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Key takeaways:
- Council approves immigrant rights resolution by a 6-0 vote, with Council President Dotsch abstaining.
- Many residents turn out to speak against proposed Lynnwood Treatment Plant expansion.
- Council discusses six-month development moratorium related to Deer Creek Critical Aquifer Recharge Area. The topic will be explored further Feb. 10.
Responding to residents worried about the potential impact of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities in Edmonds, the Edmonds City Council during its Tuesday night meeting passed a resolution “affirming the rights of immigrants and rights of all residents.”
The vote on the resolution, drafted by Councilmember Chris Eck in collaboration with her fellow councilmembers, was 6-0, with Council President Michelle Dotsch abstaining.
Substantial public and Council comments were devoted to the topic of immigration enforcement Tuesday night.
Residents spoke about reports of ICE agents in the community, including those seen outside bilingual child care centers. They commented on the fears of Latino families and about Latino children not showing up for school.
“Let’s face it, people are afraid,” Edmonds resident Simone Bower said, “afraid to go to work, afraid to go to school, afraid to go to the store or the doctor or the church, and some are even afraid to attend this meeting today.”
She and others offering comments Tuesday night suggested that while the proposed council resolution was a good start, it should include additional protections. Some of those commenting — including Bower — asked the Council to follow the lead of new Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson, who announced she would prohibit federal immigration authorities from using city properties for staging operations.
Bower thanked Mayor Mike Rosen and Police Chief Loi Dawkins for their recent statement on immigration enforcement, but also asked, “At what point will Edmonds police step in to protect us? What happens when federal agents use excessive unconstitutional force? What happens when chemical agents are deployed in our neighborhoods, or when ICE agents enter homes without warrants, smash into vehicles or detain people, including U.S. citizens? What happens when innocent bystanders are harmed? Where does Edmonds draw the line, and will you clearly say so?”
Later in the meeting, Councilmember Jenna Nand asked Chief Dawkins and Assistant Chief Josh McClure if they could address how Edmonds police would handle interactions with ICE.
“It is not our work to conduct civil immigration enforcement, and I guess at the end of the day, we are committed to the safety and security to all of our our residents, our visitors, those who are in the city of Edmonds, here to work, here to learn,” Dawkins said. “We are here to ensure the safety of all and and with regards to public safety, if there are any concerns where crime is suspected of being committed, then we will show up when people call 911, we’re committed to that as well.
“It’s our operational standard to abide by our use of force policies as well as state law, and we will ensure that if we are called, we will verify the identity of those involved and act accordingly if necessary,” Dawkins added.
Lynnwood Treatment Plant also a pressing topic
The public comment period wasn’t limited to immigration enforcement, however, as about half of those testifying Tuesday night were residents concerned about the proposed expansion of the City of Lynnwood Wastewater Treatment Plant. Located at 17000 76th Ave. W., the plant is sited on a small strip of land belonging to Lynnwood but surrounded by land in Edmonds’ jurisdiction and containing homes of Edmonds residents. Residents say they just recently learned about the plant’s proposed expansion, and they are concerned about air and shoreline pollution, past fines paid by the City of Lynnwood for violations, and doubts about the plant’s management and transparency.
One of those commenters was Stephanie MacLachlan, a representative of the Community Alliance to Protect Edmonds (CAPE). “We have been extremely busy getting up to speed on the hundreds of technical documents and aspects of it (the treatment plant expansion),” MacLachlan said.
“We are asking very humbly that you protect us, that you listen to us, that you hear us, that you work with us to resolve this issue,” MacLachlan added. “We are all part of Edmonds. We’re in this together. We’re here for the long term, and we sincerely thank you for your time and your effort moving forward.”
The council took the rare step — at the request of Nand — to also respond directly to residents through comments immediately following the public comment period, as well as commenting again when the agenda item was considered.
During her response, Councilmember Vivian Olson offered thanks to MacLachlan for her hours of work researching the treatment plant issue. She and other councilmembers pledged to work in partnership with residents and City of Lynnwood officials to address the concerns raised.
“We’re hopeful to be able to get some traction and get some real action for you and to share with you in the near future,” added Councilmember Erika Barnett.
