Political Brief: 3/6/13

by Michael Sarko
- The Capitol Hill Times -

The City of Seattle has apparently made this week Fight For The Little Guy Week. The first volley came on Monday evening when City Councilmember Jean Godden released a proposal to double the available assistance to low-income families for water service. Currently, Seattle Public Utilities allows struggling families up to $340 per year in payment assistance for water. After figures came out that indicated as many as 68 families with children still had their water service shut off last year, Godden proposed a change that would afford that credit to families twice a year.

City Council also wants to replace candy bars with carrot sticks for employees and visitors on City property by changing the contents of their vending machines. In a move that echoes a 2010 decision by Seattle Parks and Recreation, City Council adopted a bill that would mandate at least 50 percent healthy snacks in all vending machines on City property. Based on county guidelines, this means everything from fruit and vegetable options, to whole grains, nuts, yogurt, and lean meats.

Lastly, the Seattle Police Department has opened an investigation into credible allegations that workers on two City-funded housing development sites were being paid too little for their work. The specifics of which sites and which positions are not available due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, but the SPD has revealed that the sites in question were for low-income housing under the operation of a non-profit organization.