With everyone once again talking about the Mayor this morning, there’s isn’t much in the way of City Council news.
This week in Council Chambers
Much going on this week.
SPD responds to Council’s questions on death of Charleena Lyles
The Seattle Times has published a 45-page memo from SPD to the City Council, responding to the 34 questions they submitted following the death of Charleena Lyles at the hands of two SPD officers.
The answers are lengthy, and for the most part defy quick summaries as they dive into the nuances and complexities of the situation. SPD also refuses in many cases to speculate on what the outcome of the ongoing investigation will be. But the memo is an interesting and informative read.
Friday news roundup: wrapping up the week
Methinks Seattle’s reporters might be starting their weekend early… Continue reading Friday news roundup: wrapping up the week
Here’s why the city pension fund won’t divest from fossil fuels
This morning, the usually sleepy Seattle City Employees Retirement System (SCERS) board meeting had its moment in the spotlight, as a large number of activists and a handful of local politicians showed up to urge the board to divest the city’s pension fund from fossil fuel companies.
It was a thoughtful, respectful, and long conversation. A lot of listening happened, and much appreciation was extended in both directions for the depth of thought and energy that went into analysis and remarks. It was exactly the kind of conversation you wish every activists-meet-government conversation could be.
But at the end of the day, the city won’t divest out of fossil fuels anytime soon. Here’s why.
Continue reading Here’s why the city pension fund won’t divest from fossil fuels
Thursday news roundup
We must be approaching the weekend: things are slowing down.
Council continues discussion of surveillance technologies
The City of Seattle’s parking enforcement division uses automated license plate readers to identify cars (and drivers) with multiple parking tickets so they can boot or impound the vehicles as necessary. SPD uses that same data to identify stolen cars, as well as those wanted in relation to specific criminal activities. Back in 2012, New York City took it further: they used cameras on street light poles to track people coming and going from mosques — an act that most people think stepped over the line of acceptable surveillance.
How the City of Seattle acquires and uses surveillance technology — and the data gleaned from it — was the topic of a Council hearing this morning, one of a series in the ongoing process of updating the city’s laws on surveillance.
Continue reading Council continues discussion of surveillance technologies
Bias-free policing bill passes out of committee
This morning, the Council voted out of committee an ordinance on bias-free policing, an effort almost a year in the making.
Continue reading Bias-free policing bill passes out of committee
Wednesday news roundup: endorsements!
Today is apparently the day that everyone is publishing their candidate endorsements… well, except for me. I’m keeping my opinion to myself.
Tuesday news roundup: the income tax
There’s really only one story this morning.