When it came time to consider the immigration rights resolution, Eck began by thanking her council colleagues “for input received on this document and the collaborative spirit that I felt these last few weeks in getting to this final draft.”
“I wish we were just talking about hypotheticals tonight, but this is where we are,” Eck said. “We’re talking about things that are actually happening to community members. From what you heard earlier, people of all ages and status are scared and traumatized.”
Eck also addressed criticism from those who said the resolution was “mild,” and pledged to “continue to do the work to see what else is feasible for us to do.”
Why Council President Dotsch abstained
All councilmbers spoke in support of the resolution except Dotsch, who said that while she appreciated those who showed up to support the measure, she was abstaining for two reasons. First, she said, the state laws referenced in the resolution have long been established and followed in Washington. “My concern is that members of the public may not have had that background,” and could “interpret this resolution as proposing new or actionable changes to state law when that is not the case,” Dotsch said. Second, “some of the action items in the resolution direct requests towards local groups and businesses. The City Council does not have the authority or the appropriate role to oversee these types of actions,” she added.
“I believe Council resolutions are most effective when they reflect unified, non-partisan local consensus on issues within our City Council’s direct scope of responsibility,” Dotsch said. “The answers to concerns raised about public safety actions should appropriately come from the administration, not Council.”
Speaking in favor of the measure, Councilmember Susan Paine said the Edmonds Council has passed similar resolutions in recent years, including one addressing hate crimes against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and another reinforcing Edmonds’ commitment to being an equitable, safe and inviting community. “These are important resolutions that we are continuing to build on,” Paine said.
Councilmember Will Chen spoke about his own experiences moving from China to the U.S. to find a better life. “This is a great country,” he said, but it also has its “dark spots.” He pointed to the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 that banned immigration based on race and nationality, and to Japanese internment camps. “When times are tough, there is a group of people who like to point fingers and find somebody to blame,” Chen said, adding that the current target is Latino immigrants.
Olson said she disagreed with some constituents’ opinions that the Council shouldn’t pass the resolution because it “had fallen short” of the content it should contain. “I want to make the parallel that you know, our country has fallen short of the Pledge of Allegiance. But that doesn’t change the fact that I say it, I think about the words when I say it, and I mean it, and I do strive to uphold the values of liberty and justice for all,” Olson said. “Therefore, it is with personal conviction that I support the resolution that’s before us today.”
Barnett said the resolution “does two important things at the same time. First, it affirms our community’s values, which I believe was the original intent and something we wanted to articulate and make sure was clear. And secondly, it grounds those values in existing law.”
You can read the entire resolution at this council agenda link.
Deer Creek Critical Aquifer Recharge Area
In other business Tuesday, the council discussed a staff-proposed ordinance to place a temporary, six-month moratorium on permit applications that would trigger stormwater management requirements in the Deer Creek Critical Aquifer Recharge Area (CARA). The proposed moratorium comes a month after the Council voted 4-3 to approve an ordinance streamlining development-related activity near critical areas. One of those areas is the Deer Creek CARA, which protects groundwater against contaminants like Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAs). Originally, staff had proposed an agreement — supported by local environmentalists — that said developers must clean stormwater runoff first.
Controversy arose when staff introduced a new plan allowing developers to route stormwater into the recharge area. After being presented with a range of options at its Jan. 6 meeting, the Council majority voted to support the option originally proposed. While staff agreed that measure would bring the City into compliance with state critical areas ordinance update requirements, they expressed concerns about the conflict between the City’s stormwater permit and stormwater codes. It also would run the risk of legal challenges from property owners, staff said.
Staff presented two options Tuesday night: taking no action or approving the moratorium. Planning and Development Director Mike Clugston explained that the moratorium would give staff time to complete a Deer Creek PFAs study. While councilmembers spent some time talking about the pros and cons of the proposed moratorium, they decided to delay further discussion until the Feb. 10 Council meeting.
The council also moved to place two items on the Feb. 10 Council consent agenda:
- Proposed revisions to the City’s Commute Trip Reduction Plan. The updated plan includes strategies to reduce traffic congestion, air pollution, and fuel consumption by encouraging alternative transportation options for commuters from 2025 through 2029.
