At a time when there’s a whole lot of speak in Seattle about tackling substance abuse and behavioral well being challenges, Metropolis Councilmember Sara Nelson put phrases into motion.
Take into account her management to broaden the definition of public security in the case of metropolis spending.
Final spring, the state Legislature handed a measure granting native governments the flexibility to undertake a brand new 0.1% gross sales tax with out voter approval for “felony justice functions.”
The language was deliberately imprecise to permit the cash for use for extra than simply police payroll.
With Seattle’s police funds wholesome, Councilmember Sara Nelson led the hassle to make sure the gross sales tax would pay for remedy and restoration companies.
Final 12 months, 568 folks died of overdose in Seattle.
Nelson authored Resolution 32174, which advisable that as much as 25% of the brand new income must be “invested in habit remedy restoration companies and the services wanted to offer such companies.”
The decision directed that these investments must be focused towards these experiencing power homelessness or being diverted from the felony authorized system.
When the decision unanimously handed in July, Nelson wrote in her newsletter: “For too lengthy, we’ve watched folks affected by untreated habit and psychological sickness deteriorate on our streets whereas our neighborhoods change into much less protected for everybody. That’s why I’m preventing to place remedy on the heart of the Metropolis’s agenda.”
On Oct. 14, the Metropolis Council voted 8-1 to move the Public Security Tax, which is anticipated to generate $39 million, with $7.5 million going straight towards a wide range of restoration companies.
“I’m grateful to Council President Nelson and Mayor Harrell for his or her management, and for securing and guiding these wanted investments on the intersection of public well being and security,” wrote Steve Woolworth, chief govt officer at Evergreen Therapy Companies, in a council news release.
“Large shout out to Council President Nelson for her management on this funding,” wrote Councilmember Pleasure Hollingsworth in her constituent e-newsletter.
It might be argued that the Metropolis Council should have resisted passing a regressive gross sales tax improve, irrespective of the place the income ended up. But when Seattle’s elected representatives couldn’t resist the prospect of further cash in metropolis coffers, funding remedy and restoration companies is the absolute best end result.
Nelson is now going through a tricky reelection contest.
As ballots filter in for the Nov. 4 vote, residents should reelect Nelson, for her expertise, values and perseverance in successfully addressing Seattle’s biggest challenges. Learn The Instances editorial board’s endorsement at st.news/nelsonendorse25
