Seattle Business Leaders Urge 100-Day Public Safety Action Plan
Dozens of Seattle-area business leaders have signed a letter calling on Mayor Katie Wilson and the City Council to adopt a 100-day public safety action plan. The letter, signed by 38 leaders including Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith, Starbucks Chairman and CEO Brian Niccol, Costco CEO Ron Vachris, and Alaska Air Group CEO Ben Minicucci, among others, urges the city to reactivate CCTV cameras in high-event areas and set clear benchmarks for police response times.
The letter cites an August public-opinion poll that found only 34% of Seattle voters were confident the city has an effective public safety plan. The poll also found broad support for a list of specific steps, including more police patrols in areas with persistent problems, a public safety action plan and expanded use of cameras.
The business coalition said more than 86% of poll respondents supported such a plan. They are calling for regular foot and bicycle patrols in areas with ongoing public safety problems, including Little Saigon, and a recommitment to the city's seven-minute 911-response-time standard.