- Renewal of an interlocal agreement with Snohomish County for access to the County data center.
So happy to see CM Eck’s resolution pass! I don’t think anyone in the audience didn’t want it to pass because it “fell short” though. I hope that wasn’t the impression CM Olson got. The recurring theme from public comment seemed to be, pass the resolution but make future mayor and council statements bolder and stronger. Thank you CM Eck, we love you and are lucky to have you!
As for CM Dotsch’s comment about the council sticking to nonpartisan issues… public safety and our rights guaranteed under the constitution are nonpartisan. It’s a shame her MAGA party has made it political. I was grateful to see that CM Barnett broke with Dotsch to support the resolution.
OMG – you’re back? Stop with the childish name calling. Very simple minded to lump everyone who you disagree with into the ‘MAGA’ bucket.
There are many proud independents in this city, free thinkers.
Yeah, after I lost the election I packed up and moved out of Edmonds. Lol of course I’m still here. What an odd thing to say.
Information like what primary someone voted in is publicly available. Michelle Dotsch and Erika Barnett have consistently voted Republican year after year. It doesn’t mean they’ll align with every decision Trump makes, but they like enough of it to want him as president. We’re now sliding into fascism and I just can’t trust someone who voted to place the boot on so many people’s necks.
OMG enough name calling and saying my CM is better than your CM. I don’t care about what box you want to fit people in, just have them focus on getting the “darn” work done. Quit making “symbolic”, “look how good and openminded and inclusive we are” statements and OP EDs and just do what people voted you to do: Create a long-term plan for the city that doesn’t force the city’s residents to have to move if they don’t want to, be transparent about your work and show us the details, and then openly track your progress to the plan so we can see how well you are doing your job. Anything else is a distraction to cover up lack of progress. If you want to be a democrat, be one. If you want to be a republican, be one. Focus on our city and its problems – be whatever you want to be.
ha! – nah meant you’re back on MEN.
I actually liked your statement, until the ‘MAGA’ part. Republican doesn’t necessarily mean MAGA. Apparently nuances in MAGA too – 60,000 MAGA voters helped elect Mamdani! – Mind blown 🙂
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICroxl2r1B8
Name calling and slander are so easy when one lacks facts and critical thinking skills. There are many fiscal conservatives, including me, who absolutely detest and have never supported Trump. Automatically name-calling by the use of the words intended to be insults, MAGA and Trumper, tell the reader more about the name caller than anything else.
Closing comments on this one. Thanks.
Ridiculous. Pick up and move the waste treatment plant to Lynnwood.
I’d like to know if Lynnwood pays property tax to Edmonds?
That would be a huge project if possible. Lynnwood is suppose to grow considerably over the next 20 years. We can hope that our government leaders are taking this in mind when considering options and decisions related to the plant.
Hi Nick,
All government entities that own land within the city limits are exempt from paying property taxes. You can observe that by reviewing the tax assessor rolls. In the case of the existing Lynnwood wastewater treatment plant that you may be thinking about, it is not within the Edmonds city limits. That area is carved out of our city’s territory and you can graphically see that in a Google maps search for “City of Edmonds” . The end of Bertola road where the plant sits is outside the city limits.
Appreciate the info. Theresa & William!
The treatment plant is located in Lynnwood, not in Edmonds.
Part of my confusion, depending on the website – you’ll see Edmonds or Lynnwood address for the WWTP.
Take a look at this Lynnwood boundary map. How the heck did they get this piece of land? Just me complaining at this point. Not of fan.
https://www.lynnwoodwa.gov/Services/Do-I-Live-In-Lynnwood-Map
Yes, it’s a strange situation. The county assessor’s website shows the following: 17000 76th Ave W, Lynnwood, WA 98026.
