On June 30, the Council voted on a resolution which revised investment policies in several ways, most notably to encourage fossil fuel divestment (PDF). I supported the resolution. Check out my remarks and the video below: I wanted to thank Councilmember Licata for advancing this resolution, and also to all of the activists in this city, […]

City Councilmembers Kshama Sawant and Nick Licata aim to fund Seattle transit by replacing a sales tax hike with a business tax. King County Metro is facing a 17% cut to services. The Mayor has proposed a Seattle-specific funding package that would include a $60 vehicle license fee and a 0.1 percent increment added to […]

Transcript of Speech as Delivered I want to say in advance that my comments will not be very brief, because I want to express the opinions of the working people of this city. I appreciate all the work that has gone into this police chief search. I appreciate Councilmembers Harrell and Burgess, all the members […]

I think it should be first of all noted that Councilmember Licata’s points [regarding widespread dissatisfaction at City Light] are very welcome, and I’m glad that the public has some access to the results of this survey. And I think at the very least, that information raises some valid questions about this so-called great performance by […]

Transcript of Speech as Delivered Councilmember Rasmussen’s amendment speaks to the track record of a CEO, and its correlation to pay increase, with the idea that if Mr. Carrasco’s record and accomplishments are great, then that justifies giving him up to $120,000 more, above the $245,000 he already makes. It is correct that pay should […]

There has been an outpouring of anger over the Seattle City Council’s decision to vote in favor of a $100,000 pay hike for the already highest paid City-employed executive. This would have passed quietly and smoothly if we did not have a voice on the council representing working people. Fortunately, as a socialist representative, I […]

As delivered June 12, 2014 Dear graduates, students, faculty, friends, and family – It is my honor to share this day with you, a day that will always remain memorable to you and those who love you. You accomplishments embody the wonderful work of your faculty. In an age when young people are encouraged to […]

On Wednesday, June 4th, the Seattle City Council’s Education and Governance Committee voted to grant the highest paid City-employed executive, Jorge Carrasco, additional pay of up to $100,000, retroactive to January 1st. Mr. Carrasco is the General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of Seattle City Light, a publicly-owned utility. He is currently paid $245,000 annually. […]

A half century ago, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. fought for a living wage at the March on Washington, where a quarter of a million people, mostly black workers, demanded their rights. They called for $2 per hour. In today’s dollars, that is the same number we have just won – Dr. King and his […]