At a time when there’s plenty of speak in Seattle about tackling substance abuse and behavioral well being challenges, Metropolis Councilmember Sara Nelson put phrases into motion.
Think about her management to increase the definition of public security in relation to 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 obscure to permit the cash for use for extra than simply police payroll.
With Seattle’s police finances wholesome, Councilmember Sara Nelson led the trouble to make sure the gross sales tax would pay for remedy and restoration providers.
Final yr, 568 individuals died of overdose in Seattle.
Nelson authored Resolution 32174, which really useful that as much as 25% of the brand new income must be “invested in habit remedy restoration providers and the amenities wanted to offer such providers.”
The decision directed that these investments must be focused towards these experiencing persistent 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 individuals affected by untreated habit and psychological sickness deteriorate on our streets whereas our neighborhoods grow to be much less secure 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 cross the Public Security Tax, which is predicted to generate $39 million, with $7.5 million going immediately towards a wide range of restoration providers.
“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 government officer at Evergreen Therapy Providers, 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 publication.
It could possibly be argued that the Metropolis Council should have resisted passing a regressive gross sales tax enhance, regardless 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 providers is the absolute best final 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 best challenges. Learn The Occasions editorial board’s endorsement at st.news/nelsonendorse25
