Seattle Forward: December 2007

December 28, 2007

Sworn In

I was sworn into office this afternoon at 3 p.m. State law allows newly elected or re-elected officials to be sworn in up to 10 days before they actually take office. The City Clerk wanted Bruce Harrell, my new colleague, and me to take the oath of office today so that we were all ready to assume our duties at midnight on January 1, 2008.

Posted by Tim Burgess on December 28, 2007 at 05:53 PM in Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

December 21, 2007

Homeless Encampments

Earlier today I toured homeless encampments in the West Queen Anne greenbelt with Councilmember Tom Rasmussen and the director of the city's Department of Human Services, Patricia McInturff. It was cold, damp, and muddy.

We observed eight to 10 camp sites and saw a few individuals, but didn't speak with anyone living in the woods. Some of the camp sites looked like what we might erect ourselves on a backpacking trip. Others were extremely dirty and littered with garbage.

It's easy to be critical of those living in these encampments; I must admit my gut instinct leans decidedly toward cleaning them out . . . and quickly. But after seeing the camps myself I realize this is a very complicated situation. The key is balancing the city's need to maintain public safety and health and caring for the needs of those who are struggling and need special help. McInturff's department is preparing new protocols to guide the city's response to these encampments.

I took this photo as Patricia McInturff, the city's director of human services, and I walked along a trail in the West Queen Anne greenbelt. The garbage has been left by individuals who live in encampments throughout the greenbelt.

Posted by Tim Burgess on December 21, 2007 at 06:51 PM in Housing and Homelessness, Human Services | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

Burgess Bookshelf

Snyder, Timothy: Our Malady: Lessons in Liberty from a Hospital Diary
This book, along with Snyder's earlier, On Tyranny, is packed full of useful policy ideas that can help rebuild our country. Snyder's understanding of the rising threat of authoritarianism is exactly what needs to be understood today, coupled with his diagnosis of how we have failed to support all of the people of America.
Putnam, Robert D.: The Upswing: How America Came Together a Century Ago and How We Can Do It Again
Here's a hope filled historical review of how America has made itself more inclusive and equitable and can do it again. Very encouraging.
Sacks, Jonathan: Morality: Restoring the Common Good in Divided Times
Rabbi Sacks' book is essential reading, in my opinion, especially now when freedom is under such attack. His wisdom fills every page, his defense of liberal democracy is compelling.
Epstein, David: Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World
This is a compelling and great read. I love it since I'm a generalist.
McCaulley, Esau: Reading While Black: African American Biblical Interpretation as an Exercise in Hope
While the white Christian church, especially evangelicalism, was the dominant influence in my family of origin and my youth, I've learned so much more recently from the Black church. McCaulley's book is a very good introduction to Black theology and biblical interpretation.
Yglesias, Matthew: One Billion Americans: The Case for Thinking Bigger
A critical thinker and blogger, Yglesias lays out a vision for America that is more inclusive and equitable; includes good sections on early learning and the crucial value of immigration.
Thomas E. Ricks: Churchill and Orwell: The Fight for Freedom
This book examines the lives and efforts of two men who never met each other but who helped save democracy leading up to and during World War II. Another much read for those who are worried about the American condition today.
Timothy Snyder: The Road to Unfreedom: Russia, Europe, America
From the author of "On Tyranny" comes another pithy look at how freedom and democracy can be destroyed from within.
Greg Weiner: American Burke: The Uncommon Liberalism of Daniel Patrick Moynihan (American Political Thought)
Fascinating account of the former New York Senator; good friend and colleague of our own Senator Henry Jackson.
Steven Levitsky & Daniel Liblatt: How Democracies Die
This is a must read for people concerned about the future of our democracy. One of their main points is that democracies begin to fail when the norms of civil discourse and the rule of law begin to crumble. We are seeing that happen before our very eyes today.