County Exec Dow Constantine is acting quickly to ensure public safety

Department of Transportation

News Release

Date: Feb. 10, 2010
Contact: Rochelle Ogershok (206) 296-6515

King County Executive orders Metro Transit to review policies that restrict transit security guards from intervening in criminal activity

Guards in surveillance video followed current “observe and report” procedures

King County Executive Dow Constantine has ordered Metro Transit to review policies that restrict unarmed transit security guards from intervening physically in fights or other criminal activity, following a disturbing chain of events involving the assault and robbery of a teenage girl in the Downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel on January 28.

“Public safety is our top priority. I am appalled by the sight of uniformed guards standing by while a person was kicked and beaten,” said Executive Constantine. “I have ordered a full review of all operating polices that govern Metro’s contract with civilian security guards to determine what changes must be made. People have an expectation of safety when riding public transit, and we must take every measure we can to assure that.”

“The events surrounding this incident are troubling, and the video images distressing,” said Metro Transit General Manager Kevin Desmond. “The County Executive has ordered us to work with the Sheriff’s Office to review the circumstances surrounding this incident and seek advice from other security experts to determine whether we need to change our security protocols,” added Desmond.

To augment Metro’s transit police force, it contracts with a civilian firm, Olympic Security Services, Inc., to provide transit security throughout its system. According to Metro policies that govern that contract, unarmed security guards are instructed not to intervene when witnessing suspicious behavior or criminal activity, but to “observe and report” and radio the Metro Transit Control Center, which relays requests for assistance to the appropriate law enforcement agencies.

“Safety and security is Metro’s top priority, and we rely on a combination of security guard patrols, uniformed police patrols, field supervisors and various surveillance systems to maintain ongoing safety in the tunnel,” Desmond said. “The security guards have a range of duties, including providing routine assistance and safety reminders to customers and reporting suspicious objects, disruptive behavior and equipment problems in the tunnel stations. Intervention by civilian security guards when a violent crime is being committed can have serious consequences for bystanders and the guards themselves. Therefore, we will rely on the expertise of our Sheriff’s department and others as we review the circumstances surrounding this particular incident, and review a range of issues including the appropriate level of response that should be authorized to effectively defuse such situations.”

In addition to contracting with a private security firm, Metro contracts with the King County Sheriff’s Office for 68 commissioned officers to provide law enforcement as the Metro Transit Police.

According to police, an apparent argument between several teenagers and young adults inside a downtown Seattle department store preceded the assault and robbery of a 15-year-old by another teenager on the bus tunnel platform at Westlake Station on January 28.

While the department store disturbance prompted an initial response by Seattle Police, the dispute flared up again after the teens arrived at the Westlake Station platform. As the teen was repeatedly punched and kicked, the guards immediately used their radio to call the Transit Control Center, but did not directly intervene in the assault.

Seattle Police arrived minutes later but by that time the suspects and the rest of the group had fled. Officers took an initial report and over the next week the Metro Transit Police investigation of the incident resulted in four arrests last Saturday, including the suspect in the assault.

###

Tired? Frustrated? Ready to give up?

Have you had it with the Democratic Party? Are you sick and tired of the lily-livered "compromises" that strip away any breath of Progressivism from bills and laws debated and passed by Congress? Are you ready to "sit-out" the next election to "teach them a lesson"? Yeah, I know -- I feel that way, too! I tell myself, "They're not getting another dime from me!" "No more doorbelling; screw the phone banks; voter registration -- who's voting for these losers?" "They can just whistle for support; llke I'm whistling for that oft-promised 'Change' I can believe in!"

But then I look at my Drivers License and remind myself that I'm not two years old anymore -- and, as an adult, temper tantrums, stubbornness, storming off, and holding my breath are incredibly ineffective tools for resolving real-world grown-up problems.

Then I put on my "grown up hat" (which has been wadded up, stomped on, and thrown in the corner!) and consider the meaning of democracy, activism, citizenship, and self-responsibility ... and I remember my mom's advice when I was in the throes of a momentary childish anger; threatening all manner of short-term retribution that would provide me with momentary satisfaction and do long-term damage. She would say, "Well, you could always take your dollies and go home. Just be sure you don't cut off your nose to spite your face."

