Tacoma City Council Meeting for May 18th, 2010
Let’s go straight to the point – a toned-down resolution denouncing the recent Arizona immigration bill did not pass the Tacoma City Council this evening.
Four “yes” votes were not enough to pass the resolution as required by City Charter section 2.10. With Councilman Spiro Manthou and Mayor Marilyn Strickland absent, an abstention from Councilman David Boe and “no” votes from Councilmen Joe Lonergan and Marty Campbell, the council was just shy of the five “yes” votes required.
Deputy Mayor Jake Fey chose to change his vote from a “yes” to a “no” in favor of moving to reexamine the issue at next week’s meeting.
Despite the “no” vote, it was an optimistic crowd that left the chambers around 9 p.m. The discussion being that it could still be approved by the full council next week with Strickland – who wrote a letter in support of the resolution – in attendance.
The resolution voted on Tuesday evening was a different animal from that first proposed last week. The language boycott was removed from the resolution, and with it, some felt, the resolution’s “teeth.”
Ryan Mello spoke to the change before and after the public comments period, saying “the b-word” distracted from the true issues at hand, focusing on boycotts rather than immigration issues and racial profiling.
A lengthy public comment section saw 53 individuals speak up for or against the resolution.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Star Murray, a student, said Tacoma needs to send a strong message just like Seattle has, and she would like the City of Tacoma to ensure that we will not support discrimination of any kind in our city.
Five speakers said they would like the council strengthen the resolution by adding the word “boycott” again.
Two people said the “boycott” language was too strong.
Twenty-eight people came up in general support of the resolution.
Sky Chafee, of the Latino student organization at UWT, said AZ Resolution 1070 affects every person in the room, and “we become the problem” if laws like this are allowed to be passed anywhere in the
country.
Monique Romans, a military spouse, said she fears that returning Latino and other minority soldiers will have to worry about carrying a passport or being attacked.
Robert Cleaveland, a 42-year resident of Tacoma said he is concerned about the speed with which the resolution has come about.
One speaker said no country in the world has open borders, and “Arizona is doing what they have to do.” He also complained about the presence of anti SB 1070 posters in the room.
Hal Washburn, Olalla resident and former Minutemen member, said the border wars are creeping North, and Tacoma will be in the midst of it in a couple of years.
Peggy Herman, regional Vice President of the International Lawyers Guild, commended the council for bringing the issue forth.
Tacoma resident Rafael Granados spoke through an interpreter about Arizona destroying the ideals of equality and justice. He was heckled by a man in the audience for speaking too long.
Stan Smith suggested the council members resign immediately, move to Arizona and run for elected office there if they are intent on looking at the mess in their neighbors’ yards.
Beverly Ibsen told the council she understood the boycott resolution, but does not understand the watered down version.
Two speakers spoke of the distinction between what is legal, and what is morally right, with the implication that the Arizona law is exclusionary and not morally right.
Cindy Marquez spoke through a translator, saying she and her four-year-old daughter were threatened by a Caucasian woman who told her she hates Mexicans. She said the police told her this is normal considering what is happening in Arizona. Marquez said this is not fair and not normal.
Tacoma Public Schools teacher Anita Latch quoted Thoreau and said if your money is used to support a wrong, then you are wrong.
Glen “just call me Thunder” Hurlburt said we should emulate the Arizona law and in fact make one in Tacoma of our own.
Pete Chamberlain of Lakewood suggested both sides might be able to come together in a boycott of the two Arizona companies supplying the city’s red-light cameras.
Drew Hendricks spoke up on the topic of Tacoma Police Department corruption and was asked to stay on topic. He elected to leave and return another day.
In other business …
CONSENT AGENDA
Resolution No. 38028 Authorizes the execution of an amendment to the grant agreement with the Washington State Child Care Resource & Referral Network, in the amount of $4,000, for a cumulative total of $334,769; to support child care referral services for Pierce County parents and child care providers through June 30, 2010.