To all of you who feel the need to virtue signal to our community to let us poor immigrants know how much you are behind us and support us, NO Thank you!. Your thin and unappreciated attempt is in fact quite ignorant. Thank you CP Dotsch for your well informed position. I am a first generation Mexican American whose father immigrated here at the age of 16. He married my mother, who was a U.S. citizen and 25 years later proudly became a U.S. citizen. He stood in line. I am bilingual and so in all of my positions as a Registered Nurse – from emergency room, ICU, medical- surgical units to public health and school health – have been called upon to interpret for Hispanics. I have been extremely distressed in the last 25 years to find that a great many of the folks crossing our southern border illegally have taken
advantage of our free health, free public education, eating breakfast and lunch at school with their children, free iPhones, free or greatly reduced housing, food benefits and clothing. I know this because I was asked to assist with filling out applications for these services. Most of these folks did not work. They knowingly crossed our border to take advantage of all the “free” benefits we the working man, the
taxpayer give them.
First of all, you are entirely missing the point. It is incredibly unfair for you to assume that any immigrant being detained isn’t working or paying taxes. But then again, how would you know since these masked thugs are grabbing people without checking their identification? Your comment is beyond ignorant, to say the least. There is no excuse for the horrific way ICE is conducting immigration enforcement today. Not only are illegal immigrants or “violent criminals” being detained. They are also brutally attacking and arresting law abiding citizens, including children.
Everyone has the right to due process. Yet, ICE is failing to comply and follow the constitution.
The unnecessary physical assault tactics are dangerous and inexcusable.
They are deploying chemical weapons in public areas and shooting innocent civilians. Protesters and witnesses are being injured and killed for exercising their constitutional rights.
Shame on you for believing it is OK for ICE to use inhumane and lethal force on anyone.
The entire country is now experiencing chaos, civil unrest and tremendous fear.
There is a right way and a wrong way to legally conduct immigration enforcement. This is not the right way.
Under the Biden Administration 20 million or more illegals crossed our southern border. In 2015 I visited Eastern Europe on a Rick Steves tour. I will never forget our tour bus being held up at the Croatian border because my Passport was being scrutinized due to my changing my last name when I remarried. Border crossing officials were standing at their border heavily armed. It was abundantly clear that no was going to cross their border without permission – yet we threw our borders open for four years and gave them free just about everything.
ICE is a legitimate agency. The Homeland Security Act of 2002 and the INA Act of 1952 (Title 8) established the rules. It is affirmed by the Supreme Court that it is a Federal responsibility to enforce immigration policy. If you/we don’t like it, change the law. We expect our EPD to keep us safe. Does that mean that EPD will not cooperate with Federal agents to remove a person with a detainer accused of murder, rape …. to be removed from our community? I hope that EPD will respond to any criminal assault against ICE as they would against any law enforcement agency/officer. Illegal immigrant deportations isn’t new. Obama deported over 3 million persons who overstayed visas and were criminals.
And yes, some died offering life-threatening resistance.
Sounds like we must have thousands of people here living outside the law breaking the law. And the sad part is the people running the city want to protect them. Regular police tear more than 20 thousand people a day away from their families for breaking the law why should these people get special protection? We are either a nation of laws or we aren’t you can’t choose to only enforce the ones you want.
“We are either a nation of laws or we aren’t you can’t choose to only enforce the ones you want”.
Tell that to the Trump administration.
Council and Mayor Rosen, instead of these meaningless and insulting acts of virtual signaling, please do your job to be transparent, honest, and exercise good governance in your elected positions. The annexation into the RFA causing us to go from paying 12 million for fire and EMS to 21 for the same level of service, your shameful attempt to further saddle us with a 14.5 million dollar levy lid lift, the increase in Utility taxes by 20%, your incompetence in promoting frivolous law suits which have caused our insurance rates to skyrocket, the debacle with our failed sewage plant causing us millions in taxpayer dollars, etc., etc. – that’s where you should be putting your efforts into – working for Edmonds residents/taxpayers who elected you and are barely hanging onto their homes and businesses due to your inept representation. As a first generation Mexican American and proud of my immigrant father who respected the rule of law and did it the right way, stop your virtue signaling, it is not welcomed. Further, I find it and you to be most demeaning, disrespectful, and insulting in your shoddy attempt to make yourselves look like the avenging savior. You are nothing of the sort. Instead, do your elected jobs for the Edmonds taxpayer who are struggling to stay afloat.
