Week in Review: March 15, 2024 - with Robert Cruickshank

Hacks & Wonks

Hacks & Wonks Week in Review: Presidential Primary, Legislative Retirements, Police Recruitment in Seattle, Seattle Public Schools Board, and Burien Gets Sued

Presidential Primary Takeaways

In this week's presidential primary, Trump and Biden secured enough delegates to clinch their parties' nominations. While Trump's impact worries moderate Republicans in Washington like Dave Reichert, Biden faces pressure from the "uncommitted delegates" protest vote demanding an end to violence in Gaza.

Washington Legislative Retirements

Several longtime Democratic legislators, including Frank Chopp and Karen Keiser, announced their retirements after the recent session. This exodus provides an opportunity for a new generation of more progressive leadership.

Police Recruitment in Seattle

The Seattle City Council discussed subsidizing housing and lowering standards to recruit more police officers amid a staffing shortage. However, mounting evidence and feedback from police suggest the culture within the department and lack of accountability are deterring recruits, not council rhetoric or compensation.

Seattle Public Schools Board Appointments

Seattle Public Schools is in the process of selecting two people to fill vacancies left by two departures from the Seattle Public Schools Board. Highlighting the diverse range of candidates, including labor leader Joe Mizrahi and Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce's Sarah Clark, the segment explored the potential policy implications and the importance of educational governance in the city.

Sheriff Sues Burien Over Unconstitutional Anti-Camping Ordinance

Burien passed a stricter anti-camping law aimed at homeless individuals, which the King County Sheriff's Office refused to enforce as likely unconstitutional. In retaliation, Burien moved to defund the county's contracted police services, prompting criticism that it is escalating rather than solving homelessness.

As always, a full text transcript of the show is available below and at officialhacksandwonks.com.

Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Twitter at @finchfrii and find today’s co-host, Robert Cruickshank, at @cruickshank.

Resources

Tacoma City Councilmember Olgy Diaz Shares Strategies for Running for Office from Hacks & Wonks

“Trump and Biden win Washington's presidential primaries” by Melissa Santos from Axios

“How did Washington's 'uncommitted' voters do on presidential primary night?” by Katie Campbell from KUOW

Senate Democratic Caucus Status | Northwest Progressive Institute

“Shaun Scott Is Running for the State House” by Hannah Krieg from The Stranger

“Longtime Washington state senator is leaving, but not right away” by Jerry Cornfield from Washington State Standard

“Sam Hunt to retire from the Washington State Legislature after many decades of service” by Andrew Villeneuve from The Cascadia Advocate

“As Seattle police applicants lag, City Hall looks to bureaucracy” by David Kroman from The Seattle Times

“Higher salaries? Subsidized housing? What will it take for Seattle to recruit and retain more police?” by Casey Martin from KUOW

“Seattle School Board narrows candidate field for open seats” by Sami West from KUOW

“King County files complaint over Burien's anti-camping ordinance” by Jadenne Radoc Cabahug from Crosscut

“VIDEO: Sheriff files legal complaint against City of Burien regarding constitutionality of its expanded camping ban; City responds” by Scott Schaefer from The B-Town Blog

“Burien’s anti-camping ordinance is not an answer to homelessness” by The Seattle Times Editorial Board

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