I occasionally hear from critics that I make too many things ‘public’. Why aren’t I trying to communicate with the administration or colleagues? The fact is that I do that. Whether I want to or not. 😀 My life as an elected in a very public and very hostile work environment sometimes remind me of … Continue reading “The Truman Show”
Public Safety
Constructive Criticism
Categories Campaigning, Engagement, Neighborhoods, Public SafetyI got the following message from a resident the morning after our last City Council Meeting : “It looks like you guys were getting along. What happened?” 😀 I can only speak for myself: I self-censored. I avoided several uncomfortable conversations that should be happening. Frankly, some nights? I just don’t feel like fighting. Administration … Continue reading “Constructive Criticism”
Yes, but it’s a dry heat…
Categories Environment, Public Safety1 Comment on Yes, but it’s a dry heat…I hope you’ve survived the heat. And if you haven’t? Well, you’re not reading this anyway, so… 😀 Is it just me, or does it feel like these low-rent ’emergencies’ are basically coming somewhat constantly now? I ask because I’ve had this *bee in my bonnet for a long time about the topic of Emergency … Continue reading “Yes, but it’s a dry heat…”
The Minority Report (Part 2 of 2: Policy)
Categories Airport, Economic Development, Engagement, Marina, Policy, Public Safety, Taxes, Transparency, TransportationThis is the second half of our response to the April 15th State Of The City presentation. Part 1 discussed our objections to the way it was carried out. Here we’ll talk about some specific policy differences. For those of you short on time, you can follow along with this presentation packet. As noted last … Continue reading “The Minority Report (Part 2 of 2: Policy)”
Letter of resignation from Des Moines Diversity Task Force: Meg Tapucol-Provo
Categories Neighborhoods, Policy, Public Safety, Transparency4 Comments on Letter of resignation from Des Moines Diversity Task Force: Meg Tapucol-ProvoSubject: Stepping down from the DMPD Diversity Task Force To: Chief Ken Thomas, Des Moines Police Guild, City Council, etc. To the Members of the Des Moines Police Department Diversity Task Force, I am regretfully writing to inform you that I am stepping down from the Diversity Task Force. In joining this Task Force, my … Continue reading “Letter of resignation from Des Moines Diversity Task Force: Meg Tapucol-Provo”
Des Moines Police Department Historic Officer Staffing Levels
Staffing levels of the DMPD have varied quite a bit since 2000. They began a gradual decline due to various changes to the State taxing system (eg. I-695, liquor tax claw back) but made a come back in 2006 with a voter-approved special purpose property tax lid lift Ordinance 1375. However, the levy expired in … Continue reading "Des Moines Police Department Historic Officer Staffing Levels"
Why I support police reform but voted against pre-paying for body cameras
Categories Public Safety1 Comment on Why I support police reform but voted against pre-paying for body camerasAs I’ve written and testified, I am a strong advocate of police reform. I was the lone vote against the motion so I figured I should explain a bit. And I want to stipulate that body cameras will likely be in all Cities (including Des Moines) at some point. Point by point Let’s begin by … Continue reading “Why I support police reform but voted against pre-paying for body cameras”
How I got so interested in Code Enforcement
Categories Neighborhoods, Public Safety1 Comment on How I got so interested in Code EnforcementIn 2010 I moved away for a year and rented out my house here. Now back then, in order to rent out yer house, the City required aspiring landlords to do a few things: you paid an $80 fee and you became part of a database with your current address and phone number so that … Continue reading “How I got so interested in Code Enforcement”
Port Of Seattle Special Meeting On Policing and Racism (Public Comment)
Categories Public SafetyLeave a comment on Port Of Seattle Special Meeting On Policing and Racism (Public Comment)FROM: JC Harris PO Box 13094 Des Moines, WA 98198 (206) 878-0578TO: Commissioners Of The Port Of Seattle: Peter Steinbreuck, Fred Felleman, Stephanie Bowman, Ryan Calkins, Sam ChoJune 29, 2020 Commissioners, I am writing to you in this context as a private citizen. I applaud the Port’s efforts at self-reflection on matters of policing and … Continue reading “Port Of Seattle Special Meeting On Policing and Racism (Public Comment)”
What can Des Moines learn from George Floyd?
Categories Policy, Public Safety6 Comments on What can Des Moines learn from George Floyd?I’m in the not unusual position of being a white guy in a black family. So I’ve been an unwitting participant in a decades long sociology experiment. I’ve gotten to see how I get treated differently from my family members in all sorts of shared situations. Unfortunately, that also applies to dealings with the police. … Continue reading “What can Des Moines learn from George Floyd?”