Friends,

 

The team at Shift WA has worked to shift the political debate in Washington state since 2013. We’ve spent the last decade providing people like you with the facts and perspective needed to make a difference in your community. So, as always, we hope to help keep you-up-to-date with an item or two of interest from your own backyard. Read on…

Lacey City Councilmember Lenny Greenstein joined us for this week’s Newsmaker Interview. Greenstein discussed the different approaches to homelessness between the neighboring cities of Olympia and Lacey. While Olympia has numerous encampments, Lacey remains free of them despite the cities’ proximity. Councilman Greenstein attributes Olympia's homelessness issues to enabling drug addiction and untreated mental illness, in contrast to Lacey, which focuses on providing help and upholding the law. Greenstein, a 12-year City Council veteran, explains his views on the causes of homelessness, his opposition to Lacey's involvement in the Olympia-controlled Regional Housing Council, and his campaign priorities for his upcoming re-election. Read more.

 

Spokane Mayor Nadine Woodward, seeking re-election after her first term, faces liberal career politician Lisa Brown, a former member of Governor Jay Inslee's cabinet. In her 2019 victory, Mayor Woodward narrowly defeated liberal opponent Ben Stuckart despite his campaign funding controversies. Lisa Brown is now facing controversies of her own. Apparently, she used taxpayer funds to relocate her office to Spokane before announcing her mayoral campaign. In a special Newsmaker Interview, Mayor Woodward discussed her first-term challenges, including battles with the Inslee Administration over COVID restrictions and homelessness, highlighting her management skills compared to Brown. She also outlined plans for housing improvement and enhancing public safety if re-elected. Read more.

 

In case you missed it…
A Spokane Superior Court Judge has ruled in favor of allowing voters to decide on Citizen Initiative 2023-4, which aims to prevent homeless encampments from being within 1,000 feet of schools or playgrounds. This initiative was prompted by a large, crime-ridden homeless encampment known as "Camp Hope," which sparked concerns among residents. The court's decision overruled a lawsuit by certain liberal groups attempting to block the initiative, resulting in a victory for those supporting the measure, including Mayor Nadine Woodward, who emphasized the importance of voter choice and safety. Read this story and more.

 

Take a moment to enjoy the beautiful photography of La Push Beach in Washington at sunset, courtesy of former U.S. Representative Rod Chandler.