Do You Know Where Your Elected City Officials Stand on Public Safety?

Spokane, WA - In its ongoing effort to educate Spokane citizens as to the actions of their elected officials, the Spokane Good Government Alliance today commended Mayor Nadine Woodward and Chief of Police Craig Meidl for their advocacy on behalf of our public safety.

Specifically, Executive Director John Estey noted that the Mayor and Police Chief provided testimony to the State Legislature regarding bills aimed at police pursuit reform and drug enforcement reform. “As cities and counties across Washington State weigh in on two of the most talked about public safety issues in Washington State, the Spokane Good Government Alliance is grateful that Mayor Woodward and Chief Meidl brought Spokane’s voice to the discussion this week in advocating for House Bill 1363 and Senate Bill 5467.  These bipartisan bills aim to reform the police pursuit criteria and the state drug enforcement laws respectfully,” said Estey.

The Blake Decision, a 2021 WA Supreme Court ruling, struck down the statute that made drug possession a felony in Washington. The State Legislature would go on to pass a temporary fix that expires this summer, decriminalizing drug possession to a gross misdemeanor.   The result of this decriminalization of drugs has had devastating effects on the Spokane community - including an increase in organized crimes, open drug markets, and has also put a strain on our public health resources. In Spokane County alone, Fentanyl-related overdoses rose 186% between 2020 and 2021 and an astonishing 1233% between 2017 and 2021.

“The reality is, more people are using drugs in our community and we are seeing a rampant rise in crime because of it.  We are thankful Mayor Woodward and Chief Meidl testified for reforms that will make Spokane citizens safer,” Estey continued.

Estey further noted that the bills Council President Breann Beggs has chosen to advocate for this legislative session have been very disappointing. “Unfortunately Council President Breean Beggs’ advocacy this legislative session has been severely lacking.  Spokane citizens should know that Council President Beggs testified on behalf of the weaker drug enforcement laws that further the status quo in his advocacy for SB 5536,” Estey continued.

Last week, Mayor Woodward also submitted testimony advocating on behalf of HB 1363 which aims to reform the disastrous bill passed out of Olympia in 2021 which seriously limited police’s ability to pursue suspected criminals. Since its passage, Washington residents have reported over 45,000 vehicles stolen just last year. The Washington State Patrol had 3,110 vehicles not pull over when required last year.  Just last month in Spokane, a DUI suspect called 911 to report a trooper was trying to pull her over. She told the 911 operator, “a cop is chasing me for no reason and that’s a violation of my civil rights.”

Citizens may recall that  Spokane Council President Breean Beggs, in his efforts to “Reimagine Public Safety” and take support away from law enforcement, actually testified in support of this disastrous police pursuit bill back in 2021.  “It’s bad enough that Council President Beggs spends his energy making Spokane less safe, he also has the distinction of making the entire state less safe too.” Estey noted.  

It should come as no surprise then that Council President Beggs continued his “Reimagine Public Safety” tour by also testifying last week against qualified immunity for police officers in the line of duty.  “At a time when Spokane families are grappling with more crime and feeling less safe, Council President Beggs continues his attacks on the brave law enforcement officers on the front lines trying to solve these problems.” 

“Council President Beggs’ failure to recognize the unprecedented challenges Spokane is facing, is a slap in the face to this community” Estey said.  “Beggs’ lack of understanding of the critical reforms needed demonstrates just how out of touch he is with the citizens. The hardworking families of Spokane feel less safe and want representatives who advocate at every level of government for public safety.”

The Spokane Good Government Alliance was formed in 2019 and advocates for a balanced local government that best serves the Citizens of Spokane. To learn more,  please visit our website here: spokanegoodgovernmentalliance.com