There are several pending allegations of law-breaking against Seattle City Council member Kshama Sawant. Let’s get caught up on where they currently stand.
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The “Amazon Tax” bill is designed to be immune to referendum
In all the pomp and circumstance that Council member Sawant orchestrated for the rollout of her “Amazon Tax” bill, she neglected to mention one important point: it was specifically written so that it would not be subject to referendum. And Sawant invoked the COVID-19 emergency to do it.
Continue readingSawant, Morales unveil “Amazon tax” bills (updated)
This morning, Council members Kshama Sawant and Tammy Morales jointly unveiled their legislation to impose a new payroll tax on businesses in Seattle.
Continue readingSawant unveils proposal for Seattle payroll tax
This morning, Council member Kshama Sawant unveiled her proposal for a new payroll tax in Seattle, independent of (and possibly on top of) one already proposed for King County. She said that her proposed tax would raise $300 million annually, of which 75% would be used for affordable housing and social services, and 25% for converting existing homes from oil and gas heat to electric systems.
Continue readingSawant responds to ethics commission charges
This afternoon, Council member Sawant issued a statement in response to the charges of ethics violations filed against her yesterday by the Seattle Ethics and Elections Commission.
Continue readingSawant’s Rent Control Bill
As promised, Council member Kshama Sawant unveiled her proposed rent control ordinance on Monday night. Capitol Hill Seattle Blog scanned in a printed copy that was distributed at Sawant’s hearing/rally. (update: here’s a clean version of the bill, provided by Sawant’s office) Here’s what’s in the bill.
Continue readingSawant tries to fast-track two bills, gets pushback from her colleagues
This afternoon Council member Kshama Sawant introduced two bills: a resolution related to EMT wages, and an ordinance to save the Showbox. She wanted to get the resolution passed this afternoon and the ordinance next Monday, but the her colleagues on the Council had other thoughts.
Continue readingEthics Commission rules that Sawant’s use of city copiers doesn’t violate Ethics Code
Today Wayne Barnett, Executive Director of the Seattle Ethics and Elections Commission (SEEC), published a finding that Council member Kshama Sawant did not violate the city’s Ethics Code by directing her staff to use city-owned copying machines to generate materials for a rally she organized to promote the head tax.
Continue readingKshama Sawant: The Art of the Self-Deal
This week was the deadline for Council members to file their annual financial disclosure forms. Council member Sawant’s filing this year adds additional information than it did in the past, and in so doing challenges us to “follow the money.” You won’t like where it goes.
Continue readingSawant holds political rally disguised as committee meeting
This evening Council member Kshama Sawant held a special meeting (video) of her Human Services, Equitable Development, and Renter Rights Committee. According to the agenda, the meeting was to discuss “Human Service Department (HSD) funding cuts to the women’s homeless service programs operated by the Women’s Housing, Equality, and Enhancement League (WHEEL) and the Women’s Referral Center.” And it was, but not quite the way you’d expect.
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