO
FOLLOW THROUGH TO THE
COMMITMENTS YOU MADE TO DEFUND
SPD AND REINVEST THOSE FUNDS
THROUGH A BUDGETING PROCESS.
I'M CALLING ON YOU TO FUND
COVID-19 RELIEF, AFFORDABLE
HOUSING, AND SEATTLE'S GREEN
NEW DEAL.
DAN STRAUSS, YOU SAID THIS YEAR
YOU'RE COMMITTED TO DEFUNDING
SPD AND FOLLOWING THE LEAD OF
COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS.
IF YOU DON'T VOTE TO CUT THE
BUDGET BY 50%, YOU'RE FAILING
TO UPHOLD YOUR COMMITMENT.
WHILE I UNDERSTAND YOU HAVE A
LOT OF CONSTITUENTS IN BALLARD
WITH DIFFERENT CONCERNS, I FIND
IT BAFFLING YOU CONTINUE TO
SUPPORT THE NAVIGATION DESPITE
THEIR HISTORY OF VIOLENT
HISTORY.
THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER, WE WERE
TOLD THAT 2021 BUDGETING
PROCESS WERE MATERIAL DEFUNDING
OF SPD WOULD TAKE PLACE.
I STAND WITH THE OVERWHELMING
NUMBER OF CALLERS WHO ARE
CALLING FOR DIVEST IN SPD.
BLACK LIVES MATTER.
>> THANK YOU FOR YOUR MATTER.
AND KYLA, GOOD EVENING.
AND THEN WE'LL COME BACK TO
ANDREW.
GOOD EVENING, KYLA.
>> HI.
CAN YOU HEAR ME?
>> YES.
THANK YOU.
>> HI.
I'M A RESIDENT OF DISTRICT 6.
I'M HERE TONIGHT TESTIFYING ON
BEHALF OF YOUTH CARE AS ONE OF
THE LARGEST PROVIDERS SERVING
YOUTH EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS
IN SEATTLE.
WE ASK YOU TO DIRECT THE FUNDS
INTO YOUTH PHOCAD SAFETY
PROGRAMS AND BUDGETING FOR
PUBLIC SAFETY.
THE BUDGET PROCESS IS KEY TO
CENTERING THE VOICES, NEEDS,
AND CONCERNS OF OUR MOST
VULNERABLE COMMUNITY MEMBERS.
YOUTH EXPERIENCING HOMELESS
EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE FORCE AT
THE HANDS OF LAW ENFORCEMENT.
HEALTH AND SAFETY SYSTEMS WILL
PREVENT HARM, NOT MERELY
RESPOND TO IT.
THAT STARTS WITH REINVESTING IN
OUR COMMUNITIES AND PASSING A
BUDGET THAT REFLECTS THE VALUES
OF SOCIAL JUSTICE AND RACIAL
EQUITY.
THIS IS AN INVESTMENT IN THE
HEALTH AND SAFETY FOR ALL
SEATTLE RESIDENTS.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.
>> THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR
CALLING IN TODAY.
LET'S GO BACK TO ANDREW AND SEE
IF WE HAVE ADDRESSED ANY
TECHNICAL ISSUES.
ANDREW, IF YOU CAN HEAR ME, I
JUST WANT TO SEE IF WE CAN GET
YOU IN.
STAR 6 TO UNMUTE.
GREAT.
I SEE YOU ARE NOT MUTED.
>> CAN YOU HEAR ME?
>> YES.
>> ALL RIGHT.
WOO.
HERE WE GO.
MY NAME IS ANDREW.
I'M A HOMEOWNER.
I AM COMMENTING TODAY ON
RESTORING THE NIGHT LIFE
BUSINESS ADVOCATE POSITION.
SEATTLE'S REPUTATION AS A LIVE
MUSIC CITY DRAWS 10s OF
THOUSANDS OF MUSICIANS
ANNUALLY.
PUMPS MILLIONS OF DOLLARS INTO
OUR ECONOMY NOT JUST FOR VENUES
BUT HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM
INDUSTRIES WHICH GENERATES $12
FOR EVERY $1 ON A CONCERT
TICKET.
SUPPORTS MUSICIANS TO
INSTRUMENTS.
NOW SEATTLE'S CREATIVE
ECOSYSTEM ARE IN JEOPARDY.
ECONOMIC CLUSTERS TAKE DECADES
TO BUILD BUT ARE THREATENED DUE
TO THE PANDEMIC AND HAVE A LONG-
TERM NEGATIVE IMPACT ON TOURISM
AND OTHER INDUSTRIES.
THE NIGHT LIFE ADVOCATE
UNDERSTANDS AND IS DEDICATED TO
OUR PLIGHT DURING THE PANDEMIC
AND OUR SURVIVAL IN THE YEARS
TO FOLLOW.
THESE RESPONSIBILITIES ARE
SPLIT UP.
OUR SECTOR'S VOICE WILL NOT CUT
THROUGH.
THE CURRENT NIGHT LIFE ADVOCATE
HAS SPENT YEARS DEVELOPING
RELATIONSHIPS WITH LIVE MUSIC
VENUES.
HE'S BEEN OUR LIFELINE TO
PERMITTING CHALLENGES DURING
THE PANDEMIC.
SEATTLE NIGHT LIFE NEEDS AN
ADVOCATE.
THE HEART AND SOUL OF SEATTLE
DEPENDS ON THE HEALTHY,
CREATIVE SECTOR, WHICH DEPENDS
ON THE NIGHT LIFE ADVOCATE.
>> WONDERFUL.
THANK YOU SO MUCH.
FEEL FREE TO SEND IN YOUR
COMMENTS TOO.
I THINK WE GOT THE MOST OF IT
AND APPRECIATE YOU TALKING
QUICK.
THAT WAS REALLY HELPFUL.
IF YOU WANT TO SEND IT IN, THAT
WOULD BE GREAT.
THE NEXT THREE SPEAKERS ARE
DANIEL, KATHRYN, AND GWENDOLYN.
DANIEL, GOOD EVENING.
JUST STAR 6 TO UNMUTE.
HEY, DANIEL.
I SEE YOU'RE STILL MUTED ON MY
END OVER HERE.
JUST STAR 6. PERFECT.
>> CAN YOU HEAR ME?
OKAY.
MY NAME IS DANIEL.
I'M A SEATTLE RENTER IN
DISTRICT 4 AND A MEMBER OF
SOCIALIST ALTERNATIVE.
TODAY IS THE DAY TO TAKE A
STAND AGAINST MAYOR DURKAN'S
BUDGET.
THIS IS AN ABSOLUTE SLAP IN THE
FACE.
TO CUT $49 MILLION FROM
AFFORDABLE HOUSING ARNOLD FILL
BUDGET HOLES WITH THE AMAZON
TAX.
IF YOU WANT TO FILL BUDGET
HOLES, LET'S LOOK AT OUR POLICE
DEPARTMENT.
THERE'S BEEN A MOVEMENT ALL
SUMMER LONG DEMANDING THAT
POLICE BUDGETS GET DEFUNDED BY
50%.
DESPITE THE SUPPORT FROM CITY
COUNCIL MEMBERS, SAWANT HAS
BEEN THE ONLY ONE TO PUT
FORWARD THIS DEMAND.
IT'S TIME FOR THE REST OF THE
COUNCIL TO GET ON BOARD BY
DEFUNDING THE COPS BY AT LEAST
50%.
WITH FULL POWERS OVER THE
POLICE INCLUDING HIRING AND
FIRING BECAUSE THE POLICE ARE
SUPPOSED TO PROTECT AND SERVE
COMMUNITIES.
IF YOU STOP IGNORE THE PEOPLE
IN THESE COMMUNITIES, YOU'LL
FIND THEY DON'T FEEL SERVED OR
SAFE FROM THESE COPS.
DEVELOP IT INTO COMMUNITY OWNED
AFFORDABLE HOUSING.
THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
KATHRYN, GOOD EVENING.
YOU ARE UP NEXT.
JUST A REMINDER, STAR 6 TO
UNMUTE YOURSELF.
THERE WE GO
[ NO AUDIO ]
>> TO THAT END, NEEDS TO COME
DIRECTLY FROM POLICE FUNDING
NOT FROM THE AMAZON TAX.
LIKE THE AMAZON TAX TO FUND
HOUSING AND AVOID CUTS.
I LIKE TO VOICE SPECIFIC
SUPPORT FOR SAWANT'S AMENDMENT
TO PUT IN LAND TRUST PROPOSALS
AS WELL AS MORALES' AMENDMENT
TO SPONSOR CURRICULUM AND
RESTORATIVE JUSTICE.
DEFUND SPD BY 50% OR 100%.
CLOSE THE YOUTH JAIL NOW, AND
MAKE THE CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS
TRANSPARENT.
I'M VERY GRATEFUL THE DISTRICT
REPRESENTED BY SAWANT AND WANT
TO THANK HER FOR TRYING TO
DEFUND AND DEMILLTIZE THE
SEATTLE POLICE.
>> GWENDOLYN, YOU ARE UP NEXT.
HI THERE.
WE CAN HEAR YOU.
>> CALLING IN TODAY TO SUPPORT
THE PEOPLE'S BUDGET AND THE
SOLIDARITY BUDGET.
RIGHT NOW, YOU HAVE A CHOICE
BEFORE YOU ABOUT WHO WILL
SHOULDER THE COST OF THIS
PANDEMIC.
BIG BUSINESS OR WORKING PEOPLE.
BIG BUSINESSES LIKE AMAZON,
MICROSOFT, AND STARBUCKS ARE
REPORTING RECORD PROFITS.
MEANWHILE, THE WORKING PEOPLE
OF SEATTLE HAVE BEEN HURTING
EVER BEFORE BY COVID-19.
THEY CANNOT BARE THE ADDITIONAL
WEIGHT OF THIS BUDGET BY MAYOR
DURKAN.
WE CANNOT AFFORD CUTS TO
LIBRARIES AND TRANSPORTATION
SERVICES.
WE NEED TO INCREASE THE AMAZON
TAX AND MAKE BIG BUSINESSES DO
THEIR FAIR SHARE AS OUTLINED BY
THE PEOPLE'S BUDGET.
THE POLICE BUDGET HAS BALLOONED
TO A RIDICULOUS SIZE.
CUT IT BACK.
DEFUND IT 50% OR MORE AND PUT
THAT MONEY BACK WHERE IT
BELONGS IN OUR COMMUNITIES.
WE NEED TO INVEST THESE FUNDS
AND PROGRAMS INTO THE TINY
HOMES PROGRAM, TO PROVIDE A
PATH TO HOUSING FOR HOMELESS
PEOPLE, AND RENT RELIEF AND
COVID-19 RELIEF, AND TO THE
GREEN NEW DEAL SO YOU'LL HAVE A
FUTURE TO LOOK FORWARD TO.
THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.
THE NEXT THREE SPEAKERS ARE
AARON CHRISMORE, DARNELL
HILBURE, AND TORI WESTMAN.
IF YOU CAN HIT STAR 6 NOW, THAT
WOULD BE GREAT.
AARON, YOU ARE UP FIRST.
PLEASE GO AHEAD.
>> HELLO.
MY NAME IS ERIN.
I'M A RENTER IN DISTRICT FOUR
SUPPORT OF THE PEOPLE'S BUDGET.
I'M A MEDICAL LAB SCIENTIST.
I HELPED WITH THE TRANSITION
WITH COVID-19 TESTING.
MY PARTNER IS AN EMERGENCY ROOM
NURSE.
WE BOTH WORK EVENINGS.
WE HAD TO WALK HOME DURING THE
BLACK LIVES MATTER PROTESTS.
WE WALKED HOME THROUGH CLOUDS
OF TEAR GAS AND HAD TO FALL
ASLEEP TO HELICOPTERS
OVERNIGHT.
I HAD SO MUCH TROUBLE SLEEPING
I HAD TO GET SLEEP AIDS.
I DEMAND WE HOLD THE SPD
ACCOUNTABLE FOR THIS TERROR.
WE CANNOT PROVIDE OUR
HEALTHCARE WORKERS WITH PROPER
PPE BUT WE CAN PROVIDE FLASH
GAS AND TEAR GAS TO THE POLICE
DEPARTMENT.
HEALTHCARE WORKERS ARE SEEING
OUR BUDGETS SLASHED AND SEEING
EDUCATION BUDGETS SLASHED AND
RESOURCE BUDGETS SLASHED.
MAYOR DURKAN IS ASKING FOR MORE
CUTS TO VITAL SERVICES.
I FIND ALL OF THIS
UNACCEPTABLE.
THIS IS WHY I SUPPORT THE
PEOPLE'S BUDGET THAT WILL
DEFUND THE SPD AND REINVEST IN
COMMUNITIES HURT BY THEIR
POLICIES.
THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
DARNELL, I SEE YOU LISTED AS
NOT PRESENT.
IF YOU CALL BACK IN, WE'RE
HAPPY TO COME BACK TO YOU.
ON TO NUMBER 59.
TORI, GOOD EVENING.
YOU ARE UP NEXT.
>> GOOD EVENING.
GOOD EVENING.
MY NAME IS TORI WESTMAN.
I LIVE IN DISTRICT 5 AND AM A
MEMBER OF IBAW LOCAL 46.
I'M CALLING TO REPRESENT MYSELF
AND A GROUP OF UNION MEMBERS
WHO SUPPORT BLACK LIVES MATTER
IN THE SOLIDARITY BUDGET.
IF IF SEATTLE WANTS TO SAY
BLACK LIVES MATTER, WE MUST
LISTEN TO THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE
BEEN ASKING THE POLICE TO BE
DEFUNDED BY 50%.
THE MONEY NEEDS TO COME FROM
DEFUNDING THE POLICE, NOT FROM
JUMP START SEATTLE.
WE'RE ASKING TO PROVIDE
AFFORDABLE HOUSING, TINY
HOUSES, SANITATION, AND
EMERGENCY SHELTER.
TO KEEP SEATTLE A PRO-UNION
CITY, WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THE
BOARD IS FULLY STAFFED.
THANK YOU.
>> THANKS FOR YOUR TIME
TONIGHT.
THE NEXT THREE SPEAKERS ARE
LOVE SHAMA, ANNA HICKMAN, AND
ERIKA FAVOR.
LOVE, YOU ARE UP NEXT.
>> HI.
MY NAME IS LOVE SHAMA.
I'M A HOMEOWNER IN DISTRICT 4.
I'M A SOFTWARE PROFESSIONAL AND
IN SOLIDARITY WITH BLACK LIVES.
I'M CALLING IN SUPPORT FOR THE
SOLIDARITY BUDGET AND URGE YOU
TO DEFUND THE SPD BY 50%.
INSTEAD OF POLICING, WE NEED TO
INVEST IN EDUCATION, HOUSING,
HEALTHCARE, AND EMPOWERING
COMMUNITIES TO SUPPORT
THEMSELVES.
STATISTICS AFTER STATISTICS
SHOW THAT INVESTMENT IN
COMMUNITIES PREVENT CRIME
RATHER THAN OVER POLICING,
WHICH ONLY RESULTS IN OUR
OVERLY PUNITIVE SOCIETY AND
FURTHER DAMAGES THOSE
COMMUNITIES.
ALSO, I WANT TO SAY HELLO TO
COUNCIL MEMBER PEDERSEN WITH
WHOM I'VE BEEN HAVING A ONE-
SIDED CONVERSATION FOR OVER SIX
MONTHS NOW.
ALEX, PLEASE RETURN MY CALLS.
THANK YOU.
>> THE NEXT PERSON IS ANNA.
GOOD EVENING, ANNA.
>> HI.
CAN YOU HEAR ME?
>> YES, WE CAN.
THANKS.
>> OKAY.
HI.
MY NAME IS ANNA HACKMAN.
I'M AN EDUCATOR AT SEATTLE
CENTRAL COLLEGE AND A RANK AND
FILE MEMBER OF AFT 1789.
I'M HERE TO VOICE MY SUPPORT
FOR THE SOLIDARITY BUDGET PUT
FORTH BY DECRIMINALIZE SEATTLE
AND THE EQUITY NOW KOALATION.
SEATTLE CENTRAL STUDENTS ARE
WORKING CLASS SEATTLE RESIDENTS
WHO ARE SUFFERING ON OUR CAMPUS
LOSING THEIR FINANCIAL AID,
UNABLE TO REGISTER FOR CLASSES.
IN ADDITION TO UNEMPLOYMENT AND
POLICE VIOLENCE, ALL WHILE
TRYING TO KEEP THEMSELVES SAFE
FROM COVID-19.
AND WHAT IS SO OUTRAGEOUS ABOUT
THIS IS IT DOESN'T NEED TO BE
THIS WAY.
WE HAVE THE MONEY TO SUPPORT
OUR STUDENTS' EDUCATION,
HOUSING, AND OTHER MATERIAL
NEEDS.
THE PROBLEM IS THE MONEY GOES
TO THE INSTITUTIONS THAT KILL
THEM RATHER THAN THOSE THAT
SUPPORT THEM.
AND IT IS TIME FOR A BUDGET
THAT REDUCES HUMAN SUFFERING
RATHER THAN CONTRIBUTING TO IT.
AND THE SOLIDARITY BUDGET IS A
NECESSARY WAY FORWARD.
WE NEED TO DEFUND THE POLICE,
NOT JUMP START, NOT THE EQUITY
FUND BY 50%.
AND LET THE YOUTHS IMPACTED BE
THE ONES TO GUIDE THAT
REDISTRIBUTION.
THANK YOU.
BLACK LIVES MATTER.
>> THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.
AND ERIKA, YOU ARE UP NEXT.
>> HELLO.
I AM ERIKA.
I'M A SOPHOMORE AT GARFIELD
HIGH SCHOOL.
A DISTRICT 2 RESIDENT.
A MEMBER OF THE SUNRISE
MOVEMENT AND A LIFELONG SEATTLE
ITE.
FIRST, DIVEST FROM SPD BY 50%
AND PUT THOSE FUNDS INTO THE
COMMUNITIES THROUGH A
PARTICAPATORY BUDGET.
INVESTMENTS IN THE COMMUNITIES
HAVE TO COME FROM POLICE
BUDGETS, NOT JUMP START SEATTLE
MONEY NEEDED FOR COVID-19
RELIEF AND TO KEEP IMPORTANT
SERVICES RUNNING.
HAVING ARMED OFFICERS
CONDUCTING SWEEPS OF HOPELESS
PEOPLE DOESN'T MAKE SENSE.
THAT MONEY SHOULD GO TOWARD
COMMUNITY-BASED OUTREACH
WORKERS AND CREATING MORE
DIGNIFIED SHELTERS.
THE SEATTLE I GREW UP HAD
COUNTLESS PARKS.
I'M ASKING THAT YOU EXPAND AN
EXPERIENCE LIKE THAT BY
ADOPTING THE PRINCIPLES OF THIS
SOLIDARITY BUDGET.
THANK YOU.
>> ALL RIGHT.
THANKS SO MUCH.
FOLKS, WE ARE AT NUMBER 63.
WE'RE GOING TO TAKE A QUICK
PAUSE FOR TWO MINUTES.
I'LL PUT MY TIMER ON OVER HERE.
I WANT TO GIVE THE FOLKS IN THE
CLERK'S OFFICE AND OUR IT FOLKS
A QUICK PAUSE AS Z THEY CHANGE
SHIFTS.
IF YOU'LL BEAR WITH US ONE
SECOND.
I'LL ALSO GIVE FOLKS A QUICK
REMINDER, A PSA.
I AM SORRY I DID NOT UNDERSTAND
THE TECHNICALITIES HERE.
BUT I DO WANT TO NOTE IT
APPEARS THAT YOU NEED TO PUSH
STAR 6 AFTER YOU HEAR THE
PROMPT THAT YOU HAVE BEEN
UNMUTED.
THAT MIGHT BE WHERE THINGS ARE
GETTING A LITTLE CROSS WAYS.
ONCE YOU HEAR YOU'VE BEEN
UNMUTED, THEN HIT STAR 6. I'LL
GIVE A QUICK PAUSE SO FOLKS CAN
DO THE SEQUENCING OF THAT
UNMUTING ACTION.
AGAIN, YOU'LL HEAR STAR 6 ON
THE LINE.
YOU'LL HEAR YOU HAVE BEEN
UNMUTED ON THE LINE, AND THAT'S
úYOUR CUE TO PUSH STAR 6. OKAY.
WE'LL GIVE IT ANOTHER TRY.
LOOKS LIKE OUR TEAM IS STILL
GETTING SET UP BEHIND THE
SCENES.
WE WANT TO THANK OUR FOLKS FROM
COMMUNICATIONS, IT, CLERK'S,
OFFICE, SEATTLE CHANNEL, AND MY
OFFICE WHO IS HELPING TO STAFF
THIS EFFORT FOR OUR PUBLIC
HEARINGS AND THE SELECT BUDGET
COMMITTEE OVERALL.
I'LL GO AHEAD AND READ THE
NAMES OF THE NEXT THREE PEOPLE,
AND I THINK BY THEN WE HAVE
GIVEN FOLKS THE TWO-MINUTE TIME
NEEDED TO DO THE SWITCH OVER.
I'M GOING TO READ THE NEXT FIVE
NAMES BECAUSE THERE ARE TWO
PEOPLE LISTED AS NOT PRESENT.
CALL YOUR NAMES SO YOU HEAR IT.
ALISHA, JOE MONTGOMERY, AND
ANNIE UNRA.
ANNIE, I HAVE YOU LISTED AS
NUMBER 65 AND NOT PRESENT.
PLEASE DO DIAL IN.
AFTER THAT, WE HAVE NEIL
ANDERSON AND DAVE ELLENWOOD.
DAVE, I HAVE YOU LISTED AS NOT
PRESENT.
PLEASE DIAL IN, ANNIE AND DAVE.
WITH THAT, I THINK WE'RE READY
TO GO.
ALISHA, YOU ARE UP NEXT.
AND AGAIN, YOU'LL HEAR YOU HAVE
BEEN UNMUTED, AND THEN PUSH
STAR 6. THANKS, ALL.
>> .
>> HI THERE.
YOU MIGHT HAVE YOUR NUMBERS
MIXED UP.
MY NAME IS ANNIE UNRA.
TODAY IS ACTUALLY MY BIRTHDAY.
MY BIRTHDAY WISH IS TO DEFUND
SPD BY 50% AND FOLLOW THE
SOLITARITY BUDGET BY
DECRIMINALIZE SEATTLE AND KING
COUNTY EQUITY NOW.
DIVEST FROM SPD, USE A
BUDGETING PROCESS, PRESERVE
VITAL PUBLIC SERVICES, INCREASE
ACCESS TO SHELTER AND
AFFORDABLE HOUSING, CREATE A
GREEN NEW DEAL, AND CURB THE
CRIMINALIZATION OF POVERTY AND
MENTAL HEALTH STRUGGLES.
USE MONEY FROM SPD AND THE
CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM, NOT
THE JUMP START TAX AND RAINY
DAY FUND.
I ALSO SUPPORT FUNDING FOR
PUBLIC HAND WASHING STATIONS.
AND PLEASE STOP THE SWEEPS.
THERE'S NO REASON TO PUT PEOPLE
AT RISK BY GETTING RID OF THEIR
HOMES.
I SUPPORT THE PROPOSED FUNDING
TO KEEP PEOPLE FROM FALLING
INTO HOMELESSNESS.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.
>> THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME
TONIGHT.
THE NEXT PERSON IS ALISHA.
>> CAN YOU HEAR ME?
>> YES, WE CAN HEAR YOU,
ALISHA.
WE COULD HEAR YOU FOR A SECOND.
I THINK THE STAR 6 WAS HIT ONE
MORE TIME.
THERE YOU GO.
WE GOT YOU NOW.
>> THERE IT IS.
OKAY, SORRY.
THANKS.
HI.
MY NAME IS ALISHA.
I'M WITH THE COALITION FOR
ENDING GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE.
THE WORK OF SOCIAL AND RACIAL
JUSTICE ACTIVISTS ARE LINKED.
SAFE, HEALTHY, LIBERATED
FAMILIES ARE THE FOUNDATION OF
LIBERATED COMMUNITIES.
ALL PEOPLE DESERVE THE CHANCE
TO LIVE WHOLE, FULFILLED LIVES.
WE AGREE THAT THE MAYOR'S
PROPOSED BUDGET DOESN'T GO
NEARLY FAR ENOUGH IN INVESTING
IN OUR COMMUNITIES.
PLEASE GO FURTHER IN ROLLING
BACK OUR CITY'S INEQUITABLE
OVER INVESTMENT IN THE CRIMINAL
LEGAL SYSTEM.
SERVICES ADDRESSING DOMESTIC
AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE, PROTECT
REVENUES FROM THE JUMP START
PAYROLL TAX, EXPAND THE LEGAL
DEFEND NETWORK, AND PUT YOUR
SUPPORT BEHIND THE SOLIDARITY
BUDGET IN ORDER TO TRULY
REFLECT COMMUNITY NEEDS AND
CAPACITY TO ADDRESS PUBLIC
SAFETY AND PUBLIC WELL BEING.
THANK YOU.
>> EXCELLENT.
THANK YOU.
THE NEXT PERSON THAT WE HAVE IS
NEIL.
AND I ALSO SEE JOE MONTGOMERY,
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR JOINING
US.
YOU'RE LISTED AS NUMBER 64 AND
WE'LL GO NUMBER 66 WHO IS NEIL.
THANKS, JOE.
TAKE IT AWAY.
>> HI.
I'M JOE MONTGOMERY.
I LIVE IN MEADOWBROOK, WHICH IS
IN COUNCIL MEMBER JUAREZ'S
DISTRICT.
I WANT TO TALK ABOUT THE
SEATTLE STREET SINKS.
I'VE BEEN VOLUNTEERING FOR THEM
FOR THE LAST THREE MONTHS.
I WANT TO TELL YOU A LITTLE BIT
ABOUT THAT PROJECT.
IT IS JUST A REALLY CONCRETE
SUGGESTION FOR HOW WE CAN SPEND
MONEY IN JUST A SMALL AMOUNT OF
BUDGET AND DO REAL TANGIBLE
GOOD IN OUR COMMUNITIES AND
REACHING THE PEOPLE WHO NEED
IT.
THE STREET SINK PROJECT IS
ASKING MONEY TO INSTALL 63
SINKS OR NINE IN EVERY
DISTRICT.
IN MY SHORT TIME HELPING THEM
OUT, THIS IS SUCH A COOL
PROJECT.
IT BRINGS DIGNITY AND COMMUNITY
SPIRIT.
THERE ARE THESE REALLY COOL
PLANTER BOXES YOU GET THAT
RECYCLES THE WATER.
IT GOES A LONG WAY TOWARD
PROMOTING PUBLIC HEALTH, WHICH
WE KNOW IMPACTS EVERYONE.
FOR EXAMPLE, JUST ONE STREET
SINK IN THE U-DISTRICT PROVIDES
HUNDREDS OF HAND WASHES EVERY
WEEK.
AND SO 63 OF THOSE WOULD DO AN
INCREDIBLE IMPACT ON THE CITY.
THE PROJECT IS ALREADY WORKING.
ALL WE NEED IS FOR YOU TO GET
BEHIND IT, SUPPORT IT, AND IT'S
JUST GOING TO BE A REALLY COOL
THING FOR OUR CITY.
SEATTLE STREET SINKS.
THANKS.
>> EXCELLENT.
THANK YOU.
AND THE NEXT THREE ARE NEIL
ANDERSON, DAVE ELLENWOOD, AND
STAR WILY.
GOOD EVENING, NEIL.
>> HI.
MY NAME IS NEIL ANDERSON, I'M
CALLING IN SUPPORT OF THE
SOLIDARITY BUDGET.
SOME HAVE ARGUED THAT
REDIRECTING POLICE FUNDING TO
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS CAN'T BE
DONE IN ONE STEP.
WE HAVE TO WAIT TO SEE IF THEY
WORK BEFORE TAKING COPS OFF THE
STREET.
THE RESULTS FROM OTHER CITIES
HAVE SHOWN THIS WORKS.
IN EUGENE, 191 CALLS ARE
HANDLED BY TRAINED CALLERS THAN
POLICE.
NOW THIS IS BEING REPLICATED IN
AT LEAST FOUR OTHER CITIES.
ANOTHER ARGUMENT AGAINST IT IS
THAT CIVILIAN RESPONDERS COULD
BE PLACED IN DANGER.
BUT THE FACTS DON'T BEAR THIS
OUT.
WITH LESS THAN 1% NEEDING
POLICE BACKUP, THE DATA SHOWED
PEOPLE EXPERIENCING MENTAL
CRISIS ARE OVERWHELMINGLY NOT
DANGEROUS.
AN ARMED RESPONSE ESCALATES
INTO A CONFLICT THAT COULD HAVE
BEEN AVOIDED.
TAKING THESE CALLS OUT OF THE
POLICE DEPARTMENT DOESN'T GET
US ALL THE WAY TO 50%, BUT IT
CAN GET US A LOT OF THE WAY
THERE.
SINCE A QUARTER OF POLICE
SHOOTINGS INVOLVE SOMEONE
EXPERIENCING MENTAL DISTRESS,
REDUCING THE NUMBER OF THESE
INTERACTIONS IS IN EVERYONE'S
INTEREST.
THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU.
AND DAVE, JUST WANT TO LET YOU
KNOW WE STILL HAVE YOU LISTED
AS NOT PRESENT.
IF YOU'RE LISTENING IN ON THE
LISTEN IN LINE, DIAL INTO THE
NUMBER SENT VIA E-MAIL.
THAT'S TRUE AS WELL FOR
DARNELL, NUMBER 55.
CASTEEL, NUMBER 32.
AND I'M SORRY, 37 WE DID HEAR
FROM.
THOSE THREE FOLKS.
LET'S KEEP GOING.
STAR, GOOD EVENING.
THANKS SO MUCH FOR JOINING US.
>> HI.
I'M STAR WILY, A RENTER IN
DISTRICT 7. I'M A BARISTA ON
FURLOUGH.
I'M CALLING TO SUPPORT THE
PEOPLE'S BUDGET AND THE
SOLIDARITY BUDGET.
PLEASE SPONSOR AND SUPPORT
AMENDMENT PUT FORTH BY COUNCIL
MEMBER SAWANT.
DON'T CUT MILLIONS FROM
TRANSPORTATION AND AFFORDABLE
HOUSING.
BUILD MORE TINY HOUSES, FUND
THE SHARED WHEEL HYGIENE
CENTER, AND EMERGENCY FOOD
PROGRAMS.
STOP THE CUTS TO WORKING CLASS
PEOPLE AND INCREASE THE AMAZON
TAX.
WE SHOULDN'T HAVE TO SACRIFICE
OUR BASIC NEEDS TO GET BY.
BILLIONAIRES LIKE JEFF BEZOS
INCREASED WEALTH BY BILLIONS OF
DOLLARS.
