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Tuesday was crushing. Thursday was somehow worse. And yet, like this team that's battled its way into the post season for the first time in 21 years, Auburn isn't giving up!
A big thanks to the City of Auburn employees who were able to join me at lunchtime today for a few minutes to rally in proper fashion.
And you may be asking yourself -- why are there shoes on our heads? Well, we have this young man to thank. It's only silly if it doesn't work!
I testified at the King County Council budget hearing Wednesday night in Kent along with Kent Mayor Dana Ralph. I thought it was important to address the concerns that I've heard about safety, crime, justice and accountability. I much prefer to be for something than against something.
I am for safe communities, and right now, our residents are not feeling safe.
I am for reducing the backlog in the King County Court System by making much needed investments in judges, court staff, prosecutors and public defenders. I am not for reducing that backlog because the cases are being sent back to the cities to prosecute. In 2022 to date, Auburn prosecutors have handled 122 cases that were either King County Prosecutor Office felony declines or would be felonies but for the Filing and Disposition Standards in that office.
I am for restorative justice and also requiring our various diversion programs to provide transparent data and to be independently evaluated so that any positive outcomes can be demonstrated and touted. I am also for accountability
I am for increased funding for mental health co-responders in the King County Sheriff’s Office to allow for a more appropriate response to someone in crisis.
I am for a robust behavioral health initiative to more appropriately help our community and those in crisis.
I am for our great county and more specifically for South King County.
Auburn Manor residents Reanna Durnbaugh, LaJuan Campbell, and Cassandra Harper.
And I am all for the few Auburn residents who spoke Wednesday, requesting funding for much needed repairs to their home at Auburn Manor, owned by LIHI. It is critically important that we not only build new affordable housing, but that funds are available for housing preservation. Kudos to my brave friends for having the courage to stand up and be heard!
Photo courtesy of Green River College
It was with great sadness that I learned this week the passing of former Green River College Rich Rutkowski who died on Sunday, Oct. 9.
I worked with Rich for many years as he led Green River College from 1983 to 2010, when he retired.
Under his steadfast leadership, Green River College expanded its local and global partnerships and launched the popular GRC International Program. He also ushered in major capital improvements on campus, and helped establish new campuses in Kent and Enumclaw.
In lieu of flowers, his family is asking for donations, which can be made to the Rich & Shirley Rutkowski Family Endowment Fund by writing “In Memory of Rich” in the “Designation” field.
We're all going to miss you, Rich. Auburn won't be the same without you.
 At a city council meeting late last month, I had the pleasure of presenting Alexis Douglas, Miss Auburn's Outstanding Teen, with Auburn's proclamation that September was Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Douglas is a fighter and a cancer survivor and ambassador for Seattle Children's Hospital.
Talking with her got me thinking about cancer in general and how any type can strike at any time. Which is why it's important to bring awareness as often as we can.
Perhaps no cancer is deserving of more attention than breast cancer, which doctors say can affect as much as 13% of women. That's very high! Knowing how to spot the signs of cancer are important, but so is treatment!
If you want to learn more, the National Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation has great resources.
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