Ever not taken a sick day because you needed the cash? If the City Council doesn't change its mind, a bill could be passed Monday that mandates paid time off if you're sick.
This Monday: City Council To Vote On, and Probably Pass, Mandatory Paid Sick Leave
Seattlest Voters' Guide: City Council Position 9
Another day, another look at who's in your voters' pamphlet. Read up, so you can make an educated decision about the future of the Seattle City Council. It matters. We promise.
Building Code and Ice Cream Social Tomorrow
Talk about government incentives! The Seattle City Council’s Planning, Land Use, and Neighborhoods Committee is holding a special public meeting tomorrow at 5:30 p.m. at Dr. Blanche Lavisso Park (East Yesler Way and 22nd Avenue South). But if you get there at 5 p.m., your chances of getting free ice cream are better. The meeting is to discuss changes to the mid- and high-rise sections of the multifamily code, which Sally Clark has struggled mightily to make public in ways ("Townhouses: Can the Patient be Saved?") that might interest people. Now she's footing the bill for ice cream. Sally, next time we're voting for you twice. Nope, we are. End of discussion.
Smoking The Rumor Weed: Sally Clark For Mayor?
Publicola says Sally Clark's office isn't denying that the politician will run for mayor at some point. Investigative fiend Josh Feit was investigating a rumor he'd heard and ran into surprisingly soft resistance to his inquiries; whether or not that means anything other than a spokesperson having a mischievous day is yet to be determined, but this is an interesting scoop. Hmm. Sally Clark in charge doesn't sound awful. It doesn't sound awful at all.
Light Rail Density Bill Dead
Publicola has the news this morning: a controversial bill that tried to raise density standards around 40 light rail stations has failed to make it out of committee and is dead in the water. The bill, supported by city councilor Sally Clark and generally a good idea, is a casualty of competing progressive interests between poverty activists and environmentalists. John Fox, the head of the Seattle Displacement Coalition, has effectively solidified his reputation as the "local Ralph Nader," in Publicola's estimation, by going against other housing advocates in opposing the bill for not offering enough affordable housing guarantees, while the mayor's office eventually came after it because its affordable housing guarantees were . So now we have nothing, furthering Seattlest's impression that the Democratic leadership in the State government is a joke and that local activists are incapable of delivering on virtually anything. (Read Josh Feit's assessment of the impasse.)
Scooter-Moving Fine?
Is there some widespread problem about town of which we're unaware, where motorists are indiscriminately moving scooters out of the way to park their cars? Maybe because we don't own a scooter, but we haven't heard about a city-wide uproar about this. Nonetheless, a fine is being discussed to put an end to this travesty.
City Council 2008 Action Plan: We Will Stay Awake
Two, our city council is old -- like, they were excited about seeing the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show old. What is the average age, retirement? Sally Clark is alert and at full speed, but one person can't do it alone. McIver's up there "resting his eyes" throughout. These are the people in charge of guiding Seattle's future? Seriously, there has to be some generational groupthink at work. Given the UW population, representative local government ought to include someone in their 20s. It's not like the council is allowed to do anything -- everything important is handled by the Mayor's Office -- so what's the harm?
Seattlest’s City Council Endorsements
When we sat down to do our endorsements we reached a disturbing conclusion. We cannot, in good conscience, vote for anyone.
As Controversy Swirls, the Council Prepares for Nightlife Vote
This morning, reported on inaccuracies in its article from a week age today on elements of the sting operation, including the disputed claim that a gun made it into Tommy's on the Ave after a bouncer was offered a $100 bribe. Jush Feit over at the Slog tore them a new one for getting info wrong again, particularly on the point about violence.
City Council Primary Preview: Position 9
You may see incumbent councilwoman Sally Clark at a local candidate forum, but you won't see one of her opponents, Bob Brown.
Local Dems Endorse Our Sweet Youth
We’re only going to be in our twenties for the next three weeks, so lately we’ve been trying to feel younger--and there is no better place to accomplish this than at a local district Democrat meeting. Once again we were one of the youngest people in the room. We love you sweet, sweet democracy.
All the News
--Galloping towards the new Narrows date.
Finally, a Vote Against...You Know...Male Junk
After being out of the loop for a while, we were interested to read that Washington will have a presidential primary on February 19, and that the City Council races are set (Rasmussen, you are going down).
Speaking Tour: 11/15 - 11/21
>>>UW iSchool at Kane Hall, 7:00-9:00pm. "Voices in an Empty Room: Five Apologies for the Narrative": Children's author Richard Peck discusses his writing and teaching careers, and his experiences with the kids today. He'll read from On The Wings Of Heroes, his new novel about a World War II childhood. Free with RSVP. Kane Hall, Rm. 220.
New Local Political Blog...Hey, Come Back
There are about 17 of us who really enjoy following local politics. We can name the members of the city council, know our state representatives, and generally aren’t that popular at parties.
Local Political Things Happen
Last week Democrat Dwight Pelz and Republican Diane Tebelius were elected to head their state political parties.
Sally Clark Will Replace Compton
On Friday the City Council capped off a busy week by appointing Sally Clark as Jim Compton's replacement.
Doins a Transpiring at City Hall
Lost in the excitement over the Seattle City Council's big week was the Seahawks first trip to the Super Bowl. However, it's not like you can blame Seattleites for ignoring this triumph of footballity, not only have the candidates for Jim Compton's vacated seat been whittled down from twelve to six, but the race for council president took a surprising turn yesterday when Richard Conlin withdrew his name and Nick Licata was declared the winner.