PROCLAMATIONS
- Deputy Mayor Jake Fey read a proclamation from Mayor Strickland designating May 16th – 22nd, 2010 as “Public Works Week.”
REGULAR AGENDA
Purchase Resolution No. 38029 awarded contracts to:
- Pease Construction, Inc., for the $394,992 rehabilitation of the historic Spanish Steps;
- Asphalt Patch Systems, Incorporated, for a cumulative total of $3,590,475, to increase and extend the citywide contract for asphalt patching and concrete repair services for utility cuts through May 31, 2011; and
- Associated Petroleum Products, Inc., for a cumulative total of $1,436,000, budgeted from various departmental funds, to increase the contract for bulk fuel purchases on an as-needed basis through April 12, 2011.
Resolution No. 38030 authorizes the Public Works Department to participate in a Tacoma Water contract with WM. Dickson Co., in the amount of $609,814.85, budgeted from the Wastewater and Surface Water Funds, for the replacement of existing sanitary and storm sewer mains in the vicinity of South 23rd Street to South Tacoma Way between South C Street and Tacoma Avenue.
Resolution No. 38031 authorizes the Public Works Department to participate in a Tacoma Water contract with S&W Utility Contractors, Inc., in the amount of $284,261.34, budgeted from the Surface Water Fund, for the replacement of water mains and construction of storm sewer mains in the vicinity of Varco Road.
Resolution No. 38032 approves an economic development project for Tacoma Goodwill Industries, in the amount of $38,000,000, to be financed through the State of Washington Economic Development Finance
Authority and the issuance of non-recourse revenue bonds.
Resolution No. 38033 authorizes the execution of a procurement and operations agreement with ACS, Inc., in the amount of $4,185,000, budgeted from LTGO Bond proceeds and the Parking Pay Station Fund, to implement a turnkey Parking Pay Station Program system in the core area of downtown Tacoma.
Resolution No. 38034 was not passed. It expressed opposition to Arizona’s State Law Senate Bill 1070, “Support Our Law Enforcement and Safe Neighborhoods Act”. If you’ve read this far, you know what we’re talking about.
FIRST READING OF ORDINANCES
Ordinance No. 27887 Approving the Public Utility Board’s selection of the filtration alternative for treatment of the Green River water supply and committing to the inclusion of the costs of filtration in Tacoma Water’s budgets and rates.
Filed under: City-Council, Politics
46 comments
S Stacy Emerson May 19, 2010
Thanks for covering this- and for doing it so well!
H Heidi May 19, 2010
Approximately ninety percent of the people who spoke were in favor of the resolution compared to the five (FIVE) who spoke against it. The negative emails and phone calls to the city council are largely the result of a massive campaign being orchestrated by a few agitators not even from Tacoma.
Now that the resolution no longer includes the word “boycott”, no representative should hesitate to support a resolution which simply says all people will be treated equally, fairly and justly within our city
J Jesse May 19, 2010
I think they may need to drop the whole Arizona thing. It’s ok to put some time towards it as I think it’s worthy of such, but this is spiralling out of hard. It’s a can of worms… and not 100% relevant to Tacoma.
Since the new council took office this has been the biggest issue I’ve seen thus far? Close. Hmmm…. There are SO MANY things to get done in this town and to waste (a lot of) time with this is counterproductive.
R RR Anderson May 19, 2010
maybe at the next vote Boe will not hide under his desk. Come on man!
D dolly varden May 19, 2010
Jesse — The magnitude of, and interest in, the controversy over this issue is prima facie evidence of its relevance to the city. It’s pretty clear that this community has some things to work through when it comes to immigration, not to mention what the city’s role in the national and global communities should be. The city council is doing its job by promoting that debate. Let’s hope we ultimately come out on the side of engagement and compassion.
D debivans May 19, 2010
I find it weird that that the people usually complaining about too much government are so willing to grant said government such power.
T tacoma1 May 19, 2010
Personally, I’d rather see the city council spend their time on our local issues: crime, air pollution, business developement, transportation, and environmental issues.
