Early last year dozens of courageous school bus drivers went on strike for fair wages and healthcare against the massive multi-national corporation First Student. My office and Socialist Alternative were on the picket lines every day, and stood with workers however possible to force First Student to cede the workers demands. In the end, the […]

On May 3, 2017, I sent the following letter in solidarity with Abdinasir Elmi and Betiel Desta, two Amazon security workers being targeted for retaliation by an Amazon contractor, Security Industry Specialists (SIS). Elmi and Betiel were part of a delegation on May 1, International Workers’ Day, that included faith leaders, security officers, and supporters […]

On April 24, 2017, the Seattle City Council unanimously passed a resolution brought forward by the May 1st Action Coalition, the Coalition of City Unions, immigrant rights activists, and me, proclaiming City of Seattle workers have the right to take the day off on May 1, 2017 without retaliation. The resolution further asks that all […]

On March 8, 2017, over a thousand people braved wet and cold weather to rally on International Women’s Day in Seattle. The energy at the rally demonstrated the emergence of a new women’s movement in America. Amidst renewed attacks by Trump and the Republicans on abortion rights, trans rights, and health care, millennial women and […]

On February 28, 2017, Trump gave his first address to joint session of Congress. I gave the socialist response. Tuesday February 28, 2017 Sisters and Brothers, In just five weeks, Donald Trump has unleashed a series of vicious attacks on one group of Americans after another: From his Muslim ban to the ramping up of […]

On Thursday, February 16, 2017, I sent the following letter to security workers at Amazon and their labor allies who are organizing for workplace rights and against Islamophobia. These workers will hold a pray-in demonstration tomorrow, February 17, 12 pm, at Amazon HQ. Dear Amazon security officers and allies: As a Seattle City Councilmember, a socialist, a […]

Sisters and brothers, Donald Trump is now Predator in Chief, and head of one of the most dangerous and right wing administrations in US history. In his inauguration speech, a few minutes ago, Trump said that his government will follow the righteous path, that it will be a government for the people. That the forgotten […]

Mass protests during inauguration week are extremely important. We need to send a clear message to Trump that he has no mandate for his bigoted and anti-worker agenda. Join Seattle’s Anti-Trump Resistance! Look below for details on local actions, and check back for updates (as details are subject to change). For an expanded listing of events throughout Washington […]

On July 30, 2016, we kicked off a bold new movement for paid family and parental leave for all in Seattle. More than 200 people representing a powerful coalition of state and city unions, women’s organizations, LGBTQ activists, social justice organizations, faith groups, and working people came together for the event. I encourage you to […]

On July 30, 2016, more than 200 people representing a powerful coalition of state and city unions, women’s organizations, LGBTQ activists, social justice organizations, faith groups, and working people came together to kick off our bold new movement for paid family and parental leave for all in Seattle. Sponsors of the event included the Washington […]