SPD'S LOADED BUDGET IS TWICE
WHAT THE CITY SPENDS ON HUMAN
SERVICES INCLUDING ELDER CARE,
HOMELESS SERVICES, AFFORDABLE
HOUSING, AND NEIGHBORHOODS,
HEARTS, AND CULTURE COMBINED.
OVERSIGHT BOARD AND GIVE IT THE
POWER IT NEEDS TO HOLD SPD
ACCOUNTABLE.
FUND COMMUNITY NEEDS FOR ALL.
THANK YOU.
>> THANKS FOR YOUR TIME
TONIGHT.
JESSICA, GOOD EVENING.
>> HI.
GOOD EVENING.
THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY
TO SPEAK.
I AM CALLING LIKE A LOT OF
PEOPLE IN SUPPORT OF THE
PEOPLE'S BUDGET AND THE
SOLIDARITY BUDGET.
AND ALSO CALLING TO ENCOURAGE
ALL COUNCIL MEMBERS TO MAKE
GOOD ON YOUR PROMISE TO DEFUND
SPD BY A FULL 50%.
TO GET THAT MONEY PROMPTLY TO
BLACK AND BROWN RESTORATIVE
JUSTICE PROGRAMS AND OTHER
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS.
I AM STILL VERY CONCERNED ABOUT
THE MAYOR USING THE JUMP START
SEATTLE MONEY TO COVER THE COST
OF BUDGET CUTS.
WE FOUGHT REALLY HARD FOR THAT
MONEY AND SPECIFICALLY FOR IT
TO GO TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING.
AND ALSO SPECIFICALLY, THE
FIRST $18 MILLION OF IT TO GO
TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN THE
CENTRAL DISTRICT.
SPECIFICALLY FOR BLACK
HOUSEHOLDS THAT HAVE BEEN
PUSHED OUT OF THE CENTRAL
DISTRICT.
THAT'S VERY IMPORTANT.
AND WORKING PEOPLE AND POOR
PEOPLE DO NOT NEED TO PAY FOR
THIS CRISIS THEY DID NOT
CREATE.
LET'S GO WHERE THE MONEY IS.
THE CORPORATIONS HAVE IT.
LET'S INCREASE THE JUMP START
TAX.
THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU.
JOEY, GOOD EVENING.
>> YEAH.
THAT'S GREAT.
I JUST WANT TO KNOW WHAT YOU
GUYS ARE GOING TO DO ABOUT THE
ILLEGAL ENCAMPMENTS AND
SPECIFICALLY THE PUBLIC HEALTH
CRISIS WITH THE DRUG ADDICTION
PROBLEM.
YOU KNOW, THESE PEOPLE ARE NOT
GOING TO GO AWAY WILLINGLY.
I HOPE YOU REALIZE THAT.
AND TO BE FRANK, A LOT OF THESE
PEOPLE ARE QUITE VIOLENT.
SO BE REALISTIC HERE.
I KNOW ANDREW LEWIS WENT TO THE
LONDON SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS, BUT
IS HE REALLY A GENIUS?
COME ON.
AND HOW ARE YOU GOING TO
ENFORCE THIS NEW POLICY OF
YOURS?
ARE YOU GOING TO GIVE FREE
MONEY TO COMMUNITIES?
WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?
FREE HEALTHCARE CENTERS?
I MEAN, YOU GOTTA HAVE A WAY TO
LET THESE PEOPLE CONTRIBUTE.
THAT'S THROUGH INNOVATION.
JUST THINK ABOUT IT
REALISTICALLY HERE.
AND I READ AN ARTICLE IN TACOMA
NEWS THAT SAID PEOPLE ARE
DEMANDING THESE ILLEGAL
ENCAMPMENTS BE REMOVED
IMMEDIATELY.
WHY DON'T YOU DO ANYTHING ABOUT
IT?
YOU NEED LAW ENFORCEMENT.
ENFORCE THE LAW.
YES, PROVIDE COMMUNITY SERVICE.
BUT DO THAT WITH COMMON SENSE
AND RATIONALITY.
THANK YOU.
>> AND THE NEXT PERSON IS
LUCAS.
GOOD EVENING, LUCAS.
>> HI, COUNCIL.
I'M LUCAS, A VOLUNTEER WITH 350
SEATTLE AND A MEMBER OF UAW
LOCAL 4121.
WE CAN SAY BETTER AS A CITY.
THERE'S A DISAPPOINTING PARABLE
SECURITY INTEREST THAT SOME OF
OUR ELECTED OFFICIALS SEEM TO
BE EXPERIENCING.
SEATTLE CAN BE AN AGENT OF
CHANGE.
ACCORDING TO THE SEATTLE
STRANGER BETWEEN 2017 AND 2019,
SEATTLE POLICE KILLED 16
PEOPLE.
MANY OF WHICH WERE NOT
INVESTIGATED.
THAT IS EQUAL TO THE NUMBER OF
PEOPLE KILLED BY THE POLICE IN
THE ENTIRE UNITED KINGDOM, THE
ENTIRE COUNTRY OF BELGIUM, AND
THE ENTIRE COUNTRY OF THE
NETHERLANDS OVER THE PAST FIVE
YEARS.
GIVEN THEIR PERFORMANCE, THE
BUDGET IS AN OUTRAGE TO COMMON
SENSE.
AND THE EVIDENCE DOES NOT
SUPPORT THE IDEA THAT SENSIBLE
REDUCTIONS TO THE POLICE BUDGET
WILL INCREASE PUBLIC SAFETY.
DO WHAT'S RIGHT FOR OUR
COMMUNITY AND PASS THE
SOLIDARITY BUDGET.
THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU.
THE NEXT THREE SPEAKERS ARE
MICHAEL, MAX, AND LAURA BLACK.
MICHAEL, GOOD EVENING. MICHAEL,
YOU ARE UP NEXT.
STAR 6 TO UNMUTE YOURSELF.
MICHAEL?
ONE MORE SECOND.
MICHAEL, IF YOU CAN HIT STAR 6
UNMUTE.
WE SEE YOU ARE STILL ON THE
LINE AND WANT TO MAKE SURE TO
COME BACK TO YOU.
YOU LOOK MUTED ON YOUR END.
WE'RE GOING TO GO TO MAX, AND
THEN MICHAEL WE'LL COME BACK TO
YOU.
GOOD EVENING, MAX.
>> I'M CALLING TO EXPRESS MY
SUPPORT FOR THE SOLIDARITY
BUDGET AND DISAPPROVAL FOR
MAYOR DURKAN'S BUDGET.
IF SEATTLE WANTS TO CALL
OURSELVES A PROGRESSIVE CITY,
WE NEED TO DIVEST FROM SPD BY
AT LEAST 50%, USING THOSE FUNDS
EQUITABLY IN COMMUNITIES
DISPROPORTIONATELY IMPACTED BY
RACIST POLICIES.
INCLUDING FUNDING FOR PARKS AND
TRANSIT SERVICES.
INVESTING IN AFFORDABLE
HOUSING, DECRIMINALIZING
POVERTY AND HOMELESSNESS, AND
INTRODUCING A GREEN NEW DEAL.
WE'RE WATCHING WHAT YOU DO HERE
AND WILL NOT ACCEPT HALF
MEASURES, BUDGETARY SLIGHTS OF
HAND, OR EFFORTS TO PUNT THESE
DECISIONS BEHIND THE VEIL OF
THE SEATTLE PROCESS.
THANKS FOR YOUR TIME.
>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
LAURA BLACK, YOU ARE UP NEXT.
>> HI THERE.
MY NAME IS LAURA BLACK.
I'M A RENTER IN DISTRICT 3. I
WORK FOR OUR RAPID REHOUSING
PROGRAM FOR FAMILIES.
SPEAKING IN PARTNERSHIP ABOUT
OUR RAPID REHOUSING PROGRAMS
WHICH HELP HOMELESS FAMILIES TO
MAINTAIN STABLE HOUSING THROUGH
CASE MANAGEMENT AND INCOME
BASED RENTAL ASSISTANCE.
OUR FAMILIES WERE HIT HARD BY
THE PANDEMIC LEADING TO OUR
PROGRAM PAYING ONE AND A HALF
TO TWO TIMES OUR RENTAL BUDGET
AND EXTENDING SERVICES BEYOND
PROGRAM DESIGN.
WE ARE RUNNING OUT OF MONEY.
OUR CONRACT MONITORS ARE
ALLOWING US TO SPEND 2021 FUNDS
NOW TO GET THROUGH THIS YEAR.
I ENCOURAGE COUNCIL TO SUPPORT
INCREASING RAPID REHOUSING
FUNDS BY $750,000 IN 2021.
THANK YOU TO COUNCIL MEMBERS
WHO HAVE ALREADY STEPPED UP TO
SUPPORT THIS PROGRAM.
IN CLOSING, I WOULD LIKE TO
URGE THE COUNCIL TO SUPPORT THE
SOLIDARITY BUDGET.
THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
AND WE'RE GOING TO GO BACK TO
MICHAEL FOLLOWED BY KAMILA
WALTER.
MICHAEL, THANKS FOR JOINING US
AGAIN.
>> SORRY.
MY DUMB PHONE WAS NOT
COOPERATING.
I'M A RESIDENT OF DISTRICT 3.
I'M CALLING THIS EVENING TO
VOICE MY SUPPORT FOR THE
SOLIDARITY BUDGET.
HOW WE ALLOCATE PUBLIC
RESOURCES IS A DIRECT
REFLECTION OF OUR CITY'S
VALUES.
SOME OF OUR COMMUNITIES ARE
UNDER RESOURCED AND OVER
POLICED ARE NOT AN ACCIDENT.
RATHER THAN CONTINUING TO
FINANCE A POLICE FORCE WHICH IS
A WILDLY UNJUST SOCIAL ORDER, I
URGE THE COUNCIL TO DEFUND SPD
BY 50% AND REDISTRIBUTE THOSE
FUNDS TO BUILD EQUITY IN AN
ANTI-RACIST AND SUSTAINABLE
MANNER.
THE PRINCIPLES ESPOUSED IN THE
SOLIDARITY BUDGET PROVIDES A
FRAMEWORK FOR TRANSFORMING OUR
CITY.
THANK YOU.
I YIELD MY TIME.
>> THANKS SO MUCH, MICHAEL, FOR
CALLING IN.
I TOTALLY UNDERSTAND THE PHONE
ISSUE, SO NO PROBLEM.
KAMILA, GOOD EVENING.
>> HI.
MY NAME IS KAMILA.
I WORK FOR REAL CHANGE.
I'M A RESIDENT OF DISTRICT 6.
I, LIKE SO MANY PEOPLE WHO HAVE
ALREADY STATED THIS, WANT TO
URGE THE CITY COUNCIL TO TAKE
VERY SERIOUSLY THE NEEDS IN OUR
CITY.
THE SOLIDARITY BUDGET OUTLINED
INVESTMENTS THAT WILL SUPPORT
EQUITY AND A MORE LIVABLE
SEATTLE FOR ALL.
PLEASE DEFUND THE SEATTLE
POLICE DEPARTMENT BY 50%.
OFFER HOUSING FOR ALL,
DECRIMINALIZE POVERTY, AND
SUPPORT A GREEN NEW DEAL FOR
SEATTLE.
WE ARE IN CRISIS.
OUR COMMUNITIES ARE HURTING AND
ARE NOT SAFE.
IT IS COLD OUTSIDE.
PLEASE SUPPORT THE SOLIDARITY
BUDGET AND CHOOSE TO DO
SOMETHING DIFFERENT AND TAKE
THESE ISSUES SERIOUSLY.
I ALSO URGE THE COUNCIL TO FUND
THE SEATTLE STREET SINK WHICH
PROVIDES HAND WASHING STATIONS
IN HIGH-TRAFFIC OUTDOOR AREAS
AND IS ACCESSIBLE TO PUBLIC
HEALTH INTERVENTION TO ALL.
I ENCOURAGE YOU TO SUPPORT THE
PURPLE BAG PROGRAM AND COUNCIL
MEMBER MORALES' HOPE TEAM.
THANK YOU.
>> EXCELLENT.
THANK YOU.
THE NEXT THREE PEOPLE ARE
LISTED AS NOT PRESENTED.
SO IF YOU ARE LISTENING IN,
PLEASE DO DIAL INTO THE PUBLIC
TESTIMONY LINE.
THE NUMBER SHOULD HAVE BEEN
SENT TO YOU IN THE E-MAIL THAT
YOU RECEIVED AS CONFIRMATION.
NUMBER 76, BRIAN COOKE.
NUMBER 78, REBECCA MICHAEL.
AND NUMBER 79, TRACI HARRELL.
DIAL IN IF YOU CAN HEAR ME, AND
WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU.
WHEN WE SEE YOU'RE PRESENT,
WE'LL GO BACK TO YOU.
THE NEXT THREE ARE MEGHAN,
COHEN, AND JACKSON.
GOOD EVENING, MIGNA.
>> HI.
MY NAME IS MIGNA.
I'M A SECOND-YEAR AT U-DUB AND
A MEMBER FOR FUTURE SEATTLE AND
SUNRISE U-DUB.
IT'S IMPERATIVE THAT YOU VOTE
TO ADOPT THE SOLIDARITY BUDGET
BECAUSE YOUR CITY'S MOST
VULNERABLE MEMBERS, ESPECIALLY
BLACK AND INDIGENOUS PEOPLE,
HAVE BEEN CONSISTENTLY HARMED
AND MARGINALIZED BY THE SEATTLE
POLICE DEPARTMENT AND THE
CITY'S INEQUITABLE POLICIES.
AT MY SCHOOL, THE U-DUB BLACK
STUDENT UNION HAS BEEN
TIRELESSLY FIGHTING FOR THE
UNIVERSITY TO RECOGNIZE THEIR
DEMANDS TO STOP GLORIFYING
SLAVE OWNERS AND REDUCE THE
INFLUENCE OF PD.
OUR CITY ALSO NEEDS TO CHANGE
SO THAT MY BLACK CLASSMATES AND
COMMUNITY MEMBERS ARE GIVEN THE
EQUITY THAT THEY DESERVE.
REALLOCATING THE 2021 BUDGETS
THROUGH THE SOLIDARITY BUDGET
PUTS SEATTLE ON THE PATH TO
COMBAT RACIAL AND CLIMATE
INJUSTICE.
WHIE ENSURING PEOPLE HAVE A
SAY IN WHERE IT COMES FROM AND
HOW IT'S SPENT.
IT SHOULD NOT COME FROM JUMP
START.
IT SHOULD COME FROM DEFUNDING
SPD BY 50%.
THERE ARE SO MANY MORE PLACES
WHERE THIS MONEY IS NEEDED
RATHER THAN A POLICE DEPARTMENT
THAT COMMITS VIOLENCE AGAINST
MINORITIES AND PEACEFUL
PROTESTERS.
THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
>> HEY.
>> THE NEXT THREE SPEAKERS ARE
YOSI COHEN, JACKSON, AND
CARRIE.
I WANT TO NOTE MATTHEW LANG,
YOU ARE LISTED AS READY TO SIGN
UP 81 BUT NOT PRESENT.
PLEASE DIAL IN IF YOU CAN,
MATTHEW.
YOSI, GOOD EVENING.
>> MY NAME IS YOSI.
I RENT AN APARTMENT IN DISTRICT
3. IN THIS MEETING, YOU'LL HEAR
FROM ORGANIZED ACTIVISTS THAT
DO NOT REPRESENT MOST OF
SEATTLE.
FROM THE END OF SEPTEMBER, ONLY
20% SUPPORT DEFUNDING THE
POLICE BY HALF.
I URGE YOU COUNCIL MEMBERS,
PLEASE LISTEN TO POLLS.
MAKE SURE YOU LISTEN TO REGULAR
PEOPLE WHO LIVE IN THE CITY.
PLEASE REACH OUT TO EVERY DAY
MEMBERS OF YOUR COMMUNITY AND
MAKE SURE THAT YOU HEAR THEIR
VOICES.
SPECIFICALLY, I WANT TO CALL
OUT TO LISA HERBOLD AND DAN
STRAUSS.
YOU MADE PROMISES IN THE PAST.
WE WANT TO SEE YOU FOLLOW UP ON
THESE PROMISES.
I WANT TO EXPRESS SUPPORT FOR
THE MAYOR'S PROPOSED BUDGET.
I WANT TO EXPRESS SOME
OBJECTIONS TO LISA HERBOLD'S
ECONOMIC LEGISLATION THAT COULD
END UP HELPING PEOPLE WHO LIVE
AND WORK IN THE CITY.
AND LAST, PLEASE LISTEN TO ALEX
PEDERSEN WHEN HE'S SAYING EVERY
TAX DOLLAR MUST BE SPENT USING
SMART GOALS.
SPECIFIC, MEASURABLE,
ACHIEVABLE, AND TIME BASED.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
>> THANK YOU SO MUCH.
THE NEXT PERSON IS JACKSON.
GOOD EVENING.
>> HEY.
GOOD EVENING.
THANK YOU.
MY NAME IS JACKSON PEACH LIKE
THE FRUIT.
I'M A RENTER IN DISTRICT 4. I'M
A BARELY ACTIVE PERSON.
THANK YOU, PREVIOUS CALLER.
COUNCIL EMBER PEDERSEN, THE
CONTRACT NEEDS REFORMED.
MATCH THAT REFORM WITH SHIFTING
SPD DUTIES AWAY.
OTHERWISE, THERE'S NO POINT IN
TRYING TO REFORM THE CONTRACT.
ALSO, YES TO THE PROPOSED TINY
HOUSE VILLAGE ON ROSEFIELD AND
45th.
WE NEED MORE DIVERSE SOLUTIONS.
I MENTIONED I JUST MOVED HERE
THIS YEAR AND HAVE BEEN DEEPLY
DISAPPOINTED WITH SEATTLE'S
PRIORITIES SO FAR.
LIKE PEOPLE SAID BEFORE, THE
BUDGET IS A DOCUMENT THAT SHOWS
OUR MORAL VALUES.
SO SUPPORT THE DEMANDS OF KING
COUNTY EQUITY NOW COALITION AND
DECRIMINALIZE SEATTLE.
MANY BEFORE ME HAVE
ARTICULATELY ARTICULATED.
LET'S PLAY THE HITS.
DIVEST 50% FROM SPD.
PRESERVE VITAL SERVICES.
GREEN NEW DEAL.
I SPENT A LONG TIME, LUCKY
ENOUGH TO BE ABLE TO DODGE THE
SMOKE INSIDE.
NOT EVERYONE WAS SO LUCKY.
I YIELD MY TIME.
>> THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.
CARRIE, GOOD EVENING.
>> HI.
MY NAME IS CARRIE MCDOWELL.
GOOD EVENING TO THE COUNCIL
MEMBERS.
CAN YOU HEAR US?
>> I CAN.
THANK YOU SO MUCH.
>> OKAY.
I AM PART OF THE RAPID
REHOUSING.
I AM SOMEONE WHO HAS BEEN
HELPED BY THE RAPID REHOUSING
PROGRAM.
WITHOUT RAPID REHOUSING, MY
FAMILY WOULD NOT BE TOGETHER
TODAY.
MY CHILDREN AND I WOULD NOT BE
LIVING.
AND PURSUING HOUSING AND
STAYING IN STEADY HOUSING, THEY
HAVE BEEN A GREAT PART OF
KEEPING ME BASICALLY HOUSED
FROM THE POINT WHEN I LOST MY
HOUSING TO NOW, AND THEY HAVE
GIVEN ME THE TOOLS IN ORDER TO
KEEP THAT GOING.
I REALLY APPRECIATE YOUR GUYS'
TIME, AND I FEEL THE NEED THAT
RAPID REHOUSING DEFINITELY DOES
NEED FUNDING IN ORDER TO KEEP
MORE FAMILIES OFF THE STREETS.
>> YOU STILL HAVE SOME TIME.
ANYTHING ELSE?
>> WELL, BASICALLY LIKE I SAID.
RAPID REHOUSING IS VERY
IMPORTANT TO FAMILIES IN ORDER
TO KEEP THEM TOGETHER.
I'M ALSO AN ABUSE SURVIVOR.
THAT'S WHAT PART OF WHAT HAS
REALLY HELPED ME.
THE WORKERS THERE LOOK AT YOU
AS NOT JUST A CASE BY CASE.
THEY LOOK AT YOU AS AN
INDIVIDUAL FAMILY.
AND MORE PROGRAMS LIKE THIS ARE
MOST DEFINITELY NEEDED IN ORDER
TO HELP, YOU KNOW?
>> EXCELLENT.
THANK YOU SO MUCH.
SORRY WE HAD TO CUT YOU OFF AT
THE END.
THE NEXT PERSON IS CHRIS.
GOOD EVENING, CHRIS.
LISA WHEELER, WE HAVE YOU
LISTED AS NOT PRESENT SO PLEASE
DIAL IN.
GOOD EVENING, CHRIS.
AND CHRIS, JUST STAR 6 TO
UNMUTE YOURSELF.
OKAY, CHRIS.
I SEE YOU LISTED AS STILL
MUTED.
SO I'M GOING TO GO BACK UP TO
BRIAN COOKE, AND THEN WE'LL
COME BACK TO YOU, CHRIS.
BRIAN, NUMBER 76, PLEASE GO
AHEAD.
WE WILL UNMUTE YOU HERE IN JUST
A SECOND.
GREAT.
HI, BRIAN.
CHRIS, CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?
ALL RIGHT.
I'M GOING TO GO AHEAD WITH WHO
I SEE AS LISTED AS UNMUTTED,
AND THAT IS CHRIS.
CHRIS, CAN YOU HEAR ME?
>> UH, YES.
>> OKAY, CHRIS.
GO AHEAD.
AND THEN WE'LL GO BACK TO
BRIAN.
GO AHEAD, CHRIS.
>> SHE'S SAYING CHRIS.
>> OKAY, BRIAN.
IF THE THAT'S YOU, YOU CAN GO
AHEAD.
>> YEAH.
HI.
I'D LIKE TO SAY GOOD EVENING TO
THE COUNCIL BUDGET COMMITTEE
MEMBERS.
MY NAME IS BRIAN COOKE.
I LIVE AT THE SHARED SHELTER
GIFT OF GRACE.
SUPPORT THE PEOPLE'S BUDGET AND
A SOLIDARITY BUDGET.
WE OPPOSE SHUTTING DOWN THE
ENCAMPMENTS.
I'D LIKE TO THANK COUNCIL
MEMBER SAWANT FOR AUTHORIZING
THE TWO BUDGET ACTIONS WE'RE
FOCUSED ON TO NIGHT.
I'D LIKE TO THANK MORALES AND
LEWIS FOR CO-SIGNING THIS.
OUR SHELTER IS OPEN 24/7 SO WE
WON'T HAVE TO GO BACK TONIGHT
TIME ONLY.
AND COUNCIL MEMBER MORALES AND
GONZALEZ ARE SUPPORTING THIS
AND YOUR CONCERN FOR THE FUTURE
OF THE SHELTERS IN THE AGE OF
COVID-19 AND BEYOND.
I WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK ABOUT
COUNCIL MEMBER SAWANT'S
PROPOSAL FOR DEVELOPING A
HYGIENE CENTER AT THE SITE.
THIS HYGIENE CENTER WOULD HELP
IN CONTAINING THE SPREAD OF THE
CORONAVIRUS.
BUT IT ALSO..
>> I WANT TO THANK YOU, BRIAN,
FOR CALLING IN TONIGHT.
I'M SORRY WE DIDN'T GET THAT
LAST PIECE.
IF YOU COULD SEND IN YOUR
COMMENTS, THAT WOULD BE GREAT.
AND IF THERE'S ANYBODY ELSE WHO
GOT CUT OFF TONIGHT, WE WANT TO
MAKE SURE TO HEAR THE REST OF
YOUR COMMENTS AS WELL.
CHRIS, THANKS FOR WAITING.
>> MY NAME IS CHRIS MILLER.
MY TESTIMONY IS ABOUT MY
EXPERIENCES WITH HOMELESSNESS
WHEN I WAS YOUNG AND THE
OPPORTUNITIES THAT I'VE BEEN
BLESSED WITH TO HELP ME TO
PROVIDE FOR ME AND MY FAMILY.
BEING UNABLE TO PROVIDE FOR
MYSELF AT A YOUNG AGE DUE TO MY
EPILEPSY I WAS AFFORDED AN
OPPORTUNITY TO HELP ME FIGURE
OUT MY LIFE AND GET ON TRACK
WITH MY EPILEPSY.
SERVICES HELPED ME WITH THE IN
PROGRAM.
I WORK FOR ONE OF THE MANY
SHELTERS.
I'VE BEEN EMPLOYED FOR OVER A
YEAR NOW AT A REDUCTION SHELTER
AND HAVE A STABLE LIFE WITH A
GROWING FAMILY.
I HAVE A CHANCE TO HELP OTHERS
THE SAME WAY I WAS ONCE HELPED.
OVER THE LAST YEAR, I HAVE USED
MY LIFE EXPERIENCES TO BUILD
RELATIONSHIPS.
THERE'S STILL SO MUCH MORE TO
LEARN.
RECENTLY, I WAS GIVEN THE
OPPORTUNITY TO A SOCIAL SERVICE
PROVIDER TO EXPAND MY
EDUCATION.
I AM ADDING TO MY SOCIAL
SERVICE TOOLBOX WHILE GROWING
MY PROFESSION AND MY ABILITY TO
POSITIVELY IMPACT MY CLIENTS'
LIVES.
>> THANK YOU SO MUCH.
MAHEEM, YOU ARE UP NEXT.
>> HELLO, EVERYONE.
CAN YOU GUYS HEAR ME?
>> YES, WE CAN.
>> HI, EVERYONE.
MY NAME IS MAHEEM.
I'M A D-4 RESIDENT.
I WOULD LIKE TO USE MY TIME TO
MAKE A SUPPLICATION TO ALL THE
CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS.
I WOULD LIKE YOU TO REMEMBER
THE TIME IN JULY WHEN ALL OF
YOU WERE CONDEMNING THE
INCIDENCE OF POLICE BRUTALITY
HAPPENING NATIONWIDE AND HOW
CLOSELY YOU ALL FELT TO MAKING
A SYSTEMIC CHANGE.
MOST OF YOU WERE ON BOARD TO
MAKE A NEAR 50% BUDGET CUT TO
THE SPD AND USE THAT MONEY TO
CURE THE AFFLICTIONS CAUSED BY
COVID-19 AND GENERAL
DESTITUTION IN OUR CITY.
SPD HAS A HISTORY OF PROTECTING
WHAT POLICE DEPARTMENTS CALL
BAD APPLES.
THEY HAVE WORKED REALLY HARD AS
AN INSTITUTION TO MAKE
THEMSELVES NOT ACCOUNTABLE FOR
THEIR TRANSGRESSIONS.
THE MAYOR'S BUDGET THAT TAKES
MONEY OUT OF AFFORDABLE
HOUSING, LIBRARS, TRANSIT, AND
PARKS IS JUST A SEAL OF
APPROVAL ON SPD'S CRUEL AND
IMMORAL BEHAVIOR.
INSTEAD OF PROMOTING
PROGRESSIVE TAXATION
INITIATIVES, IT TAKES MONEY OUT
OF ESSENTIAL SERVICES.
I URGE YOU TO REJECT THE
MAYOR'S BUDGET AND SUPPORT THE
PEOPLE'S BUDGET.
I WORK AT A LOCAL COMMUNITY
COLLEGE.
MY WIFE IS LIBRARIAN.
FROM OUR WORK IN EDUCATION, WE
BOTH SEE WHAT OUR COMMUNITIES
NEEDS IS RESOURCE.
>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR
CALLING IN.
THE NEXT THREE SPEAKERS ARE
LISA WHEELER, DORIS GARCIA, AND
KAREN GREMLING.
I HAVE YOU ALL LISTED AS NOT
PRESENT.
LISA, DORIS, KAREN.
WE'LL GO AHEAD WITH SHANNON
WELLS, MEGHAN TIANA, AND EMILY
MCARTHUR.
SHANNON, GOOD EVENING.
WE HAD YOU AS UNMUTED AND I
JUST HEARD YOU MUTE YOURSELF.
THERE WE GO.
HI.
APPRECIATE YOU.
>> TALKING TO ME ON THE PHONE
AND IT'S CONFUSING.
>> YES, I KNOW.
I'M PROBABLY MAKING IT MORE
CONFUSING, SO I APOLOGIZE.
>> HI, EVERYONE.
MY NAME IS SHANNON WELLS.
I LIVE IN DISTRICT 2, AND I
WORK IN DISTRICT 7 FOR THE LAST
18 YEARS.
I'M ASKING COUNCIL TO RESTORE
THE NIGHT LIGHT ADVOCATE
POSITION IN THE 2021 BUDGET.
THE NIGHT LIGHT ADVOCATE
ASSISTS OVER 100 VENUES AND 250
NIGHT LIFE STAKE HOLDERS.
THESE BUSINESSES EMPLOY
THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE WHO ARE
ANXIOUSLY WAITING TO RETURN TO
THE WORK THEY LOVE.
IT'S BASED ON RELATIONSHIPS
BUILT OVER THE LAST FOUR YEARS.
UNDER NORMAL CIRCUMSTANCES, IT
HAS BEEN DEVASTATED BY THE
PANDEMIC.
IT IS NOT INTERCHANGEABLE WITH
STAFF WHO WORKS WITH
RESTAURANTS AND PERMITTING.
TO TAKE AWAY NIGHT LIFE, IT
LEAVES US WITH PIECEMEAL
SUPPORT IN A TIME WHEN WE NEED
LASER FOCUSED RECOVERY.
MUSIC AND NIGHT LIFE ARE PART
OF THE HEART OF SEATTLE AND
FEED AN ECOSYSTEM OF ARTISTS,
INTERCONNECTED BUSINESSES, AND
ARTS LOVERS.
WE NEED A LONG-TERM INVESTMENT
AND RECOVERY.
WE NEED A NIGHT LIFE ADVOCATE
WHO KNOWS OUR INDUSTRY.
PLEASE RESTORE THE POSITION AND
THANK YOU, COUNCIL MEMBERS
LEWIS, HERBOLD, AND MORALES FOR
SUPPORTING THIS POSITION.
THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
AND THE NEXT PERSON IS MEGHAN.
GOOD EVENING. HEY, MEGHAN.
I SEE YOU LISTED AS UNMUTED ON
MY END.
MAYBE DOUBLE CHECK TO MAKE SURE
YOU'RE NOT MUTED ON YOUR OWN
PHONE AS WELL.
>> AM I UNMUTED?
>> YOU'RE GREAT.
WE CAN HEAR YOU NOW.
>> THANK YOU.
I'M MEGHAN TINNEY.
