Mayor Bruce Harrell

Political Liability? As the King County Regional Homelessness Authority (@KingCoRHA) figures out it’s identity and role after a tumultuous year, KIRO Newsradio politics reporter Matt Markovich (@mattmarkovich) is offering some tremendous insight into the agency. Markovich has followed KCRHA since it’s inception. There may be no other reporter in this region who knows the inner workings better than this 30 plus year news veteran. Here’s his hot take on why it was formed and how former #Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan (@jennydurkan, @MayorJenny) and King County Executive Dow Constantine (@kcexec) essentially wanted “deniability” when it came to addressing the region’s homeless crisis. And according to Markovich, there’s been on-going tension between former KCRHA CEO Marc Dones and current #Seattle Mayor Bruce Read More ›

Political Liability Over the weekend, I caught up exclusively with #Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell (@mayorofseattle) and Deputy Mayor Tiffany Washington to discuss the recent controversies swirling around the King County Regional Homelessness Authority (@KingCoRHA.) 1) KCRHA Continuum of Care Board Chair Shanee Colston’s defiance and refusal to resign after her public outburst defending a convicted pedophile. 2) Former KCRHA CEO Marc Dones’ abrupt resignation, leaving the agency in an uncertain situation. Distancing Themselves @KingCoRHA clearly doesn’t want want to have anything to do with this hot mess created by Colston. If she refuses to resign, is anyone going to step up and remove her? I’m still trying to figure out if this can even be done. Global Attention This story Read More ›

Mother’s Day Weekend Madness The warm weather is bringing out even more open air drug use and dealers in downtown #Seattle and the #Chinatown-ID area. I’m seeing clusters of people passed out on the streets as locals remain desensitized and tourists literally just walk past the problem. The black market of stolen goods is hopping. People are jumping on and off the King County Metro (@KingCountyMetro) buses with tons of stolen merchandise. It comes and goes in waves. Without fail, evenings are the worst. Might as well call in the National Guard (@WANationalGuard) for a weekend stint. Can’t hurt right? It’s now been about a month since Mayor Bruce Harrell (@MayorofSeattle) announced his Downtown Activation Plan and signed the Executive Read More ›

Jonathan Choe joins Fox & Friends to discuss Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell’s plan to reactivate downtown and address the drug crisis.

Is Harm Reduction Really Working? On Monday, I asked Mayor Bruce Harrell (@MayorofSeattle) if giving away all these meth pipes and needles is really the best way to go about addressing the drug epidemic, especially since King County is still dealing with record drug overdose deaths. Advocates say it’s one of the best ways to keep people safe and alive. Critics say it’s enabling and making the problem worse. Here’s how the Mayor responded. #Seattle Are Safe Consumption Sites Part of Seattle’s Future? Mayor Bruce Harrell (@MayorofSeattle) took more of a measured approach on this one. While there are no immediate plans to bring in safe consumption sites so addicts can use illicit drugs under medical supervision, the Mayor hasn’t Read More ›

Jonathan Choe joins a panel of Seattle residents to discuss increases in crime and steps to address homeless encampments.

Breaking Thursday morning, another inferno at a meth lab homeless encampment on @WSDOT property. How many more times will #Chinatown-International District be victimized before the city and state take action? @GovInslee @MayorofSeattle @CMTammyMorales @KC_RHA @WAStateCommerce #Seattle How Much Longer? This same encampment went up in flames earlier this month. If a meth lab with weapons, drugs, and guns isn’t enough, what will it take for elected officials to deal with these extremely dangerous encampments on @WSDOT property? @KC_RHA What a Find @SeattlePD confirming #Chinatown-International District fire on February 9th was meth related. Neighbors are so sick of @wsdot and @kc_rha‘s empty promises. What else will it take for the state to finally clear this public safety disaster? @GovInslee @MayorofSeattle What Read More ›

Surrounded 3rd Ave. near #Seattle City Hall getting face lift w/boards on Lyon Building today. But will it keep campers away? Tents popping up near Columbia St. Many people out here are not homeless but stay in nearby @DESCSeattle buildings. Come here to chill. Couple Weeks Ago @MayorofSeattle w/probably dozen sweeps this year on 3rd Ave near City Hall. Many of these are “trap tents.” Just set up to chill and do drugs. Worst kept secret. Thanksgiving Day Outreach Multiple faith based groups like Union Gospel Mission and Reach Ministry have been working this Pioneer Sq/downtown #Seattle corridor. So the lack of services and shelter options being offered are not the issue.

Year-Round Calling Many Americans enjoyed Thanksgiving with friends and family. But on Thursday, I followed multiple FAITH based groups and volunteers for one of their busiest days of the year in #Seattle, trying to help homeless by offering more than a meal. All In a Day Yes, I shot in less than two hours on Thanksgiving day. These encampments are nearby in SODO and Pioneer Sq, including problematic spot near #Seattle City Hall. @MayorofSeattle has done at least 10 sweeps here this year. Many are “trap tents” used for drugs. Happening Now Monday morning “blues” in downtown #Seattle as people smoke fentanyl. @MayorofSeattle w/probably dozen sweeps this year on 3rd Ave near City Hall. Many here say they are not Read More ›

Complaints Stacking Up Homeowners near @DESCSeattle‘s Clement Place (“HOUSING FIRST” model) have documented numerous problems caused by SOME residents including fella in this video. Fights, drugs, attempted burglary. Neighbors claim DESC building managers ignoring them. Imagine Living Next to This Homeowners say NOT everyone living at @DESCSeattle Clement Place is a MENACE to neighborhood. But there are some well known characters like this woman who goes on shouting sprees at all hours. I have reached out to DESC but still no response. Rough Year for Neighbors This past summer, I also reported extensively on MASSIVE homeless encampment out of control in front of @DESCSeattle Clement Place. At the time, neighbors weren’t sure if the homeless or DESC residents were causing Read More ›