Lately, we are hearing Democrats, Liberals, Progressives, and Independents saying, "I contributed to him, doorbelled for him, phone-banked for him, voted for him, and wept when he won." "I believed in 'The Audacity of Hope'." "I thought this guy was different." "Never again." "I'll stay home next year." "I'll vote for the third party candidate."

To these people, I would say, "Now let's not cut off our noses to spite our faces. Let's not take our votes and go home." In this crazy, fractious, argumentative, exciting and wonderful country we call ours, change has never been easy -- or rapid. In the days of the Continental Congress, Abigail Adams petitoned her husband, John, for women's rights. In the decades after the Civil War, Suffragettes set aside their campaign for womens' voting rights in favor of voting rights for recently-freed (male) slaves. Women finally won full voting rights in 1921. Abigail would be so proud!

Before we decide to "take our toys and go home", consider the long-term effect of a weakened Democratic President, and a diminished Congressional majority. Consider the havoc that can be wreaked by an emboldened Corporatist Republican Party.

And, most of all, remember Democracy is not a spectator sport; activism doesn't stop the day after the election; we must not hang up our passion with our campaign signs; our Government IS "We the People" -- and it is up to every single one of us to suit up, show up, and hold our elected officials' feet to the fire when they break campaign promises and/or work against the best interests of "We the People".

If we don't like our electoral choices, it is our job to recruit and support a primary challenger. Whether or not we score a Primary upset, the \competition will help move the eventual candidates in a different direction ... a direction that "We the People" have influenced. Now, that is Democracy in action! In fact, just this past weekend, Ben Nelson (D-Ne) withdrew his demand for perpetual Medicaid funding in his state -- we shouted so loudly, he actually heard us and was shamed into doing the right thing! Democracy works! ...And we must never stop shouting!

In his Innaugural Address, President Obama told us to "pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and begin the work of re-making America". As we all know, the mess we are in has been in the making for 30 years or more; merely accelerating in the past eight, and will not be cured in days, or weeks, or months -- or even a short span of years -- and the burden cannot rest on the shoulders on only one man -- or even 535 pairs of Congressional shoulders! The burden rests on all of us.

This is THE marathon; the big race that will define the future of our country -- the race that really counts. Are you ready to roll up your sleeves and do the hard work of fixing and re-making our country? Are you ready to commit every spare minute and resource to the job ahead? Are you ready to suit up, show up and save our country from blowing up? I am! Let's go!

Paula Joneli
PCO DES 33-2625

Urgent action needed to support Clean Elections!

----- Original Message -----
From: Craig Salins
To: Undisclosed
Cc: Marcee Stone
Sent: Sunday, February 07, 2010 9:52 AM
Subject: Results - House W&M Comm on Saturday

Folks,

WPC testified at the House Ways & Means Committee on Saturday - our bill (HB 1738) was on the agenda, #8 out of 22.

Once again we had a great WashClean crowd (thanks Monica, Betty, Louisa, Brian, Seth, Roger and many others!) in the audience and signing in "in favor". Also testifying: Katy Sheehan, on behalf of League of Women Voters. And once again, Mellani McAleenan, staff deputy policy director for the Admin. Ofc of the Courts, testifying that the Board for Judicial Administration (all the judge organizations, and others) has no position yet (they decide Feb. 16th) on the merits of the program - but they are against the filing fee surcharge as a funding means. We knew and know that.

Mostly a friendly reception by the W&M Committee - which was well-attended of course; a few questions, about how much participating candidates would get (as their campaign grant), and how to combat really large independent spending, opposing. We're needing to challenge the fiscal note on the bill - which is more costly than warranted; it says $640k per biennium - too high. We're working with Reps. Liias and Hunt, on that; and, we've obtained cost information from North Carolina on their program (which costs approximately $50k/year to administer.