I'M A JUNIOR AT NATHAN HILL
HIGH SCHOOL.
I ADVOCATE FOR THE SOLIDARITY
BUDGET BECAUSE I BELIEVE IN
DIVESTING FROM THE RACISM AND
INVESTING IN COMMUNITIES.
THE MOST EFFICIENT WAY TO BUILD
SAFER COMMUNITIES IS TO STOP IT
AT ITS ROOTS.
INVESTING IN AFFORDABLE
HOUSING, HEALTHCARE, AND PUBLIC
SAFETY AS WELL AS INVESTING IN
CLEAN ENERGY AND GOOD JOBS I
THINK WOULD REALLY HELP SEATTLE
ACTUALLY STAND UP FOR WHAT IT
MEANS TO BE A GOOD LIBERAL CITY
THAT CARES ABOUT CLIMATE
ACTIVISM AND RACIST POLICIES.
THANK YOU.
>> EXCELLENT.
THANK YOU SO MUCH.
EMILY, YOU ARE UP NEXT.
GOOD EVENING.
>> HI.
MY NAME IS EMILY.
I'M A SEATTLE RENTER AND A
MEMBER OF SOCIALIST
ALTERNATIVES AND THE PEOPLE'S
BUDGET MOVEENT, WHICH STANDS
WITH THE SOLIDARITY BUDGET.
YOU KNOW, I'VE WATCHED MY
ROOMMATES LOSE THEIR JOBS,
STRUGGLE TO PAY RENT, STRUGGLE
TO PAY TUITION, AND HAVE
MARCHED IN THE JUSTICE FOR
GEORGE FLOYD PROTHE TESTS.
TONIGHT, I'LL BE SPEAKING TO
URGE THE DEMOCRATS ON THE CITY
COUNCIL TO JOIN COUNCIL MEMBER
SAWANT IN PASSING THE PEOPLE'S
BUDGET, STANDING AGAINST MAYOR
DURKAN'S BUDGET.
SHE WANTS TO CUT OVER $200
MILLION FROM THE TRANSIT AND
AFFORDABLE HOUSING.
THIS AT A TIME WHEN THE
MAJORITY, MAJOR CORPORATIONS
LIKE STARBUCKS AND AMAZON HAVE
BEEN PROFITEERING FROM THIS
PANDEMIC.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR
POLITICIANS TO SAY BLACK LIVES
MATTER REPEATEDLY AND PASS A
BUDGET THAT PUTS THE BURDEN OF
THE RECESSION OF THE PANDEMIC
ON MARGINALIZED COMMUNITIES AND
WORKING PEOPLE RATHER THAN ON
THE WEALTHIEST OF OUR CITY?
THE PEOPLE'S BUDGET MOVEMENT IS
DEMANDING THE CITY COUNCIL STOP
THE BUDGET CUTS AND INCREASE
THE TAX AMAZON.
AND OUR MOVEMENT TO DEFUND THE
POLICE BY AT LEAST $170 MILLION
AS COUNCIL MEMBER SAWANT HAS
PROPOSED.
THANK THANKS TO THE AMAZON TAX
MOVEMENT.
>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
THE NEXT PERSON IS KAREN
GRAMLING.
GOOD EVENING, KAREN.
>> GOOD EVENING, MEMBERS OF THE
CITY COUNCIL BUDGET COMMITTEE.
MY NAME IS KAREN GRAMLING.
I LIVE AT TENT CITY 3. WE
OPPOSE THE SWEEPS.
ANY TEAM THAT INCLUDES POLICE
OR CITY WORKERS GOING OUT TO
ENCAMPMENTS AND SHUTTING THEM
DOWN.
WE SUPPORT THE HOPE TEAM.
THANK YOU, COUNCIL PERSON
SAWANT FOR OFFERING THE TWO
BUDGET ACTIONS WE'RE FOCUSED ON
TO NIGHT.
ONE IS TO INCREASE ENCAMPMENTS
AND FUND SHARES TENT CITY 3.
THANK YOU MORALES AND LEWIS FOR
DO-SIGNING THIS.
THE OTHER IS INDOOR SHELTERS TO
STAY OPEN 24/7 SO THEY DON'T GO
BACK TONIGHT TIME ONLY.
THANK YOU, MORALES AND GONZALEZ
FOR COSIGNING THIS.
AND HERBOLD FOR THE CONCERN OF
SHELTERS IN COVID-19 AND
BEYOND.
I HAVE A MASTER'S DEGREE BUT AM
HOMELESS NOW.
I AM ABLE TO BE IN A COVID-19
FREE AND SAFE ENVIRONMENT.
SHARED SHELTERS OFFER
EFFECTIVE, SAFE, AND CHEAP
SOLUTIONS TO HOMELESS WHO
AREN'T DRUGGIES ORS.
>> YOU STILL HAVE A FEW
SECONDS.
OKAY, GREAT.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
WE APPRECIATE YOU CALLING IN
TONIGHT, KAREN.
AND I LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING
FROM SOME MORE FOLKS ON THE
LINE AS WELL.
SUE DONALDSON FOLLOWED BY
ANTHONY AND FLORA WRIGHT.
SUE, GOOD EVENING.
THANKS FOR JOINING US.
ONE MORE TIME, SUE.
THERE WE GO.
>> OKAY.
THANK YOU TO THE COUNCIL FOR
TAKING PUBLIC TESTIMONY
TONIGHT.
I'M SUE DONALDSON, A DISTRICT 4
RESIDENT, AND A FORMER SEATTLE
CITY COUNCIL MEMBER.
SO I WELL KNOW THE TOUGH TASK
YOU HAVE BEFORE YOU.
EARLIER THIS EVENING, GRACE
ADDRESSED THE FUNDING NEEDED TO
OPEN THE LIBRARY BRANCHES
EARLIER THAN THE MAYOR'S BUDGET
ASSUMES.
THE LIBRARY RECOGNIZES THAT
CURRENTLY THE CITY FACES MANY
CRISIS AS ALL THE TESTIMONY
TONIGHT REFLECTS.
SOCIAL AND RACIAL JUSTICE,
HOUSING AVAILABILITY, THE LIST
IS LONG AND VERY IMPORTANT.
AMONG THESE CHALLENGES IS THE
FISCAL CRISIS.
AS YOU KNOW, ALL DEPARTMENTS
HAVE PROPOSED CUTS.
THE LIBRARY CAN LIVE WITHIN THE
PROPOSED BUDGET CUTS, BUT WE'LL
NEED ADDITIONAL FUNDING IF THE
COUNCIL WANTS THE LIBRARY TO
ADD ANY NEW.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR ENTHUSIASTIC
SUPPORT.
WE APPRECIATE IT.
THANK YOU.
>> THANKS FOR DIALING IN TODAY,
SUE.
ANTHONY, GOOD EVENING.
>> GOOD EVENING, MEMBERS OF THE
CITY COUNCIL.
I LIVE AT SHARED TENT CITY 3.
SUPPORT THE PEOPLE'S BUDGET AND
THE SOLIDARITY BUDGET.
WE OPPOSE THE SWEEP TEAM THAT
INCLUDES POLICE OR CITY WORKERS
GOING OUT TO ENCAMPMENTS AND
SHUTTING THEM DOWN.
THANK YOU, COUNCIL MEMBER
SAWANT FOR PUTTING FORWARD THE
TWO BUDGET ACTIONS WE ARE
FOCUSED ON TO NIGHT.
ONE IS TO INCREASE ENCAMPMENTS
AND TINY HOUSE VILLAGES IN THE
CITY.
THANK YOU MORALES AND LEWIS FOR
CO-SIGNING THIS.
HELP THE SHELTER STAY OPEN 24/7
SO THEY DON'T GO BACK TONIGHT
TIME ONLY.
AND COUNCIL HERBOLD FOR YOUR
CONCERN FOR THE FUTURE OF
SHELTER IN THE AGE OF COVID-19
AND BEYOND.
>> YOU CAN KEEP GOING.
IT'S OKAY.
WE HAVE A FEW MORE SECONDS.
>> IN CONCLUSION, PLEASE
SUPPORT THE SHELTERS AND
ENCAMPMENTS.
THANK YOU, MA'AM.
>> THANK YOU SO MUCH.
YEAH, ABSOLUTELY.
AND FOLKS, IF YOU HEAR THE
CHIME, YOU HAVE ABOUT 10-20
SECONDS TO WRAP UP.
OKAY.
LET'S KEEP GOING.
FLORA, GOOD EVENING.
WE ARE AT NUMBER 95, FLORA.
THANKS FOR WAITING.
>> HI.
CAN YOU HEAR ME?
>> YES, WE CAN.
THANKS FOR CHECK IN.
>> I'M FROM DISTRICT 3. I'M A
MEMBER OF SUNRISE SEATTLE AND
WASHINGTON YOUTH.
I'M CALLING IN SUPPORT OF THE
SOLIDARITY BUDGET ENDORSED BY
OVER 150 LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS.
MUST DEFUND SPD BY AT LEAST 50%
AND REALLOCATE FUNDS INTO BLACK
COMMUNITIES AND COMMUNITY-LED
HEALTH AND SAFETY SYSTEMS.
THE $100 MILLION PROMISED TO
THE BLACK COMMUNITY BY THE
MAYOR MUST BE DISTRIBUTED AND
COME FROM SEATTLE'S POLICING
BUDGETS, NOT FROM VITAL PUBLIC
SERVICES.
I BROADLY ASK FOR EXPANSION OF
HOUSING PROJECTS AND DIGNIFIED
SHELTER INCLUDING COMMUNITY
OWNED AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN THE
DISTRICT.
I URGE COUNCIL TO EXPAND THE
DURESS EXPENSE FOR A MORE
EQUITABLE SEATTLE.
REJECTS THE NOTION THAT WE HAVE
TO PICK BETWEEN PICKING OUR
INTERCONNECTED NEEDS.
THIS IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO
INVEST IN TRUE COMMUNITY CARE.
THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU FOR CALLING IN
TONIGHT.
THE NEXT PERSON IS ANITA
FREEMAN AND CATHY.
ANITRA, HI.
GOOD EVENING. LET'S WAIT ONE
MORE SECOND.
ANITRA, JUST PUSH STAR 6 ONE
MORE TIME ON YOUR END.
IT LOOKS LIKE YOU'RE STILL
MUTED ON MY END.
ANITRA, WE'LL COME BACK TO YOU.
>> HELLO?
>> I CAN HEAR YOU NOW.
PLEASE GO AHEAD.
I CAN HEAR YOU.
>> OKAY.
>> WE'LL STAY WITH YOU.
PLEASE GO AHEAD.
>> I THOUGHT LISA WAS UP.
CAN LISA TAKE OVER FOR ME
PLEASE?
>> THAT'S NO PROBLEM.
LISA, WHAT'S YOUR LAST NAME?
>> LAST NAME IS OWEN.
>> NO PROBLEM, LISA.
GO AHEAD.
>> AND I GUESS I'M SPEAKING
REGARDING ITEM 19.
THANK YOU.
IN REGARDS TO THE TRINITY
PARISH.
BECAUSE OF TIME AND BECAUSE I
KNOW YOU FOLKS HAVE BEEN ON THE
PHONE AND LISTENING TO US, I'VE
COME UP WITH A QUICK ANALOGY.
I HOPE THIS WILL BE OKAY.
I WOULD LIKE TO ENGAGE YOU IN A
PROGRESSIVE DINNER IN A
PROVERBIAL CONVERSATION AND YOU
EAT TOGETHER.
THERE'S A DINNER AND THERE'S A
BUNCH OF PEOPLE AND THEY'RE
ENJOYING THEMSELVES.
THIS HOW THE 24/7 SHELTER IS
WORKING FOR US.
WE'RE ACTUALLY BEING GIVEN THE
CAPABILITY AND THE ABILITY TO
GET BACK UP ON OUR FEET.
AND SO I'M REQUESTING THAT YOU
WOULD INCLUDE US IN THE BUDGET
FOR OUR SHELTER OF 2021 SO WE
CAN CONTINUE ON AND MOVE
FORWARD AND MOVE AHEAD TO THE
THINGS THAT ARE BETTER FOR US
SO WE CAN BE ALL LIKE EACH
OTHER.
THANK YOU.
>> OKAY.
YOU DID GREAT.
THANKS SO MUCH.
ANYTHING ELSE, ANITRA?
WE'LL COME BACK TO YOU IF YOU
GET THE CHANCE.
JUST FEEL FREE TO SIGN BACK UP
FOR PUBLIC TESTIMONY.
APPRECIATE YOU BEING ON THE
LINE.
CATHY, GOOD EVENING.
YOU ARE FOLLOWED BY JESS,
WALLACE, AND SARA KENNY.
YOU'RE LISTED AS 98 AND 99.
WE HAVE YOU NOT LISTED AS
PRESENT.
PLEASE DIAL IN NOW AND WE'LL
GET A CHANCE TO HEAR FROM YOU
AS SOON AS YOU DIAL IN.
CATHY, GOOD EVENING.
PLEASE GO AHEAD.
STAR 6. THERE WE GO.
HI THERE.
>> YEAH.
HELLO.
HI.
MY NAME IS CATHY, AND I STAY AT
THE WHEEL WOMEN'S SHELTER AT
TRINITY EPISCOPAL PARISH.
I'M ASKING FOR YOUR SUPPORT FOR
BUDGET ITEM 19 SO THAT OUR
SHELTER AND THOSE OF OUR
BROTHERS AND SISTERS CAN
CONTINUE A 24-HOUR OPERATION
THROUGH 2021.
HAVING A SHELTER ONLY AT NIGHT
MEANS I'M SCARED ALL THE TIME
BECAUSE OF COVID-19 AND BECAUSE
OF CRIMES AGAINST WOMEN.
HAVING SHELTER AROUND THE CLOCK
MEANS SAFETY AND BEING ABLE TO
TAKE CARE OF MYSELF AND STAY
CLEAN AND HEALTHY.
I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO ACCOMPLISH
MY GOALS OF GETTING HOUSING AND
STAYING COVID-19 FREE BECAUSE I
WAS SAFE AND WELL CARED FOR IN
THIS WHEEL SHELTER THIS YEAR OF
2020.
THANK YOU.
>> EXCELLENT.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR
PUBLIC TESTIMONY.
JESS, WALLACE, AND SARA KENNY
WE'LL COME BACK TO YOU IF YOU
DIAL IN.
WE'LL GO ON TO THE NEXT THREE.
PAUL FOLLOWED BY GABRIELLE, AND
THEN LEAH.
PAUL, NUMBER 100.
THANKS FOR BEING WITH US.
>> YEP.
A POLITICAL DIRECTOR.
AS AN ORGANIZATION THAT BUILDS
POWER WITH BLACK AND BROWN
WORKERS WHO ARE SYSTEMATICALLY
UNINVESTED IN AND SINGLED OUT
BY POLICE, WE WANT YOU TO HONOR
YOUR COMMITMENT.
THIS SUMMER WE HAD HAZARD PAY
THAT LED TO THOUSANDS OF
WORKERS SEEING VITAL INCREASES
DURING THE PANDEMIC.
THROUGH ORGANIZING, POSTMATES
WAS NOT COMPLIANT WITH THE LAW,
AND QUICKLY RESPONDED MOVING
POSTMATES TO AGREE TO SETTLE
FOR BACK PAY.
THIS IS ONLY POSSIBLE WITH
ADEQUATE FUNDING FOR
ENFORCEMENT OF OUR LABOR LAWS.
WE'RE HERE TO REQUEST AN
INCREASE IN OUT REACH AND
EDUCATION FUNDS TO ACCOUNT FOR
INFLATION.
THIS FUNDS THE VITAL WORK AND
WE SUPPORT THE DOMESTIC WORKERS
TO IMPLEMENT THEIR UPCOMING
RECOMMENDATIONS.
THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU, PAUL.
AND CONGRATULATIONS ON THE NEW
GIG.
EXCITED TO HEAR YOUR NAME.
JESS, GOOD EVENING.
THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.
JESS AND THEN I SEE WE STILL
HAVE GABRIELLE.
LET'S GO WITH JESS.
STAR 6 TO UNMUTE, JESS.
>> HELLO?
>> HI THERE.
>> OH, I'M SO GLAD THAT WORKED.
THANKS FOR YOUR PATIENCE.
I'M AN ORGANIZER WITH 350
SEATTLE.
AND I'M CALLING IN BECAUSE
SEATTLE'S GREEN NEW DEAL IS
ABOUT BUILDING A WORLD WHERE IN
PERP OR PLACE IS DISPOSABLE.
WE AS CLIMATE JUSTICE ADVOCATES
SUPPORT DIVESTING FROM SPD BY
AT LEAST 50%.
MAKE INVESTMENTS IN BLACK
COMMUNITIES AND SAFETY COMES
FROM THESE FUNDS DIVESTED FROM
POLICE AND NOT FROM JUMP START
SEATTLE.
THIS WILL FREE UP REVENUE FOR
PARKS, EMERGENCY COVID-19
RELIEF, AND OTHER VITAL CITY
SERVICES.
WE KNOW THAT POLICE DON'T
CREATE PUBLIC SAFETY.
THE BEST WAY TO GUARANTEE
PUBLIC SAFETY IS TO MEET
PEOPLE'S BASIC NEEDS N. THE
MIDST OF A HOUSING CRISIS AND
GLOBAL PANDEMIC, IT'S MORE
IMPORTANT THAN EVER.
THERE'S COMMON SENSE STEPS WE
CAN TAKE THIS BUDGET CYCLE TO
WALK TOWARD A HEALTHY FUTURE
FOR ALL LIKE EXPANDING ACCESS
TOADYING ANY FEWED SHELTER,
FUNDING THE GREEN NEW DEAL,
INVESTING IN GOOD GREEN JOBS,
EXTENDING THE POLICE HIRING
FREEZE INTO 2021 AND CURBING
THE CRIMINALIZATION OF POVERTY.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
>> GREAT.
THANK YOU.
AND WE'LL GO BACK TO GABRIELLE.
THANK YOU FOR WAITING.
>> HEY.
I'M A RENTER IN DISTRICT 3 AND
A TECH WORKER.
I'M CALLING IN SUPPORT OF THE
PEOPLE'S BUDGET AND THE
SOLIDARITY BUDGET BECAUSE IN
THIS TIME OF GLOBAL PANDEMIC,
WE NEED SO MUCH.
WE NEED AFFORDABLE HOUSING,
ESPECIALLY HERE IN DISTRICT 3,
IN PARTICULARLY IN THE
GENTRIFIED CENTRAL DISTRICT.
WE NEED TENANT'S RIGHTS TO
PROTECT THEM FROM EVICTIONS.
WE NEED EMERGENCY HOUSING, AN
EXPANSION OF TINY HOUSE
VILLAGES, AND EXPAND FOOD
PROGRAMS.
WE NEED TO KEEP OUR CITY
LIVABLE BY MAINTAINING FUNDING
TO OUR PARKS AND LIBRARIES.
AND WE ALSO NEED TO PREPARE FOR
UPCOMING CLIMATE DISASTER BY
úFUNDING A GREEN NEW DEAL FOR
SEATTLE.
AND BECAUSE WE NEED SO MUCH, WE
ALSO NEED TO KNOW WHERE THIS
FUNDING COMES FROM, AND THAT IS
SO IMPORTANT.
IT CANNOT COME FROM TAX AMAZON.
AS A VOLUNTEER FOR THE
MOVEMENT, I HELPED OVER 30,000
SEATTLEITES SIGN THE PETITION.
I WANT TO REMIND THE COUNCIL WE
CANNOT USE THOSE FUNDS FOR
ANYTHING BUT AFFORDABLE HOUSING
AND NOT TO FUND THE MAYOR'S
OSTERITY BUDGET.
THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
THE NEXT THREE SPEAKS ARE LEAH,
CAMILLE, AND SPENCER.
LEAH, GOOD EVENING.
>> GOOD EVENING.
THIS IS LEAH IN DISTRICT 4.
THANK YOU FOR HEARING ALL OF US
TONIGHT.
I'M PART OF A COALITION OF
NORTH SEATTLE NEIGHBORHOOD
GROUPS IN SOLIDARITY WITH BLACK
LIVES.
I'VE PERSONALLY WITNESSED THE
EXCESSIVE FORCE AND VIOLENCE OF
THE MILITARIZED SPD AT PEACEFUL
PROTESTS ALL SUMMER AND NOW
FALL.
I'M CALLING YOU TO URGE YOU TO
DIVEST FROM SPD BY AT LEAST 50%
AND SUPPORT THE REDISTRIBUTION
OF FUNDS DIVESTED FROM SPD
THROUGH A BUDGETING PROCESS.
TONIGHT, ALEX PEDERSEN, YOU
KEEP DOUBLING DOWN ABOUT YOUR
ADMIRATION FOR THE NAVIGATION
TEAMS.
WE WANT YOU TO HEAR US FROM
DOING MUTUAL AID WORK WITH OUR
UNHOUSED NEIGHBORS THAT THEY
DON'T DO NOT WANT THE
NAVIGATION TEAMS.
THEY'VE BEEN CONNECTED TO
VIOLENCE AND SWEEPS OF
ENCAMPMENTS AND MADE REFERS
THAT WERE FUNCTIONALLY USELESS
LIKE REFERRING PEOPLE TO
SHELTERS WITHOUT ANY AVAILABLE
BEDS.
I HOPE YOU REALIZE FROM KELLY
WHO CALLED IN EARLIER, IT'S NOT
TOO LATE TO LEARN ABOUT ANTI-
RACISM AND CHANGE YOUR ACTIONS.
THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU.
THE NEXT PERSON IS CAMILLE.
GOOD EVENING. ONE MORE TIME.
THERE WE GO.
GOT YA.
>> OKAY.
MY NAME IS CAMILLE.
I'M A CONSTITUENT OF CITY
COUNCIL DISTRICT 5. AFTER A
SUMMER OF PROTESTS AND LARGE-
SCALE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENTS,
I'M URGING THE CITY COUNCIL TO
STANDBY THEIR COMMITMENT BY
DIVESTING FROM SPD AND
REINVESTING IN COMMUNITY.
OVER 50% OF 911 CALLS ARE NON-
CRIMINAL IN NATURE.
ASKING OFFICERS TO SOLVE
PROBLEMS OF HOUSING
INSTABILITY, DRUG ADDICTION,
AND MENTAL HEALTH IS COSTLY,
INEFFECTIVE, AND DOES NOT
INCREASE PUBLIC SAFETY.
THE HUNDRED MILLION PROMISED TO
BLACK COMMUNITIES SHOULD COME
DIRECTLY FROM THE CITY'S
POLICING BUDGETS.
THIS WILL FREE UP RESOURCES FOR
COVID-19 RELIEF, HOUSING, AND
OTHER PRIORITIES.
THE $30 MILLION EQUITY FUND
SHOULD BE REINSTATED.
I SUPPORT THE 2021 SOLIDARITY
BUDGET, AND I URGE THE COUNCIL
TO DO THE SAME.
THANK YOU AND I YIELD MY TIME.
>> THANK YOU FOR CALLING.
SPENCER, GOOD EVENING.
>> CAN YOU HEAR ME?
>> YES.
THANK YOU SO MUCH.
>> HI.
MY NAME IS SPENCER.
I'M A REGULAR PERSON WHO LIVES
IN DISTRICT 2 IN NORTH BEACON
HILL.
I'M A MEMBER OF SUNRISE
SEATTLE.
I'M CALLING IN LIKE A HUNDRED
PLUS OTHER PEOPLE TODAY IN
SUPPORT OF THE SOLIDARITY
BUDGET.
IT'S GREAT THAT THE CITY IS
PLANNING TO INVEST IN BLACK
COMMUNITIES.
BUT THAT MONEY SHOULD COME FROM
DEFUNDING SPD, NOT FROM THE
JUMP START REVENUE INTENDED FOR
COVID-19 RELIEF AND THE LOCAL
GREEN NEW DEAL.
THAT MONEY SHOULD BE ALLOCATED
THROUGH BUDGETING, NOT BY THE
MAYOR'S TASK FORCE.
CRIMINALIZING HOMELESSNESS,
MENTAL ILLNESS, AND DRUG
ADDICTION DOESN'T DO ANYTHING
TO ACTUALLY SOLVE THOSE
PRBLEMS.
SO INSTEAD OF OVER FUNDING
POLICE LIKE WE CURRENTLY DO, WE
SHOULD INVEST IN DIGNIFIED
EMERGENCY SHELTER, EMERGENCY
HOUSING, COVID-19 RELIEF,
MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES, AND
SEATTLE GREEN NEW DEAL THAT
WILL ACTUALLY DO SOMETHING TO
SOLVE THOSE PROBLEMS.
WE DESERVE A BUDGET TO PROVIDES
FOR THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF
EVERYONE, NOT JUST THE
AFFLUENT.
PLEASE BE ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF
HISTORY.
THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
THE NEXT THREE SPEAKERS ARE
CHLOE, YO, ANDREA, AND SCOTTY.
ANDREA, YOU ARE NUMBER 106.
WE SEE YOU LISTED AS NOT
PRESENT.
IF YOU COULD PLEASE DIAL IN,
WE'LL GET TO YOU WHEN YOU DIAL
IN.
CHLOE, YOU ARE NUMBER 105.
GO AHEAD.
>> HI.
THIS IS MORGAN.
CAN YOU HEAR ME?
>> YES, WE CAN.
THANKS.
>> HI.
MY NAME IS CHLOE.
I'M A RENTER IN DISTRICT 7 IN
BELLTOWN AND A MEMBER OF
SUNRISE SEATTLE.
LIKE MOST EVERYONE HERE, I'M
CALLING IN TODAY IN SUPPORT OF
THE SOLIDARITY BUDGET.
I URGE YOU ALL TO DEFUND SPD BY
AT LEAST 50% AND TO REINVEST
THE FUNDS INTO BLACK
COMMUNITIES AND COMMUNITY-LED
HEALTH AND SAFETY SYSTEMS.
AS YOU ALL PROBABLY KNOW, WE'RE
ENTERING MONTH 8 INTO THE
PANDEMIC.
I URGE YOU TO FUND COVID-19
RELIEF, AFFORDABLE HOUSING, AND
SEATTLE'S GREEN NEW DEAL.
INSTEAD OF WASTING VITAL MONEY
AND RESOURCES CRIMINALIZING
HOMELESSNESS AND POVERTY, WE
DESERVE A BUDGET THAT MEETS THE
SCALE OF THE CRISIS THAT WE'RE
IN, AND ACTUALLY INVESTS IN OUR
COMMUNITIES FOR YEARS TO COME.
PLEASE SHOW US THAT YOU HAVE
THE COURAGE TO TRANSFORM OUR
SOCIETY INTO ONE THAT VALUES
BLACK LIVES AND PRIORITIZES A
JUST, EQUITABLE FUTURE SO WE
CAN SURVIVE THIS PANDEMIC.
THANK YOU AND I YIELD THE REST
OF MY TIME.
>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
WE'RE GOING TO GO TO SCOTTY
SCHOOLS.
GOOD EVENING, SCOTTY.
>> GOOD EVENING.
MY NAME IS SCOTT SCHOOLS.
I WANTED TO SPEAK TO YOU
SPECIFICALLY ABOUT BUDGET ITEM
19 WHICH ALLOWS 14/7 OPERATION
OF SHELTERS TO CONTINUE FOR THE
FORESEEABLE FUTURE.
THESE PEOPLE AREN'T GOING AWAY.
THAT IS CORRECT, SIR.
I CAN ASSURE YOU I HAVE NO
INTENTION OF STAYING IN
SHELTERS INDEFINITELY.
I, LIKE EVERYONE ELSE, FOUND
MYSELF IN A SITUATION I
COULDN'T PREDICT.
AND DOING THE BEST I CAN TO GET
OUT OF THAT SITUATION, THE
SHELTER HAS BEEN CRITICAL IN
ALLOWING THAT TO HAPPEN.
HOWEVER, IF IT'S NOT 24/7,
THERE'S NO SOLID FOOTING FOR ME
TO STAND ON.
KIND OF LIKE BEING OUT TO SEA.
BEING HOMELESS IS LIKE BEING
OVERBOARD.
BRINGING SOMEONE BACK ON THE
SHIP OR GETTING THEM ON SOLID
GROUND ALLOWS THEM TO
REEVALUATE THEIR SITUATION AND
GET BACK ON THEIR FEET AGAIN.
I URGE ALL COUNCIL MEMBERS TO
CONTINUE MOVING FORWARD WITH
SURE FOOTING PLANTED ON SOLID
GROUND IN SUCH UNCERTAIN TIMES.
THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME TO
TONIGHT.
WE ARE GOING TO MOVE ON.
THE NEXT THREE SPEAKERS, LET'S
SEE.
DELMISE, YOU ARE UP NEXT.
AND PLEASE DO CORRECT MY
PRONUNCIATION.
JUST STAR 6 TO UNMUTE YOURSELF.
WHILE YOU'RE DOING THAT, I WAS
GOING TO SAY I SAW SARA KENNEY
WHO WAS PRESENT.
I'M HAPPY TO GO BACK TO SARA.
IF YOU'RE THERE, WE'LL COME
BACK TO YOU.
DELMISE, CAN YOU HEAR ME?
STAR 6 TO UNMUTE YOURSELF.
OKAY.
LET'S GO BACK TO SARA QUICKLY,
AND THEN WE'LL COME BACK.
SARA, GOOD EVENING.
THANKS FOR WAITING.
>> CAN YOU HEAR ME?
>> YES, WE CAN HEAR YOU.
>> I LIVE IN DISTRICT 3 AND
WORK FOR WELLSPRING FAMILY
SERVICES AND RAPID REHOUSING
FOR FAMILIES PROGRAM.
AS OUR PARTNER SAID EARLIER,
OUR PROGRAMS HAVE BEEN HIT HARD
BY COVID-19 WITH INSUFFICIENT
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES AND
VIRTUAL SCHOOLING BARRIERS.
PARENTS IN THE PROGRAM ARE NOT
ABLE TO OBTAIN NEEDED INCOME TO
PAY THEIR RENT.
IT WOULD BE DEVASTATING TO SEE
THEM FACE HOMELESSNESS AGAINST
DURING SUCH A DANGEROUS TIME.
WE ARE RUNNING OUT OF MONEY
NEEDED TO KEEP FAMILIES HOUSED.
WE'RE ASKING YOU TO PROVIDE
ADDITIONAL RENTAL ASSISTANCE
FUNDS IN 2021 FOR FAMILY RAPID
REHOUSING PROGRAMS TO MAINTAIN
OUR COMMITMENT TO FAMILIES AND
HELP THEM MAINTAIN STABLE
HOUSING DURING THESE UNSTABLE
TIMES.
THANK YOU TO COUNCIL MEMBERS
WHO HAVE ALREADY STEPPED UP TO
SUPPORT THIS CRITICAL PROGRAM.
THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR
CALLING IN.
THE NEXT PERSON, WE'LL GO BACK
TO DELMAE.
GREAT.
I SEE YOU AS UNMUTED.
PLEASE GO AHEAD.
>> HELLO.
MY NAME IS DELMAE.
CAN YOU HEAR ME?
HELLO?
>> OH.
WE COULD STILL HEAR YOU.
THANK YOU SO MUCH.
OH.
OKAY.
WE'RE GOING TO KEEP YOU ON THE
LINE THERE.
AND IF WE CAN GET YOU BACK IN,
WE'RE GOING TO COME BACK TO YOU
BECAUSE WE COULD HEAR YOU WELL.
DEVON ODONNEL, AND LET'S GO
BACK TO DLMAE IF YOU ARE WITH
US.
WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU.
DEVON, STAR 6.
>> HELLO?
>> HI THERE.
>> ALL RIGHT.
MY NAME IS DEVON, DISTRICT 5,
UNEMPLOYMENTED TRANS-UNION
WORKER.
I'M URGING YOU TO DIVEST FROM
SPD BY 50%.
I SUPPORT THE BUDGETING PROCESS
AND DEMANDS BY KING COUNTY
EQUITY NOW.
EVERY DAY IN SEATTLE, EVERY
PREVENTABLE DEATH BECAUSE THE
CITY SQUANDERED ITS FUNDS.
THE BLOOD SPENT BY JENNY'S PIGS
OVER THE SAFETY AND THE
SANCTITY YOU SHOW YOUR
COWARDESS AND INCOMPETENCE.
PEOPLE WILL DIE.
DURING THIS PANDEMIC AND THE
COLD, THE CITY IS STARTING TO
CHARGE FOR BUSES AGAIN.
MANY PEOPLE DO NOT HAVE ACCESS
TO HEAT AND RELY ON BUSES FOR
MEDICAL APPOINTS, GROCERIES,
AND THE CHANCE TO HEAT UP IN
THIS FREEZING TEMPERATURE.
PEOPLE HAVEN'T HAD INCOME IN
MONTHS IS HORRIBLE.
STOP IMBEDDING REGRESSIVE
POLICIES AND INVEST IN THE
COMMUNITIES.
YOU KNOW THE DEMANDS.
I DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW YOU
SUCCUMBS TO PIGS WHO MAKE MORE
MONEY THAN YOU.
ACT NOW AND DESTROY THE POLICE.
SAVE THOUSANDS OF LIVES.
>> I'M GOING TO GO BACK TO
DELMAE.
IF YOU CAN STILL HEAR ME, WE'D
STILL LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU.
HI.
SORRY THAT IT WASN'T COMING
THROUGH.
LET'S TRY THAT AGAIN.
I SEE YOU UNMUTED.
>> HELLO.
CAN YOU HEAR ME?
>> YES, WE CAN.
>> I NEED AN INTERPRETER,
PLEASE.
>> OH, OKAY.
[SPEAKING FOREIGN LANGUAGE]
>> I'M GOING TO TRY TO
TRANSLATE, AND WE'LL GIVE THE
OVER TWO MINUTES OF TIME.
APOLOGIES AS WELL.
WE DO LIKE TO HAVE PROFESSIONAL
TRANSLATERS WITH US, BUT I HAVE
GIVE IT MY BEST TODAY.
THANK YOU FOR BEARING WITH US.
[SPEAKING FOREIGN LANGUAGE]
DE NADA.
>> [SPEAKING FOREIGN LANGUAGE]
>> I AM A DOMESTIC WORKER.
I WORK CLEANING HOUSES, AND I'M
ALSO PART OF CASA LATINA. AS
PART OF THE GROUP WHO IS PART
OF THE DOMESTIC WORKERS, WE
FOUGHT HARD FOR THE DOMESTIC
WORKER'S BILL OF RIGHTS.
>> [SPEAKING FOREIGN LANGUAGE]
>> WE'RE NOT JUST INTERESTED IN
CHANGES WE NEED TO WORK ON
ENFORCEMENT AND TO MAKE SURE
THAT OUR EMPLOYERS ALSO KNOW
THE RULES OF THE ENFORCEMENT.
>> [SPEAKING FOREIGN LANGUAGE]
>> THAT OUR EMPLOYERS KNOW THAT
WE'RE CLEANERS.
AND AS EMPLOYERS, THEY NEED TO
KNOW AND CONFORM WITH THE LAW.
>> [SPEAKING FOREIGN LANGUAGE]
>> IT'S BECAUSE OF THIS THAT
I'M ASKING THE CITY COUNCIL TO
PUT MORE FUNDING TOWARD THE
OFFICE OF LABOR STANDARDS.
[SPEAKING FOREIGN LANGUAGE]
>> MORE FUNDING FOR THE OFFICE
OF LABOR STANDARDS AND MAKING
SURE THERE'S MORE OUTREACH
FUNDS AS WELL TO MAKE SURE MORE
PEOPLE ARE AWARE OF THE LAW.
>> [SPEAKING FOREIGN LANGUAGE]
>> IT'S VERY IMPORTANT THAT
THIS HAPPENS BECAUSE EVERYBODY
NEEDS TO KNOW THE NEW LAW, AND
THAT IS ALSO TRUE FOR DOMESTIC
WORKERS.
THEY NEED TO BE ABLE TO HAVE
THESE PROTECTIONS AS WELL.
>> [SPEAKING FOREIGN LANGUAGE]
>> THIS IS IT.
THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH FOR YOUR
HELP, AND HAVE A GOOD NIGHT.
GRACIAS, SENORA.
LO SIENTO.
[SPEAKING FOREIGN LANGUAGE]
>> [SPEAKING FOREIGN LANGUAGE]
GRAIAS.
>> I SAID THANK YOU VERY MUCH
FOR YOUR TIME TODAY.
I'M TRYING IN THE MOMENT TO OH
PROVIDE TRANSLATION, BUT I HOPE
THAT EVERYBODY GOT THE GENERAL
SENSE OF WHAT SHE WAS SAYING.
THANK YOU FOR BEARING WITH ME.
AND THANK YOU VERY MUCH,
SENORA.
EVAN, I SEE YOU LISTED AS NEXT
AND THANK YOU FOR BEING READY.
>> HI.
MY NAME IS EVAN.
I'M A MEMBER OF THE
INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF
ELECTRICAL WORKERS UNION LOCAL
46.
I LIVE IN DISTRICT 3. I'M A
RENTER.
I WORK IN SEATTLE, AND I'M A
MEMBER OF A GROUP UNION FOR
BLACK LIVES MATTER THAT
INCLUDES RANK AND FILE CLERGY
MEMBERSHIP WHO WANTS TO EXPRESS
THAT WORKING PEOPLE ARE IN
SOLIDARITY AND SUPPORT FOR THE
BLACK LIVES MATTER MOVEMENT.
PEOPLE FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE
ARE SPEAKING UP LOUD AND CLEAR
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL NEEDS TO
ADDRESS THE ISSUES FACING OUR
BIPOCK NEIGHBORS AND EVERY
WORKING PERSON IN SEATTLE.
CITY COUNCIL NEEDS TO SUPPORT
THE SOLIDARITY BUDGET AND
DIRECT COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN
THE FUNDS THAT WE WILL BE
REDISTRIBUTING ONCE THE BLOATED
BUDGET HAS BEEN DEFUNDED BY AT
LEAST 50%.
SPD DOES NOT KEEP THE PEOPLE OF
THIS CITY SAFE.
THEY HAVE BRUTALIZED PEOPLE OF
OUR CITY FOR YEARS.
AND THE PAST YEAR HAVE
BRUTALIZED ANYONE AND EVERYONE
WILLING TO MAKE THEIR VOICES
HEARD.
THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME
TONIGHT.
THE NEXT THREE PEOPLE ARE
CARRIE, SHARON, AND SHERIDAN
GRANT.
SHERIDAN, I SEE YOU LISTED AS
NOT PRESENT.
DIAL IN IF YOU GET THE CHANCE.
CARRIE, GOOD EVENING.
STAR 6 TO UNMUTE YOURSELF.
HEY.
I SEE YOU AS LISTED AS STILL
MUTED ON MY END.
IF YOU CAN HIT STAR 6 ONE MORE
TIME.
OKAY.
I'M GOING TO COME BACK TO YOU,
CARRIE.
WE'RE GOING TO GO TO NUMBER
112, WHICH IS SHARON.
GOOD EVENING, SHARON.
HEY, SHARON.
I SEE YOU ALSO AS STILL MUTED
ON OUR END.
SO SHARON AND CARRIE, JUST STAR
6 TO UNMUTE.
OKAY.
SHARON, I'M GOING OH TO COME
BACK TO YOU AS WELL.
IF YOU HAVE ANY TECHNICAL
ISSUES, PLEASE GO AHEAD AND E-
MAIL US.
AND THE NEXT PERSON WE HAVE IS
NORMAN WEBB.
NORMAN, GOOD EVENING.
I SEE YOU ARE UNMUTED.
CAN YOU HEAR US?
>> THIS IS NORMAN WEBB.
>> EXCELLENT.
HI, NORMAN.
PLEASE GO AHEAD.
>> OKAY, GOOD.
I'M NORMAN WEBB.
I'M IN DISTRICT 4. I SUPPORT A
REQUEST FOR THE REPORT ON 911
RESPONSE TIMES BECAUSE I'M
CONCERNED CHANGES IN THE POLICE
DEPARTMENT MAY AFFECT RESPONSE
TIME TO 911 CALLS.
I HAD A STROKE IN 2016 AND MY
WIFE CALLED 911 IMMEDIATELY.
RESPONDERS CAME WITHIN MINUTES.
I WAS IN THE HOSPITAL SHORTLY.
BECAUSE OF THE THE QUICK
RESPONSE, I HAVE ONLY A FEW
SIDE EFFECTS TO THE STROKE.
I BELIEVE 911 RESPONSE TIME IS
IMPORTANT TO THE HEALTH AND
SAFETY OF ALL RESIDENTS.
BEFORE THE COUNCIL THAT TAKES
ACTION, I THINK IT'S CRITICAL
THAT YOU GET SOME INFORMATION
ON WHAT THE IMPACT OF SUCH
ACTION WILL BE.
WE LIVE IN EMOTIONAL TIMES.
I KNOW THAT.
BUT ACTION BY OUR LEADERS
SHOULD BE BASED ON REASON AND
SOUND DECISION MAKING.
THIS REQUIRES MAKING SOME
EFFORT ON THE STUDY AND IMPACT
OF POTENTIALLY FAR-REACHING AND
CRITICAL ACTIONS.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
>> EXCELLENT.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR
TESTIMONY TONIGHT.
BEFORE WE GO FURTHER, I WANT TO
NOTE WE HAVE CARRIE AND SHARON.
WE WERE HAVING A LITTLE HARD
TIME GETTING YOU UNMUTED.
BEFORE WE GO AHEAD, CARRIE, I
SEE YOU UP THERE.
IT STILL SAYS YOU'RE MUTED.
IF YOU COULD DO STAR 6 ONE MORE
TIME FOR US...
OKAY.
SORRY, CARRIE, FOR THE DELAY
HERE.
SHARON, DO YOU WANT TO TRY AND
PUSH STAR 6 AND LET ME SEE IF I
CAN GET YOU TEED UP?
OH, IT'S WORKING FOR YOU,
SHARON.
WHY DON'T YOU GO AHEAD, SHARON?
THANKS FOR WAITING.
OKAY.
AFTER ALL THAT, I DON'T HEAR
YOU.
IF THE YOU COULD CHECK YOUR
PHONE TO SEE IF IT'S MUTED ON
YOUR OWN DEVICE TOO. SHARON,
CAN YOU HEAR ME?
OKAY.
I KNOW SHARON'S THERE.
THAT'S OKAY.
HI, SHARON.
>> OH, MY GOSH.
>> I KNOW YOU'VE BEEN WAITING A
LONG TIME.
WE DIDN'T WANT TO KEEP GOING.
THANKS FOR WAITING.
>> I'M SHARON.
AND I'M A 30-YEAR RESIDENT OF
DISTRICT 2. AND I'M HERE IN
SUPPORT OF THE ESSENTIAL
LIBRARIES IN OUR COMMUNITY.
AND YOU KNOW, A LOT OF WHAT HAS
BEEN SAID TONIGHT JUST SHOWS
WHAT A VALUABLE ROLE THE
LIBRARY CAN PLAY.
WE THANK ALL THE COUNCIL
MEMBERS FOR THEIR ENTHUSIASTIC
SUPPORT OF THE LIBRARY.
AND AS YOU KNOW, SEATTLEITES
LOVE THEIR LIBRARIES.
WE APPRECIATE ALL YOUR EFFORTS
TO PRESERVE QUALITY PROGRAMS IN
THE BRANCHES FOR ALL THE
RESIDENTS AND IN PARTICULAR,
FOR THOSE MOST IN NEED AND
THOSE HISTORICALLY LEFT OUT.
WE'RE ESSENTIAL TO A HEALTHY
AND EQUITABLE CITY.
WE'RE SUPPORTIVE OF INCREASING
THE THE BUDGET, THE MAYOR'S
PROPOSED BUDGET SO WE CAN
SUPPORT THE LIBRARY'S FINANCIAL
NEEDS AS WE OPEN AND PROVIDE
SAFE SERVICES AT OUR BRANCHES.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
AND LET'S TRY ONE MORE TIME
WITH CARRIE.
CARRIE, IF YOU CAN HEAR ME.
IT STILL SHOWS YOU AS MUTED.
JUST STAR 6. AS WE WAIT TO SEE
IF CARRIE'S LINE COMES UNMUTED,
THE NEXT THREE SPEAKS, DEE AND
CHRIS, IT SHOWS YOU ARE NOT
PRESENT.
PLEASE DIAL IN AND WE'LL COME
BACK TO YOU.
CARRIE, I HATE TO MOVE ON.
IT SHOWS YOU STILL LISTED AS
PRESENT.
IF YOU WANT TO E-MAIL OUR
OFFICE, WE ARE HAPPY TO HELP
TROUBLESHOOT OR THE E-MAIL YOU
GOT AS A NOTE FOR SIGNING UP
FOR PUBLIC TESTIMONY TODAY.
OKAY.
LET'S GO TO JOEY.
GOOD EVENING, JOEY.
>> GOOD AFTERNOON, CITY COUNCIL
MEMBERS.
MY NAME IS JOEY.
I LIVE AT THE BRAND-NEW CENTRAL
DISTRICT TINY HOUSE VILLAGE.
WE SUPPORT THE PEOPLE'S BUDGET
AND WOULD LIKE TO THANK COUNCIL
MEMBER SAWANT FOR INCLUDING
SMALL GRASS ROOTS ORGANIZATIONS
FOR FUNDING.
IT WAS THE FIRST ORGANIZATION
TO IMPLEMENT THE TINY HOUSE
CONCEPT.
WE ARE SELF-MANAGED AND
DEMOCRATICALLY RAN SYSTEM HERE.
DIVERSITY IN ENCAMPMENTS WILL
HELP THE GROWING NEED TO HOUSE
EVERYONE INSTEAD OF ALL THE
TINY HOUSE VILLAGES.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
>> EXCELLENT.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
THE NEXT THREE SPEAKERS ARE
PATRICIA HAYDEN, CHRIS
ANDERSON, AND REED OLSEN.
CHRIS AND REED, WE SEE YOU
LISTED AS NOT PRESENT.
SO PLEASE DO DIAL IN, AND WE'LL
GET TO YOU.
PATRICIA, GOOD EVENING.
JUST STAR 6 TO UNMUTE YOURSELF.
AND AFTER PATRICIA, IF WE DON'T
HEAR FROM CHRIS OR REED, WE
WILL GO TO STEVEN, CRAIG, AND
JOHN GRANT.
PATRICIA, HI.
>> HI.
GOOD EVENING.
I'M CHIEF PROGRAM OFFICER OF
THE SEATTLE HUMAN SERVICES
COALITION.
RECOMMENDING APPLYING A
FRAMEWORK FOR REENVISIONING THE
CITY'S BUDGET WITH NEW
PRIORITIES TO FOCUS ON
EQUITABLE RECOVERY THAT
INCLUDES SUSTAINING COMMUNITY
AND HEALTHY HUMAN SERVICES.
WE SUPPORT THE JUMP START
PROGRESSIVE REVENUE SOURCE
WHILE MAKING IMPORTANT NEW
INVESTMENTS.
WE URGE COUNCIL TO RESTORE
PROPOSED CUTS TO SERVICES LIKE
EXPANDED LEGAL DEFENSE NETWORK
AND THE STATEWIDE POVERTY
ACTION NETWORK.
WE FEEL COUNCIL CAN GO FURTHER
TO WORK TOWARD STRUCTURAL
CHANGES BY DIVESTING
INSTITUTIONAL RESPONSES THAT
HARM COMMUNITIES AND INVEST IN
MORE SUPPORTIVE RESPONSES.
AND FINALLY, WE URGE CITY
COUNCIL TO TAKE THE COUNCIL OF
BLACK-LED COMMUNITY
ORGANIZATIONS FOR THE GOOD OF
THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY AND PUT
FURTHER STEPS IN PLACE IN 2021
THAN THOSE OUTLINED BY THE
MAYOR'S PROPOSED BUDGET.
THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR
CALLING IN.
THE NEXT PERSON WHO'S PRESENT
IS STEVEN GROSS, NUMBER 121.
HELLO, STEVEN.
>> HELLO.
MY NAME IS STEVEN GROSS.
I'M A RENTER IN DISTRICT 3. I
BELIEVE IT IS TIME TO INVEST IN
EQUITY.
I SUPPORT AT LEAST A 50%
DIVESTMENT IN SPD AND
ALLOCATION OF THOSE FUNDS TO
SUPPORT BLACK AND BROWN
COMMUNITIES AS
DECRIMINALIZATION OF
HOMELESSNESS.
THE MAYOR'S PROPOSED PLAN IS AN
INSULT TO THE PEOPLE OF SEATTLE
AND IT IS TIME FOR THE COUNCIL
TO MOVE FORWARD IN SUPPORT OF
ALL THE COMMUNITIES IN SEATTLE,
NOT JUST THOSE THAT PROFIT FROM
THE STATUS QUO.
INCREASE THE TAX ON AMAZON,
OTHER LARGE CORPORATIONS, AND
THE RICH.
I SUPPORT THE PEOPLE'S BUDGET,
SEATTLE'S GREEN NEW DEAL, AND
THE SOLIDARITY BUDGET.
BLACK LIVES MATTER.
I YIELD MY TIME.
>> EXCELLENT.
THANK YOU SO MUCH.
AND THE NEXT PERSON IS CRAIG
ANDERSON.
GOOD EVENING, CRAIG.
>> GOOD EVENING.
MY NAME IS CRAIG ANDERSON, AND
I'M 65 YEARS OLD.
I LIVE IN A SHARED INDOOR
SHELTER.
SHARE SUPPORT THE PEOPLE'S
BUDGET AND THE SOLIDARITY
BUDGET.
SHARE ALSO SUPPORTS THE HOPE
TEAM, BLACK LIVES MATTER, AND
DEFUNDING SPD BY AT LEAST 50%.
I'D LIKE TO THANK COUNCIL
MEMBER SAWANT FOR HER
AUTHORSHIP OF THESE BUDGET
ACTIONS.
NUMBER ONE, PLEASE INCREASE THE
NUMBER OF TINY HOUSE VILLAGES.
AND PLEASE FUND SHARES TENT
CITY THREE.
TWO, HELP SHARE INDOOR SHELTERS
STAY OPEN 24 HOURS SO WE DON'T
HAVE TO GO BACK TONIGHTS ONLY.
IN MY SHELTER, 60% OF THE
RESIDENTS ARE OVER 60 YEARS
OLD.
TOO OLD TO BE WALKING THE
STREETS OR CLOGGING THE PUBLIC
LIBRARIES.
SHARE NEEDS 24-HOUR SHELTERS TO
KEEP OUR MEMBERS SAFE AND
HEALTHY.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT.
>> THANK YOU FOR CALLING IN
TONIGHT.
AND JOHN, GOOD EVENING.
>> GOOD EVENING, MEMBERS OF THE
CITY COUNCIL BUDGET COMMITTEE.
MY NAME IS CHRISTOPHER
ANDERSON.
I'M AT SARA'S BUNK HOUSE.
SHARE SUPPORTS THE PEOPLE'S
BUDGET AND THE SOLIDARITY
BUDGET.
WE SUPPORT THE HOPE TEAM, NOT
SWEEPS DONE BY TEAMS THAT
INCLUDE POLICE OR CITY WORKERS.
THANKS AGAIN, COUNCIL MEMBER
SAWANT, FOR THE TWO BUDGET
ACTIONS WE FOCUSED ON TO
NIGHT.
FUNDING SHARES CITY TENT 3, I'D
LIKE TO THANK MORALES AND LEWIS
FOR CO-SIGNING.
ASSISTANCE GIVEN TO SHARES
INDOOR SHELTERS ALLOWING 24/7
AS YOU'VE HEARD HAS HELPED
GREATLY.
THANK YOU TO MORALES AND
GONZALEZ FOR COSIGNING THIS AND
HERBOLD FOR YOUR CONCERN ON THE
INDOOR SHELTERS DURING THE
COVID-19 CRISIS AND BEYOND.
CITY COUNCIL'S SUPPORT FOR AN
ESTIMATED $100,000 TO RENOVATE
A HYGIENE CENTER WOULD BRING
ONLINE A COMMERCIAL WASHER AND
DRIER AND HYGIENE SUPPLIES.
WE'VE WORKED AS A COALITION
PARTNERS TO HELP JUMP START THE
TAX AMAZON SOURCE THAT THE CITY
IS NOW LUCKY TO HAVE.
HOPEFULLY THIS COUNCIL CAN SEE
THESE REQUESTS ARE MEANINGFUL
FUL ALLOCATIONS.
>> WE'LL HEAR FROM JOHN AND
WE'LL GO BACK TO CARRIE AND
REED.
SO JOHN, PLEASE GO AHEAD. JOHN,
ONE MORE TIME ON STAR 6. OKAY.
THERE YOU GO.
>> HI.
CAN YOU HEAR ME?
>> YES, WE CAN.
>> GREAT.
MY NAME IS JOHN GRANT.
I'M DISTRICT 2 RESIDENT.
I'M HERE WITH WELLS SPRING
FAMILY SERVICES CALLING IN
REGARD TOSS THE RAPID REHOUSING
CRISIS IN TERMS OF FUNDING.
I HAVE ONE OF OUR FAMILIES ON
THE LINE, AND I WANTED TO TURN
OVER SO SHE COULD PROVIDE HER
TESTIMONY.
WHY DON'T YOU GO AHEAD?
>> HELLO, COUNCIL MEMBERS.
I LIVE WITH MY FAMILY.
IN MAY AFTER TWO YEARS IN OUR
CAR.
OUR FAMILY AND THE POOR
CONDITION TRAILER AND SHELTERS.
WE'RE HERE TO SUPPORT
WELLSPRINGS PROPOSAL FOR RAPID
REHOUSING FAMILIES.
STAYING IN A SHELTER AT THE
BEGINNING OF COVID-19 WITH TWO
KIDS HAS REALLY WORSENED MY
MENTAL HEALTH.
IT TOOK THREE MONTHS LONGER
THAN WE EXPECTED TO FIND A
PLACE BECAUSE OF OFFICES BEING
CLOSED DUE TO COVID-19, MAKING
IT HARD TO LOOK AT UNITS.
IT WAS ALSO HARDER TO FIND WORK
BETWEEN MY SPOUSE AND I. ONE OF
US WAS OUT OF A JOB FOR ALMOST
A MONTH.
AND THE OTHER ONE WAS WORKING
ONLY PART TIME.
WELLS SPRINGS PAID.
>> LET'S KEEP THE TIME GOING
FOR THEM SINCE THEY WERE A
GROUP.
OKAY.
THANK YOU SO MUCH, JOHN.
IF YOU COULD HAVE YOUR TEAM
SEND THE REST OF THE PUBLIC
TESTIMONY, THAT WOULD BE GREAT.
YOU'RE STILL THERE.
GO AHEAD.
JUST A FEW MORE SECONDS.
I DIDN'T REALIZE WE HAD TWO OF
YOU ON THE LINE.
WE WANT TO GIVE YOU ANOTHER FEW
SECONDS TO WRAP UP HER
TESTIMONY.
>> THANK YOU SO MUCH.
PLEASE CONTINUE.
>> IT WAS ALSO HARD TO FIND
WORK BETWEEN BOTH OF US.
ONE OF US WAS ONLY WORKING PART
TIME AND THE OTHER ONE DIDN'T
HAVE WORK AT ALL.
BUT RAPID REHOUSING HELPED US
PAY FOR OUR MOVING COSTS AND A
FEW MONTHS OF RENT.
THAT HELPED GETTING TO OUR
JOBS.
WITHOUT RAPID REHOUSING, WE'D
STILL BE UNHOUSED.
THIS HAS BEEN A DIFFICULT
JOURNEY.
SOMETIMES I WANTED TO GIVE UP.
BUT WITH THE STRUCTURE AND
SUPPORT RAPID REHOUSING GAVE
US, WE'VE BEEN ABLE TO KEEP
MOVING FORWARD.
THANK YOU SO KINDLY FOR YOUR
TIME.
>> THANK YOU SO MUCH.
>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
OKAY.
TO REORIENT FOLKS, WE'RE GOING
TO CARRIE, NUMBER 111.
REED, NUMBER 120.
AND THE THREE PEOPLE AFTER REED
WILL BE YOLANDA MATTHEWS,
HANNAH LAKE, AND ANDREW
CONSTANTINO WHO WE HAVE LISTED
AS NOT BEING PRESENTED.
GOING BACK TO CARRIE, THANK YOU
FOR YOUR PATIENCE.
LET'S GET BACK TO YOU.
YOU HAVE THE FLOOR.
STAR 6 TO UNMUTE YOURSELF.
OKAY, CARRIE.
I SEE YOU'RE STILL MUTED ON OUR
END.
DID I MISS YOU?
FEEL FREE TO SEND US A MESSAGE
IF YOU GET BACK IN.
REED, PLEASE GO AHEAD.
THANKS FOR WAITING.
AND REED, IT SHOWS YOU AS MUTED
STILL ON MY END AS WELL.
IF THE YOU WANT TO HIT STAR 6
ONE MORE TIME.
HI THERE.
>> HELLO?
HELLO, COUNCIL.
MY NAME IS REED OLSEN.
I LIVE IN DISTRICT 2. I'M
CALLING TO SUPPORT THE
SOLIDARITY BUDGET.
I URGE YOU TO DIVEST FROM SPD
FROM 50% AND SUPPORT THE
REDISTRIBUTION OF FUNDS THROUGH
A BUDGET PROCESS.
I'M ASKING THAT YOU MAKE SURE
THAT INVESTMENTS IN BLACK
COMMUNITIES AND COMMUNITY-LED
HEALTHCARE AND SAFETY COME FROM
FUNDS DIVESTED FROM THE POLICE.
I WAS VIOLENTLY ATTACKED BY A
STRANGER.
IN MY MOMENT OF NEED, I WAS
KEPT ALIVE BY FRIENDS AND
PARAMEDICS.
POLICE CANNOT BE EXPECTED TO
PREVENT VIOLENCE.
REAL PEOPLE LIVE AND DIE.
I HAVE WATCHED THE POLICE
BEHAVE MORE LIKE MY ATTACKER.
PLEASE, I BEG OF YOU ALL TO
DEFUND OF THE POLICE BY 50% AND
INVEST IN THE COMMUNITIES AND
THE LIVING, BREATHING PEOPLE OF
SEATTLE FOR A MORE PEACEFUL AND
JUST WORLD.
THANKS AND I YIELD MY TIME.
>> THE NEXT PERSON WE HAVE IS
YOLANDA.
GOOD EVENING, YOLANDA.
HEY, YOLANDA.
THANKS SO MUCH FOR BEING HERE.
>> HELLO?
>> HI THERE.
>> HI.
GOOD EVENING.
I'M A RESIDENT OF DISTRICT 2
AND ORGANIZER WITH PUGET SOUND
SAGE.
WE SUPPORT THE SOLIDARITY
BUDGET FOR 2021.
I'M CALLING YOU TO URGE YOU TO
DIVEST FROM SPD BY A MINIMUM OF
50% AND SUPPORT FUNDS DIVESTED
THROUGH A BUDGETING PROCESS.
I'M ASKING THAT YOU PLEASE
EXTEND THE HIRING FREEZE OF THE
SPD INTO 2021 AND THAT AS
POLICE QUIT OR RETIRE, TO NOT
SUPPORT INVESTMENTS TO REPLACE
THEM.
AS IT STANDS CURRENTLY IN OUR
SOCIETY, POLICE DO NOT CREATE
PUBLIC SAFETY.
THEY CREATE CHAOS AND PROVOKE
VIOLENCE AS EVIDENCED ONCE
AGAIN BY THE KILLING OF ANOTHER
YOUNG BLACK KNOWN MENTALLY ILL
MAN IN PHILADELPHIA JUST LAST
NIGHT.
I CALL ON ALL MEMBERS OF THIS
SEATTLE CITY COUNCIL TO BE THE
EXAMPLE OF CHANGE THAT NOT ONLY
SEATTLE NEEDS BUT THAT THIS
COUNTRY IS LITERALLY BURNING
FOR.
$100MILLION PROMISED BY THE
MAYOR FOR BLACK COMMUNITIES
SHOULD COME FROM THE CITY'S
POLICING BUDGETS TO TRULY
INVEST IN BLACK COMMUNITIES AND
COMMUNITY-LED HEALTH AND
SAFETY.
FUNDS SHOULD BE DIVESTED FROM
POLICE, PROSECUTORS, AND COURTS
NOT GUILTY FROM SEATTLE JUMP
START FUNDS OR OTHER CITY
FUNDS.
WE ASK THAT YOU SUPPORT COMMON
SENSE MEASURES THAT CARE FOR
OUR COMMUNITIES RATHER THAN
POLICING.
>> EXCELLENT.
THANK YOU, YOLANDA.
HANNAH, GOOD EVENING.
>> HI.
I'M HANNAH LAKE, AND I LIVE AT
NORTH LAKE.
I SUPPORT THE BILL FOR HOMELESS
ENCAMPMENTS WITH $800,000.
GIVES PEOPLE A SENSE OF DIGNITY
AND RESPONSIBILITY THAT THEY
CAN CARRY OVER INTO THEIR LIVES
IN PERMANENT HOUSING.
THANK YOU, COUNCIL MEMBER
SAWANT, FOR PROPOSING THIS
BILL.
IT WOULD HELP US SO VERY MUCH,
AND IT WOULD HELP ALL OF THE
PEOPLE, WELL NOT ALL THE PEOPLE
BUT MANY PEOPLE THAT ARE
STRUGGLING OUTSIDE RIGHT NOW.
THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
AND ANDRW, WE HAVE YOU LISTED
AS NOT PRESENT.
SO PLEASE DO DIAL IN.
THE NEXT THREE SPEAKERS ARE
ANNIE, CARL, AND MICHELLE.
THOSE ARE 127, 128, AND 129.
>> GOOD EVENING, MEMBERS OF THE
CITY COUNCIL BUDGET COMMITTEE.
MY NAME IS ANNIE.
I LIVE AT UNIVERSITY LUTHERAN.
SHARE SUPPORTS THE PEOPLE'S
BUDGET AND THE SOLIDARITY
BUDGET.
ANY TEAM THAT INCLUDES POLICE
OR CITY WORKERS GOING OUT TO
ENCAMPMENTS AND SHUTTING THEM
DOWN.
THANK YOU, COUNCIL PERSON
SAWANT FOR AUTHORIZING TWO
BUDGET ACTIONS WE ARE FOCUSED
ON TO NIGHT.
ONE IS TO INCREASE ENCAMPMENTS
AND FUNDING SHARED TENT CITY 3.
THE OTHERS HELP INDOOR SHELTERS
STAY OPEN 24/7 SO THEY DON'T GO
BACK TONIGHT TIME ONLY.
THANK YOU GONZALEZ AND MORALES
FOR COSIGNING THIS AND FOR
HERBOLD FOR YOUR CONCERN FOR
THE FUTURE OF THE SHELTER IN
THE AGE OF COVID-19 AND BEYOND.
AND MY MAIN POINTS TONIGHT ARE
COVID-19 BEING AT HALF CAPACITY
SIX FEET APART.
WE SIMPLY NEED MORE REAL
ESTATE, ESPECIALLY WITH RENT
AND FORECLOSURES GOING ON.
DESIGNATED AREAS SPECIFICALLY
FOR TENTS, TINY HOUSES, AND
ENCAMPMENTS INSTEAD OF RANDOM
TENTS AND PEOPLE ON THE
STREETS.
24-HOUR INDOOR.
>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH, ANNIE.
CAROL, GOOD EVENING. HEY,
CAROL, WE SEE YOU AS MUTED ON
OUR END STILL.
IF YOU WANT TO HIT STAR 6 ONE
MORE TIME.
GREAT.
HI THERE.
>> HELLO.
HI.
WHAT NAME DID YOU CALL, PLEASE?
>> WE CALLED CAROL FORNIER.
>> OH, YEAH.
>> WONDERFUL.
HI, CAROL.
I CAN HEAR YOU.
>> OKAY.
MY NAME IS CAROL FORNIER, AND I
STAY AT THE WHEEL WOMEN'S
SHELTER AT TRINITY EPISCOPAL
PARISH.
AND I AM ASKING FOR YOUR
SUPPORT FOR BUDGET ITEM NUMBER
19 SO THAT OUR SHELTER AND
THOSE OF OUR BROTHERS AND
SISTERS IN SHARE CAN CONTINUE
24-HOUR OPERATIONS THROUGH
2021.
>> JUST GO STRAIGHT TO THAT
PART.
>> AND HAVING SHELTER AROUND
THE CLOCK.
I'M 77 YEARS OLD, AND THIS
SHELTER IS A WOMEN'S SHELTER, A
24-HOUR SHELTER.
IT MEANS BEING ABLE TO REST FOR
ME AND EAT IN PEACE.
OH.
IS IT OVER?
>> YOU CAN KEEP GOING.
THERE'S A FEW MORE SECONDS.
>> OKAY.
THE COMMUNITY FRIENDS WHO ARE
WATCHING OUT FOR MYSELF AND
EACH OTHER.
I FEEL LIKE I'M GETTING MY LIFE
BACK.
PLEASE DON'T SEND ME AND MY
FRIENDS BACK OUTSIDE.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
>> ABSOLUTELY.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH, CAROL.
APPRECIATE YOUR TIME TONIGHT.
GOOD EVENING, MICHELLE.
YOU ARE NEXT.
>> THANK YOU, COUNCIL MEMBERS.
MY NAME IS MICHELLE LUCAS.
I'M THE DIRECTING ATTORNEY OF
THE TENANT LAW CENTER, A
RENTER, AND A D-3 RESIDENT.
THE MAYOR'S BUDGET CUTS
$230,000 IN EVICTION PREVENTION
FUNDS.
I URGE THE COUNCIL TO INCREASE
OR MAINTAIN THIS AMOUNT.
WE'RE THANKFUL FOR THE
COUNCIL'S SUPPORT IN THE PAST.
WE'RE IN THE MIDDLE OF AN
UNPRECEDENTED HOUSING CRISIS
NOW.
SUPPORT LEGAL AID ATTORNEYS TO
KEEP FAMILIES IN THEIR HOMES.
PROVIDES TENANT INFO SESSIONS
IN MULTIPLE LANGUAGES BECAUSE
EVERYONE HAS A RIGHT TO
UNDERSTAND THE LAWS THAT
PROTECT THEM.
MAINTAINING THESE FUNDS IS A
RACE EQUITY ISSUE.
WE KNOW THAT COVID-19 MORE
DRASTICALLY IMPACTS COMMUNITIES
OF COLOR.
IT ALLOWS THE CENTER TO PROVIDE
TARGETED ASSISTANCE TO THOSE
MOST IN NEED.
HAVING A ROOF OVER OUR HEADS IS
A RIGHT, NOT A PRIVILEGE.
AND TOO OFTEN IT REQUIRES LEGAL
REPRESENTATION OR ADVOCACY TO
PROTECT THIS MOST BASIC HUMAN
NEED.
PEOPLE WHO ARE UNABLE TO PAY
THEIR RENT ARE UNABLE TO PAY
FOR ATTORNEY.
BECAUSE THIS, WE URGE THE
COUNCIL TO INCREASE OR MAINTAIN
THE FUNDING FOR EVICTION
PREVENTION SERVICES.
THANKS.
>> EXCELLENT.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
THE NEXT PERSON IS SUZANNE AND
KAREN ALONG WITH RONALDO SIMMS.
FOR RONALDO AND KAREN, 133 AND
132, WE SHOW YOU AS LISTED AS
NOT PRESENT.
PLEASE DIAL IN.
UNTIL THEN, LET'S HEAR FROM
ANSLEE, NUMBER 130.
>> HELLO.
CAN YOU HEAR ME?
>> YES, I CAN.
THANK YOU.
>> MY NAME IS ANSLEE.
I'M A RESIDENT.
I'M CALLING TO ASK YOU TO
REJECT THE BUDGET AND CHANGE IT
TO BETTER REFLECT THE DEMANDS
OF THE SOLIDARITY BUDGET.
COUNTLESS PROTESTS IN SEATTLE
AND ASK THAT YOU KEEP YOUR
PROMISE OF DEFUNDING AT LEAST
50% FROM THE POLICE.
[ BAD AUDIO ]
>> WE NEED REAL PUBLIC SAFETY.
I URGE YOU TO RELOCATE INSTEAD.
AND DO THIS THROUGH
PARTICAPATORY BUDGETING.
>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
APPRECIATE YOU CALLING IN.
AND THE NEXT PERSON IS SUZANNE.
GOOD EVENING, SUZANNE.
>> HI.
CAN YOU HEAR ME?
>> YES.
THANK YOU, SUZANNE.
WE CAN HEAR YOU.
>> HI.
MY NAME IS SUZANNE.
I'M A HOMEOWNER IN DISTRICT 6,
DAN STRAUSS' DISTRICT.
A MEMBER OF 350.ORG AND THE
TASK FORCE ON HOMELESSNESS AND
HUNGER.
I SUPPORT THE SOLIDARITY
BUDGET, DEFUNDING THE POLICE BY
50%, AND TAXING AMAZON.
I'M SPEAKING ON BEHALF OF THOSE
LIVING IN THEIR VEHICLES WHO
MAKE UP HALF THE PEOPLE COUNTED
AS UNSHELTERED IN THE CITY OF
SEATTLE.
THIS GROUP INCLUDES ELDERLY
PEOPLE AND FAMILIES WAITING TO
GET INTO FAMILY SHELTERS.
WHEN THE BAN ON RENTAL
EVICTIONS EXPIRES NEXT YEAR,
MANY MORE PEOPLE WILL RESORT TO
LIVING IN THEIR VEHICLES, AND
THE CRISIS WILL DEEPEN.
THE MITIGATION TEAM PROVIDES
OUTREACH TO VEHICLE RESIDENTS
AND GUIDES THEM TOWARD
RESOURCES.
WE SUPPORT RENEWING THE
$100,000 FUNDING FOR THIS
PROJECT IN THE 2021 BUDGET.
INSTEAD OF PUNISHING THOSE
LIVING IN THEIR VEHICLES, THE
CITY SHOULD SUPPORT THEM BY
PROVIDING SAFE OFF-STREET
LOCATIONS FOR VEHICLES ON
SURPLUS CITY PROPERTY AND
CHURCH PARKING LOTS AS WELL AS
BASIC AMENITIES LIKE PUBLIC
TOILETS, HAND WASHING STATIONS,
AND GARBAGE PICK UP.
UNTIL WE PROVIDE REAL HOUSING
FOR EVERYONE, THIS IS AN
IMPORTANT OPTION.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.
>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR
TIME AND FOR WAITING ON THE
LINE.
SO FOLKS, WE ARE AT NUMBER 132.
I CALLED RENALDO SIMMS, 133.
THANKS FOR DIALING IN.
AFTER THAT, WE ARE GOING TO
TAKE A BREAK.
I WANT TO TEE FOLKS UP TO NOTE
THAT WE'RE GOING TO TAKE OUR 10-
15 MINUTE BREAK AFTER RENALDO
SPEAKS.
IF YOU ARE WAITING TO TESTIFY
AND YOU HAVE A NUMBER BEYOND
134, PLEASE DIAL IN DURING OUR
BREAK SO WE HAVE YOU READY AND
CUED UP READY TO GO.
LET'S TURN IT OVER TO YOU.
JUST STAR 6 TO UNMUTE YOURSELF.
THERE YOU GO.
>> HELLO?
>> HELLO.
>> HI.
THIS IS RENALDO SIMMS.
I GOT JUST ONE COMMENT.
WE THANK YOU FOR THE SUPPORT.
THAT'S ALL I HAVE TO SAY IS WE
JUST NEED MORE SUPPORT OUTSIDE,
ON THE OUTSIDE.
>> PERFECT.
THANK YOU SO MUCH.
ANYTHING ELSE?
>> NO.
THAT'S IT.
>> OKAY.
HOPE YOU HAVE A GOOD NIGHT.
THANKS FOR YOUR COMMENTS
TONIGHT.
FOLKS, WE'RE GOING TO STAY WITH
EVERYBODY ON THE PUBLIC LINE.
PLEASE STAY ON THE LINE.
WE DO NEED TO GIVE OUR TEAM A
FEW MINUTE OS TO RESET AND HAVE
A BREAK.
WE WILL RECONVENE AT 8:45 AND
START WITH THE NEXT THREE
SPEAKERS, CAROLINE, DIANNA, AND
EMMA.
AGAIN, PLEASE DO TAKE A BREAK,
AND WE'LL RECONVENE AFTER 8:45.
THANK YOU SO MUCH.
>>> TESTIMONY COMMENTS, AND I
WANT TO START AGAIN WITH A
REMINDER THAT WE HAVE ABOUT 100
MORE PEOPLE TO GET THROUGH.
WE WILL ENDEAVOR TO GET THROUGH
EVERYONE WHO IS PRESENTED.
I'LL SEE IF WE CAN GET OUR
TEAMS TO E-MAIL THE FOLKS
DIRECTLY FOR THOSE TWO NAMES
THAT WERE LISTED ABOVE WHO WE
CALLED EARLIER, CARRIE AND DORIS
. AS A REMINDER, WE ARE GOING
TO RECONVENE OUR RECESSED
PUBLIC HEARING.
WE WILL BEGIN AGAIN WITH NUMBER
134 WHO IS CAROLINE, FOLLOWED
BY DIANA, THEN EMMA COOPERSMITH
WHO WE STILL SEE AS NOT
PRESENT.
CAROLINE, I WANT TO THANK YOU
FOR WAITING AS WE TOOK A MUCH-
NEEDED BREAK.
GIVEN THIS WILL GO FOR AT LEAST
FOUR HOURS, WE APPRECIATE YOUR
TIME TONIGHT.
>> HI.
I'M A RENTER IN DISTRICT 3, A
REGULAR PERSON WHO LIVES MANY
THE CITY.
I SUPPORT THE SOLIDARITY
BUDGET.
WE NEED A LIVABLE, JUST, AND
CLIMATE ADAPTED SEATTLE FULL OF
ACCESSIBLE HOUSING AND
SERVICES.
THERE IS THO REASON TO PLAY THE
MAYOR'S CRUEL GAME TO PIT
SEATTLE AGAINST EACH OTHER WITH
THE PROPOSED BUDGET.
THE COUNCIL SHOULD STANDBY THE
COMMITMENT TO DEFUND SPD.
THE CRISIS OF 2020 WERE
PREVENT.
THE CRISIS OF 2025 AND 2030 ARE
PREVENTABLE TOO.
WE NEED THE CITY COUNCIL TO NOT
WASTE TIME AND RESOURCES
CIRCLING BACK TO A DANGEROUSLY
OBSOLETE AND RACIST STATUS QUO.
WE NEED TO LEAD.
LET SEATTLE LEAD AND SHOW WHAT
IT MEANS TO BE A 21ST CENTURY
CITY AND FULLY FUND VITAL
SERVICES.
WE HAVE THE MONEY.
IT'S UP TO THE COUNCIL TO TAKE
IT FROM SPD LIKE PROMISED AND
CREATE REAL PUBLIC SECURITY.
I YIELD MY TIME.
>> THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BEING
WITH US TONIGHT.
DIANA, YOU ARE UP NEXT.
THANKS FOR WAITING.
HI.
>> MY NAME IS DIANA.
I'M A RENTER IN DISTRICT 7 AND
A MEMBER OF UAW 4121.
I'M SPEAKING IN STRONG SUPPORT
OF THE SOLIDARITY BUDGET.
THE BUDGET MUST BE DEFUND SPD
BY 50%.
SECOND, THE MONEY DIVESTED FROM
POLICE AND THE MONEY PROMISED
BY MAYOR DURKAN MUST BE
ALLOCATED THROUGH BUDGETING,
NOT A TASK FORCE HAND PICKED BY
THE MAYOR.
THE REVENUE FROM JUMP START
SEATTLE SHOULD BE DEDICATED TO
COVID-19 RELIEF, AFFORDABLE
HOUSING, AND GREEN NEW DEAL
INVESTMENTS.
THE MONEY PROMISED SHOULD COME
FROM THE CITY'S POLICING
BUDGET.
EXTEND THE HIRING FREEZE INTO
2021.
I STRONGLY BELIEVE WE DESERVE A
BUDGET THAT PRIORITIZES TRUE
SAFETY SOLUTIONS, NOT REACTIVE
POLICING THAT PERPETUATED WHITE
SUPREMACY.
THOSE CLOSEST TO THE PROBLEMS
ARE CLOSEST TO THE SOLUTIONS.
IT'S TIME WE UPLIFT SOLUTIONS
FROM LEADERS.
>> EMMA, WE SEE YOU ARE NEXT.
IT SAYS YOU ARE NOT PRESENT.
DIAL IN AND WE'LL GET BACK TO
YOU.
NEXT IS MATT, THEN LEAN, AND
THEN DANIEL.
GOOD EVENING, MATTHEW.
JUST STAR 6 TO UNMUTE.
PERFECT.
THANKS FOR JOINING US.
>> THANKS.
GOOD EVENING.
I'M A MATTHEW FROM D.-6 IN
BALLARD.
I'M CALLING IN SUPPORT OF THE
SOLIDARITY BUDGET.
I WANT TO SPEAK TO COUNCIL
MEMBER STRAUSS.
AS A MEMBER OF THE COMMUNITY, I
WAS HORRIFIED BY THE POLICE
DEPARTMENT'S RESPONSE TO THE
PEACEFUL AND URGENT PROTESTS IN
SUPPORT OF BLACK LIVES THIS
SUMMER.
SO I ASK YOU TO FOLLOW THROUGH
ON THE PLEDGE YOU MADE TO
DEFUND SPD BY 50% AT LEAST.
THAT WAS REALLY ENCOURAGING TO
HEAR AT THE TIME.
AND I'VE BEEN HOPEFUL SINCE
THEN THAT OUR CITY WILL BE A
LEADER IN THE NATION THAT
DESPERATELY NEEDS TO MAKE
AMENDS FOR OUR RACIST
INSTITUTIONS.
IT MATTERS WHERE THE
INVESTMENTS IN BLACK
COMMUNITIES COME FROM.
SO THAT MONEY SHOULD NOT COME
FROM THE JUMP START TAX.
IT SHOULD COME FROM THE POLICE
AND JUDICIAL SYSTEM, WHICH HAVE
BEEN DIRECTLY RESPONSIBLE FOR
PERPETUATING THE WEALTH GAP
BETWEEN BLACK AND WHITE
NEIGHBORHOODS FOR AGES.
SO THANK YOU, COUNCIL MEMBER
STRAUSS FOR REPRESENTING ME BUT
IT'S OUR DUTY TO REPRESENT
THOSE WHO DO NOT HAVE A VOICE.
>> THE NEXT PERSON IS LEAH.
GOOD EVENING, LEAH.
>> HELLO.
MY NAME IS LEAH.
I AM A RESIDENT LIVING IN
DISTRICT 5. I AM ALSO SPEAKING
AS A REPRESENTATIVE OF
DISABILITY RIGHTS WASHINGTON,
WHICH IS SIGNING ON TO THE
SOLIDARITY BUDGET AND CALLS TO
DEFUND SPD BY 50%.
WE CALL ON THE CITY COUNCIL TO
EXPAND THE DURESS DEFENSE AND
MIN MIST ORDINANCE IN THE
DIRECTION OF NOT ONLY SAVING
THE CITY MONEY ON UNNEEDED
PROSECUTIONS BUT ALSO TOWARD
DECRIMINALIZING MENTAL ILLNESS.
PROSECUTING AND KEEPING THOSE
WITH MENTAL ILLNESS IN JAIL
COSTS AN EXORBITANT AMOUNT OF
MONEY.
JAIL CANNOT BE TRANSFORMED INTO
A THERAPEUTIC ARGUMENT.
EXPANDING THE LANGUAGE WOULD
SAVE THE CITY MONEY.
IT IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE
BUDGET.
THE MONEY SAVED BY EXPANDING
THE DURESS AND MIN MIST
LANGUAGE AND STOPPING THESE
PROSECUTIONS SHOULD BE
REINVESTED BY SUPPORTING ALL OF
THE DEMANDS OF THE SOLIDARITY
BUDGET.
THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
AND THEN DANIEL.
GOOD EVENING, DANIEL. JUST
DOUBLE CHECKING.
DANIEL, WE HAVE YOU LISTED AS
NOT PRESENT CURRENTLY.
SO WE WILL COME BACK TO YOU IF
YOU GET BACK ONLINE.
THE NEXT THREE SPEAKERS I'M
GOING TO READ ARE LISTED AS NOT
PRESENT.
DANIEL, JULIA, AND SARA
STARMAN.
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN STILL
PROVIDING PUBLIC TESTIMONY,
PLEASE IAL INTO THE PUBLIC
TESTIMONY LINE.
THE NEXT THREE SPEAKERS I HAVE
AS PRESENT ARE ROBERT LOWE,
JAMIE, AND MARA.
ROBERT, GOOD EVENING, AND
THANKS FOR BEING WITH US.
>> HELLO.
GOOD EVENING, MEMBERS OF THE
CITY COUNCIL BUDGET COMMITTEE.
MY NAME IS ROBERT LOWE.
I'M CURRENTLY I JUST BECAME
HOMELESS.
I AM LIVING AT ONE OF SHARE'S
24-HOUR SHELTERS OUT IN
BALLARD.
IT'S A NEW PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
RAN BY SHARE.
SHARE SUPPORTS THE SOLIDARITY
BUDGET AND THE PEOPLE'S BUDGET.
WE ALSO SUPPORT THE HOPE TEAM.
I'M ALSO COMING BEFORE YOU THIS
EVENING, I WANT TO THANK YOU
COUNCIL PERSON SAWANT FOR
AUTHORIZING THE TWO BUDGET
ACTIONS WE ARE FOCUSED ON THIS
EVENING.
INCREASE THE ENCAMPMENTS AND
TINY HOUSE VILLAGES IN SEATTLE
AND SHARED TENT CITY 3. THANK
YOU MORALES AND LEWIS FOR CO-
SIGNING THIS.
THE OTHERS TO HELP KEEP INDOOR
SHARE OPEN 24/7.
I'M 55 YEARS OLD, AND THERE ARE
OTHER PEOPLE THERE THAT ARE MY
AGE.
WE CAN'T BE WALKING AROUND.
WE'RE CLEAN.
WE'RE SOBER.
WE CAN'T BE WALKING AROUND ON
THE STREETS OUT IN THE COLD ALL
DAY.
WE NEED A PLACE TO GO.
ALSO, I'M GOING TO THANK YOU
COUNCIL PERSON MORALES AND
GONZALEZ FOR CO-SIGNING THIS.
AND COUNCIL PERSON HERBOLD FOR
YOUR CONCERN FOR THE FUTURE OF
OUR SHELTERS IN THE AGE OF
COVID-19 AND BEYOND.
I WANT TO SAY THANK YOU FOR
LETTING ME SPEAK THIS EVENING,
AND THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
>> THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE
THIS EVENING.
JAMIE, GOOD EVENING.
THANK YOU FOR WAITING.
>> HI.
>> HI THERE.
>> CAN YOU HEAR ME?
>> YES.
>> I'M A SOCIAL SERVICES
PROVIDER ACADEMY THROUGH
SEATTLE CENTRAL COLLEGE.
TRAINING IN HUMAN SERVICES,
MENTAL HEALTH, AND OTHER
PROFESSIONAL SKILLS.
I'M ABLE TO DO MY JOB BETTER
AND ADVANCE IN MY CAREER.
IT HAS REALLY OPENED MY EYES
AND HELPED ME BETTER UNDERSTAND
THE NEEDS AND CHALLENGES OF THE
PEOPLE WE WORK WITH WHO HAVE
EXPERIENCED HOMELESSNESS.
I THINK THAT CONTINUES TO FUND
PROGRAMS LIKE SSPA TO BE A
PRIORITY FOR THE CITY, TO
EDUCATE PEOPLE IN SOCIAL
SERVICES BECAUSE THE CITY IS
BUILDING A LOT OF SUPPORTIVE
HOUSING RIGHT NOW.
SO YOU NEED TO INVEST IN
EMPLOYEES TO WORK IN THOSE
BUILDINGS.
PLEASE SUPPORT THIS.
FOR ALL THE PEOPLE WHO ARE
WORKING ON THE FRONT LINES IN
SUPPORTIVE HOUSING, INVEST IN
THIS SO WE CAN MAKE SEATTLE AN
EVEN BETTER CITY YOU VERY MUCH.
THE NEXT PERSON WE HAVE IS
MIRA.
GOOD EVENING, MIRA.
>> GOOD EVENING.
I AM A DISTRICT 3 RESIDENT.
I'M CALLING IN SUPPORT OF THE
SOLIDARITY BUDGET WHICH HAS THE
FOLLOWING DEMANDS.
NUMBER ONE, DEFUNDED THE
SEATTLE POLICE DEPARTMENT BY AT
LEAST 50% AND EXTEND THE HIRING
FREEZE.
ALLOCATE FUNDS FROM POLICE
DIVESTMENTS FOR BLACK
COMMUNITIES USING A TRUE
PARTICIPATORY BUDGETING PROCESS
INCLUDING THE 100 MILLION
PROCESSED BY MAYOR DURKIN.
DO NOT SOURCE FUNDING FROM THE
VITAL SERVICES SUCH AS
JUMPSTART SEATTLE BUT RATHER BY
THE POLICING BUDGET.
ALLOCATE THE FUNDS THAT HAVE
BEEN DEDICATED TO THE
NAVIGATION TEAM TO FUND A
TRUSTED ORGANIZATIONS TO WORK
WITH PEOPLE WHO ARE HOMELESS
WITHOUT THE PRESENCE OF POLICE
OR COERCION.
FIVE.
FUND STAFF POSITION WITHIN THE
OFFICE OF SUSTAINABILITY AND
ENVIRONMENT TO SUPPORT THE
OVERSIGHT BOARD IN FUNDING
ALLOCATION .6, CURB THE METAL
HEALTH STRUGGLES AND LASTLY,
FIND THE NEW HOUSING PROJECT.
I HAVE LISTENED TO HOURS OF
COUNTLESS SEATTLE RESIDENTS AND
SUPPORT THE SOLIDARITY BUDGET.
PLEASE CONSIDER THE REQUEST TO
DEFEND THE POLICE.
I YIELD MY TIME.
THE NEXT THREE PEOPLE THAT I
SEE AS PRESENT ARE NUMBER 151,
BRENT BARLETT, LAUREN A SCRIM?
I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO HEARING
FROM ALL OF YOU AND A REMEMBER,
THAT DANIELLE BRETT KAVANAUGH,
JULIA GRIFFITH, AND SARAH
STARKMAN, WE DID NOT SEE YOU
LISTED AS PRESENT BUT WE ARE
HAPPY TO COME BACK TO YOU IF
YOU DIAL IN.
GOOD EVENING, BRENT.
THANK YOU FOR DIALING IN AND
LOOKING FORWARD TO HEARING FROM
YOU.
IT LOOKS LIKE WE MIGHT HAVE
JUST PUT YOU BACK ON MUTE.
CAN YOU HITáSIX ONE MORE TIME?
PERFECT.
>> CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?
>> YES, THANK YOU.
>>> HELLO, MY NAME IS BRENT
BARTLETT AND I AM A RENTER IN
DISTRICT 4. I'M CALLING TO
URGE YOU TO REJECT THE
AUSTERITY PLAN AND ADOPT THE
SOLIDARITY BUDGET.
ALSO, RAISE THE AMAZON TAX TO
FUND NEW AFFORDABLE HOUSING,
LIBRARIES, PARKS, ROADS, AND
COMMUNITY CENTERS.
ALSO, DEFUNDED THE POLICE BY AT
LEAST 50% AND COMMUNITY LED
PROGRAMS, AND AFFORDABLE
HOUSING.
WE ALSO NEED A INDEPENDENT
ELECTED COMMUNITY OVERSIGHT
BOARD WITH THE ABILITY TO HIRE
AND FIRE POLICE OFFICERS.
THIS IS A REMEDY TO BRING
ACCOUNTABILITY TO THESE PUBLIC
SERVANTS.
ALSO, I THINK WE NEED TO
INCREASE TINY HOUSE VILLAGES
AND ENCAMPMENTS SO THAT THE
HOMELESS NEIGHBORS HAVE
SHELTER.
THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME
TONIGHT.
ANDREA?
GOOD EVENING.
THANK YOU FOR WAITING.
>> HELLO.
MY NAME IS ANDREA AND I AM A
PARENT OF A STUDENT AND A
RESIDENT OF THE TRIBE
REPRESENTED BY COUNCILMEMBER
HORAS.
I'M ALSO A RANK-AND-FILE MEMBER
OF THE LOCAL CARPENTERS UNION
AND HAVE WORKED ON SOME TRANSIT
EXPANSIONS AS WELL AS
VOLUNTEERED WITH COUNTY HEALTH
VILLAGES.
I SUPPORT THE ANTIRACISM
BLUEPRINT ESPECIALLY IF THEY DO
BEST OF THE LEAST 50% FROM SPD.
THERE WOULD BE ZERO CUTS MADE
TO SERVICES FOR THE MOST
VULNERABLE AND TARGETED BY
COLONIAL CAPITALISM.
I URGE OUR COUNCIL TO PLEASE
SEES THIS CRITICAL OPPORTUNITY
TO FOCUS OUR FUNDS ON BLACK,
INDIGENOUS, AND ON RESILIENT
COMMONWEALTHS IN THE FACE OF
INCREASING CLIMATE CHANGE
CRISES.
THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
AND, LAUREN, GOOD EVENING.
>> HELLO, MY NAME IS LAUREN OF
FREEDOM PROJECT WASHINGTON AND
IS A RESIDENT OF DISTRICT TO I
CARE DEEPLY ABOUT MY COMMUNITY.
I'M HERE TO ASK YOU TO EXPAND
THE DIRECT DEFENSE AND THE DE
MINIMIS LANGUAGE IN THE SEATTLE
CODE SO THAT PEOPLE
EXPERIENCING THE POVERTY,
MENTAL HEALTH COMPLICATIONS CAN
AVOID CONVICTIONS WHICH CAUSE
THEM FURTHER HARM.
WE NEED TO TAKE MEASURES THAT
REFLECT THEIR HUMANITY AND
PROVIDE THE CARE AND SUPPORT
THEY DESERVE.
ALSO ASK YOU TO APPROVE THE
SOLIDARITY BUDGET AND EVENTS
FROM THE SPD AND REDISTRIBUTE
THE FUNDS THROUGH A
PARTICIPATORY BUDGETING
PROCESS.
INVEST IN BLACK AND INDIGENOUS
COMMUNITIES INSTEAD OF
PROSECUTORS AND COURTS,
PRESERVE VITAL PUBLIC SERVICES,
START CRIMINALIZING
HOMELESSNESS.
FUND THE GREEN NEW DEAL
OVERSIGHT BOARD FOR LOW INCOME
COMMUNITY MEMBERS AND PROVIDE
COVID-19 ECONOMIC RELIEF.
THANK YOU.
>> EXCELLENT, THANK YOU VERY
MUCH.
SO, FOLKS, I DO SEE THE EARLIER
SPEAKERS, CARRIE AND DORIS ARE
STILL PRESENT.
WE HAD A HARD TIME GETTING THEM
OFF OF MUTE.
I WILL CALL ON THEM AFTER THESE
SPEAKERS.
WE ARE GOING TO COME BACK TO
YOU ONE MORE TIME TO TRY TO
UNMUTE YOU BEFORE WE MOVE ON.
THE NEXT THREE SPEAKERS THAT I
HAVE ARE SONJA, AND EMILY
GRAHAM.
SONJA, THANK YOU FOR BEING WITH
US.
>> HELLO, CAN YOU HEAR ME?
>> YES, THANK YOU.
>> GREAT.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.
I AM A BUSINESS OWNER IN
DISTRICT 1 AND I AM ONE OF THE
100 PEOPLE ON THE CALL TONIGHT
AND THOUSANDS IN OUR BEAUTIFUL
CITY CALLING TO URGE YOU TO
DIVEST FROM SPD BY A MINIMUM OF
50% AND SUPPORT THE
DISTRIBUTION OF FUNDS THROUGH A
PARTICIPATORY BUDGETING
PROCESS.