I appreciate the intent behind the resolution, however, resolutions are inherently symbolic. I would have preferred an ordinance which would allow the City to move beyond statements of support and establish clear, durable procedures governing how the City of Edmonds will operate in this new environment. It would have been reasonable to expect the Police Chief to identify specific legislative steps that could further protect Edmonds residents and visitors and help form the basis of a new ordinance.
You need to read between the lines on what Chief Dawkins said. While acknowledging that the EPD does not do immigration enforcement, they do protect us “…if there are any concerns where crime is SUSPECTED of being committed, then we will show up when people call 911…”. For me, if I see a group of masked men carrying firearms or have concerns as to their legal identification/credentials as law enforcement or questionable “warrants”, I’m reporting a SUSPECTED crime and calling 911 and let our EPD come and sort it out.
My thoughts, as well. This is what i asked council members in my public comment at the meeting. “At what point will Edmonds police step in to protect us?
What happens when federal agents use excessive unconstitutional force? What happens when chemical agents are deployed in our neighborhoods, or when ICE agents enter homes without warrants, smash into vehicles or detain people, including U.S. citizens? What happens when innocent bystanders are harmed?
Where does Edmonds draw the line, and will you clearly say so?”
Chief Dawkins did not go into details specifically defining where the line is drawn.
I believe Edmonds citizens are seeking for some clarity regarding this matter to feel some sense of safety and trust within our community.
On another note…
I find it remarkable that the City Council was able to draft an entirely new resolution and place it on the agenda in less than a week, yet for nearly three years they have been unable—or unwilling—to hold even a basic discussion from the dais about developing a true financial recovery plan for the city. The speed and urgency they demonstrated here shows that when the Council wants to act quickly, it clearly can.
Budgets are not the same thing as a financial recovery plan. A budget is a one‑year spending document; a recovery plan is a multi‑year strategy that identifies structural problems, sets measurable goals, and outlines the steps needed to stabilize the city’s finances. We have never had that conversation in any meaningful way. Instead, year after year, the Council has approved budgets that continue to deepen the financial hole, relying on short‑term fixes and one‑time revenues while avoiding the long‑term planning that responsible governance requires.
The result is predictable: the city drifts from one fiscal crisis to the next with no clear roadmap, no defined strategy, and no accountability for how we got here. If the Council can mobilize quickly for a symbolic resolution, it should be able to mobilize just as quickly for the far more urgent task of charting a sustainable financial future for Edmonds.
The symbolic gestures of the City Council toward immigrants are something we can appreciate as much as we value apple pie, baseball, truth, justice, and the American way, and so on. In addition, let’s support the rule of law and that nobody is above the law. One of the perks of being a part-time City Council member is that there are no strict “lanes” to stay in—They can freely drive anywhere they want without concern for authority, but by only proclamation.
It was good to hear the Chief Dawkins wants to protect us and where there are concerns if a crime is suspected they will show up. It would have been good for her to specifically point out that angry mobs attacking and assaulting federal law enforcement would be dealt as criminal acts. The Edmonds Police Department’s primary responsibility is the life safety of ALL people. A recent statement from the Seattle Police Officers Guild pointed out that “the concepts of pitting two-armed law enforcement agencies against each other is ludicrous”.
The responses to articles like this are so predictable and tiresome. The same people saying the same things based on limited information and unexamined biases. I would suggest to my neighbors that they spend some time reading non-corporate news sources and think about the other side of an argument occasionally.
If anyone wants to have a conversation rather than type another screed I’ll be in town tonight. Tall, glasses, aging but still devastatingly handsome, and proudly flying the colors of my children’s ivy league school I’m still paying for.
