CITY BUDGET: Council hearing Wednesday night; plus, see the resolution that would cut support for neighborhood-district councils

Got a strong sentiment about what you do, or don’t, want the city to do with your money? Tomorrow is a big night to step up and speak your mind, as the City Council‘s first budget hearing happens Wednesday night. It’s at City Hall downtown, but traditionally, people come from all over Seattle for a moment in the spotlight as they voice their thoughts about the budget.

One issue of particular interest to community advocates: The resolution that would formalize what Mayor Murray announced in July – his hopes of cutting off city support for neighborhood-district councils (of which West Seattle has two), moving much of it to a new citywide Community Involvement Commission. Below, you can read the resolution that spells out how that group would be formed, among other things – one member from each of the seven City Council districts, seven more members to be appointed by the mayor, and two to be chosen by the commission, with mayoral and council approval required:

This is one of many budget topics the council is likely to hear about Wednesday night. The entire 841-page proposed-budget document is here; what the council wants to hear most at this stage, as explained by our area’s Councilmember Lisa Herbold (read her budget-process explainer/timeline here), is what you would like them to change, or NOT change, in the mayor’s proposal. We featured a few other toplines the day it was made public.

HEARING INFO: The hearing starts at 5:30 Wednesday at City Hall downtown (600 4th Ave.). Child care will be available – scroll down this page to see where to go and when.

John October 5, 2016 (9:18 am)

I welcome the Mayor’s proactive attempt to change a system that has simply not evolved with its constituents.

Even if his proposals do not succeed, the Mayor’s bold and unpopular attempts will (and already has) help nudge these entrenched groups out of their complacency.

AmandaKH October 5, 2016 (9:25 am)

So says the neighbor who has never been to a district council meeting.
- John October 5, 2016 (10:05 am)
  
  AmandaKH,
  
  That is simply not true and is an irresponsible accusation.
  
  Why not respond to the post, rather than attacking falsely the poster?
  
  WSB can confirm I have attended many meetings. I have repeatedly attempted to talk, been interrupted and confronted over my urbanist perspective.
  - WSB October 5, 2016 (10:15 am)
    
    We’ve certainly seen you at a few meetings over the years but I don’t know that district councils (Southwest and Delridge) were among them, at least in the years that I’ve been covering them (both SW and Delridge have archives in our CATEGORIES list). However, we don’t take roll, so I am not the definitive word on attendance. – TR

Mark October 5, 2016 (7:02 pm)

City has money for bike share but does not want to continue funding neighborhood councils that was not a big cost item. Wow it is frustrating the City is spending money without regard to taxpayers and one of the highest property tax in the Country (rate x value). With a good economy the City should be saving for a rainy day and expect adults to take care of themselves and not be on taxpayers.

rob October 5, 2016 (10:47 pm)

we all seem to forget one thing as we we complain we have to remember the democrats of this city are in control and the majority of the people of seattle put our city goverment in place. so what we are seeing is the will of the people of seattle. everything that is going on in our city is what the people voted for so just learn to live with it

Mcbride October 6, 2016 (12:39 am)

Rob, I disagree. There’s lots of flavors of democrat. While it is certainly true that Seattle is predominantly democratically aligned, there are still wide variances of opinion. But the District Councils, in my experience, are largely apoloiitical. Frequently, they push back on the City, often with good results (for their local constituents). And that’s where the mayor’s blatant power grab becomes a Huge problem. When power seeks to eliminate a dissenting voice, whether democrat, republican, or otherwise, you have a threat to society. And if that’s something you care about, you resist. I may not win this particular disagreement with the mayor, but I refuse to accept it.

John. I don’t recall stifling your urbanist views in the last six years or so. As a general policy I try to make sure that everyone with something to say has their voice. That’s important to me. That said, I am running an agenda and responsible to all assembled to maintain decorum and stay on point. Your views and statements are welcome at the DNDC. Provided they are on topic and advancing the common good. Third Wednesday of each month, Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, 7pm.

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