LIKE SO MANY ON THIS CALL, I
SAY PLEASE DO NOT CREATE A BIG
SAFETY, WE ALL KNOW THE BEST
WAY TO CREATE AND GUARANTEE
PUBLIC SAFETY IS TO MEET
PEOPLE'S BASIC NEEDS AND BILL
THAT OTHER WAYS OF RESPONDING
TO HARMON OUR COMMUNITY AND WE
HAVE SO MANY BRILLIANT
RESOURCES AND RESEARCH EXTRAS
IN OUR COMMUNITY THAT ARE
LEADING THE WAY IN THIS AND I'M
ASKING YOU TO CREATE A BUDGET
THAT WILL REFLECT A CITY THAT
WORKS FOR ALL OF US AND THAT
ELEVATES BLACK LIVES.
IT IS A TIME TO DISMANTLE ANTI-
BLACK RACIST POLICING AND
INVEST IN DIGNIFIED SHELTER AND
PUBLIC SERVICES, COVID ECONOMIC
RELIEF, THE GREEN NEW DEAL FOR
SEATTLE, AND A HEALTHY FUTURE
FOR ALL OF US.
PLEASE DIVEST BY AT LEAST 50%
LIKE YOU PROMISED AND HOLD
ACCOUNTABLE THE MAYOR AND THE
CITY AND LET'S LET SEATTLE LEAD
THE COUNTRY AND WHAT IS
ACTUALLY POSSIBLE, ANOTHER
WORLD.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.
>> TANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.
GOOD EVENING.
>> HELLO, THANK YOU FOR
ALLOWING ME TO SPEAK.I RESORT
AT TINY HOUSE VILLAGE AND .
ABOUT THE PLAN OF BRINGING BACK
THE NAVIGATION TEAM.
IT IS NOT WORKING IN THE PAST,
PLEASE REEVALUATE THE STRATEGY
ESPECIALLY DURING A PANDEMIC
THAT WILL FORCE MORE PEOPLE TO
BECOME HOMELESS PRETTY
NAVIGATION TEAM SHOULD BE MADE
UP OF MORE THAN 50% OF THE
PEOPLE WHO CAN RELATE, BECAUSE
THEY HAVE LIVED IT.
SUPPORT GRASSROOTS
ORGANIZATIONS.
WE NEED MORE SELF MANAGED TINY
HOUSE VILLAGES.
IT IS THE BEST WAY TO KEEP
HOMELESS PEOPLE SAFE DURING THE
WINTER MONTHS AND THE PANDEMIC.
NORTHLAKE HAS MADE IT SO THAT I
CAN FOCUS ON STARTING A NEW
JOB.
IF I WAS ON THE STREETS THIS
WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE.
AS A DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SURVIVOR
I FEEL SAFE HERE.
PLEASE FIGURE OUT A WAY TO MAKE
OUR HEARING-IMPAIRED FEEL
INCLUDED.
SEATTLE SHOULD BE MORE
INCLUSIVE FOR ALL.
A BLACK LIVES MATTER AND I
YIELD MY TIME.
THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU.
AND, EMILY GRAHAM, GOOD
EVENING.
>> HELLO, CAN YOU HEAR ME?
>> YES, THANKS FOR CHECKING.
>> THANKS.
MY NAME IS EMILY GRAHAM AND I
AM A RENTER AND COMMUNITY
MEMBER IN DISTRICT 3 AND ALSO A
MEMBER OF SUNRISE SEATTLE.
I'M CALLING IN SUPPORT OF THE
SOLIDARITY BUDGET INTO URGE THE
COUNCIL TO DIVEST FROM SPD BY
50% AND TO DESIGNATE AT LEAST
$100 MILLION OF THAT MONEY TO
BE DISTRIBUTED THROUGH
PARTICIPATORY BUDGET PROCESSES
WITHIN THE BLACK COMMUNITY.
I'M GOING TO INSIST THAT THE
$100 MILLION NOT BE PULLED AWAY
FROM JUMPSTART FUNDS DESIGNATED
FOR SEATTLE'S GREEN NEW DEAL
AND THAT THE RECIPIENTS OF THAT
MONEY NOT BE DETERMINED BY A
TASK FORCE HAND-PICKED BY MAYOR
JENNY DURKAN WHO HAS REPEATEDLY
IGNORED THE REQUESTS OF THE
BLACK COMMUNITY.
I WOULD LIKE TO REQUEST
SIGNIFICANT INVESTMENT IN
DIGNIFIED HOUSING GROUPS FOR
THE UNFILTERED POPULATION.
OVER THE SUMMER THE CITY
COUNCIL VOTED TO DISBAND THE
NAVIGATION TEAM DESIGNED TO
UPROOT HOMELESS FOLKS.
THE MONEY THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN
SPENT SHOULD BE USED TO GIVE
OUR HOMELESS COMMUNITY ACCESS
TO ADEQUATE SANITATION AND TWO
SINGLE ROOM HOUSING OPTIONS
GIVEN THE PANDEMIC.
I'M ONLY REPRESENTED BY A FEW
OF YOU ON THE CITY COUNCIL BUT
I REPRESENT ALL OF THE COUNCIL
TO THINK OF THE POSITIVE CHANGE
THAT YOU ARE CAPABLE OF
CREATING WITH THIS BUDGET.
WE HAVE STEPS TO TAKE STEPS
TOWARDS A MORE EQUITABLE
SEATTLE WITH THIS BUDGET.
I YIELD MY TIME.
>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
AND WE ARE GOING TO GO BACK UP
TO THOSE TWO SPEAKERS, DORIS
AND CARRIE AS YOU ARE UNMUTE
TEAM, á6, WE WANT TO REMIND
THE FOLLOWING SPEAKERS THAT WE
CALLED YOUR NAME AND ANDREA,
ALAN WALLACE, YOU ARE ON THE
LIST IS NOT PRESENT.
ANDREW BENNETT, YOU ARE ALSO
LISTED AS NOT PRESENT.
DORIS, DO WE HAVE YOU WITH US?
>> HELLO, CAN YOU HEAR ME?
>> THANKS FOR WAITING, DORIS.
OKAY, WE GOT YOU.
>> THANK YOU.
WE MADE IT, THANK YOU VERY
MUCH.
I AM HERE TO CREATE SOLIDARITY
WITH BLACK LEADERS IN THE
COMMUNITY AND TO ASK THE
COUNCIL TO DIVEST FROM
INVESTMENT IN SPD AND AS YOU
KNOW MANY DOMESTIC WORKERS HAVE
BEEN ORGANIZING TO, FOR OVER
TWO YEARS TO PASS A DOMESTIC
WORKER BILL OF RIGHTS THAT
SUPPORTS THEIR RIGHTS AND I
KNOW IS A FORMER DOMESTIC
WORKER MYSELF, ME AND THE CITY
ARE COUNTING ON YOU, THE CITY
COUNCIL, TO HONOR YOUR
COMMITMENT TO DOING THAT --
RACIAL JUSTICE AND ECONOMIC
JUSTICE.
ALSO, I AM ASKING YOU TO
CONTINUE YOUR INVESTMENT AND
FULL SUPPORT IN THE SALES
AMENDMENT WORKER STANDARDS FOR
I HAVE WITNESSED MYSELF
FIRSTHAND HOW THIS AMAZING
BOARD PROVIDES THE SPACE THAT
ENSURES THE METHOD WORKER'S
OPINIONS AND THEY ARE FRONT AND
CENTER IN CONVERSATIONS THAT
WILL DIRECTLY IMPACT THEM.
WE MUST INVEST IN ENFORCEMENT
AND CONTINUE TO IMPROVE LABOR
STANDARDS.
>> DORIS, IT IS GREAT TO HEAR
FROM YOU.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR
TESTIMONY TONIGHT.
OKAY, LET'S GO TO CARRY.
CARRIE, CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?
DO WE HAVE á6?
AWESOME.
ARE YOU THERE?
>> THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE,
CHAIRMAN.
I CARRY WITH CATHOLIC COMMUNITY
SERVICES LIVING IN DISTRICT 3
AND I AM SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF
THE RECENTLY LAUNCHED SOCIAL
SERVICES PROVIDER ACADEMY OF
SEATTLE CENTRAL COLLEGE WHERE
ALL OF THE STUDENTS ARE FRONT-
LINE EMPLOYEES IN HOUSING AND
HOMELESS SERVICES.
ARE FRONT-LINE EMPLOYEES SURVEY
GROWING NUMBER OF CLIENTS
STRUGGLING WITH DISABILITY OR
SIGNIFICANT TRAUMA AND
CHALLENGES.
THERE IS A CAREER CALLING THAT
REQUIRES MEETING CLIENTS WHERE
THEY ARE WITH GREAT COMPASSION
AND SKILL.
THESE VALUED EMPLOYEES DO
DESERVE ACCESS AND
OPPORTUNITIES TO ADAPT CAREERS
AND INCOME, HOWEVER, MANY OF
THE HIGHER LEVEL REQUIRE
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE AND
HIGHER EDUCATION BOTH
HISTORICALLY LIMITED BY RACISM
AND ECONOMIC BARRIERS.
THE RESULT IS MORE WHITES IN
POSITIONS OF LEADERSHIP WHILE
FRONT-LINE STAFF ARE MORE OFTEN
BLACK OR INDIGENOUS PEOPLE OF
COLOR.
SOCIAL SERVICES PROVIDERS IN
PARTNERSHIP WITH SEATTLE
CENTRAL AND HOUSING AND
HOMELESS SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS
IS IN RESPONSE TO ENTRENCHED
BARRIERS AND EQUITY.
WE ARE SEEKING SUPPORT TO FIND
THAT INNOVATIVE PROGRAM.
>> THAT IS EXCELLENT.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BEING
WITH US TONIGHT.
ALL RIGHT.
LET'S CONTINUE.
WE ARE ON NUMBER 159.
ANDREW BENNETT AND SHARON PARK,
ANDREW, WE SEE YOU LISTED IS
NOT PRESENT, SO WE WILL GO BACK
TO YOU IF YOU CALL IN.
THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.
>> I AM A TECH WORKER AND IN
DISTRICT 70 IN SOLIDARITY WITH
SUPPORTING BLACK LIVES AND THAT
GOES BEYOND THE FUNDING
INSTITUTIONS LIKE THE SEATTLE
POLICE DEPARTMENT.
I ASKED THAT ALL SUPPORT
COUNCILMEMBER TAMMY MORALES'S
PROPOSAL TO INVEST IN
RESTORATIVE JUSTICE AND THAT
YOU EXPAND THE DEMENTED
ASSORTMENTS.
NOBODY SHOULD BE CONVICTED IF
THEY ARE TRYING TO MEET A BASIC
NEED OR STRUGGLING WITH MENTAL
HEALTH OR DRUG USE AT THE TIME.
ACCESS IS NOT A CRIME, MENTAL
HEALTH IS NOT A CRIME.
BEING UN-HOUSED IS NOT A CRIME.
WE HAVE SEEN TIME AND TIME
AGAIN THAT PLEASE DO NOT
PREVENT OR DISCOURAGE CRIME.
WE NEED TO DISMANTLE RACIST
INSTITUTIONS AND INSTEAD
SUPPORT AND EXPAND A COMMUNITY
COALITION THAT HAS BEEN ACTIVE
THROUGH THIS ENTIRE PANDEMIC
AND PROCESS.
WE NEED A 2021 BUDGET THAT
REFLECTS VALUES AND NEEDS,
DEFINED SPD, BY 50% IN SUPPORT
BLACK LIVES MATTER.
THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
AND, SHARON?
GOOD EVENING.
AFTER SHARON, WE ARE GOING TO
GO BACK UP TO DANIELLE McGRAW.
HEY, SHARON.
>> HELLO.
I'M SORRY.
I'M NOT SURE IF I UNMUTE IT.
>> YOU ARE GOOD, WE CAN HEAR
YOU.
>> AWESOME, GREAT, THANK YOU.
MY NAME IS SHARON AND I'M A
RESIDENT OF DISTRICT 3. THANK
YOU CENTRAL STUFF FOR MAKING
THIS CLEAR AND EASY TO FOLLOW
ALONG, IT HAS BEEN VERY HELPFUL
AND THANK YOU COUNCIL FOR
DEDICATING THIS TIME TO THE
PUBLIC . COUNCILMEMBER STRAUSS,
YOU HAVE ASSERTED SEVERAL TIMES
THAT ELECTED OFFICIALS NEED TO
MAKE DECISIONS BASED ON POLICY
AND NOT POLITICS AND I CANNOT
AGREE MORE.
UNFORTUNATELY, WITH THE
UNVEILING OF THE MAYOR'S BUDGET
PROPOSAL IT IS DISHEARTENING TO
HAVE TO POINT OUT THAT CLEARLY,
MAYOR JENNY DURKAN'S DECISIONS
HAVE BEEN MOTIVATED BY
POLITICS.
THE DISCREPANCY BETWEEN HER
PUBLIC WORDS VERSUS ACTION IS
EVIDENT IN THE MOVE TO CUT TO
THE $30 MILLION STRATEGIC
INVESTMENT FUND.
IT IS ALARMING TO LEARN THAT
HER PROMISE OF 100 MILLION
ESSENTIALLY RELIES ON HER
FAILURE TO FULFILL A SIMILAR
PROBLEM SHE HAD A YEAR AGO.
FURTHER, THE MAYOR'S PROCESS IS
NOT ONLY DUPLICATIVE OF THE
MAJOR WORK THAT HAS BEEN DONE
OVER THE SUMMER, IT DOES
MEMBERS CRITICAL BODIES AND
TASK FORCES AND THAT MAINTAINS
THE STATUS QUO AND THAT IS NOT
DIRECTLY ANSWERABLE TO THE
COMMUNITY.
HER INTERDEPARTMENTAL TEAM HAS
CENTER FOR POLICING EQUITY
WHICH HOUSES THE MOST
COMPREHENSIVE DATA IN THE WORLD
ON DISPARITIES IN POLICING.
BUT, WHAT DOES IT TELL US WHEN
THE FOUNDER AND CEO OF THE
STATA CENTER SAYS THAT RACES
POLICING IS A UNIVERSAL FACT.
THE FACT IS THE BASELINE.
WE ARE PAST THE POINT OF
RECKONING AND WE NOW HAVE TO
MEET THIS CRITICAL JUNCTURE
THAT CAUSES AN ESTIMATE --
>> THANK YOU SO MUCH.
AND DANIELLE McGRAW?
LET'S GO BACK TO YOU.
GOOD EVENING.
JUST á6 TO UNMUTE.
AFTER DANIELLE, WE ARE GOING TO
HAVE ELI GOSS, KATE FLEMING,
AND RACHEL LUDWIG.HEY,
DANIELLE, CAN YOU HEAR ME?
á6 TO UNMUTE.
PERFECT.
>> HEY THERE.
MY NAME IS DAN MEDRANO WANT TO
SPEAK QUICKLY ON A FEW THINGS I
BELIEVE IN STRONGLY, ONE IS
THAT A DEEPLY HOPE THE COUNCIL
IS IN SUPPORT OF THE SHARED
SYSTEM FOR INDOOR SHELTERS
BEING FUNDED FOR 24 HOURS WHICH
IS TREATED LIKE IT OPERATES
HALF OF THAT TIME ALTHOUGH THEY
HAVE BEEN OVERWHELMINGLY MORE
RESPONSIVE IS A SYSTEM SHELTER
AT A DEMOCRATICALLY RUN SELF-
MANAGEMENT MODEL THAT WE SHOULD
FIND WORTHY OF OUR DEALS AND IS
A VASTLY AND EXPECTS OF
ALTERNATIVE TO THE CORPORATE
MASK SHELTER MODEL OF OTHER
SHELTERS IN MY OPINION.
I SPEAK ON THIS AS SOMEONE WHO
HAS FIRST-HAND SEEN THE NUTS
AND BOLTS AND REALITIES OF EACH
MODEL THAT I CANNOT TELL YOU
HOW MUCH MORE YOU MEAN,
RESPONSIVE AND IT IS AND
REPRESENTS.
PLEASE ALSO THROW YOUR SUPPORT
BEHIND H NEW TINY HOUSE
VILLAGES AND ENCAMPMENT SUPPORT
AS COUNCILMEMBER SAWANT HAS PUT
FORWARD .0 TO SUPPORT THE
PEOPLE'S BUDGET AND THE
SOLIDARITY BUDGET.
THESE ARE BRILLIANT
POSSIBILITIES THAT ONCE WE CAN
ONLY DREAM OF AND NOW THEY ARE
IN GRASP OF BEING
ACHIEVABLE.THANK YOU
COUNCILMEMBER SAWANT, BUT TO
ALL THOSE WHO PUSH THIS FORWARD
WITH THEIR ABILITIES, YOU ARE
APPRECIATED.
THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
THE NEXT THREE SPEAKERS ARE
KATE FLEMING AND RACHEL LUDWIG.
ELI, GOOD EVENING.
>> HELLO, YES.
THIS IS ELI, I AM THE SENIOR
POLICY MANAGER AT ONE AMERICA
AND I WANT TO START WITH A
THANK YOU AND A GRATITUDE FOR
THE FUNDS SET ASIDE VIEW OF THE
JUMPSTART PROPOSAL TO ENSURE
THE UNDOCUMENTED COMMUNITY
MEMBERS HAVE ACCESS TO
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO THE
OFFICE OF IMMIGRANT AND REFUGEE
AFFAIRS.
THE PROGRAM IS GOING VERY WELL
AND WE WOULD LIKE TO EXTEND A
MOMENT OF THANK YOU AND
GRATITUDE FOR THAT MUCH NEEDED
ASSISTANCE.
AND, HOWEVER, REGARDING
PROPOSED CUTS VIA MAYOR JENNY
DURKAN'S PROPOSAL IS THE
CONCERN WITH CUTS TO THE
IMMIGRANT LEGAL DEFENSE FUND.
THERE IS CURRENTLY A CUT
PROPOSED AT $190,000 AND THAT
WILL RESULTS IN THE CUTS TO
MOST OF THE VULNERABLE
COMMUNITY MEMBERS FACING LIFE-
CHANGING DECISIONS LOCALLY.
WE ARE ASKING TO MAINTAIN
FUNDING AT THE SAME LEVEL FROM
THE PAST TWO YEARS AT $1
MILLION.
ANY FURTHER CUTS WILL RESULT IN
A LOSS OF CLIENTS AND THE
PROMISE OF A SOLUTION PENDING
THOSE CASES AND IS A WELCOMING
CITY WE ASK THAT WE CONTINUE TO
HAVE THE IMMIGRANT COMMUNITIES
AND LESLIE ONE AMERICA SUPPORTS
THE VAST SOLIDARITY BUDGET AND
OUR ENTHUSIASTIC SUPPORTERS.
THANK YOU.
>> THANKS, ELI.
KATE, GOOD EVENING.
>> HELLO, MY NAME IS KATE
FLEMING, I AM A RENTER AND ALEX
PETERSON'S DISTRICT 4. I'M A
SOCIAL WORKER FOR THE STATE OF
WASHINGTON AND A MEMBER OF THE
WASHINGTON FEDERATION OF STATE
EMPLOYEES ASKED ME TO COUNCIL
28.
I'M HERE TO EXPRESS MY SUPPORT
FOR THE SOLIDARITY BUDGET.
STRONGLY URGE YOU TO DIVEST
FROM SPD BY AT LEAST 6% AND
REINVEST THOSE FUNDS INTO THE
COMMUNITIES THROUGH
PARTICIPATORY BUDGETING.
REPLACING BUDGET HAS GROWN
GROSSLY AND IS INFLATED
ALTHOUGH WE KNOW THAT INCREASED
FUNDING DOES NOT EQUAL
INCREASED SAFETY.
THESE FUNDS SHOULD INSTEAD BE
USED TO FUND COVID RELIEF,
AFFORDABLE HOUSING, AND
SEATTLE'S GREEN NEW DEAL.
I WORK WITH INDIVIDUALS WITH
DISABILITIES AND WE FREQUENTLY
USE THE PHRASE NOTHING ABOUT US
WITHOUT US TO REINFORCE THE
FACT THAT ALL DECISIONS SHOULD
BE MADE BY THE COMMUNITIES AND
INDIVIDUALS WHO WILL BE MOST
DEEPLY IMPACTED BY THE EFFECTS.
NOTHING ABOUT US WITHOUT US,
FIT FOR OUR CURRENT BUDGET
CRISIS AS WELL.
WE ALREADY KNOW WHO WILL BEAR
THE BRUNT OF THE NEGATIVE
EFFECTS THAT WILL FOLLOW FROM
THE DECISIONS CURRENTLY ON THE
TABLE.
THESE ARE OUR NEIGHBORS WHO ARE
ALREADY FACING THE MOST
SYSTEMIC OPPRESSION AND
SUFFERING THE MOST DURING THE
PANDEMIC.
ARM NEIGHBORS ARE ON HOUSE, THE
NEIGHBORS WHO HAVE
DISABILITIES, --
>> THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME
TONIGHT.
RACHEL, GOOD EVENING.
>> HELLO, MY NAME IS RACHEL
LUDWIG.
I LIVE IN DISTRICT 2 AND I
SUPPORT THE BUDGET TO CUT THE
POLICE BUDGET AND INVEST IN
PARTICIPATORY BUDGET PROCESSES
AND OF COURSE THE BLACK AND
INDIGENOUS AND OTHER PEOPLE OF
COLOR.
I WANT TO TALK ABOUT THE
GENERATION OF PEOPLE IN SEATTLE
THAT HAVE NEVER GOTTEN IT, WHO
HAVE THEIR NEEDS MET, AND MAKE
IT AS IF THEIR LIVES HAVE BEEN
DESTROYED INCLUDING PEOPLES
WHOSE ANCESTORS WERE HERE
BEFORE THE WHITE COLONIALS HAVE
ARRIVED.
OUR USE OF ARMED POLICE AND
VIOLENCE AS A WAY TO CONTROL
COMMUNITIES HAS LONG BEEN
MARGINALIZED FOR THE POOR BLOCK
AND INDIGENOUS PEOPLE AT A TIME
OF THE 1900S, AT THE TURN OF
THE 1900S PLEASE BURNED DOWN
THE SHANTYTOWNS WHERE
INDIGENOUS ASIAN PEOPLE WERE
ALLOWED TO LIVE IN SO THAT THE
WHITE PEOPLE COULD MAKE MONEY
ON ELLIOTT BAY TIDELANDS AND
THE POLICE RIPPED DOWN TENTS SO
THE WEALTHY DON'T HAVE TO SEE
THE ON HOUSE NEIGHBORS.
THE SOLITARY BUDGET MAY SEEM
LIKE A HUGE AND DRAMATIC SHIFT
TO SOME BUT CONSIDER THE
CONTEXT OF GENERATIONS OF HARM,
IT IS NOWHERE ENOUGH.
PLEASE CONSIDER THE BUDGET AND
USE THE $400 MILLION A YEAR
BUDGETS AND SPEND IT ON
SOMETHING OTHER THAN VIOLENT
POLICING AND INVEST IN REAL
COMMUNITY SOLUTIONS WHICH
INCLUDE EVERYONE AND MEET
EVERYONE'S REAL NEEDS AND NOT
JUST THE DESIRES OF THE
POWERFUL AND WEALTHY, THANK
YOU.
>>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
AND, THE NEXT PERSON THAT WE
HAVE IS GOING TO BE --
EXCUSE ME.
>> YES.
ARE YOU ABLE TO HEAR ME?
>> YES.
THANK YOU, GO AHEAD.
>> HELLO, EVERYONE.
>> WE LOST YOU A LITTLE BIT.
COULD -- COULD YOU TRY TO GET
CLOSER TO THE SPEAKER?
>> MANY PEOPLE CAN UNDERSTAND
WHERE HOW OTHER PEOPLEÃPEOPLE
OPEN -- USE DRUGS -- WILLPOWER,
AND THAT MAKES THEM -- I URGE
THE COUNCILMEMBERS THAT A
PERSON IS NOT CONVICTED OF A
CRIME IF THEY WERE TRYING TO
MEET A BASIC NEED OR STRUGGLING
WITH MENTAL HEALTH AT THE TIME
OF THE OFFENSE.
ADDITIONALLY, THERE IS THE
COUNCILMEMBERS -- THE ORDINANCE
OF THAT THE JUDGE CAN DISMISS
-- A PERSON IS TRYING TO MEET
THE NEED OR THE STRUCTURE OF
MENTAL ILLNESS AT THE TIME OF
OFFENSE.
I'M A BELIEVER THAT BLACK LIVES
MATTER MEANS MORE THAN DEFEND
THE POLICE DEPARTMENT AND --
LIKELY.
ALSO I AM ASKING -- SUCH AS --
OR BLACK GIRLS AND YOUNG WOMEN,
EARLY LEARNING TO FIND --
SEATTLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
I YIELD MY TIME, THANK YOU.
>> I'M GOING TO ASK YOU TO STAY
WITH US, AND PERHAPS TRY THAT
AGAIN.
IT WAS REALLY HARD TO HEAR YOU.
I HAD YOU TURNED UP ALL THE WAY
ON MY END.
WHEN WE GET THROUGH THE NEXT
TWO SPEAKERS I WILL ASK IF YOU
WILL BE WILLING TO REPEAT YOUR
TESTIMONY.
PATRICIA ALLEN?
WE SEE YOU I'M SORRY, WE SEE
YOU LISTED IS NEXT, PLEASE GO
AHEAD AND THEN WE WILL HAVE
COLLEEN McALLEN.
THANK YOU, PATRICIA.
OKAY, PATRICIA, IF YOU CAN HEAR
ME, JUST á6 TO UNMUTE.
>> CAN YOU HEAR ME?
>> YES, NOW I CAN HEAR YOU.
>> OKAY, AWESOME.
MY NAME IS PATRICIA AND I AM A
COALITION AND COMMUNITY
ADVOCATE FOR CHIEF SEATTLE CLUB
CALLING ECHO HAWKS SPENCER
REGRETS AND ASKED ME TO CONVEY
HER MESSAGES TONIGHT.
THE SEATTLE CLUB IS HERE TODAY
TO SUPPORT OUR BUDGET REQUEST
AND ASKED THAT THEY REMAIN IN
THE FINAL BUDGET.
OUR REQUEST WITHOUT ONE $.6
MILLION TO EXPAND THE CENTER
SERVICE PRODUCTION OF INVENTION
AND THE SERVICES FOR SURVIVORS
OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND SEXUAL
ASSAULT, AND A NATIVE REENTRY
PROGRAM.
DURING COVID WE HAVE REMAINED
OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK WHILE
MOST DOWNTOWN HOMELESS AGENCIES
HAVE TEMPORARILY CLOSED OR
RELOCATED.
OUR OVERALL NUMBERS HAVE
INCREASED AND WE HAVE SERVED
OVER 1280 MEMBERS AND FROM HERE
TO DATE.
THE CLUB REMAINS STARTED NEW
PROGRAMS ESPECIALLY SUCH AS THE
REENTRY PROGRAMS FOR THE NATIVE
COMMUNITY AS HUNDREDS HAVE BEEN
RELEASED FROM PRISONS AND JAILS
AND IN SEPTEMBER WE STARTED A
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SEXUAL
ASSAULT PROGRAM TO RESPOND TO
OUR HIGH UNMET NEEDS DURING
COVID 19 AND THIS MONTH WE
HIRED AN ADDITIONAL OUTREACH
WORKER TO ENSURE THAT WE ARE
REACHING MORE NATIVES AT
HOMELESSNESS ENCAMPMENTS.
THE NEED IS THERE FOR
ADDITIONAL OUTREACH AND WE
APPRECIATE THE EFFORTS OF CITY
COUNCIL MEMBER LOUIS AND OTHERS
ON REIMAGINING THE NAVIGATION
TEAM.
WE THINK COUNCILMEMBER WYATT
HAS MANY OF YOU THAT ARE
COSPONSORING THE REQUEST.
THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU, THANKS FOR BEING
PRESENT WITH US TONIGHT.
AND THEN, COLLEEN.
GOOD EVENING, COLLEEN.
IT IS á6 TO UNMUTE YOURSELF.
OKAY, COLLEEN, ONE MORE TIME,
á6 TO UNMUTE YOURSELF.
AS SHE IS DOING THAT, WANT TO
LET FOLKS KNOW THE NEXT THREE
SPEAKERS THAT WE HAVE.
IT IS GOING TO BE CHRIS
INGERSOLL, ANDREW BENNETT, AND
THEN INGRID ARCHBOLD.
CHRIS WILL FOLLOW COLLEEN HERE.
HEY, COLLEEN.
IF YOU CAN STILL HEAR ME
JUSTáSIX ONE MORE TIME TO
UNMUTE.
OKAY, CHRIS.
WE ARE GOING TO GO TO CHRIS.
COLLEEN, WE WILL COME BACK TO
YOU WHEN WE KNOW THAT WE HAVE
GOT A LOT OF INTEREST IN MAKING
SURE THAT WE CAN HEAR FROM YOU
SINCE I CAN SEE YOU ARE ON THE
LINE.
DON'T HANG UP, WE WILL WORK
WITH YOU ON YOUR TECHNICAL
ISSUES.
CHRIS, CAN YOU HEAR ME?
JUST á6 TO UNMUTE YOURSELF.
IT LOOKS LIKE YOU ARE STILL
MUTED ON MY END.
FOLKS, I WISH WE DID NOT HAVE
THE á6 FUNCTION, IT IS A
FUNCTION OF ZOOM AND WE CANNOT
TURN IT OFF.
>> THIS IS CHRIS, HELLO,
HELLO.
>> I AM A MEMBER OF THE NEW
NICKEL BILL CENTRAL DISTRICT
TINY HOUSE VILLAGE WE JUST
MOVED OUR CAMP.
WE DO OUR OWN FUNDRAISING AND
WE PICKED UP OUR OWN HOUSES
WITH A BOOKLET AND SET AND
LEVELED OUR OWN HOUSES IN THE
MUD PIT IT IS A TESTAMENT TO
OUR RESILIENCE AND DEDICATION.
I'M SPEAKING OUT IN FAVOR OF
THE SOLIDARITY BUDGET, GIVING
MAYOR JENNY DURKAN A MONOPOLY
AND EXCLUDING OTHER OPERATIONS
ELIMINATE PEOPLE THAT ARE OUT
OF NECESSITY WORKING DILIGENTLY
TO FIND SOLUTIONS TO BE
DIFFICULT TO LIMIT THAT
HOMELESSNESS PRESENTS.
ATTACKING THIS PROBLEM FROM ALL
ANGLES WITH MORE THAN ONE
APPROACH HAS TO BE THE BEST WAY
AT THIS POINT AND NICHOLS WILL
DEFINITELY DESERVES A SEAT AT
THE TABLE.
