Something to keep in mind as you fill out your ballot forms.

In July 2009, the following elected representatives all voted in favor of establishing the new jail immediately adjacent to a Des Moines residential neighborhood:

Mayor Sheckler, Council members Susan White, Ed Pina and Carmen Scott

This happened despite a record public presence at the public hearing on the matter, despite significant opposing comments from residents, and despite two council members being absent.

Mayor Pro Tempore Dan Sherman wisely suggested not making any decisions until ALL council members had a chance to review the public's comments. His counsel was ignored in favor of an immediate decision.

If you find this hard to believe, simply go to the Des Moines City Hall Web site, find the video record of the July 9th public hearing and see/hear for yourself:
Go to http://www.desmoineswa.gov/ , click on "City Council" in right hand column, click on "Videos of Council Meetings" in left hand column, under Past Council Meetings click on "Council Meetings 2009," click on "City Council Meeting of July 09, 2009," fast forward to timestamp 02:48:00.

The critical vote was the seventh one, Motion 1E (approving the Unclassified Use Permit for the proposed SCORE Facility). All the other votes were on administrative/supporting issues.

William Young
Des Moines