I do applaud the anti racism message, and it is an important one.
That being said, rather than having the City of Tacoma get wrapped up in the debate with no meaningful influence upon another State, I’d like to see an aggreived party challenge the Arizona law in court.
T tom waits May 19, 2010
if it were just the issue of illegal immigration into arizona, that would be one thing, but it is not.
then there is the arizona house bill restricting ethnic studies. and the arizona dept of education’s decision recently to remove teachers with accents from teaching english.
these things taken together are more than alarming. sure, perhaps they are the symptom of a broader set of social and policy ills, but this is how really bad things begin.
what is going on in this country? look at texas’ new rightist social studies curriculum.
i don’t think this is an inappropriate dabbling in others’ business. i think it is a moral question the city needs to discuss. any question of that fact was dispelled by the hundreds of responses and comments from citizens.
H Heidi May 19, 2010
It is never wasted time to reaffirm liberty and justice for all. The residents of Tacoma have made it clear this IS relevant to our city.
A few hours of such discussion only enforces the principles of democracy so we can be assured that other city business is being conducted and conducted fairly. (Does anyone really think potholes would be fixed by now if only this topic hadn’t been brought up?)
It’s those who are voting “no” who are the wasters of time… this should have been passed immediately.
T tacoma1 May 19, 2010
Good points on the curriculum meddling. That is definitely a slippery slope towards ignorance, intolerance, and racism. Both Texas and Arizona should be embarrassed.
History should be taught by historians, science should be taught by scientists, math by mathematicians, etc.
If political ideologs want to teach a class, they can hold court in the political science dept. That way everyone knows what they’re getting.
R RR Anderson May 19, 2010
It was revealing to see Joe Lonergan capitulate to the massive spambot emails marshaled by the AM gangster earphone radio computer-god. I’ll estimate the man is 90% computer-god moon-brain at this point and should be replaced next election cycle.
E Erik B. May 19, 2010
Good thing that the council dropped plans to engage in an economic boycott war with the state of Arizona.
Should the Republicans take over Congress this November, and they may, McCain (from Arizona) would be in a very senior position in the Senate and could act to cut off much of the federal funds that might otherwise be sent to Tacoma.
R RR Anderson May 19, 2010
furthermore, I was startled if not vindicated to witness the free thinking individuals infused with youth-life speaking out against the international gangster computer-god communist conspiracy.
The dark servants of the gangster computer-god were there in diminished numbers and countenance, far more revealing their hunched and widened frames and flesh-meat jowls hanging aged and colorless… eyes sunken, protected by thick bottles. Proof dear reader of the very vampiric nature of the computer-god itself!
excelsior, true believers.
M Mofo from the Hood May 19, 2010
All those in favor of illegal immigration please attend the next Tacoma City Council meeting. Bring your children too…
H Heidi May 19, 2010
To: RR Anderson
Do you recall the old Comedy Central show, “Mystery Science Theater 3000”?
I’ve always wanted to produce a second version of each council meeting with little silhouetted side-comments… both comic and insightful, pointing out irony and policy side-stepping…
Interested?
H Heidi May 19, 2010
To: RR Anderson
Oh, thank you for the good laugh.
We’ve also wanted to do a version of TMZ-Tacoma: local celebrity glimpses of Will Baker at the county annex, University Place Guy at Trader Joe’s, catching Mike Lonergran leaving the Greek Festival…
D dolly varden May 19, 2010
Erik B. — Let’s put the specifics of this issue aside for a moment (and agree to disagree that the resolution before the council actually puts Tacoma at any serious risk of perceptible retaliation by Arizona). Is there a point at which it makes sense for a local government to put itself at some economic risk to make a moral statement on broader issues? Would it be wrong for the Kabul City council to condemn an Afgan province that harbors the Taliban when there’s a chance the Taliban might take over the government at some point? Would it be wrong for a city to express support for a climate change treaty because oil companies wouldn’t like it? Many issues (apartheid, for instance, or Arizona’s failure to recognize MLK’s birthday in the 1980s) have been influenced by local action at some minor risk to local economies. Was that wrong? Is it wrong for struggling towns to make those kinds of statements but not for booming towns to do so? Do bad economic circumstances reduce a municipality’s moral obligations? If so, where do you draw the line?
