New police contract boosts rookie salaries to almost $120,000, Harrell blasts Katie Wilson’s housing plan, controversial cop still in charge at East Precinct, and much more.
By Erica C. Barnett
Monday, October 20
Ex-Police Chief Diaz Seeks to Toss a Third Judge from His Case
First up in Monday’s Morning Fizz: Former Seattle police chief Adrian Diaz got another superior court judge tossed off his lawsuit against the city this week (that’s an update since we posted), arguing that Judge Nelson Lee is biased because he admitted reading news reports about Diaz.
County Council Candidate Claims Planned Parenthood Endorsement After Losing it Over Anti-Trans Views
King County Council candidate Peter Kwon told the King County Republican Party he thinks trans girls should have to play on boys’ teams and use boys’ locker rooms in schools. Then, when Planned Parenthood pulled their endorsement over Kwon’s anti-trans views, he claimed it on his campaign mail anyway.
Tuesday, October 21
PubliCola got an early look at the city’s new contract with the Seattle Police Officers Guild. The new deal gives cops another hefty raise, which, combined with last year’s big salary increase, will raise officer salaries to $126,000 after an initial training period. That’s not counting the bonuses new officers get when they sign on—$7,500 for new officers, $50,000 for those who are already trained.
Wednesday, October 22
Mayor Bruce Harrell and Police Chief Shon Barnes publicly announced the new contract on Wednesday, including details about the minimal new accountability provisions it contains. The contract sends questions about arbitration—a process where officers appeal disciplinary decisions to an outside lawyer—to interest arbitration, which could result in even more pay for officers. It also straitjackets the CARE Team of unarmed first responders, limiting the circumstances in which they can respond to 911 calls to an almost comically narrow range—basically, if someone is outdoors, not using drugs, not having a crisis that bystanders consider confrontational, and not committing any crime, CARE can help. Otherwise, the call goes to cops.
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Thursday, October 23
Tietjen Still at East Precinct
Two weeks ago, Police Chief Barnes said he was removing controversial Captain Mike Tietjen, who was disciplined for several serious violations during the 2020 protests against police brutality, from his new role as commander of Capitol Hill’s East Precinct. But Tietjen’s still there, and SPD said they had no timeline for showing him the door.
Harrell Overheard Discussing Tip Credit Rollback
Mayor Bruce Harrell’s staff said he will not consider any exemptions to Seattle’s minimum wage, such as a return of the so-called tip credit, if he’s reelected. But a bystander to a meeting he held with restaurant owners caught him promising to “re-discuss” the tip credit, which allows businesses to pay workers sub-minimum wages as long as customer tips raise their pay to minimum wage.
Mayor’s Budget Preserves Cut to Tenant Services
Harrell’s proposed 2026 budget adds tens of millions in new spending on the police department, expands the encampment removal team, and adds funding for his ever-growing graffiti removal team. Meanwhile, services for tenants, including
Friday, October 24
Harrell, Wilson Disagree Over Whether Formerly Homeless People Can Thrive In “Workforce” Housing
Affordable housing providers joined Mayor Harrell to decry his opponent Katie Wilson’s proposal to move homeless people from shelters to vacant apartments in affordable housing. Wilson said they’re mischaracterizing her plan.
Sara Nelson Said She “Chuckled” At Opposition to Police Surveillance
In a candidate forum this week, City Councilmember Sara Nelson remarked that she and her appointed colleague Debora Juarez had “chuckled” at public commenters opposed to police surveillance cameras.
Burien City Manager Files Complaint About Accurate Quote
Burien City Manager Adolfo Bailon filed a complaint—quickly dismissed by the Public Disclosure Commission—about a campaign mailer opposing 33rd District Legislative candidate (and Burien Mayor) Kevin Schilling, claiming it was libelous to quote a letter signed by the Burien Police Department expressing a lack of confidence in both Schilling and Bailon.
I would have to read more about what Wilson and Harrell misread about housing but with 20% of the units in my building being empty, some for months, there is inventory out there to get people housed without the city needing to buy a building or land to build one on. And what an eye opener it might be for housing officials to see what rents are being charged and the quality of the units on the market.
Since all landlords are required to register their properties (RRIO) the city could ask that vacancy rates/availability be made available. Any unit unrented for, say, 90 days would be turned over to the city to house families in need of shelter on a 3/6/12 month term at whatever rent they agree on. If a unit can’t be rented in 90 days, it’s not worth the rent, for whatever reason, be it the unit itself or the area where it’s located. If it’s the quality of the area, city involvement can’t hurt.
Katie Wilson is welcome to take what she likes from this modest proposal.