The Ways and Means committees in BOTH Senate and House must vote to approve (pass the bills, in executive session), no later than Tuesday, Feb. 9th - or the bills die. So for the House, that means Chair Rep. Linville must have it on the agenda for a committee executive session, either Monday or Tuesday. For the Senate, it means a hearing, and then executive session voting.

We are now scheduled for a hearing in the Senate W&M Committee - Monday, at their 1:30 PM committee session. See this list - our bill (SB 5912) is #10 on the agenda.
http://www.leg.wa.gov/SENATE/COMMITTEES/WM/Pages/Agendas.aspx

So, Olympians and nearby folks - can you attend in Oly, on Monday? John King and I will be there, of course.

In Olympia, they're calling us "Nine Lives Lazarus" - can't believe the influence of WPC on the legislature, keeping our bills alive and moving. But I know it's due to all of you - our support around the state, citizen lobbying!

Never underestimate the power of the people, united!

But keep those cards and emails coming. Let the Ways & Means Committee chairs and members know that we want this bill passed along to the Rules Committee - see the list attached, or go here:

SENATE W&M Comm Mbrs:
http://www.leg.wa.gov/Senate/Committees/WM/Pages/MembersStaff.aspx

HOUSE W&M Comm Mbrs:
http://www.leg.wa.gov/House/Committees/WAYS/Pages/MembersStaff.aspx

The list is posted here on Washclean.org:

www.washclean.org/Library/Legis/List_WMComm-Mbrs_Senate_House.pdf

Thanks! Call me if questions.

- Craig
___________________
Craig Salins
Executive Director
WA Public Campaigns
craig@washclean.org
206-949-3285 (cell)
206-784-2522 (office)
206-784-9695 (home/ofc #2)

Congressional Update from Senator Patty Murray

High Speed Rail: A Major Investment in Getting People and Goods Moving in Our State

On Thursday, I announced that Washington state will receive $590 million in federal funding for high speed rail upgrades in the Pacific Northwest Cascades corridor. The funding is part of a major high-speed rail initiative that, as Chairman of the Senate Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, I helped to include in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Since last year, when the Pacific Northwest was named one of the 10 potential regions to receive funds for high speed rail, I have worked with U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood to build support for states like ours where the groundwork for high speed rail lines has been underway and where improvements would help provide an alternative to congested roadways and spur economic activity. – Details

“Washington to get $590 million for high-speed rail improvements”
– Seattle Times

“Wash., Oregon to get $590 M for high-speed rail” – Associated Press

.........................................

State of the Union: Top Priority is Getting Our Economy Back on Track

On Wednesday, President Obama spoke directly to the American people about creating jobs, getting our economy back on track, moving forward with health insurance reform, holding big Wall Street accountable, and protecting our nation. The President’s first State of the Union speech came at a critical time, with many across our state and nation anxious about the direction of the economy and our country.

Read my reaction to President Obama’s speech.

.........................................

Agriculture: Working for our State’s Wheat Growers

Last Tuesday, I was honored to receive the Washington Association of Wheat Growers’ “Legislator of the Year” award for my efforts to advance Washington’s wheat industry. The Washington Association of Wheat Growers (WAWG), which represents wheat farmers throughout our state, is a non-profit group dedicated to the enrichment of the Washington wheat industry. I will continue to work to provide our agricultural community with the tools and resources they need to succeed in this competitive global market. – Details

.........................................

A Qualified and Respected Judge Confirmed to Eastern Washington Bench

Last Monday, I delivered a speech on the Senate floor urging my colleagues to support Gonzaga Law Professor Rosanna Peterson to be the next District Court judge for the Eastern District of Washington State. In the speech, I praised Peterson’s work ethic, professionalism, and understanding of the law. After the speech, the Senate voted unanimously to confirm Judge Peterson as the first women to serve on Eastern District bench. Peterson’s nomination was the product of the bipartisan selection commission I worked to help create in our state.