J JR May 19, 2010
OMG, really. This is what the council is wasting their time on. For the love of Tacoma, please focus on something relevant to our city. If you want to tackle racial profiling or other similar issues, great, but don’t do it by piggybacking on a media blitz of the AZ news.
T Tacoma Joe May 19, 2010
The new resolution is making this issue relevant to what Tacoma stands for, not just as a reaction to Arizona.
Although SB 1070 doesn’t use the word “Hispanic”, that group of people (and any non-Angelo) will be most affected by “suspicious appearance”, and more likely stopped, questioned and detained without evidence or warrant.
I expected the “no” vote from “Take-my-cues-from-daddy” Lonergran, and Boe is still reeling from the last hand-slapping… but Campbell’s “no” was a stunning disappointment to me.
C CA May 19, 2010
“Would it be wrong for the Kabul City council to condemn an Afgan province that harbors the Taliban when there’s a chance the Taliban might take over the government at some point?”
Afghanistan is severely lacking in government and infrastructure. The same cannot be said for the US. We have government institutions in place, like the courts, to deal with these types of issues-and the Tacoma City Council is NOT one of them. If you personally want to boycot products and services from Arizona than go for it. But asking the city government to do the same is a silly exercise in futility.
T Tacoma Joe May 19, 2010
CA:
Puhleez, the word “boycott” had been removed from the resolution! Get up to speed!
This is about making a statement for justice in our city! How can anyone continue to oppose that?
K Kevin May 19, 2010
This was not a vote that would negatively effect Tacoma, except in possibly some small way.
This is not just a “states” issue, this is a human issue. This AZ law feels to much like the “states rights” laws of the south, which were also supported by a “majority” of the people in those states, such as the laws that upheld segregation and before that slavery. We need to protect and stand up for those that can not, even when it is not directly related to our jobs and our community. We do this on a state, national and international basis all the time.
I do believe that more needs to be done to fix this problem, but this law is racist. This law forces even “legals” and citizens to carry “papers”. We are not the old Soviet Union.
As elected officials, they represent all of Tacoma’s citizens, not just the “majority” or the business community. Being on the city council has made them a part of the political fabric of the entire nation.
I believe every council person has or will be joining with other politicians from other cities and states in various conferences. By doing this, you are helping to shape the social and political framework of these other communities.
Let me ask this of our city council. If this was the 1950’s and 60’s and they were in their current council position, would they have voted for a resolution condemning segregation in the south?
…
to Erik B… are you a libertarian, because you sure sound like one?
C CA May 19, 2010
As I’ve stated previously I do not like Arizona’s law. I just dont think this is necessary business for the City Council.
R RR Anderson May 19, 2010
City Council has taken a symbolic stand on climate change, domestic partner benefits and the need to verify obama’s birth certificate in the past. What is the big deal about the ‘you suck arizona’ resolution?
S Star Angelina Murray May 19, 2010
While it might be true only
“[f]ive speakers said they would like the council strengthen[ed by] the resolution by adding the word ‘boycott’” all of us “pro” Resolution No. 38034 (the original resolution denouncing SB 1070) were there to speak in favor of a solidarity boycott in Arizona.
We did not have the new language from the current Resolution No. 38035 until two minutes before the meeting started. Nor was Resolution No. 38035 introduced until after the start of the meeting. Many of us had scrambled to change our pre-written speeches.
Nevertheless, we are off to a good start and we need to build on the community power shown last night by the Latino and indigenous community.
We need to reach out to more communities of color, since we are in this together.
