The day is finally upon us: after seven weeks of work, tomorrow the Council will begin the process of voting on amendments to the Mayor’s proposed 2021 budget. This morning the City Council’s staff published the near-final list of amendments, and there are few, if any, surprises — though there will be some big speeches and tense moments as Council member Sawant forces her colleagues to take some uncomfortable votes.
Continue readingAuthor: Kevin Schofield
Kevin Schofield is a freelance writer and the founder of Seattle City Council Insight, a web site providing independent news and analysis of the Seattle City Council.
After graduating from Dartmouth College with a Bachelor of Arts degree, he worked for Microsoft Corporation for 26 years. That culminated in a term as Chief Operations Officer for Microsoft Research, the division of the company focused on advancing the state of the art in computing. Upon leaving Microsoft in 2014 he decided to embrace his love of writing.
Kevin volunteers at the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle, where he also serves on the Board of Directors. He is also Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees of Harvey Mudd College in Claremont, California.
Beyond writing, his personal passions are his twin daughters, photography, cooking, and playing the guitar. He lives in Seattle, Washington.
Tuesday news roundup
Here’s what we’re talking about today.
Continue readingJudge dismisses challenge to Durkan emergency order during protests
The city got a legal win in court today, as U.S. District Court Judge Brian Tsuchida dismissed a lawsuit alleging that Mayor Durkan’s May 30th Emergency Civil Order violated the plaintiff’s constitutional right to carry a gun.
Continue readingMonday news roundup
The Governor has increased COVID-related restrictions, effective tomorrow, but don’t wait until then — the virus is spreading today. Also, don’t hoard; the supply chain had several months to adjust to COVID, and it’s fine. Here’s the local news.
Continue readingPedersen, Herbold, Lewis propose $40 car-tab fee to increase bridge maintenance
This week Council members Pedersen, Herbold and Lewis are jointly introducing a last-minute addition to the 2021 budget that would increase the city’s car-tab fee from $20 to $40, in order to raise additional funds for much-needed bridge maintenance.
Continue readingThis week in Council Chambers
There’s one more week of work left to do on the 2021 city budget.
Continue readingFriday news roundup
It’s going to be wet and windy this weekend, so be prepared. Here’s the news out of City Hall to wrap up your week.
Continue readingState Supreme Court sets schedule to decide Sawant recall petition appeal
Today the Washington State Supreme Court set the briefing schedule for Council member Sawant’s appeal of a lower court’s certification of a recall petition against her, with an expectation that it will decide the matter in early January.
Continue readingThursday news roundup
It’s a post-holiday slow news day.
Continue readingWednesday news roundup
Thank you to all veterans for your courageous service to our country. While the United States of America hasn’t yet become the “more perfect union” that we all strive for, the sacrifices that you and you families have made grant us the opportunity to keep trying — and for that we should all be grateful. PSA: COVID cases are rising at a dangerous rate. Please wear a mask, practice social distancing, wash your hands frequently, and limit large social gatherings; you’ll be saving lives. Here’s the news.
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