Details | Listen to my speech

Seattle Schools Update from Steve Sundquist

Dear Friends:

On February 9, 2010, voters will be asked to renew two expiring levies which provide essential funding for Seattle's schools. Given the state budget crisis, these levies are more important than ever in maintaining basic services in our schools.

Neither of these levies is a new tax. They replace expiring levies. The Capital levy will provide $270 million over six years to fund hundreds of projects in neighborhood schools district-wide, like replacing worn out roofs and heating systems, retrofitting and upgrading buildings for earthquake safety, and replacing alarms and sprinkler systems so our kids can learn in a safe environment. The capital levy will also fund needed technology upgrades and improvements to athletic facilities.

The Operations levy provides 23% of the day-to-day operating budget for Seattle Public Schools. This levy funds everything from teacher and principal salaries and textbooks to all-day kindergarten, a 6-period high school day, and school libraries. If renewed, the operations levy will supply $442.7 million to public education in Seattle over three years.

If we don't renew these levies, Seattle's public schools will suffer a reduction in revenues that would devastate our ability to provide our children with a quality education. We can't let the levies fail.

Please join me in supporting the Seattle levy campaign with your time and, if possible, please consider a contribution to the campaign. It's critical that we reach voters and remind them why it's so important to vote YES on these two important measures.

Schools First Campaign Headquarters
524 Dexter Avenue, N.
Seattle, WA 98109
(p) 206.224.3563
(f) 206.224.3566
info@SchoolsFirstSeattle.org

For More Info: http://www.schoolsfirstseattle.org/
To Endorse: http://www.schoolsfirstseattle.org/endorse/
To Contribute: https://www.schoolsfirstseattle.org/contribute/
To Volunteer: http://www.schoolsfirstseattle.org/how-you-can-help/

Ballots have now arrived at our homes. It's critical that we reach voters and remind them why it's so important to vote YES on these two important measures. Please be sure to vote by February 9th and remind your friends and neighbors to please vote YES to renew our commitment to Seattle schoolchildren.

Sincerely,

Steve Sundquist

Progressive Issues Update from Congressman Adam Smith

Progressive Issues Update from Congressman Adam Smith

Progressive Advisory Council Meeting Announced for Next Month

The next meeting of the Progressive Advisory Council will be held on Wednesday, February 17th from 2:00-3:00pm at the Carpenter’s Local 1797 Hall in Renton. Social/networking time will be available prior to the meeting from 1:30-2:00pm. Space is limited, so please RSVP to matt.perry@mail.house.gov or 253-593-6603 if you plan to attend. Full information is below.

Congressman Adam Smith’s Progressive Advisory Council
Wednesday, February 17 from 2:00-3:00pm
(Social networking time from 1:30-2:00pm)
Renton Carpenters Hall
231 Burnett Avenue North, Renton WA 98057
RSVP: matt.perry@mail.house.gov or 253-593-6603

Directions
From Tacoma:
Take I-5 North
Take exit 154A-154B to merge onto I-405 N toward Renton (2.0 mi)
Take exit 2 to merge onto Rainier Ave/WA-167 N toward Renton (1.5 mi)
Continue onto Rainier Ave (0.3 mi)
Turn right at Airport Way S (0.4 mi)
Turn left at Airport Way S/Logan Ave S
Continue to follow Logan Ave S (377 ft)
Slight right at N 3rd St (0.1 mi)
Take the 1st left onto Burnett Ave N
Destination will be on the left (7 ft)

From Seattle:
Take I-5 South
Take the 157/M L King Way/WA-900 E exit (0.1 mi)
Merge onto Martin Luther King Jr Way S/WA-900 E
Continue to follow WA-900 E (3.5 mi)
Turn left at Rainier Ave (0.3 mi)
Turn right at Airport Way S (0.4 mi)
Turn left at Airport Way S/Logan Ave S
Continue to follow Logan Ave S (377 ft)
Slight right at N 3rd St (0.1 mi)
Take the 1st left onto Burnett Ave N
Destination will be on the left (7 ft)

http://adamsmith.house.gov | YouTube | Twitter | E-Newsletter | RSS

If you have questions or comments please contact Matt Perry,Field Representative, at: 253-593-6603 or via email at:Matt.Perry@mail.house.gov