SPECIAL thanks to the grassroots, Grupo Tacoma for their brilliant speeches and organizing. Thank you to El Comite Pro-Reforma Migratoria Y Justicia Social and the Washington Immigrant Rights Action Coalition for their hard work on community building in Tacoma. The MAY 1st marches organized by El Comite and their coalitions have given many of us momentum to have our voices heard. We have definitely learned the importance of leadership by their example.
R RR Anderson May 19, 2010
@Star
You rocked.
C CJ May 20, 2010
It’s amazing that people are taking this POLITICAL THEATER seriously.
You think this is real? If Tacoma was really concerned about injustice……. we would stop all commerce with the City of Seattle, after the city police officer stomped a Latino man (helpless, in handcuffs)and spewed racial slurs at him. Turns out, he didn’t have anything to do with anything…. must have been profiled.
So far, everything about this “Arizona law” has been speculation about events that haven’t happened. Seattle is actively engaged in racial violence and hate crimes by officers. The seattle incident happened weeks ago, no one has been fired, no offical apology, no overhaul of the department, etc…
Why is the Sounder train allowed into the Tacoma station? Why are Seattle based restaurants allowed to operate in Tacoma?
I can’t wait until this absurd crap is over and we can move on to the next bunch of absurd crap.
A Altered Chords May 20, 2010
Help, help…a group of hispanic guys w/ machette’s just robbed me. (note that the hold up victim is hispanic)
1 adam 12, 1 adam 12. We are looking for a group of hispanic men in their 20’s. Be sure to look for groups of asian women in their 50’s so that we’re not accused of profiling.
…stomped on man in handcuffs…
CJ – this is the sort of hysterical comment that is running rampant. The victim of police brutality was reaching to his face with his hand. I guess he was a hispanic Houdini?
T Tacoma Joe May 20, 2010
You’re right, CJ, however that doesn’t mean we should do nothing. There is injustice in Seattle, there is injustice in China, there is injustice in Tacoma… and there is undeniable injustice happening in Arizona.
There have been documented cases of deliberate extreme racial profiling since the enactment of this law, with the undeniable proof of the law’s intent based on additional discriminatory laws AZ has passed since.
So, the difference between Arizona and Seattle is that although discrimination/injustice may be happening in both, Arizona is making it legal.
Still, you’re right, this resolution is an empty symbolic gesture; however it is doing something (saying we will not allow laws which say discrimination is ever acceptable) and may lead to the next step in the right direction. It’s better than doing nothing.
C CJ May 20, 2010
Altered Chords….. I don’t get your point. Are you saying that the officer was justified in kicking, stomping, or putting her boot on the guy’s head? How’s it a hysterical comment? It’s on video for the world to see.
Joe…. you are misinformed, your comment “There have been documented cases of deliberate extreme racial profiling since the enactment of this law, with the undeniable proof of the law’s intent based on additional discriminatory laws AZ has passed since.”
The law hasn’t been enacted. It was signed on April 23rd and will go into effect 90 days later. So August. Everthing about this law is in people’s minds so far.
A Altered Chords May 20, 2010
CJ – I mis-read your comment I thought you said the office stomped on the victims hand while he was in handcuffs.
A Altered Chords May 20, 2010
CJ – My point –
If a call goes to the cops describing a group of perps, is it profiling for the police to actually look for perps that fit the description?
My point was not that the officers were justiied. My point was that they were not profiling.
T Tacoma Joe May 20, 2010
CJ – even if the AZ law hasn’t gone into effect yet, it has passed and it’s passage alone has sparked documented instances and additional discriminatory laws to be passed.
Again, injustice may happen everywhere, but Arizona is making it legal.
Our council is right to say: we won’t do that here.
J Jesse May 21, 2010
@RR: When is the next city council all stars episode? Loved it!
C CJ May 21, 2010
Again, all this “outrage” and pandering to minorities is political theater and designed to take your attention away from the fact that your taxes are about to get jacked up, Tacoma streets are falling apart, businesses are leaving, unemployment is high etc, etc. As a bonus.. these city council folks think that they may get their name mentioned on CNN and become part of the “national debate”.
