DORI MONSON

Homeless advocate argues Seattle’s camping proposal with Dori

Sep 7, 2016, 5:59 AM | Updated: 4:20 pm

Homeless ordinance...

City officials in Seattle say they will no longer use state corrections crews for homeless encampment cleanups after the city’s Human Rights Commission raised concerns over the use of prison labor. (AP)

(AP)

The Seattle City Council accepted an ordinance drafted by advocate groups that will dramatically alter how the city deals with homeless encampments. It has caused a rift in Seattle’s support to solve its homeless crisis.

“This is not about where people should be living in public,” Lisa Daugaard told KIRO Radio’s Dori Monson. “This is how can we refocus the attention of policy makers and public leaders in this community on the question of how are we going to get to the point where nobody is living in public.”

ACLU homeless ordinance accepted by Seattle City Council

Daugaard is director of the Public Defender Association. She lands on the side of the proposed ordinance, which would allow people to camp in public spaces throughout Seattle.

In short, the ordinance would only allow city officials to oust people from an encampment if it is interfering with public use. The city must provide at least 48 hours notice of the eviction and find the residents a new place to camp. For encampments with at least five people, the city must provide sanitary services upon request. It was not drafted by city officials, rather, but the ACLU, Columbia Legal Services, and others. It was submitted to the council.

But Dori does not support it one bit.

“The more we open our arms to providing services and making things as easy as possible – and I know it’s not easy to live on the street – we become a magnet,” Dori argues. “The fact is that we’ve spent $1 billion on homelessness over the last decade. I’m sure we’ve had well-intentioned business leaders and politicians who had a 10-year plan to end homelessness, but the problem has gotten dramatically worse.”

Dori put forth this hypothetical situation to the homeless advocate: What if someone camps on a baseball or soccer field that people want to use. Technically, they would be given 48 hours and the public would have to wait.

“Realistically, that’s not actually happening,” Daugaard responded. “… in general, people are willing to go, people are willing to behave reasonably if they’re given an alternative.”

Daugaard also objects to Dori’s argument that Seattle will simply attract homeless people with such policies.

“People are not coming to Seattle to be homeless because we’re providing porta-potties and dumpsters — because we’re not,” she said. “People are living outside in massive numbers, to a level that is an embarrassment, I think to all of us, and I know we all agree on all that.”

“This is a complex problem (that) needs serious public policy,” Daugaard said. “Until it’s resolved, it is in no one’s interest that people not have a place to go to the bathroom, that people do not have a place to dispose of their garbage.”

MyNorthwest’s Eric Mandel contributed to this story.

Dori Monson Show

Dori Monson

Dori Monson stage show...

MyNorthwest Staff

Watch: Dori Monson’s ‘What are the Odds?’ stage show

In 2019, Dori Monson hosted a stage show - 'What are the Odds?' - which introduced you to the people who helped shape his improbable career.

1 year ago

Dori Monson welcomes the Moose back to KIRO. Follow @http://twitter.com/Mynorthwest...

MyNorthwest Staff

A collection of the all-time best Dori Monson stories

With the passing of Dori Monson, a collection of some of his top stories to remember all the hard work Dori brought to Seattle.

1 year ago

Alaska, fishing...

KIRO Newsradio staff

Listen: Friends, colleagues offer tribute to KIRO Newsradio’s Dori Monson

All day Monday, KIRO Newsradio's John Curley talked to friends, news makers, and more in tribute to Dori Monson.

1 year ago

Dori Monson Shorecrest...

Dori Monson Show

How to support charities reflecting Dori Monson’s values, passions

In tribute to Dori Monson, learn more about how you can support these three charities which best reflect his values, passions, and advocacy.

1 year ago

From left, Producer Nicole Thompson and KIRO host Dori Monson. (Courtesy of the Monson family)...

MyNorthwest Staff

Broadcasters, politicians, coworkers and friends remember Dori Monson

Dori Monson, a longtime KIRO Newsradio host, passed away Saturday. He is remembered by public figures, broadcasters, coworkers, and listeners.

1 year ago

Dori Monson...

MyNorthwest Staff

Longtime KIRO Newsradio host Dori Monson dies at age 61

We are deeply saddened to announce Dori Monson's sudden passing on Saturday, December 31, 2022, at a Seattle hospital.

1 year ago

Homeless advocate argues Seattle’s camping proposal with Dori