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Dear Neighbors:
Our County’s jail unintentionally doubles as a mental institution, second in population only to Western State Hospital. An individual booked into County jail on a criminal charge or conviction has an average stay of about 20 days, while someone booked on the identical charge, but with a mental illness, will spend about 158 days in jail. The reasons for this are complex, but no matter the reasons it is unacceptable from both a social justice and financial perspective.
During the County Council’s recent reorganization, I was appointed to chair the Budget Committee. From this position, I will address one of my primary focuses for 2007: improving our mental health and chemical dependency services.
You can read more about this important issue below and in my op-ed which appears in today’s Seattle Times. As always, I appreciate your input and I look forward to hearing from you.
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On December 7, the County held its eighth annual Community Legislative Forum: Issues for Mental Health and Substance Abuse at St. Mark’s Cathedral on Capital Hill. I had the opportunity to say a few words, and offered some personal perspective derived from my year with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps where I directed an Emergency Services Office.
I also touched on the progress that the County is making with crucial steps such as the recently-approved Mental Health Recovery Plan.
There are, however, problems that still need to be addressed. For example, our County jail is serving as a de facto mental institution. Deprived of treatment in jail, the conditions of those with a mental illness or substance problem only get worse. To incarcerate a mentally person costs about $330 a day, which means these disproportionately long jail stays for non-violent offenders who need treatment is costing taxpayers millions of dollars each year.
Investing in mental health and substance abuse services saves money by reducing emergency services and criminal justice costs while increasing public safety and bettering the lives and opportunities of some of our society’s most disadvantaged citizens.
Last year, I proposed legislation calling for an action plan to address this problem. A report will be delivered to the Council in May. I look forward to exploring how to expand and improve treatment, housing, case management, and therapeutic court systems.
Watch a video of the forum. Requires the free RealPlayer.
In the news:
The Seattle Times, Jan 11, 2007
The jail as mental institution
The Seattle Times, Nov 27, 2006
Mental
illness dilemma for jail
Youth Invited to Name New Office Building
This June, King County will open a new county office building in downtown Seattle. As of right now, this building—currently under construction—has no name.
Last summer the Council passed a motion I sponsored that will allow the public—specifically students from the 7th through 9th grade—to have a voice in the selection procedure. Names can include significant county residents alive or dead, as well as, but not limited to, names of groups, social movements, artifacts, symbols, or activities significant to King County residents. A committee will whittle down the submissions to three finalists and the Council will vote on a final selection in the spring.
The County has never done anything like this before and we are excited to see what happens. Just think, someday one person will eventually be able to tell his or her children: “that’s MY building—I named it.”
Learn more about the contest or submit an entry.
Though we are lucky to have our lights back on, I know that many of you are still cleaning up the mess from last month’s flooding and wind storm. If you are dealing with damaged trees on your property, remember to consult a certified arborist for all tree care. Keep in mind that not all damaged trees will need to be removed—trees with broken tops provide excellent wildlife habitat and trees that have lost one or more limbs may survive. Also, consider whether your tree might be worth something. Large landscape trees often have valuable wood so before sending the fallen tree to the chipper, consider finding a sawmill operator who would be interested in recycling the wood.
Woodinville residents are encouraged to recycle wood storm debris free of charge at Bobby Wolford Trucking and Demolition (22014 West Bostian Road) from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on January 12 and 13. Identification is required.
County Seeks Poll Works for February Special Election
King County Elections needs 300 people to work the polls for the special election on February 6th. Voters in nine jurisdictions will consider ballot measures on that day. The workers will be responsible for opening and closing the polls and issuing ballots. Workers will receive four hours of paid training and about $118 for their service. For more information, call 206-296-1606, or go to www.metrokc.gov/elections/.
Spotlight on Northshore Performing Arts Center
Not long ago a group of Northshore residents dreamed of creating a place where they and their children could participate in performing arts and take in a professional show in their own community. A few years later, thanks to a joint effort between what became the Northshore Performing Arts Center Foundation (NPACF) and the Northshore School District, a state-of-the-art, 600-seat performance center at Bothell High School played host to its first concert on November 19, 2005.
This year marks the Northshore Performing Arts Center’s first full season of programming, which includes over twenty-five renowned concerts, dance performances, and musicals from around the world. Reserve your tickets now for the Incredible Shangai Acrobats, a troupe of acrobats, jugglers and contortionists who perform “feats of circus art that reach literally breathtaking heights of skill,” according to the New York Times (January 27, 8:00 p.m., $34.50).
For more information: The Northshore
Performing Arts Center
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