In the City of SeaTac, many rightly question who really runs the city. Mayor Jake Simpson, John Wyble – WinPower Strategies, or Representative Mia Gregerson? “There are two passions which have a powerful influence in the affairs of men. These are ambition and avarice; the love of power, and the love of money. Separately each
... continue reading.External Articles
Articles from around the area, including re-prints from various newspapers (provided under Fair-Use provision.) These are information only, which means that many, Many, MANY of these do not represent my point of view. (Seriously, they don’t.) I just want you to know what’s out there being discussed by electeds that concern Des Moines.
Highline Academics: Prepare to be Disappointed
By Stuart Jenner. Are you curious about how your neighborhood school is performing in English and Math? Be prepared for disappointment: 14 of the 17 elementary schools in Highline are below or far below state averages. In this election season, common buzzwords include “alignment with the Strategic Plan”, “SEL is going to fix everything” or
... continue reading.Officials to SMN: Gangs, social media to blame for rising PNW teen crime
BY BILL KACZARABA MyNorthwest Content Editor A pair of elite law enforcement officials say gangs, staff shortages, and social media are to blame for increasing teen crime rates in the area. King County Prosecuting Attorney Leesa Manion and Kent Police Chief Rafael Padilla were on Seattle’s Morning News on KIRO Newsradio Tuesday. When addressing the increase in teen crime,
... continue reading.Des Moines eyes eco-friendly hydro-foiled boats to ease Seattle traffic congestion
by Denise Whitaker, KOMO News Reporter Thu, October 5th 2023, 3:51 PM PDT This Navier boat is a pre-production model that holds 6 passengers, but the company says it’s totally scalable to 60′. (KOMO News) DES MOINES, Wash. — It’s no secret that the greater Seattle area deals with a lot of traffic congestion. And
... continue reading.Police departments facing ‘historic crisis’ in finding, keeping officers should make changes: DOJ report
Story by Bart Jansen, USA TODAY •6h WASHINGTON – Police departments are grappling with “an historic crisis in recruiting and retaining” officers because of a tight labor market during the pandemic and community frustrations, the Justice Department said, recommending a series of policy changes Tuesday to find and keep officers. The recommendations came in response to a survey of 182 police
... continue reading.One court case changed how West Coast cities deal with homeless encampments
By Greg Kim Seattle Times staff reporter Five years ago, federal judges ruled it was “cruel and unusual” for cities to fine or arrest homeless people for sleeping outside when they had nowhere else to go. Fast-forwarding to recent months, elected officials in Seattle and along the West Coast are railing against the decision, asking
... continue reading.A deep dive into Seattle’s busy, beloved Ballard Locks
By Sandi Doughton Pacific NW magazine writer THREE YEARS AGO, a Washington state senator from Ferndale introduced a bill to study the costs and benefits of breaching the Ballard Locks. Republican Doug Ericksen, who died in 2021, didn’t really expect it to happen. His legislation was a jab at Seattle liberals calling for removal of dams on the
... continue reading.Rob Back – Waterland Blog Candidate Statement
Rob Back, a seasoned maintenance contractor and former council member, is a candidate for the Des Moines City Council, Position 2. With over 35 years of experience, Back brings a wealth of knowledge and a strong track record of accomplishments. Notably, he served as a council member from 2016 to 2020, during which time he
... continue reading.Can a city banish its poor? WA’s highest court is asked to weigh in
Being in the Top 10 isn’t always a good thing. Especially when it comes to homelessness. Washington state ranks number nine in the number of unsheltered homeless individuals, or those living on the street, and in the top five of the total number of people experiencing homelessness. The crisis escalated between 2020 and 2022, when that number jumped
... continue reading.Grant will help expand services at Auburn mental health clinic
The $940,298 grant will fund planning, development and expansion of facility By Benjamin Leung Friday, September 29, 2023 2:25pm NORTHWEST Auburn’s Sound Mental Health clinic at 4238 Auburn Way N. (Courtesy photo) The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services awarded Sound Mental Health, a mental health clinic in Auburn, an approximately $940,000 grant
... continue reading.