MYNORTHWEST NEWS

Was Kshama Sawant’s concern over ‘backroom betrayal’ legitimate?

Jun 13, 2018, 10:25 AM

head tax...

Kshama Sawant was outside council chambers alleging what she called a "backroom betrayal."

As the majority of her peers on the Seattle City Council prepared to kill months-worth of work on a business head tax, Kshama Sawant was outside council chambers alleging what she called a “backroom betrayal.”

RELATED: Seattle head tax 101

Essentially, she was alleging that a decision had been made to repeal the head tax behind closed doors.

It sounded very much like a typical Sawant rally. At least until people began questioning the process that led to the head tax-killing vote on Tuesday.

Michele Earl-Hubbard, a Seattle attorney, told The Seattle Times it looks as though Mayor Jenny Durkan and much of the city council worked behind closed doors to come to “some collective thinking” on the special meeting. A statement backed by the mayor and the seven council members who voted to repeal the head tax was released to the media on Monday, June 11, is further proof, he says.

The Times points out the city gave less than the required 24-hour notice for a special meeting.

The same council members who backed the statement announcing the legislation voted for it. Council members Teresa Mosqueda and Sawant were the only no votes.

Councilmember M. Lorena Gonzalez told the Times she learned of a special meeting during an executive session on June 11. Councilmember Rob Johnson said he was told by council President Bruce Harrell on June 11 that a majority of the council supported the repeal and that a special meeting would occur.

According to state law, city councils — and other government bodies — must conduct business openly, including deliberations. A majority of the council cannot meet outside of a public meeting to discuss future action. Even if there isn’t a physical meeting between council members, they can be in violation of the law if there was a serial meeting.

RELATED: Seattle spent thousands on ‘fake’ head tax survey

Whether or not the council was in violation of the Open Public Meetings Act, it’s yet another eyebrow-raising meeting that has people questioning the behavior of the council.

Back in February, many questioned a meeting between members of the Seattle council and Amazon leaders. Three council members were spotted entering Amazon’s headquarters for the private meeting in which the city tried to mend the relationship with the company. If a total of three attended, it wouldn’t be in violation of the law.

When asked if public business was being conducted behind closed doors, Councilmember Sally Bagshaw said, “That is such a wonderful question to ask. What I’m hopeful is that we have this conversation, establish relationships, then bring these meetings back here to City Hall.”

MyNorthwest News

Taylor Swift performs onstage during the Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour at Lumen Field on July 22, 20...

Micki Gamez, KIRO Newsradio and Bill Kaczaraba, MyNorthwest

Seattle tourism dollars break records following All-Star Week, Taylor Swift

It was a record-setting year for dollars flowing into Seattle from tourists.

8 minutes ago

Image: A bridge in Carnation....

Julia Dallas

Carnation frustrated with Seattle again after 8th false emergency alarm induces widespread panic

Carnation citizens have faced a series of panic-inducing alarms after SPU's system for the Tolt Dam falsely sounded eight times.

2 hours ago

Grocery store shopper...

Bill Kaczaraba

Ways to deal with Seattle grocery store sticker shock

Seattle grocery store sticker shock continues to play havoc on locals, but there are ways to counter high prices.

2 hours ago

belltown hellcat social media...

Frank Sumrall

Infamous ‘Belltown Hellcat’ social media influencer charged with reckless driving

The social media influencer has been accused of driving 107 miles per hour through Belltown in a Dodge Hellcat.

3 hours ago

KIRO Newsradio gracie awards...

MyNorthwest Staff

KIRO Newsradio anchors receive Gracie Awards for outstanding work

Heather Bosch and Lisa Brooks, anchors at KIRO Newsradio, have been honored by the Alliance for Women in Media with prestigious Gracie Awards.

6 hours ago

Kia Boys...

Kate Stone and Bill Kaczaraba

‘Kia Boyz’ allegedly execute a crime spree in south King County

Renton police chased down a 14-and 16-year-old but are still looking for two other teen suspects in what they said was a "crime spree" in south King County.

7 hours ago

Was Kshama Sawant’s concern over ‘backroom betrayal’ legitimate?