I BELIEVE THAT NICHOLS BILL AS
MUCH AS ANYBODY CAN AND IS
CONTRIBUTING TO COST-EFFECTIVE
AND OVERALL EFFECTIVE
HOMELESSNESS SOLUTIONS WITH THE
TINY HOUSES.
PLEASE, PLEASE INCLUDE IT IN
THE BUDGET, THE ONLY BUDGET
THAT INCLUDES THIS IS THE
SOLIDARITY BUDGET.
THANK YOU AND TO KSHAMA SAWANT
AND THOSE WHO SUPPORT THE TINY
VILLAGE COMMUNITY.
PLEASE, NOTHING ABOUT US
WITHOUT US.
>> THANKS FOR YOUR TIME
TONIGHT, CHRIS.
AND, COLLEEN, I SEE YOU ARE IN
MUTED.
PLEASE GO AHEAD.
>> YES, GOOD EVENING.
ARE WE ON?
>> YES.
>> OKAY, YES.
WELCOME I'M CALLING BACK AND I
AM A HOMEOWNER IN D4
REPRESENTING THE COMMUNITY
COUNCIL OF 2400 MEMBERS.
WE SUPPORT THE INCLUSION OF
FORM BE IN THE 2021 BUDGET THAT
IS PROPOSED BY COUNCILMEMBER
PETERSON.
IT IS A LEGISLATION INTENT
STATEMENT THAT PROVIDES
úTRACKING FOR RESPONSE TIMES OF
THE 911 POLICE EMERGENCY CALLS
IN 2021 THAT PROVIDES LIFE-
SAVING RESPONSE AND IS THE
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY OF THE
CITY.
911 IS THE NUMBER THAT PEOPLE
CALL WHEN THEY HAVE A MOST DIRE
NEED FOR ACTIVE, IF AN ACTIVE
SHOOTER BURSTS IN AND THREATENS
TO ARM THE CHILDREN OR IF AN
INDIVIDUAL IS HOLDING UP A
SHOPKEEPER, YOU CALL 911.
EACH SECOND OF THAT RESPONSE
TIME SEEMS LIKE HOURS.
BUT, WITH THE PROPOSED CHANGES
TO THE SPD STRUCTURE AND THE
REDUCED BUDGET THERE MAY BE
CHANGES IN THE RESPONSETIMES.
SOME OF THOSE SLOWER RESPONSE
TIMES MAY AFFECT THE MOST
VALUABLE OR VULNERABLE
POPULATIONS OF THE CITY.
THE YOUTH AND SENIORS, SO WE
URGE YOU TO INCLUDE FORM BE IN
THE BUDGET TO ENABLE THE CITY
TO CAPTURE THE DATA AND PROVIDE
THE RESOURCES TO RESPOND TO
THOSE CRITICAL 911 CALLS.
THANK YOU.
>>> THANKS FOR YOUR TIME
TONIGHT.
AND, ANDREW BENNETT FOLLOWED BY
A MULTIPLE.
HELLO, ANDREW.
>> HELLO, CAN YOU HEAR ME?
>> YES, THANK YOU.
>> TAKE YOU SO MUCH AND THANK
YOU TO EVERYONE FOR PROVIDING
THIS FORUM.
THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I HAVE
EVER CALLED INTO SOMETHING LIKE
THIS AND I'M CALLING IT BECAUSE
I WANT TO ECHO THE SUPPORT OF
THE PREVIOUS CALLER FROM
COUNCILMAN PETERSON, AROUND
ENSURING THAT WE TRACK AND
PROTECT 911 CALL TIMES FOR OUR
MOST AT RISK CITIZENS HERE IN
THE CITY OF SEATTLE THAT NEED
HELP.
THE SECOND IS TO SHARE A
PERSONAL ANECDOTE THAT IS A
RESULT OF THE POLICIES OF THE
CITY COUNCIL AND THAT THEY HAD
RECENTLY GETTING RID OF THE
NAVIGATION TEAMS.
I LIVE IN PROXIMITY TO GRANADA
BOULEVARD IN A RESIDENTIAL
NEIGHBORHOOD.
I'M A HOMEOWNER IN DISTRICT 4
AND OUR AREA IS HEAVILY
RESIDENTIAL WITH CHILDREN IN
MOST OF THE HOMES IN OUR AREA.
AND ONE BLOCK NORTH OF US IN
ONE BLOCK SOUTH OF US THERE
WERE RECENTLY ABANDONED
ENCAMPMENTS AND PROBABLY 100+
NEEDLES OF WHICH I HAVE
DOCUMENTED AND CAN SHARE
PHOTOGRAPHS OF THAT WERE IN THE
MIDDLE OF THE ROAD AND WAS NOT
CLEANED UP FOR A PERIOD OF DAYS
IF NOT LONGER IN WHICH ANY
CHILD OR RESIDENT COULD EASILY
HAVE STEPPED ON OR GOTTEN STUCK.
THE POINT THERE IS THAT WE AS A
CITY HAVE GOT TO DO BETTER AND
COME UP WITH MORE HOLISTIC WAYS
TO PROTECT ALL OF OUR CITIZENS,
NOT ONLY THOSE THAT ARE IN NEED
OF MENTAL HEALTH OR SUBSTANCE
ABUSE, BUT ALSO THE CITIZENS
WHO ARE LIVING AND ALSO TRYING
TO DEAL WITH THESE PROBLEMS IN
THE CITY AT THIS POINT DOES NOT
SEEM TO HAVE A THOUGHTFUL
RESPONSE OTHER THAN GET RID OF
THE NAVIGATION TEAMS AND MY
PERSONAL EXPERIENCE HERE AGAIN
IS THAT IT --
>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR
TIME.
AND INGRID ARCHBOLD, GOOD
EVENING.
>> HELLO, COUNCILMEMBERS.
I'M A RENTER IN DISTRICT 6 AND
I'M ALSO A VOLUNTEER WITH
SUNRISE SEATTLE AND WORK FOR AN
ADVOCACY ORGANIZATION.STAND IS
ONE OF THE 150 ORGANIZATIONS
THAT HAVE SIGNED ON IN SUPPORT
OF THIS COUNCIL PASSING A
SOLIDARITY BUDGET THIS YEAR.
I URGE YOU TO AMEND THE
PROPOSED BUDGET TO REFLECT THE
DEMANDS OF THE SOLIDARITY
BUDGET.I URGE YOU TO DIVEST
FROM SPD BY AT LEAST 50%,
REINVEST IN COMMUNITIES
INCREDIBLE PROGRAMS INCLUDING
COVID RELIEF, FOR HOUSING, AND
GREEN NEW DEAL PROGRAMS.
BY PASSING A 2021 BUDGET THAT
HELPS TO HEAL HISTORIC WRONGS
AND CENTERS CARE OVER VIOLENCE
AND HARM, THEY CAN IMPROVE WHAT
IS POSSIBLE.
WE HAVE AN INCREDIBLE
OPPORTUNITY TO SET AN EXAMPLE
FOR CITIES ACROSS WASHINGTO
AND THE REST OF THE COUNTRY.
I URGE YOU TO PASS A SOLIDARITY
BUDGET THAT IS PROGRESSIVE,
ADDRESSES THE NEEDS OF OUR
COMMUNITIES AND HONORS BLACK
LIVES.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.
>> THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME
TONIGHT.
OKAY, FOLKS IT WE ARE AT NUMBER
170.
THERE ARE 50 MORE PEOPLE TO GO
AND QUITE A FEW PEOPLE THAT
HAVE SIGNED UP THAT ARE NOT
PRESENT.
I'M GOING TO . YOUR NAMES AS WE
GO, SO IF YOU DIAL IN WE WILL
GO BACK TO YOU BUT I'M ASKING
PEOPLE, IF YOU HEAR YOUR NAME,
PLEASE CALL IN SO THAT WE DO
NOT HAVE TO TOGGLE BACK AND
FORTH.
THE FOLLOWING SEVEN PEOPLE ARE
NOT PRESENT.
KENDALL GREGORY, RUBY HOLLAND,
MICHAEL LINDBERG, AND BJ.
THOSE ARE BETWEEN NUMBERS 170-
177.
LET'S GO TO BRIAN McMULLEN,
JOSHUA WRITER, WHO ARE PRESENT
WITH US.
THANKS FOR BEING HERE.
BRIAN?
PLEASE GO AHEAD.
>> GOOD EVENING.
I'M A HOMEOWNER WITH WITHIN THE
STRICT NUMBER FOUR AND ALSO ON
THE LOCAL COUNCIL.
SIMILAR TO WHAT ONE OF THE
PREVIOUS CALLERS MENTIONED, I
THINK WE NEED TO UNDERSTAND THE
IMPACT'S OF CHANGES PROPOSED.
WHAT TO SAY I SUPPORT
COUNCILMEMBER PETERSON'S BUDGET
REQUEST CALLING FOR THE REVIEW
OF THE IMPACTS OF THAT THESE
CHANGES WILL HAVE ON 911
RESPONSE TIMES AND ALSO THE
CLOSURE OF VARIOUS CALLS BY THE
POLICE.
SO, I THINK THAT WE NEED THIS
STATEMENT TO GET THE BASIC
REPORT DATA THAT CAN BE
PROVIDED TO QUANTIFY ANY
MATERIAL IMPACTS THESE CHANGES
WOULD IMPOSE.
IN ADDITION, I SUPPORT
IMPLEMENTING BETTER CONTROLS ON
THE OVERTIME FOR SEATTLE
POLICE, WHICH HAS LED TO OUT OF
LINE PAYROLLS FOR CERTAIN
POLICE OFFICERS AND FINALLY, I
THINK WE NEED TO HAVE ZERO
TOLERANCE FOR ANY RACIST
BEHAVIOR ON THE SPD.
I THINK THEY HAVE HAD A
REPUTATION OF BEING ABLE TO
PROTECT THE BAD APPLES IN THEIR
MIDST.
>> THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME
TONIGHT.
EXPERTS AND PRESENT IS JOSHUA
WRITER.
GOOD EVENING, JOSHUA.
>> MY NAME IS JOSH AND I AM A
RENTER IN DISTRICT 6. THE 2021
BUDGET HAS AN OPPORTUNITY TO
PURSUE ANTIRACIST POLICIES AND
I URGE THE COUNCIL, ESPECIALLY
COUNCILMEMBER DAN STRAUSS TO
INCLUDE WHAT IS STATED IN THE
SOLIDARITY AND PEOPLE'S BUDGET
READY FUNDING SPD AND
ALLOCATING THOSE FUNDS TO
SOCIAL SERVICES, HOUSING,
EDUCATION FOR COMMUNITIES, NOT
FROM THE JUMPSTART CIVIL FUNDS,
ADHERING TO PARTICIPATORY
BUDGETING WITH COMMITTEE
MEMBERS GIVEN MULTIPLE SEATS AT
EVERY POINT IN THE DECISION-
MAKING PROCESS, AND FUNDING THE
HOUSING PROJECT.
I FEEL THAT APPEALING TO HEARTS
AND MINDS ONLY DOES SO MUCH.
WE NEED ANTIRACIST POLICIES,
POLICYMAKERS, AND BUDGETS IN
SEATTLE IF WE ARE SINCERE IN
OUR PURSUIT TO BE IN ANTIRACIST
CITY ORIENTED ON EQUALITY.
I REALLY APPRECIATE Y'ALL
TAKING THE TIME TO HEAR US
CONSTITUENTS TONIGHT.
HAVE A GOOD NIGHT, THANKS.
>>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR
DIALING IN TONIGHT.
AND, GOOD EVENING.
>> GOOD EVENING.
I'M A RESIDENT OF DISTRICT 7.
I'M CALLING IN SUPPORT OF THE
KSHAMA SAWANT AND PEOPLE'S
BUDGET.
I'M ASKING THE COUNCIL TO KEEP
ITS BUDGET AND PLEASE DEFUND
SPD BY AT LEAST 50% AND OVER TO
THOSE FUNDS TO COMMUNITIES OF
COLOR.
THIS MONEY COULD BE BETTER
SPENT ON PUBLIC HEALTH, COVID
RELIEF, TRANSPORTATION, AND
AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR ALL
BLACK LIVES MATTER, THANK YOU,
HAVE A GOOD NIGHT.
>> THANKS FOR WAITING ON THE
LINE TONIGHT.
THE NEXT THREE PEOPLE ARE AND A
LEASE, MICHAEL BIGGS, AND BRADY
NORDSTROM.
>> I SEE YOU UNMUTE IT ON MY
END.
IF YOU WANT TO DOUBLE CHECK
ELLIPSE
>> HELLO, GREAT, HIGH.
>> I, I AM A RESIDENT OF
DISTRICT 7. I AM CALLING ON
BEHALF OF MY NONPROFIT
ORGANIZATION FOR ALL THAT IS
BASED IN SEATTLE AND I'M
CALLING IN SUPPORT OF THE BLACK
LIVES MATTER IN SOLIDARITY
BUDGET AND I WAS, AND I AM
COMING THROUGH OUTREACH EFFORTS
FROM 350 SEATTLE.
I'M CALLING TO URGE YOU TO
DIVEST FROM SPD BY AT LEAST 15%
AND SUPPORT DISTRIBUTION OF
FUNDS DIVESTED FROM SPD
THROUGH THE RESPIRATORY BUDGET
PROCESS.
I URGE YOU TO EXTEND THE POLICE
HIRING FREEZE INTO 2020 AS
POLICE QUIT OR RETIRE WE DO NOT
NEED MORE INVESTMENTS TO
REPLACE THEM.
I'M ASKING YOU TO MAKE SURE
THAT INVESTMENT IN BLACK
COMMUNITIES AND COMMUNITY LED
HEALTH AND SAFETY COMES FROM A
FUNDS DIVESTED FROM POLICE
PROSECUTORS AND COURTS, NOT
FROM JUMPSTART CIVIL FUNDS OR
ANY OTHER CITY FUNDS.
THE 2021 BUDGET CAN PUT SEATTLE
ON THE PATH TO ADDRESSING
ANTIBLACK RACISM AND AN
EQUITABLE RECOVERY FROM
INTERSECTING CRISIS OF COVID-
19, ECONOMIC JUSTICE AND
CLIMATE CHANGE.
WE WILL NOT LET COMMUNITY NEEDS
BE PITTED AGAINST EACH OTHER.
>> THANK YOU FOR YOUR COMMENTS
TONIGHT.
MICHAEL, GOOD EVENING.
HI, MICHAEL.
>> HELLO, I'M CALLING TO
STRONGLY SUPPORT THE REQUEST
FOR A REPORT ON 911 RESPONSE
TIMES.
GIVEN THE DEFUNDING OF THE
SEATTLE POLICE DEPARTMENT.
I WANT TO TELL YOU THAT MY
HOUSEHOLD IS DIRECTLY
BENEFITING FROM THE
PROFESSIONALISM OF THE SEATTLE
POLICE DEPARTMENTS RESPONSE TO
A 911 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
SITUATION.
THE POLICE GOT HERE WITHIN FIVE
MINUTES OF THE 911 CALL BE IN
PLACE.
THEIR INTERACTIONS WITH ALL THE
PRINCIPALS WERE POLITE BUT
FIRM.
THEY WERE IMPARTIAL, THOROUGH,
AND PROBING AND THEIR ACTIONS
WERE CLEARLY GROUNDED IN LONG
EXPERIENCE, PROFESSIONALISM,
AND THE AUTHORITY TO ENFORCE
THEIR BEST JUDGMENT.
AT THE END OF THE INCIDENT I
WAS LEFT WITH A PROFOUND SENSE
OF APPRECIATION THAT I LIVED IN
THE CITY WITH A POLICE FORCE
THAT PUT HIGHLY COMPETENT
OFFICERS ONTO THE STREETS AND
WAS ABLE TO DISPATCH THEM TO
EMERGENCIES EFFICIENTLY.
MY RESPECT FOR MY CITY AND ITS
POLICE DEPARTMENT SWORD.
I HATE TO THINK WHAT MIGHT HAVE
HAPPENED, WHAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN
THE OUTCOME OF THAT INCIDENT IF
THE POLICE HAD BEEN DELAYED, OR
IF A TEAM OF SOCIAL WORKERS HAD
BEEN DISPATCHED TO MY HOUSE WHO
WOULD HAVE BEEN ABSOLUTELY
UNEQUIPPED, UNQUALIFIED, AND
UNAUTHORIZED TO --
>> THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME
TONIGHT, AND BRADY NORDSTROM,
GOOD EVENING.
>> HELLO.
THANK YOU FOR THE UPPER ANTI-TO
SPEAK THIS EVENING.
MY NAME IS BRADY NORDSTROM WITH
THE HOUSING COALITION FOR
HOUSING FOR EVERYONE.
WE WOULD LIKE TO URGE YOU TO
SUPPORT A RELATED COMPREHENSIVE
PLAN.
VISA .1 HAS TO DO WITH
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT FOR THE
RACIAL EQUITY TOOLKIT ANALYSIS
AND THE OTHER FOR AN EIS
ALTERNATIVE PROVIDING
ADDITIONAL HOUSING CAPACITY
DIVERSITY IN THE SINGLE-FAMILY
AREAS.
THESE RELATIVELY LOW COST
PRODUCERS WERE INCLUDED BEFORE
THE 2020 EMERGENCY BUDGET
REBALANCING AND NOW THAT FUNDS
ARE AVAILABLE AGAIN THEY SHOULD
BE RE-ADDED.
THE CITY'S LONG-TERM PLANNING
PRIORITIES WERE TO UNDERINVEST
IN THE COMMUNITIES HAS NOT
CHANGED.
THE STATUS QUO OF LAND-USE IS
NOT INCREASED HOUSING EQUITY OR
CONTROL OF HOUSING COSTS AND
DATA SUGGESTS THIS IS DRIVEN BY
ARTIFICIAL RESTRICTIONS TO
INCREASE HOUSING CAPACITY AND
DIVERSITY IN CERTAIN
NEIGHBORHOODS AND AREAS ZONED
SINGLE-FAMILY.
WE NOW HAVE THE CHANCE TO
PRIORITIZE COMMUNITY VOICE IN
THE FUTURE LAND-USE DECISION
AND STUDIED DECISIONS THAT CAN
INCREASE EQUITY WHILE ALLOWING
SEATTLE TO GROW AT A PLEA.
FAILURE TO STUDY OPTIONS MAY
LEAD TO THE REPETITION OF PAST
HARMS.
THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY
TO SPEAK.
>> THANK YOU FOR CALLING IN
TONIGHT.
AND, THE NEXT THREE SPEAKERS
ARE GOING TO BE MICHAEL
LINDBERG, JESSICA DIXON, AND
SMITTY BUCKLER.
BEFORE MICHAEL SPEAKS, JUST A
QUICK NOTE THAT WE ALSO HAVE
EMILY MARTIN AND THOMAS CAROL
AND MELANIE ZAHN LISTED AS UP
NEXT TO SPEAK AND NOT PRESENT.
SO, IF YOU HEARD YOUR NAME
CALLED, PLEASE DO NOTE THAT WE
WILL GET TO YOU WHEN YOU DIAL
IN.
MICHAEL, PLEASE GO AHEAD.
>> GOOD EVENING.
I AM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF
THE HEPATITIS EDUCATION PROJECT
AND I ALSO A COCHAIR OF JUST
ACCESS TO HEALTH AND THAT
EVOLVED OUT OF THE HEROIN AND
PRESCRIPTION OPIOID TASK FORCE.
JUST ACCESS TO HEALTH RECENTLY
SENT EACH OF YOU 17
RECOMMENDATIONS DRAFTED TO
CREATE A SAFER AND HEALTHIER
COMMUNITY AND TONIGHT WE WANT
TO CONTINUE TO ADVOCATE FOR
SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATIONS THAT
HAVE BEEN ADVANCED AS BUDGET
ACTIONS AS MEMBERS OF THE
COUNCIL.
FIRST, WE STRONGLY SUPPORT
COUNCILMEMBER MORALES'S VISION
FOR THE WHOLE PROGRAM AND WE
ALSO SUPPORT THE PROPOSED
EXPANSION OF THE PURPLE BAG
PROGRAM.
WE SUPPORT THE BUDGET ACTION TO
ADVANCE CRITICAL PROGRAMMING TO
INCREASE DRUG USER HEALTH AND
ADDRESS DRUG OVERDOSES
INCLUDING SAFER CONSUMPTION
SERVICES.THIS COUNCIL HAS BEEN
A CHAMPION OF THIS INTERVENTION
AND WE NEED ONE LAST ACTION FOR
TRANSMITTING THESE FUNDS TO
PUBLIC HEALTH CONTRACTS.
THE $1.4 MILLION IS UNSPENT
FROM DRUG USER HEALTH IN
CRISIS.
THE TIME FOR RELEASING THOSE
DOLLARS IS NOW.
WE ALSO SUPPORT THE BUDGET
ACTIONS TO FUND IMPORTANT
SOCIAL SERVICE AGENCIES SUCH AS
THE PEOPLE'S --
>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
AND THE NEXT PERSON IS JESSICA
DIXON.
HELLO, JESSICA.
á6 TO UNMUTE.
AFTER JESSICA, WE ARE GOING TO
HEAR FROM SMITTY BUCKLER AND
THEN WE WILL GO TO ANDREA AND
BACK TO JENNY PRICE.
SO, JESSICA, WE SEE YOU ON THE
LINE.
WE SEE YOU STILL LISTED AS
MUTED.á6 TO UNMUTE.
OKAY.
LET'S GO ON TO SMITTY AND WE
WILL COME BACK TO JESSICA.
JESSICA, IF YOU CAN HEAR US WE
WILL COME BACK TO YOU.
HELLO, SMITTY.
YOU ARE UP NEXT.á6 AS WELL.
SMITTY, CAN YOU HEAR ME?
OKAY.
AND AFTER SMITTY WE ARE GOING
TO GO TO ANDREA.
SMITTY, á6 TO UNMUTE.
GREAT, WE WILL COME BACK TO YOU
AS WELL.
OKAY, FOLKS, LET'S GO AHEAD AND
HAVE ANDREA TEED UP.
HELLO, GOOD EVENING.
>> HI, GOOD EVENING.
MY NAME IS ANDREA CARNES AND
I'M THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR AT
PLYMOUTH HOUSING.
I HAVE WORKED IN SEATTLE
HOUSING ORGANIZATIONS FOR THE
LAST 20+ YEARS AND I JOINED THE
COUPLE THAT SPOKE EARLIER IN
THE TESTIMONY IN SUPPORT OF THE
SOCIAL SERVICES PROVIDER
ACADEMY AT SEATTLE CENTRAL
COLLEGE.
IT IS NO SECRET THAT OUR LOCAL
SUPPORTIVE HOUSING AND SERVICE
PROVIDERS ARE EXPERIENCING A
GAP IN THE ABILITY TO RECRUIT
AND RETAIN EMPLOYEES AT ALL
LEVELS.
MID LEVEL AND LEADERSHIP
POSITIONS ARE
DISPROPORTIONATELY HELD BY
WHITE PEOPLE INCLUDING MYSELF,
WHILE ENTRY-LEVEL FRONTLINE
STAFF ARE MORE REPRESENTATIVE
OF THE COMMUNITIES IN WHICH
THEY WORK AND THE CLIENTS THEY
SERVE.
UPWARD MOBILITY FOR FRONTLINE
STAFF IS INHIBITED BY THE NEED
FOR EDUCATION.
IT IS PAST TIME FOR OUR CITY TO
INVEST IN OPPORTUNITIES LIKE
THE SOCIAL SERVICES PROVIDER
ACADEMY.
IT IS DESIGNED TO BREAK THROUGH
THE INDIVIDUAL BARRIERS AND
STRUCTURAL RACISM WITHIN THE
SYSTEM AND PROVIDE A PATHWAY
FOR CAREER DEVELOPMENT.
I'M GRATEFUL TO THE COUNCIL FOR
STRONGLY SUPPORTING THE
INITIATIVE TO INCREASE
SUPPORTIVE HOUSING AND THE
SUPPORTIVE HOUSING
ORGANIZATIONS ARE ASKED TO GROW
TO MEET THE NEEDS.
WE MUST BE DEVELOPING AND
EXPANDING THE WORKFORCE TO
CARRY OUT THIS MISSION.
I WANT TO THANK COUNCILMEMBERS
HERBOLD AND GONZALES FOR
INCLUDING THIS IN THE BUDGET OF
ANCHORAGEÃ
>> ANDREA, THANKS FOR BEING
WITH US TONIGHT.
WE ARE GOING TO GO BACK TO
JESSICA DIXON AND SMITTY
BUCKLER AND THAT WILL BE
FOLLOWED BY JENNY PRICE.
JESSICA?
CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?
PERFECT.
>> YES.
I CAN HEAR YOU.
>> YES, THANKS SO MUCH.
>> HI, MY NAME IS JESSICA
DIXON.
I AM A 30 YEAR RESIDENT OF
DISTRICT 6 AND A BOARD MEMBER
OF PLANNED AMNESTY.
OUR URBAN FOREST FORCED THE
INHABITANTS, SEATTLE'S TREES
CONTRIBUTE TO CLEANER AIR AND
WATER, AND SUPPORT --
>> JESSICA, IT LOOKS LIKE YOU
GOT DROPPED.
SO, WE WILL LINK YOU BACK IN
AND TRY TO GET THE REST OF YOUR
TESTIMONY.
IF YOU CAN HEAR ME, GO AHEAD
AND CALL BACK IN, WE WILL GET
YOU IN THE QUEUE, OKAY?
SMITTY, PLEASE GO AHEAD.
LET'S TRY TO GET YOU UNMUTE IT
AS WELL AGAIN.á6 TO UNMUTE
YOURSELF.
SMITTY, CAN YOU HEAR ME?
á6 TO UNMUTE.
OKAY, THERE YOU ARE.
>> CAN YOU HEAR ME?
>> YES.
THANK YOU FOR DOING THAT.
>> THANK YOU.
MY NAME IS SMITTY BUCKLER AND
I'M A RESIDENT OF DISTRICT ONE
ORIGINALLY FROM EASTERN
WASHINGTON I HAVE LIVED ON THE
SIDE OF THE MOUNTAINS FOR OVER
15 YEARS MOST OF MY ADULT LIFE
AND I'M CALLING IS FOUNDER OF
BRAD KAREN AND INTERSEXUAL
ORGANIZATION THAT CLEAR TRANS
BLACK AND INDIGENOUS PEOPLE OF
COLOR GO OUT TO SINGLE.
WE ARE WORKING WITH INDIVIDUALS
AT THE INTERSECTIONAL
POPULATION EXPERIENCING DRUG
COMPLICATIONS.
WE OF COURSE HAVE A SOLIDARITY
BUT BECAUSE IT MAKE SENSE SO
SPECIFIC BUDGET ITEMS ARE SUPER
IMPORTANT TO US.
THE HANDWASHING AND CLEAN WATER
STATIONS AND TINY AND OTHER
SHELTER CUTS, CHINESE SHELTER
HOUSES AND OTHER FUNDING
SPECIFICALLY ON RELIGIOUS
ORGANIZATIONS FOR MARGINALIZED
POPULATIONS FOR THOSE THAT
CANNOT ACCESS THE SYSTEMS
BECAUSE FOR INSTANCE THEY ARE
TRANS OR OF COLOR AND THE
REALLOCATION OF THESE FUNDS
TOWARDS OTHER DIRECT SERVICE
ORGANIZATIONS EXCHANGE
PROGRAMS.WE ORIGINATED FROM THE
SPD BY A MINIMUM OF 50% IN
SUPPORT OF THE CERTIFICATION OF
FUNDS TO VESTED THROUGH A
PRESBYTERY BUDGET PROCESS LED
BY THOSE ENACTED BY THE
ISLANDS, MAINLY BLACK AND
TRANSIENT OR OTHER INDIVIDUALS.
THANK YOU FOR IT.
>>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
AND, AFTER SMITTY, WE HAVE
JENNY PRICE AND MICHAEL, AND WE
ARE GOING TO GO BACK TO JESSICA
IN JUST A SECOND.
JENNY?
GOOD EVENING, JUST á6 TO UNMUTE
YOURSELF.
PERFECT, HI THERE.
>> HI.
MY NAME IS JENNY PRICE AND I AM
A RENTER IN DISTRICT FOR.
I AM ALSO A MEMBER OF SUNRISE
MOVEMENT SEATTLE.
AND I AM ALSO CALLING TO ADD MY
SUPPORT FOR THE DEMANDS OF THE
SOLIDARITY BUDGET SO I URGE YOU
TO DIVEST FROM SPD BY AT LEAST
15% AND REDISTRIBUTE THOSE
FUNDS THROUGH A PARTICIPATORY
BUDGETING PROCESS.
INSTEAD OF WASTING OUR MONEY
AND RESOURCES ON CRIMINALIZING
POVERTY AND MENTAL HEALTH
STRUGGLES, WE SHOULD INVEST
THAT MONEY IN MEETING PEOPLE'S
BASIC NEEDS.
WE CAN CREATE REAL PUBLIC
SAFETY, NOT THROUGH OVER
FUNDING THE POLICE, BUT BY
FUNDING SAFE HOUSING,
HEALTHCARE AND PUBLIC TRANSIT
AMONG OTHERS.
I URGE YOU TO EXPAND THE POLICE
HIRING FREEZE INTO 2021 AS PART
OF THE PROCESS OF DEFUNDING SPD
AS WELL.
THANK YOU FOR STICKING AROUND
THIS LONG TO HEAR ALL OF US AND
I YIELD MY TIME.
>> THANK YOU FOR CALLING IN.
MICHAEL, GOOD EVENING.
THEN WE WILL GO TO JESSICA.
HELLO, MICHAEL.
JUST á6 TO UNMUTE YOURSELF.
GREAT.
HI, MICHAEL.
>> HI, MY NAME IS MICHAEL.
I AM A MEMBER OF SOCIAL
COMMITTED, A SUPPORTER OF THE
PEOPLE'S BUDGET AND THE
SOLIDARITY BUDGET AND YOU KNOW,
I HAVE PURCHASED ALL SUMMER FOR
JUSTICE FOR GEORGE FLOYD.
AND YOU KNOW, I HAVE ASKED THE
CITY COUNCIL TO STAND AGAINST
MAYOR JENNY DURKAN'S AUSTERITY
BUDGET.
IT IS ABSOLUTELY SHAMEFUL TO
CUT SO MUCH MONEY FROM OUR
COMMUNITY AND OUR SERVICES WHEN
THE POLICE BUDGET GOES
UNTOUCHED.
IT IS CLEAR WHAT THE PEOPLE OF
SEATTLE HAVE ASKED FOR.
WE HAVE ASKED FOR A 50%
DEFUNDING OF THE POLICE BUDGET.
