Here Are the Seattle City Council Members Asking Inslee to Veto the Legislative Secrecy Bill

City of Seattle

Today is the last day for Governor Jay Inslee to veto a bill that would shield the records of legislators from public scrutiny. Inslee has falsely claimed that he cannot veto the bill because it'd be overturned by a veto-proof majority. If he does not veto the bill, it becomes law. If he does veto the bill, it will go back to the legislature.

If thousands of phone calls and emails count for anything, the public wants Inslee to veto the bill. So do newspapers and at least two members of the King County Council.

Seattle's city council members, who often weigh in on issues outside of their jurisdiction, have remained mostly silent.

On Tuesday, I reached out to all nine Seattle City Council members, as well as Mayor Jenny Durkan, to ask their thoughts on the bill and whether Inslee should veto it. I received two responses, which are published below in the order I received them. If any other council member writes back before the end of the day, I'll add their response to the list.

Kshama Sawant (District 3):

Yes, Governor Inslee should veto SB6617.

Lisa Herbold (District 1):

I am very aware of the time & resources the City of Seattle places towards compliance with the public disclosure laws and no one has explained why the state legislature should be exempt from doing what we all do in municipal government every single day in order to maintain the public trust. Support The Stranger More than ever, we depend on your support to help fund our coverage. Support local, independent media with a one-time or recurring donation. Thank you! Public disclosure is a pain in the ass but towards good and welcome purpose; towards the accountability that as elected officials makes us better, more representative, and more accountable to our constituents. Compliance is time well spent towards the effort to erode cynicism against government. Gov Inslee, please Veto SB 6717.