‘There should be no hate toward this group’: Gee backs city council members taking stands on statewide initiatives

Gee Scott and Ursula Reutin, co-hosts of “The Gee and Ursula Show” on KIRO Newsradio, support city council members publicly weighing in on statewide ballot initiatives. They argued that resolutions can inform voters and give elected officials an opportunity to speak against hostility toward transgender people.

The two discussed disagreement among council members in Snohomish County over whether taking positions on statewide measures is part of their job or a distraction from running their cities.

“There should be no hate toward this group of people,” Gee said.

At least 12 local governing bodies have adopted resolutions opposing two November initiatives concerning parental access to school information and participation in girls’ school sports, according to The Everett Herald. Other council members have questioned whether cities should take official positions on those measures.

Should councils weigh in or focus on city business?

Ursula outlined the competing positions.

Mountlake Terrace Councilmember Sam Doyle supported his council’s resolution as a way to counter anti-transgender sentiment. Doyle described the action as one small part of a broader response during the council meeting.

“Our resolution tonight is part of a much, much bigger picture, but it’s important that we put this tiny piece in the puzzle,” Doyle said.

Lynnwood City Council President Nick Coelho offered a different perspective. According to The Everett Herald, he expressed reluctance to use his council position to campaign on outside initiatives, preferring to keep the council focused on city operations.

Ursula argued that a nonbinding resolution gives residents useful information about their elected representatives without determining how anyone must vote.

“Because in my opinion, it’s just another way to educate people. And now you know where they stand,” Ursula said.

Gee distinguishes policy disagreement from hostility

Gee supported councils taking a stand but emphasized that someone’s position on an initiative does not automatically reveal their feelings toward transgender people.

“I think that you can vote and be for something and not have hate for the trans community,” Gee said.

He criticized people he described as using disputes over transgender athletes to build their public platforms without also speaking against hostility toward the community.

Gee argued that disagreement over policy should not prevent someone from expressing support for transgender people’s safety and dignity.

Ursula agreed with that distinction. She reiterated that she and Gee oppose transgender girls competing in girls-only sports while emphasizing that their position does not justify treating transgender people disrespectfully.

“But we try to make a distinction when it comes to how we talk about or treat the trans community,” Ursula said.

Resolutions leave the decision with voters

Ursula returned to the broader question: whether a council should publicly express its position, regardless of how individual residents feel about the initiatives.

Both hosts supported that opportunity, with Gee particularly welcoming officials who speak against anti-transgender hostility.

He also warned that public comments and social media posts can have lasting consequences for the people targeted and their loved ones.

“The internet’s forever. The social media stuff is forever,” Gee said.

For Ursula, the council’s position adds information to the debate. It does not replace the voter’s judgment.

Watch the full discussion in the video above.

Listen to Gee and Ursula on “The Gee and Ursula Show” weekday mornings from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on KIRO Newsradio.