By Lindsay Peyton

Earlier in the week, students across Seattle walked out of their classrooms to protest the election of President-Elect Donald Trump.

A group from Pathfinder K-8 School piled across the bridge crossing Delridge Way SW, near Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. They carried signs in support of diversity, Planned Parenthood and love – and a number of drivers honked and waved in approval.

In response to media requests for more information, Luke Duecy, spokesman for Seattle Public Schools, said the students will receive unexcused absences for leaving campus.

He sent a statement that read:

“While the protests are not sanctioned by the district, Seattle Public School students do have the right to peacefully demonstrate and express their personal views . . . As a district we are responding to the requests and needs of our community and many schools are developing lessons and activities to have appropriate, post-election conversations in school buildings.”
 
The students weren’t the only ones grieving after the election – and some West Seattle residents were celebrating a Nov. 8 victory.

Throughout the week, community leaders and business owners expressed their views on how a Donald Trump presidency may effect the local community.

Gerry Kingen, founder of the Red Robin franchise and owner of neighborhood favorite Salty’s on Alki Beach, was grateful to see the tallied totals for Trump.

“I always figured he was going to win,” Kingen said. “He’s created an amazing business. The guy has what it takes to run something big.”

He added that Trump represents his values. “I’ve been a conservative all of my life,” he said. “I’m a big believer of the founding fathers and the founding principles.”

Kingen believes that Trump’s presidency will result in an economic boon both nationally and locally.

“When you leave money in the people’s hands, you enable them to do good things,” he said. “Leave money in the hands of the people, instead of the government. You’ll see the economy go nuts. I’m very optimistic about this. I see it as a big window of opportunity for everyone.”

Kingen added that the Presiden- Elect has the energy to tackle a number of issues. “I like the fact that Trump comes with a can-do, will-do mentality,” he said.

Sound Transit board chair and King County executive Dow Constantine, however, shared some concern that the election will have a negative impact on more than just the economy.

“There is still much we do not know about how this person will govern,” he said during a press conference on Tuesday. “A lot gets said in the heat of a very long campaign. If we’re to take the president elect, and the republicans who control Congress at their word, there is reason to be concerned.”

Constantine, who is a West Seattle resident, said that key figures in the county have been reviewing programs, budgets and future plans.

“This is an uncertain and anxious time for our region and our nation,” he said. “We must reaffirm our local values. We will continue to offer a welcoming hand to those from around the world and around this nation who seek the opportunity to build a better life for themselves, their families and the community. We will continue to protect and restore our natural environment. We will continue to confront the challenges of inequity and income inequality.”

Constantine said that the county’s efforts to reduce homelessness, provide health insurance and promote renewable energy are all at risk during a Trump presidency.

Patty Hayes, director of public health for Seattle and King County, also spoke during the press conference. She said that current data show the number of uninsured in the region has been cut in half because of the Affordable Care Act.

“At this time, it’s important to remain hopeful that our new president and congress will be thoughtful about any changes to the critical health insurance coverage for our neighbors and for millions of Americans nationwide,” she said.

Still, she encourages everyone to sign up for coverage through the state before Jan. 1. “If you buy coverage now, it’s good for a whole year,” Hayes said. “So now is an important time to take action.”

She is worried that public health care could lose federal funding.

“Our regional commitment to fostering healthy communities and demanding equity and social justice for all is powerful and steady, she said. “Together we will continue to move forward.”

Adrienne Quinn, director of the department of community and human services, spoke about how Trump could affect mental health care.

“Since the Affordable Care Act was passed, more than 200,000 King County residents now have access to mental health services and substance use services,” she said. “We have begun to build a system for treatment on demand – and that system is currently at risk.

Christie True, director of King County’s Natural Resources and Parks, addressed how the administration could impact the environment.

“Climate change is real, and it impacts us here in King County every day,” she said. “There’s a lot we can do locally, and we will, but we have to address greenhouse gas emissions on a global scale.”

She is concerned about increased oil drilling and changes in federal coal leasing programs, as well as how renewable energy will be funded in the future.

Councilmember Lisa Herbold, district one, addressed the election in her blog.

“I went to bed Tuesday night asking myself what I would tell my bi-racial grandchildren about this election,” she wrote. “My husband asked for advice about what to tell his two daughters. Educators in Seattle schools have told me that they had to comfort children who came to school crying on Wednesday, asking if their families would be split apart.”

Herbold said the results of local elections provide hope for the community.

“I believe we have to start loving one another – not just those closest to us, but all members of our community – more fiercely than ever before,” she wrote. “Moving forward, we must collaborate and strategize with our community partners on how we can best support one another and mobilize most effectively to maintain our hard fought wins that help women, people of color, immigrants, and LGBTQ individuals.”

Constantine also closed his speech with a message of hope. “We are moving forward,” he said. “This will not be easy. There will be difficult days ahead. But each and every person who makes this place their home should know we are all in this together.”