Editor’s Note: The Vashon-Maury Island Community Council met via Zoom on Tuesday, March 22. Below is an abridged version of their meeting notes, provided by C. Hunter Davis. Meeting topics covered crime, housing, ferries and more. For a full recording of the meeting, visit vmicc.net.
Captain Heather Volpe from the King County Sheriff’s Office spoke about the recent rise in burglaries. Islanders showed concern about a decrease in traffic violations, which has caused speeding and noise, particularly at night. Volpe said she will make traffic safety more of a priority. Concern was also expressed about the lack of police visibility on the Island. Volpe urged all complaints to be reported, by going to reporttosheriff.org.
Bailey de Iongh, who is representative for unincorporated King County on the Public Safety Advisory Committee, spoke about the group which has focused on advising the new sheriff on police accountability guidelines.
The group includes a broad spectrum of interests including the police union and activists. They were able to come to an agreement on the eight-page document expressing avenues that help tackle racism and priorities to be set forth for the new sheriff. The process of selecting the new sheriff has begun and is expected to be announced in June.
Stanley Lloyd and Christopher Wong from the King County Deputy Prosecutors Office spoke on hate crimes which are on the rise.
Lloyd and Wong gave a presentation describing who commits such crimes, and noted that African-American and gay men make up the majority of victims in our area. Seattle is fourth in the nation in hate crimes.
South King County shows a much smaller number of hate crimes as compared to North King County, which Lloyd and Wong believe is because there is an individual appointed in North King County whose sole focus is hate crimes. They also believe this is due to underreporting.
They urged all to report, explained different types of crimes that are not labeled as hate crimes or include other crimes. Their talk ended with directions for those who believe they have been a victim of hate crimes:
1. Go to safety.
2. Call 911, answer all questions.
3. If you need language assistance, 911 can provide upon request.
4. Give names of witnesses. Contact David.bannick@kingcounty.gov for questions.
Committees then reported in. Morgan Brown for Affordable Housing noted that Vashon Household is preparing a survey to ascertain island needs for housing.
Smaller groups are working on different avenues including homes built on land owned by such entities as the Land Trust, which would enable the cost of housing to remain low. He encouraged others to join the next meeting, Monday, March 28 on Zoom. Contact Morgan at Morgan@wholewater.com for more information.
Terry Sullivan reported that the Equity Committee was reviewing both the VMICC’s policies on equity as well as King County Council’s. A Beachcomber article explained how those who have experienced unfair encounters can join forces with the Equity group. Next meeting is at 6 p.m. on April 6, on Zoom. Contact Terry at terry.sullivan46@gmail.com for more information.
Justin Hirsch for Ferry issues noted that on April 9 the weekday schedule will go back to 3-boat, but weekends to remain on the 2-boat schedule. The issue of the repair of Fauntleroy Dock is building, and Vashon, as well as Southworth, need to have a strong presence as Fauntleroy Community is arduous in their desire to have no improvements. Emails to WSF can request information on meetings and take suggestions.
Communications Committee sent out a survey about membership in this VMICC. All residents over the age 18 are eligible. Be sure to check to see if you are registered as a member. The website has contact information.
For new business, it was moved and seconded that Rachel Rome become a board member. A vote will be taken next month. Gavin Kovite will assume the role of secretary recently vacated.