WE NEED THAT MONEY FOR
LIBRARIES, FOR AFFORDABLE
HOUSING, FOR PARKS AND
COMMUNITY CENTERS AND RIGHT
NOW, THE MAYOR'S BUDGET, IT IS
A POLICE BUDGET, IT IS A BUDGET
THAT, YOU KNOW, IF APPROVED IT
WILL SHOW THAT YOU DON'T LISTEN
TO BLACK LIVES MATTER WHERE THE
PEOPLE OF SEATTLE AND THAT YOU
WOULD RATHER FUND TEARGAS THAN
BOOKS, THEN PARKS.
AND THIS IS NOT WHAT THE PEOPLE
OF SEATTLE NEED IN THIS MOMENT.
WE NEED TO TAX BIG BUSINESS
FURTHER TO FIND AFFORDABLE
HOUSING AND CUT THE POLICE
BUDGET TO FIND AFFORDABLE
HOUSING AND A GREEN NEW DEAL.
THE CRISES FACING WORKING
PEOPLE ARE MANYFOLD AND THE
FUNDING FOR FIGHTING THESE
CRISES COME FROM THE TOP 1% AND
IT COMES FROM CUTTING THE
POLICE BUDGET.
SO, YOU HAVE GOT --
>> THANK YOU FOR CALLING IN
TONIGHT.
JESSICA, WE ARE COMING BACK TO
YOU.
WE LOST YOU AT THE MOST
INOPPORTUNE TIME.
YOU ARE GETTING INTO YOUR
PUBLIC TESTIMONY.
WE WILL ASK YOU TO PRESS á6 TO
UNMUTE AND WE WILL GIVE YOU
YOUR TIME BACK.
AND THEN, I JUST WANT TO NOTE
AS JESSICA IS PUSHING á6, I
STILL SEE YOU LISTED AS MUTED
ON MY END, THE FOLLOWING PEOPLE
ARE ALSO LISTED AS NOT PRESENT
OVER HERE.
EMILY MARTIN, THOMAS CARROLL,
JASON SMITH, T KT, AARON RENTS,
DAHLIA WISNER, JANET WILL AND,
ZOE CAMERON AND -- AND POST.
OKAY.
SO, IF YOU HEARD YOUR NAME .,
WE ARE NOW PAST YOUR NUMBER.
BUT, IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO DIAL
BACK IN WILL TRY TO GET YOU.
I SEE LISTED AS UNMUTE IT.
>> MY NAME IS JESSICA DIXON,
MAY 30 YEAR RESIDENT OF THE SIX
AND A BOARD MEMBER OF PLANNED
AMNESTY.
OUR URBAN FOREST SUPPORTS THE
INHABITANTS.
SEATTLE TREES CONTRIBUTE TO
CLEAN AIR AND WATER IN SUPPORT
WILDLIFE AND BIRDS.
IT IS CRITICALLY IMPORTANT THAT
THEY UPDATE A UPDATED TREE
ORDINANCE THAT PROTECTS AND
HELPS THE URBAN FOREST.
THE PROVISO DIRECTING SEATTLE'S
DCI TO COMPLETE THE NEW AND
STRONGER TREE ORDINANCE
REQUIRED BY RESOLUTION 31 902.
THIS DIRECTS THAT THE EXECUTIVE
DELIVER AN UPDATED ORDINANCE TO
THE COUNCIL BEFORE IT IS SPENT
THE ONE LAST THIRD OF THE
POLICY OFFICE BUDGET FOR 2021.
IN ADDITION, THE CITY OF
SEATTLE TO GET SERIOUS ABOUT
HOW WE MANAGE THE URBAN FOREST
MOVING INTO THE FUTURE.
I SUPPORT THE DIRECTIVE PUT
FORWARD BY COUNCILMEMBER
PATTERSON THAT WOULD REQUIRE A
PLAN TO POTENTIALLY TROUBLE AND
CONSOLIDATE ALL THREE
MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY TO OVERSEE
AND BE SUBMITTED TO THE COUNCIL
BY SEPTEMBER 2021.
THANK YOU.
>> THANKS AGAIN FOR CALLING
BACK IN.
ALL RIGHT.
WE ARE NOW AT NUMBER 198, AND
THAT INCLUDES HEATHER WORD LEE,
MICHAEL BEALE, AND ESTER
CAMPBELL.
WE HAVE YOU ALL LISTED TO SPEAK
NEXT AND ARE PRESENT.
IF YOU SIGNED UP TO PROVIDE
PUBLIC TESTIMONY AND ARE NOT ON
OUR TESTIMONY LINE, IT IS TIME
TO GET ON BECAUSE WE ARE
GETTING CLOSE TO THE END HERE.
SO, AGAIN, WE ARE NUMBER 198,
HEATHER, THANKS SO MUCH
>> GOOD EVENING, HEATHER
RIPLEY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF
PORT JOBS, A 501(C)(3)
NONPROFIT.
TESTIFYING TONIGHT, TO
RESPECTFULLY REQUEST THAT YOU
RESTORE FUNDING FOR PORT JOBS
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT IN THE
AMOUNT OF $50,000.
WHICH WAS CUT FROM THE OFFICE
OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND THE
MAYOR'S BUDGET.
THIS IS ONE OF THE ONLY
ORGANIZATIONS CURRENTLY
PROVIDING IN PERSON SERVICES
INCLUDING INTERNET AND COMPUTER
ACCESS TO THE MORE THAN 50%
REFUGEE AND IMMIGRANT COMMUNITY
OF AIRPORT WORKERS AT SEATAC,
20% OF PORT JOB CUSTOMERS ARE
CITY OF SEATTLE RESIDENTS.
MORE THAN 40% ARE BLACK.
PORT JOBS PROVIDE CAREER
ADVANCEMENT PATHWAYS TO
AVIATION MAINTENANCE TECHNOLOGY
AND OTHERS STILL IN DEMAND
CERTIFICATES.
WE ARE HOSTING HEALTHCARE
ENROLLMENT CEREMONIES AT
AIRPORT IN PERSON WITH MULTIPLE
LANGUAGES SUPPORTED FOR THOSE
LOSING COVERAGE DUE TO LAYOFFS.
CITY FUNDING IS CRITICAL TO
CONTINUE THESE ESSENTIAL
SERVICES AS OUR COMMUNITIES
REAL FROM PANDEMIC INDUCED JOB
CHANGES.
NOW MORE THAN EVER, PORT JOBS
HAS BEEN A LIFELINE FOR
HUNDREDS OF WORKERS AND THEIR
FAMILIES.
PLEASE RESTORE PORT JOBS
FUNDING TO SUPPORT THE
COMMUNITY RECOVERY THROUGH
ESSENTIAL WORKFORCE SUPPORT.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR
SERVICE AND YOUR TIME.
>> THANKS FOR CALLING IN
TONIGHT.
MICHAEL, YOU ARE UP NEXT.
>> HI.
MY NAME IS MICHAEL GILL, I AM A
RENTER IN DISTRICT TWO, AND
CURRENTLY OUT OF WORK METLIFE
MUSIC INDUSTRY WORKER AND
CONTRACTOR.
I AM SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF
RETAINING THE NIGHTLIFE
BUSINESS ADVOCATE POSITION.
THE MAYOR'S 2021 BUDGET
PROPOSES THE NOMINATION OF THAT
POSITION COMPLETELY AND THE
SERVICES VENUES, BARS,
RESTAURANTS, AND REALLY
IMPORTANT COMMUNICATION ON
SAFETY, LICENSING, REGULATION,
AND GENERAL COMMUNITY
INVOLVEMENT.
THIS IS NOT A TIME THAT WE ARE
ABLE TO RESTART THIS HARD
RELATIONSHIP WITH THE SMALL
BUSINESSES AND THE CITY AND
HAVE TO REESTABLISH THAT LINE
OF COMMUNICATION.
BUT UNIVERSAL COMMUNICATION IS
SO VALUABLE AND IT IS CRUCIAL
TO SAFE AND FINANCIALLY
POSSIBLE RECOVERY FROM THE
PANDEMIC.
THIS IS ONE POSITION THAT
CREATES ESSENTIAL RESOURCES FOR
HUNDREDS OF SMALL BUSINESSES
AND PROVIDES THOUSANDS OF JOBS.
SAVING THE SINGLE POSITION WILL
SAVE BUSINESSES, JOBS AND
IMPROVE OUR ABILITY TO BE
RESOURCEFUL TO OUR FUTURE
COMMUNITIES AND CREATE
CONVERSATION IN EQUITY AND
SUSTAINABILITY ECONOMICALLY AND
PROVIDE MORE RESOURCES FOR OUR
COMMUNITIES.
>> EXCELLENT, THANK YOU VERY
MUCH.
AND, ESTER?
YOU ARE UP NEXT.
ESTER WILL BE FOLLOWED BY
JEREMY WILLIAMS, JESSE RAWLINS,
AND JUDGE YOU IN.
MY APOLOGIES, JUNE.
ESTER, GOOD EVENING.
>> HI, CAN YOU HEAR ME?
>> YES, THANK YOU FOR ASKING.
>> HI, I AM A REGISTRANT OF
DISTRICT 3 AND I AM CALLING
ALONG WITH SO MANY OTHER PEOPLE
WHO SUPPORT THE SOLIDARITY
BUDGET AND THE DEFUNDING OF SPD
BY AT LEAST 50% AND
REINVESTMENT OF THESE FUNDS IN
THE BLACK AMENITY, BECAUSE
BLACK LIVES MATTER AND THE
FUNDS SHOULD NOT COME FROM
JUMPSTART.
I LIVE WITHIN A FEW BLOCKS OF
THE PARK AND HAVE WITNESSED THE
VIOLENCE OF SPD AGAINST
PEACEFUL PROTESTERS AND THE
DAMAGE DONE TO LOCAL RESIDENTS,
EVEN PEOPLE WHO HAD NOTHING TO
DO WITH THE PROTESTS BY TEARGAS
AND BANGS.
I DO NOT FEEL THAT THE POLICE
PROTECT ME OR THE NEIGHBORHOOD
AND THEIR INACTIVE DANGER TO
COMMUNITIES OF COLOR IN THE
HOMELESS COMMUNITY.
IT OR NOT FEEL THREATENED BY
HOMELESS ENCAMPMENTS, BUT I
FEEL THREATENED BY
UNACCOUNTABLE POLICE.
I ESPECIALLY WANT TO EXPRESS MY
SUPPORT FOR THE HOPE PUZZLE AND
TO REPLACE THE NAVIGATION TEAM
WITH A NEW MODEL THAT WORKS
WITH AND NOT AGAINST THE
HOMELESS COMMUNITY.
SWEEPS A DON'T GET PEOPLE INTO
HOUSING, THEY JUST MOVE PEOPLE
AROUND, AND THEY GET HARDER FOR
THEM TO ACCESS SERVICES AND THE
CDC HAS RECOMMENDED AGAINST
SWEEPING ENCAMPMENTS DURING
PANDEMICS.
PLEASE ALSO FIND STREET SINK,
THE PURPLE BAG SCHEME, MORE
TINY HOUSE VILLAGES, AND
MAINTAIN FUNDING FOR THE 24-
HOUR SHELTERS.
>> PLEASE DO SEND IN THE REST
OF YOUR TESTIMONY.
THANK YOU FOR DARLING IN
TONIGHT.
JEREMY WILLIAMS?
YOU ARE UP NEXT.
GOOD EVENING.
>> HEY, GOOD EVENING.
CAN YOU HEAR ME?
>> THANKS FOR BEING HERE.
>> THANK YOU.
TODAY IT HAS BEEN A LONG
EVENING AND YOU HAVE BEEN DOING
A PHENOMENAL JOB, SO GOOD
EVENING.
MY NAME IS JERMAINE WILLIAMS.
I AM A COMMUNITY RESEARCHER
WITH BLACK MILLIONS PROJECT,
ALSO REPRESENTING FREEDOM
PROJECT OF WASHINGTON.
I ALSO A LONG TIME RESIDENT OF
DISTRICT 1. AND A FATHER OF
CHILDREN WHO LIVE IN HIGH POINT
WEST SEATTLE.
I STAND WITH KING COUNTY EQUITY
AND SUPPORT THE SOLIDARITY
BUDGET AND DEFUNDING THE POLICE
DEPARTMENT BY 100%.
I DO NOT WANT MY CHILDREN
TRAUMATIZED BY WITNESSING
POLICE BRUTALITY, NOR SUFFERING
A LESSER EDUCATION.
LACK OF MENTAL HEALTH CARE AND
POOR MEDICAL CARE, OR SUFFERING
A SHORTER LIFE EXPECTANCY
BECAUSE OF THEIR ZIP CODE, TAX
BRACKET, OR THE COLOR OF THEIR
SKIN.
I ASKED THAT WE DIVEST IN
POLICING AND REINVEST IN
COMMUNITY.
WE ARE UNAPOLOGETICALLY BLACK,
UNAPOLOGETICALLY BEAUTIFUL AND
UNAPOLOGETICALLY BRILLIANT.
BLACK LIVES AND SOULS MATTER.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND
STAND WITH KING COUNTY EQUITY
NOW AND ASK THAT WE DEFINED AND
DIVEST FROM SEATTLE POLICE
DEPARTMENT AND REINVEST IN
COMMUNITIES, PARTICULARLY BLOCK
.
>>> GOOD EVENING, BUDGET CHAIR.
CAN YOU HEAR ME?
>> WE SURE CAN.
THANKS FOR CHECKING.
>> WE HAVE SEVERAL STAFF THAT
PARTICIPATE IN A GROUP CALLED
JUST ACCESS TO HELP, AND ON
BEHALF OF PDA AND JUST ACCESS
TO HELP WE STAY IN SOLIDARITY
WITH REIMAGINING PUBLIC SAFETY
AS THE LIQUID DRUG POLICIES ARE
THE CORE COME POCKET TO ANY
PUBLIC PLANNING, AND WE URGE
THAT YOU HAVE HEALTH FOR ANY
BUDGET DELIBERATION.
WE RECENTLY SENT YOU 17
RECOMMENDATIONS AND TONIGHT I
WANT TO HIGHLIGHT THREE.
FIRST I WANT TO ASK FOR
EVERYONE'S SUPPORT FOR
COUNCILMEMBER HERBOLD'S BUDGET
ACTION TO ADVANCE CRITICAL
PROGRAMMING FOR CONSUMPTION
SERVICES, AND IN ADDITION I
WANT TO ASK FOR SUPPORT FOR
FUNDING A STUDY ON HUMAN
SERVICE INEQUITIES, AND LASTLY,
I WANT TO ASK FOR
COUNCILMEMBER'S ACTION TO ADD
FUNDING TO IMPORTANT SOCIAL
SERVICE AGENCIES SUCH AS THE
AGENCY OR REACH.
AND I ALSO WANT TO -- [ NO
AUDIO ]
>> SHOOT, JESSE.
I THINK WE LOST THE LAST FEMME
THERE.
SO IF YOU COULD E-MAIL ALL OF
US THERE, TOO.
THANK YOU FOR WAITING ON THE
LINE TONIGHT.
>>> OKAY.
I'M GOING TO READ A LIST OF
NAMES THAT ARE UP NEXT THAT ARE
LISTED AS NOT PRESENT.
JUDY LIGHTFOOT.
SHAUNA MCCAIN, PETER FINK.
MELODY OWEN, MARINE SCRUBS AND
JANET VAN FLEET.
IF YOU HEARD YOUR NAME AND ARE
STILL ABLE TO TESTIFY, YOU CAN
STILL CALL IN AND WE'LL TRY TO
GET YOU, BUT WE HAVE PAST YOUR
NUMBER.
SO THAT BRINGS US TO BRUNO
GEORGE AND KAT RINE BURKE.
GOOD EVENING, JUDE.
JUDE, YOU ARE NUMBER 207 FOR
FOLKS FOLLOWS ALONG WITH US.
AND JUDE, JUST PUSH STAR 6 ONE
MORE TIME TO UNMUTE YOURSELF.
OKAY, JUDE, IF YOU CAN HEAR ME,
STAR SIX.
>> CAN YOU HEAR ME?
>> YES.
THANK YOU, IT WORKED.
>> OKAY.
ALL RIGHT.
SO THANK YOU.
I'M A RESIDENT OF DISTRICT FIVE
AND WISH TO THANK ALL
COUNCILMEMBERS FOR THEIR LONG
HOURS WORKING TOWARDS A BETTER
SEATTLE, AND ESPECIALLY
COUNCILWOMAN DEBORA JUAREZ FOR
ALL SHE HAS DONE AND TRIED TO
DO FOR OUR DISTRICT.
I'M THE PRESIDENT OF THE LAKE
CITY HOUSE, A SEATTLE HOUSING
AUTHORITY, LOW-INCOME BUILDING
FOR THE LAST FOUR YEARS.
AND AN ADVOCATE FOR LOW-INCOME
RESIDENTS, HOMELESS SENIORS
SEEN AND UNSEEN DISABILITIES,
MENTAL HEALTH, HUMAN BEINGS,
INCLUDING ADVOCATING 1,000% FOR
BLACK LIVES MATTER, PEOPLE OF
COLOR.
I'M ALSO A MEMBER OF THE BUILD
LAKE CITY TOGETHER AND LAKE
CITY NEIGHBORHOOD ALLIANCE, THE
ONLY ACTUAL LOW-INCOME RESIDENT
REPRESENTING ADVOCACY FOR THE
GREATER LAKE CITY AREA.
I HAVE BEEN THROUGH THE SYSTEM
FROM TRANSITIONAL HOUSING TO
PERMANENT HOUSING.
I BELIEVE WE DEFINITELY NEED AN
ACTUAL LOW-INCOME RESIDENT AND
A BLACK LIVES MATTER ADVOCATE
ON THE MAYOR'S BUDGET COMMITTEE
BECAUSE IF YOU HAVEN'T LIVED
IT, YOU CAN'T POSSIBLY REALLY
KNOW WHAT IS NEEDED.
[ NO AUDIO ]
>> SHOOT.
I'M SORRY THAT WE DIDN'T GET
THE LAST SENTENCE IN THERE.
PLEASE DO SEND US YOUR MESSAGE
AS WELL.
>>> LET'S SEE.
WE HAVE NEXT BRUNO GEORGE.
GOOD EVENING, BRUNO.
>> HELLO.
MY NAME IS BRUNO GEORGE.
I FOR -- FOR NOW I'M A RENTER
IN DISTRICT THREE, BUT WHEN
PANDEMIC UNEMPLOYMENT
ASSISTANCE ENDS AT THE END OF
DECEMBER AND THE EVICTION
MORATORIUM ALSO ENDS A THE END
OF DECEMBER, I MIGHT WELL
BECOME HOMELESS AT SOME POINT
IN 2021 ALONG WITH THOUSANDS OF
OTHER PEOPLE IN SEATTLE.
SO I'M CALLING TO SUPPORT THE
SOLIDARITY BUDGET, INCLUDING
INVESTMENT IN COMMUNITIES AND
ESPECIALLY SUPPORT FOR TENT
CITIES, TINY HOUSE VILLAGES,
THE MITIGATION TEAM THAT
SUPPORTS HOMELESS PEOPLE WHO
LIVE IN THEIR CARS, AND
GENUINELY AFFORDABLE HOUSING
THAT IS DEMOCRATICALLY RUN.
I YIELD THE REST OF MY TIME.
THANK YOU.
>> OKAY.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR CALLING
IN TONIGHT.
>> OKAY, FOLKS.
WE ARE GETTING NEAR THE END
BECAUSE THERE ARE A HANDFUL OF
FOLK WHOSE ARE NOT PRESENT
ALONG WITH THOSE WHO ARE NEXT
TO SPEAK AND THEN I'M GOING TO
LIST THE NAMES OF PEOPLE WHO
ARE ALSO SIGNED UP BUT ARE NOT
PRESENT.
SO THE NEXT PERSON THAT WE HAVE
IS JANET VAN FLEET FOLLOWED BY
KATHERINE BURKE.
HOWARD GALE AND THEN WHITNEY
CON.
OKAY?
THE PEOPLE THAT WE HAVE LISTED
AS NOT PRESENT INCLUDE STEVE
ZEMKE, MARY ABE SCRUGGS, PABLO
-- PABLO -- MICHAEL OXMAN.
MARLEE FULLER, CHRIS LEEMAN,
MICHELLE LUCAS, ANTHONY POWER,
AND CULL DAMMA MUHAMMAD.
IF YOU'RE INTERESTED IN
SPEAKING AND JUST HEARD YOUR
NAME, YOU HAVE A FEW MINUTES TO
DIAL IN.
WE HAVE THE LAST FEW SPEAKERS
PRESENT AND WE'RE LOOKING
FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU
ALL.
JANET, PLEASE GO AHEAD.
YOU ARE UP NEXT.
>> HELLO.
THIS IS JANET VAN FLEET FROM
DISTRICT THREE.
I'M CALLING IN SUPPORT OF 24-7
FUNDING FOR THE SHARE AND WHEEL
SHELTERS AND FOR MORE
ENCAMPMENTS AND TINY HOUSES
LIKE NICKELSVILLE AND TENT CITY
3 AND I JUST WANT TO ECHO THE
STATEMENTS OF THE NUMEROUS
PEOPLE FROM THE SHARE WHEEL
SHELTERS AND TENT CITIES WHO
HAVE SPOKEN AND TINY HOUSE A
VILLAGES.
SHELTER SAVES LIVES, AND
SHELTERS PLANNED AND RUN BY THE
PEOPLE NEEDING AND USING IT
LIKE SHARING WHEEL, AND THEY
ARE WHAT WE NEED TO RESTORE THE
HUMANITY OF ALL OF US.
LIKEWISE, A POLICING PLAN AND
-- PLANNED AND RUN BY BLACK AND
INDULGE NOWS PEOPLE AS THE
AFRICAN PEOPLE SOCIALIST PARTY
CALLS FOR IS WHAT I HOPE TO SEE
IN ADDITION TO THE REDIRECTING
OF FUNDS FROM THE SPD AND THE
COURT SYSTEM TO THE BUDGET
EFFORTS.
>> EXCELLENT.
THANK YOU SO MUCH.
>> KATHERINE BURKE, YOU ARE UP
NEXT.
GOOD EVENING.
>> GOOD EVENING.
MY NAME IS KATHERINE BURKE.
I'M A RESIDENT OF DISTRICT 4.
I'M CALLING IN TO REQUEST A
REPORT ON 911 RESPONSE TIME.
RIGHT NOW BECAUSE OF PERSONAL
LOSSES AND THE SPD, THERE HAVE
BEEN HUGE LAGS IN RESPONSE
TIMES TO CRIME IN OUR
NEIGHBORHOOD.
THE INCREASED CRIMES ARE
HITTING SMALL LOCAL BUSINESSES
ESPECIALLY HARD.
WE NEED BETTER RESPONSE TIMES
NOW MORE THAN EVER TO SUPPORT
OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES, MANY
WHICH ARE MINORITY-OWNED, THAT
HAVE BEEN HIT ESPECIALLY HARD
BY THE PANDEMIC AND ONGOING
CHALLENGES.
PLEASE SUPPORT THE REQUEST TO
STUDY RESPONSE TIME.
PLEASE SUPPORT COUNCILMAN
PEDERSEN'S B. THANK YOU VERY
MUCH FOR LISTENING LATE INTO
THE NIGHT FOR ALL OF THIS
TESTIMONY TONIGHT.
THANK YOU.
>> AND THANK YOU FOR STAYING ON
THE PHONE LATE INTO THE NIGHT.
AND HOWARD GALE IS NEXT
FOLLOWED BY WHITNEY KAHN.
>> HI.
GOOD EVENING.
IT IS HOWARD GALE, DISTRICT 7.
I'M SHOCKED THE COUNCILMEMBER
SAWANT'S PROPOSAL ON
ESTABLISHING AN INDEPENDENT AND
COMMUNITY-BASED POLICE
OVERSIGHT BOARD HAS NOT BEEN
SUPPORTED BY ANY OTHER
COUNCILMEMBER, SAWANT'S
PROPOSAL WOULD START THE
DISCUSSION ON ENDING OUR
CURRENT FAILED ACCOUNTABILITY
SYSTEM AND MO US TOWARD AN
INDEPENDENT AND COMMUNITY-BASED
POLICE OVERSIGHT SUCH AS THAT
WHICH NEWARK, NEW JERSEY AND
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE, HAVE
ALREADY INSTITUTED.
IF YOU BELIEVE IN THE
RIGHTEOUSNESS OF THE MOMENT
WE'RE IN, IF YOU BELIEVE IN
JUSTICE FOR GEORGE FLOYD THEN
HOW CAN YOU NOT BELIEVE IN
JUSTICE FOR JASON SEIFERS,
DANNY RODRIGUEZ, BRIAN SMITH,
LAWN LEAFER AND PAVER, ALL
KILLED BY SEATTLE POLICE AND
NEVER PROPERLY INVESTIGATED.
IN THE THREE YEARS THAT THE
ACCOUNTABILITY SYSTEM HAS BEEN,
QUOTE, WORKING, UNQUOTE.
COUNCILMEMBERS, PLEASE, IF YOU
DO NOT SUPPORT COUNCILMEMBER
SAWANT'S PROPOSAL YOU MUST TELL
US WHAT MEASURES OF COMFORT OUR
EXISTING SYSTEM HAS BROUGHT
FAMILY AND LOVERED ONES TO
DANNY RODRIGUEZ, RYAN SMITH,
AND THE 19 OTHERS KILLED BY
SEATTLE POLICE SINCE THE
MURDER.
THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU, HOWARD.
AND THE LAST PERSON THAT I SEE
WHO IS PRESENT IS WHITNEY KAHN.
WHITNEY, THANK YOU FOR BEING ON
THE LINE WITH US.
STAR 6 UNMUTE YOURSELF.
GREAT.
>> HI.
YEAH.
I DEFINITELY AGREE WITH THE
LAST SPEAKER AND WITH MOST OF
THE SPEAKERS TONIGHT.
I THINK EVERYONE HAS BEEN QUITE
CLEAR, OVERWHELMINGLY SO.
MY NAME IS WHITNEY.
I'M AN EDUCATOR AT RAINIER
BEACH HIGH SCHOOL AND THE
SEATTLE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION
HAS VOTED TO ENDORSE CUTTING
THE SPD BUDGET BY 50% THIS YEAR
AND INVESTING IN BIPOP
COMMUNITIES INSTEAD.
EDUCATORS ARE WATCHING WHAT
YOU'RE DOING NEXT.
THIS IS THE CIVIL RIGHTS
MOVEMENT OF OUR TIME, AND THESE
COULD EASILY BE THE MOST VOTES
OF YOUR LIFE.
MAKE THEM COUNT.
REMEMBER, WHAT YOU FELT WHEN
YOU PROMISED TO PUT 50% OF THE
SPD BUDGET INTO THE COMMUNITY-
CONTROLLED ALTERNATIVES, AND I
WANT YOU TO CAP OFF THIS
UNEXPECTED YEAR WITH THE MOST
UNEXPECTED ACTION.
BE POLITICIANS WHO KEEP THEIR
PROMISES.
THANK YOU.
>> OKAY.
THANKS.
BEFORE WE GO, FOLKS, I WANT TO
MAKE SURE RUBY HOLLAND, WE HAD
YOU LISTED AS DUPLICATE, BUT
YOU WERE NOT PRESENT EARLIER.
I JUST WANT TO DOUBLE CHECK TO
SEE IF RUBY IS STILL WITH US.
I KNOW AKNEE TRAY HANDED HER
MICROPHONE OFF TO SOMEONE
EARLIER TOO, AND I WANTED TO
SEE IF SHE WAS INTERESTED IN
USING HER TIME TONIGHT.
IF WE COULD CUE THOSE TWO UP
AND JUST AS WE'RE DOING THAT, A
QUICK LAST CHECK TO MAKE SURE
THOSE WHO ARE LISTED AS DUBE
KATES WHO MIGHT NOT HAVE BEEN
LISTED AS PRESENT PRIOR, THEY
WILL GET THE CHANCE TO SPEAK
TONIGHT.
SO BEAR WITH ME FOR ONE SECOND
AS WE DOUBLE CHECK THAT TO SEE
IF RUBY ARREST NEAT TRAY AND
ANYONE ELSE WHO IS NOT OR WAS
LISTED AS NOT PRESENT AND THEN
ON THE LATTER PART OF THIS LIST
WAS LISTED AS DUBE KATE.
I'M JUST TRYING TO GET
CONFIRMATION BEFORE WE GO.
THANK YOU FOR HANGING IN THERE.
[ NO RESPONSE.
>> OKAY.
I'M NOT SEEING ANY OF THOSE
LINES POPPING ON TO THE SCREEN.
IT HAS BEEN A LONG EVENING.
IT IS 10:12:00 P.M., AND
WITHOUT ANY ADDITIONAL FOLKS
LISTED AS PRESENT TO SPEAK, I
WANT TO THANK EVERYBODY FOR
YOUR TIME TONIGHT.
THERE WAS 231 PEOPLE SIGNED UP
FOR PUBLIC TESTIMONY.
WE GREATLY APPRECIATE EVERYBODY
WHO CALLED AND PROVIDED
COMMENTS.
PLEASE DO SEND US YOUR MESSAGE
TO COUNSEL CIVIL@SEATTLE.GOV IF
YOU DIDN'T GET A CHANCE TO GET
THROUGH ALL OF YOUR COMMENTS OR
IF YOU DIDN'T GET A CHANCE TO
SPEAK TONIGHT BECAUSE OF OTHER
OBLIGATIONS.
I HOPE YOU WILL JOIN ME INNING
THE SEATTLE CHANNEL
COMMUNICATIONS, OUR CLERK'S
OFFICES, FOLKS IN MY OFFICE,
FOR HELPING TO MANAGE THIS AND
OUR COMMUNICATIONS TEAM AS
WELL.
IF I LEFT ANYONE OUT, YOU'RE
THE BEST.
WE WILL SEE YOU ALL BRIGHT AND
EARLY, IN LESS THAN 12 HOURS
AFTER OUR BUDGET COMMITTEE
STARTING AT 9:30 A.M.
IF YOU WANT TO PROVIDE PUBLIC
COMMENT, WE WILL AGAIN START
WITH THE FIRST 30 MINUTES OF
PUBLIC COMMENT.
THE PUBLIC COMMENT LINKS OPEN
AT 7:30 A.M.
WE CAN'T WAIT TO HEAR FROM YOU
AGAIN.
THANKS, EVERYBODY.
HAVE A GREAT NIGHT.
THE PUBLIC HEARING OF THE
COMMITTEE HEARING IS ADJOURNED.
I SEE YOU ALL ON THERE AND
REALLY APPRECIATE YOUR STICKING
WITH US TONIGHT.
>> THANK YOU.
>> TAKE CARE, EVERYONE.