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Question 3. What do you think is the most urgent public decision facing council members in
2015?
I think the lack of affordable housing for families, seniors and disabled people is the most urgent
issue facing council members in 2015. Income inequality is exacerbated by the high cost of
housing in Seattle. 48% of renters of color are cost burdened, paying too much of their income
for housing. These families are at risk of homelessness, eviction or having to move out of
Seattle.
Simply stated, 20,000 more rent restricted, nonprofit controlled low income apartments are
needed. The academic studies show that families with children who experience multiple
evictions stemming from non-payment of rent suffer long-term consequences.
Question 4. How should Seattle address the growth in homelessness?
Homelessness can be ended for hundreds and thousands of people. This requires a multi-pronged
strategy of: 5,000 more homeless housing units linked with services; homelessness prevention;
and crisis intervention like shelters, tent cities, use of city-owned properties and winter warming
centers so that families and singles are not exposed to the elements or victimized while living on
the streets. There are 400 homeless young adults on the streets and 500 homeless families
unsheltered. This is a solvable problem.
The city can issue general obligation Housing Bonds for low income and homeless housing that
can be repaid by revenue from linkage fees and the expanding economy.
Question 5. Do you support increasing the penalties and remedies for wage theft?
Yes. Civil and criminal penalties should be imposed.
Question 6. Do you think human services in Seattle are adequately funded? If not, how would
you fund them?
Human services are not adequately funded. The City of Seattle general fund budget is $1 billion
annually and it is a question of priority as to how much is dedicated to human services.
Question 7. What is your opinion of Bertha and the tunnel project?
The image of Bertha is a giant money pit! Seattle residents should not be stuck with the bill and
cost overruns.
Question 8. In light of the gender pay gap, would you have voted for or against the tip penalty in
the $15-an-hour minimum wage law?
I would vote against the tip penalty. The fine people who work in restaurants and serve us should
be able to have living wage jobs and long term careers.
Question 9. Do you think Black Lives Matter, and do you think it is important for politicians to
say, Black Lives Matter?
Absolutely, Black Lives Matter. I support the work of Police Chief Katherine OToole and
Monitor Merrick Bobb to reform the police department in accordance with the consent decree
between the City of Seattle and the Department of Justice. Accusations of excessive force need
to be thoroughly investigated, body cameras need to be worn by all officers, and officers need to
be trained in de-escalation techniques. We need to reverse the conditions that lead to the mass
incarceration of blacks. We need to address the disproportional impact of displacement due to
rising rents and gentrification on our black community.
Question 10. Do you support the business head tax, capital gains tax, and other forms of
progressive taxation?
I support a capital gains tax and I am willing to explore ways to address income inequality
through progressive taxation.
Thanks for this opportunity to respond to your questions.
Sincerely,
Sharon Lee