Seattle Forward

Sports Arena Deliberation Schedule

Here is the schedule the City Council's Government Performance & Finance Committee will follow as we consider the proposed sports arena:

Thursday, May 31, 9:30 a.m.	Mayor's staff presents proposal overview
Wednesday, June 6, 11 a.m.	Mayor's staff presents financial aspects of proposal
Thursday, June 7, 2 p.m.	Mayor's staff presents transportation study and future of KeyArena, followed by a panel discussion with Port, labor and industry representatives
Wednesday, June 20, 9:30 a.m.	Discussion with Chris Hansen
Thursday, July 5, 2 p.m.	Committee deliberations
Friday, July 6, 9:30 a.m.	Committee deliberations
Wednesday, July 18, 9:30 a.m.	Committee deliberations, possible vote
Wednesday, August 1, 9:30 a.m.	Committee deliberations, possible vote
Monday, August 6, 2 p.m.	Full Council consideration and vote (tentative)
Monday, August 13, 2 p.m.	Full Council consideration and vote (tentative)

All the meetings listed above will take place in City Council Chambers, 600 Fourth Avenue, second floor. Public comment at Committee meetings will be limited in duration in order to allow for consideration of unrelated Committee business. A separate public hearing will be scheduled in July to receive public opinion on the arena proposal. The date, time and location of the public hearing will be announced with a minimum of 30 days notice.

The Council accepts written public comments at any time.

Hope Amid Violence

Seattle police commanders briefed the Council this morning about the recent surge in gun violence the city has experienced.  I know our officers and detectives are working hard to solve these crimes and prevent others before they occur. 

At the end of our morning session, we had the privilege of hearing from members of the Seattle Youth Commission, a student-led advisory body that advises the Council on a wide range of issues. Against the backdrop of violence on our streets, their presentation reminded me of the hope and potential of this city’s younger generation. 

The Commission members were poised, articulate, smart and very engaged as they briefed us on their work to prevent violence, end youth homelessness, improve Metro transit service, teach wise environmental practices and improve dialog with police.

A big shout out to our Youth Commission members! Well done and thank you.

Three Mondays in May Start Tonight

Tonight at 6 o’clock several Councilmembers will be at North Seattle Community College for the first of Three Mondays in May. I hope to see you tonight or the next two Mondays.

Three Mondays in May is part of the Council’s effort to listen to the people of Seattle about your priorities for City government. How should we be spending your tax dollars? Where should our primary focus be? If we must reduce spending, where should the cuts be focused? Your opinions are valuable to us, so come out tonight and share them with us.

North Seattle
Monday, May 7, 2012, 6 – 7:30 p.m.
North Seattle Community College
9600 College Way North
College Center, Cafeteria (note room change)

Central Seattle
Monday, May 14, 2012, 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Seattle Central Community College
1701 Broadway
Broadway Edison Building, Room BE1110

South Seattle
Monday, May 21, 2012, 6 – 7:30 p.m.
New Holly Gathering Hall
7054 32^nd Ave South

A flier that can be distributed with more information is available here. 

May Day, Anarchists and a Woman from China

Yesterday was quite the day.

The weather forecast called for rain throughout the day, yet the sun popped out and I was confident I could make it to and from City Hall on my scooter without getting drenched.

Then, on a day to celebrate the effective and necessary role of labor unions, along with a separate march celebrating the importance of immigrants and the need for immigration reform, chaotic violence and property destruction occurred downtown.

Self-described anarchists mingled with peaceful May Day demonstrators at Westlake Park, covered their faces with masks or bandanas and engaged in destructive acts of vandalism and violence.  It stopped almost as quickly as it started; the anarchists pulled off their black clothing and melted away into the larger crowd once again, though not before some were arrested. (The Seattle Times has extensive coverage of all this in today’s newspaper.)