It is an honor and privilege to represent you. Seattle is a great City, with a wonderfully diverse population that is passionately committed to making Seattle a better place. I welcome your input not only on policy ideas, but my website and Council communications in general.
Let’s make 2009 the year when Seattle rose to the crisis and moved forward into a better future. Thanks again for visiting, and please stay in touch.
SR 520 MOVING TOWARDS DECISION
On Thursday, January 28, eight members of the Council signed a letter to state officials in support of moving forward on plans to replace the 520 floating bridge. The Council concluded that current alternatives for the Westside interchange, including the so-called A+ alternative do not adequately support transit connectivity or protect our neighborhoods, the Arboretum, and the environment. Council has asked for 120 days to complete negotiations with the state to design a better Westside interchange.
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COUNCIL ADOPTS KEY ENERGY DISCLOSURE ORDINANCE
On Monday, January 25, the Seattle City Council unanimously approved the Energy Disclosure Ordinance, which requires large commercial and multi-family property owners in Seattle to measure and disclose information about energy use. The new ordinance is a key policy instrument that by increasing awareness in the marketplace, we will ultimately create more economic incentives to invest in energy efficiency and improve the bottom line for property owners and the environment.
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NEW REGIONAL FOOD POLICY COUNCIL APPROVED
On Thursday, January 28, the Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) approved the creation of a Regional Food Policy Council. The Regional Food Policy Council (RFPC) will work with community, business, agriculture, and government partners to identify gaps in the region's food system and develop integrated policy recommendations and actions that will help our region move towards a food system that supports healthy people and communities and environmental sustainability.
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2010 TO BE YEAR OF URBAN AGRICULTURE
On Wednesday, February 3, Mayor Michael McGinn and I announced the launch of 'The Year of Urban Agriculture', a campaign to promote community agriculture efforts and increase access to locally grown food. This campaign will work through city agencies and private organizations to encourage more food growing in Seattle, develop new policies to promote local food at the City level, and support the work of providing adequate food, healthy choices, and better nutrition for Seattle residents. Details on the program will be posted at www.seattle.gov/urbanagriculture as specific initiatives are launched.
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SOUTH LAKE UNION BIOTECH ZONING APPROVED
On Monday, January 11, The City Council approved a text amendment for South Lake Union allowing additional height within the Seattle Mixed Zone in order to promote biotech industries and associated research and office uses. The legislation was approved by a vote of 7 to 1, with Councilmember Licata voting no and Councilmember Harrell recused.
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MAYOR PROPOSES BOND FOR SEAWALL
Mayor Mike McGinn has recommended that the Council consider creation of a special election in May for a proposed $241 million bond levy to replace the Elliott Bay seawall. The vote would require a 60% approval and amount to $48 each year for owners of a $400,000 home. The Mayor's proposal would effectively shave one year off the timeline for completion of the project from 2015 to 2014. However the city has not yet exhausted other options of possible funding mechanisms. The Council has asked for a more comprehensive funding plan for waterfront related projects before making a final decision on the proposal.
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DO NOT MAIL RESOLUTION PASSES
On Monday, January 25, the Council approved Resolution 31169 by an 8-1 vote, which calls on the State of Washington to create a Do Not Mail Registry. The state registry, if created, would give Washington residents the ability to opt out of receiving unwanted commercial, or 'junk' mail. The Resolution also asks Seattle Public Utilities to explore low cost options to provide a Do Not Mail service to Seattle residents if state action on this issue is delayed.
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QUOTE:
"Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak. Courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen."
-- Winston Churchill
DEEP THOUGHT:
"Politics and barbecues go so naturally together because it takes the same amount of time to cook the meat as it does to stroke the voters."
-- America Eats! WPA Federal Writers Project