The Honorable Adam Smith 2402 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-8901

The Honorable Adam Smith 2209 Pacific Avenue, Suite B Tacoma, WA 98402 Phone:(253) 896-3775 Toll Free: 1-888-SMITH-09

Seeking appointment to the King County Superior Court

ADAM EISENBERG

I am seeking appointment to be a judge on the King County Superior Court. For the past five years I have served the citizens of Seattle as a court commissioner, and I would like to expand on my career in public service by using the skills I have learned to serve the residents of King County.

I am here to ask for your support.

To be effective, I believe a judge has four roles. First, there is the role in the courtroom, where the judge must listen to the facts presented, apply the law and ensure that justice is done. On a daily basis this is the obvious role. It requires patience, and the ability to listen to the people who appear in front of you. In addition, it necessitates the continual study of the law so the judge makes well-reasoned and well-supported rulings.

In my current position as Commissioner of Seattle Municipal Court, I handle criminal misdemeanor calendars, do arraignments and reviews in the King County Jail, and regularly sit in our Mental Health and Community Courts. These two courts deal with mentally ill offenders and homeless defendants. I also regularly hear domestic violence cases, DUIs and other misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors. In addition, I preside over traffic court (both contested trials and mitigation hearings), and handle civil trials and hearings on land use and city code violations. I believe the skills I have learned on the Municipal Court bench will make me highly effective on the King County Superior Court.

Second, a judge must be involved in judicial organizations that help shape the future of the court. I currently sit on the board for the District and Municipal Court Judges Association (DMCJA) and serve on several DMCJA sub-committees. In this capacity I learn about the many different issues courts and judges face across the state, and have input into shaping solutions.

Third, judges should attend social functions held by bar associations, community organizations and political entities so they can stay informed about issues facing the greater legal community. Under the judicial code of ethics there are some restrictions on what events judges can attend but, within these restrictions, judges should do so to avoid becoming too isolated.

Fourth, judges need to keep involved in the greater community in which we live. For example, I am a senior student and an instructor at the Emerald City Aikido dojo in Seattle. As a third degree black belt in the martial art of aikido, I train several times each week. I also regularly teach adults, children and teens. Aikido is a discipline that teaches how to physically unbalance an opponent in order to neutralize their attack. While it can be a very powerful and even deadly art, the underlying philosophy of aikido emphasizes how to accept challenge and change in life, and how to neutralize conflicts that occur in daily living. It teaches compassion for others and, most importantly, for oneself.

Working as an instructor for children and teenagers ages 7 to 18 has been an incredibly rewarding experience. I have watched several young men and women train through high school and go off to college with a greater understanding of themselves (mentally and physically) and others. One of my former students recently graduated from art school in New York City, while another is in his junior year at the Rhode Island School of Design. Yet another just graduated from Lewis and Clark College in Portland, and is teaching in Ecuador. All three are exceptional human beings. Watching them grow into adults through aikido has been one of the highlights of my life.

Adam

Experience:

• Commissioner of Seattle Municipal Court (2004 – Present)
• Civil Trial Attorney (1999 – 2004)
• Criminal Prosecutor (1993 – 1999)
• Member, City of Seattle Domestic Violence Council
• Board Member, District and Municipal Court Judges Association
• Journalist, writer for Seattle Post-Intelligencer and Seattle Weekly
• Author, A Different Shade of Blue: How Women Changed the Face of Police Work

Ratings:

• King County Bar Association - Exceptionally Well Qualified
• Washington Women Lawyers - Exceptionally Well Qualified
• Latino/Latina Bar Association - Exceptionally Well Qualified
• Q-Law (Gay, Lesbian, Trans) - Exceptionally Well Qualified
• Seattle Marshals Guild - Exceptionally Well Qualified
• King County Correctional Officers - Exceptionally Well Qualified

Thank you for your consideration.