What a nice diversion. As long as you and I are “going at it” on this message board (about Arizona law), no one is asking… “why can’t you fix Tacoma?”.
D dolly varden May 21, 2010
City governments and other government bodies can and often do deal with the symbolic and the practical simultaneously. I support the anti-AZ resolution and regularly advocate for good stuff in Tacoma. It ain’t either/or.
T tom waits May 21, 2010
I disagree that this is political theater cynically designed to distract the public from politically inconvenient local issues. Sure, perhaps this is not the most pressing local legislative issue, but get real.
The irony is that originally, I don’t think the proponents anticipated that the Tacoma resolution would become that big of a deal.
B Beverly Ibsen May 21, 2010
@Heidi: Amen. A boycott message would have been much stronger. Words have power. And I agree that the language change should have brought Marty on board. The only talking point left to the opposition is that it’s not Tacoma’s “business” to take a stand against racial profiling. But as Tacoma Joe points out, injustice is everyone’s business. I’m sad that AZ had to pass such a hateful law, but I’m happy we’re having this conversation about racial profiling!
B BonBon45 May 21, 2010
So let me get this straight – David Boe abtains from what is largely a symbolic statement against racism, yet doesn’t recuse himself when he’s got a clear conflict of interest.
R RR Anderson May 21, 2010
Boe has all his man parts. He offered to show me today at Frost Park.
M Mofo from the Hood May 22, 2010
What a bunch of saps.
Are Tacoman’s supposed to feel guilty about illegal immigration?
“Hey! Look at me! I studied Spanish for two years in a Tacoma high school. Two of my teachers were Mexican. And I like mexi-fries, and Corona with lime. I’m qualified for the extreme-radical sector of the Tacoma City Council!”
T Tacoma Joe May 22, 2010
Wow, thanks for the super-deep thoughts, Mofo. Guess we can call this discussion closed.
M Mofo from the Hood May 22, 2010
For all those who live their lives feeling guilty about guarding U.S. borders from vicious Mexican drug dealers and all other enemies of the State, you’ve got friends in the mindless Tacoma Underground.
H Heidi May 25, 2010
TONIGHT – Reintroduced AZ Resolution and Re-vote at Tacoma City Council Meeting
*** Please participate at Tacoma’s City Council Public Comment Period, Tonight ***
Regarding: reintroduced Resolution 38035
The anti-discrimination resolution was deliberately voted down last meeting so that the majority votes could reintroduce the resolution for later consideration. At today’s study session, Deputy Mayor Fey stated his intentions to do so at tonight’s city council meeting. To our best understanding at this time, this appears to be how the agenda will be conducted tonight:
* 5:00pm to 5:30pm – Regular agenda (NOT including the AZ resolution which is not yet on the agenda) will be open for public comment (if you plan to speak about Resolution 38305, do not sign up for this time slot)
* 5:30pm – Public Hearing will commence as planned to address the 2010 Amendments (South Tacoma zoning, Urban Forestry and Mobility Planning)
* Upon completion of the Public Hearing, the council meeting will resume, including conclusion of unfinished public comment of the original agenda…
* Then, Jake Fey intends to request reintroduction of Resolution 38035. PUBLIC TESTIMONY WILL BE TAKEN FOR THE TOPIC AT THIS TIME. (It’s not known if a sign-up sheet and copies of the updated resolution will be available at the start of the meeting, or not until this time.) The resolution will be voted on tonight and your voice is needed.
City Council Chambers
747 Market Street, First Floor
Tacoma, Washington 98402
May 25, 2010 – 5:00 p.m.
(AZ Resolution will be reintroduced later in the meeting…
the agenda schedule above could change, however…)
*** Please forward ~ Please come! ***
C Cloud May 27, 2010
I am so impressed by the council, the citizens, and this blog.
Thanks to all.
K ken June 2, 2010
Hi personally I love what arizona is doing and wish the rest of the usa had the kuhanas to follow suit.I think you guys should have a state or city vote and let the real people decide how we should persue……not just 8 of us.ken