I try to live my life in a rational manor. When I figured out that I lived in a town that had gone property tax crazy, I figured out a way to leave. Where I live now; the police force is County and you hardly ever see one doing traffic or anything else in our neighborhood. 128 officers serve thousands. I have a loaded pistol I will not hesitate to use on anyone trying to come into my house unwanted – burglar, MAGA nut job, crazy druggie – you name it. No one comes in my place easy without being invited or being a legitimate police authority with a warrant. If I see a bunch of people wearing masks and brandishing firearms I get as far away as possible; as quick as possible. I absolutely hate Trump and his desire to be King. Our forefathers fought a revolution to rid us of fools like him. I also think Michelle Dotsch was right on in her view that City Police just need to enforce the laws against crime that already exist. I also don’t think you need a moratorium on development in the Deer Creek CARA. The moratorium is built into the law that speaks for itself. This is my view only; not speaking for the EEC which I’m a board member
I’m glad council passed something in regards to what’s happening with federal immigration enforcement… but I admit I dunno what our police department can do besides providing a witness to immigration enforcement activities. Correct me if I’m wrong but the most we’ve seen from local and even state law enforcement in terms of support of residents has been being present (like MN National Guard being amongst protestors and handing out hot chocolate) or doing crowd control.
Also, huh about the wastewater treatment plant expansion! I missed the original article about this back in Christmas. Once again glad to have a community resource like MEN to inform me/us on a truly local issue.
To City of Edmonds police. Ice is hiring. $50k sign on bonus and you will be supported by your government and not beholden to a bunch of crazies that are actively trying to get you into an armed insurrection against lawful federal law enforcement officers.
Yes, Jon, ICE is hiring and all you need to get on board is a pulse and the willingness to hide behind a totally contrived need for a mask and fire several rounds into a man carrying a legal firearm that you and your pals just disarmed. I suspect most, if not all, Edmonds police have just a little bit more pride than to ever want to be part of a program run like that, no matter how rosy you and your King Trump paint the picture.
Chris Eck is an avowed liberal Democrat who openly solicits DEmocrat party endorsements for her non-partisan elections. Funny she offers this virtue signaling resolution in the election season when two of her fellow Council memebers are running as Democrats for an open seat in the legislature (Chen and Nand). Hysteria and lies seems to be the capitol of the left. I am tired of our City Council being a made a party to it. Council member Eck is not above posting blatant lies to promote her political agenda. She recently posted in MEN that Jan. 6 protestors in D.C. beat and killed six police officers. A total lie that has been dicredited for years. One died the day after of a stroke and five others later committed suicide. Sad but not from Jan 6. protestors. My desire is for our City Council to focus on a better Edmonds and fixing the mess of our budget that the previous Democrats created. Stop the posturing and do the real business of the City.
Hi Mark – I actually never said there were six. I didn’t give a number.
Mark, I agree with you on the need for less partisan type activity on your city council but we part company when you label the Jan. 6th. rioters as “protesters” at the same time your side is calling actual protesters “insurrectionists” during this fascist style immigrant crack down by the Trump administration. People are dying needlessly because insane Trump is using a Cannon to try to kill a rabbit; just like people died needlessly on Jan. 6th. because Trump urged them to “fight on” to save his Presidency that he had so obviously lost. The political/social extremes on both sides in this country are slowly destroying the democratic system that was born in 1776; on the pretext of saving it. George Washington was correct when he warned about the discord that forming strong political parties would create. We have arrived, I’m afraid.
I don’t believe anyone is pretending a city resolution fixes federal immigration policy. But I do think when federal enforcement crosses the line, local communities don’t get the luxury of staying silent and calling it “neutral”, regardless of party affiliation.
It seems this was the council saying Edmonds values basic dignity and fairness in how people are treated here and in the context of law. I would think that matters, especially when higher levels of government are inciting fear and uncertainty for people who live and work in our communities and are straight up lying about what took place and without due process. In a community that favors transparency, fairness in government, and the rule of law, I would think we would want the same expectation of our federal government.
We should also remind ourselves that the council acts as a body and that votes do not need to be unanimous to express its official opinion, will, or intent, or to take administrative action on a specific issue.
Jeremy, your city resolution on this did nothing but make several city level politicians feel important and place your city police department right square in the middle of two almost to the brink of violence political parties fighting over the presumed good or bad of the Trump administration. I don’t see how any of this is good in anyway for your city. The only way to successfully protest Trump and this farce of an immigration crack down on “murderers and rapists,” is the Rick Steves way, with absolutely peaceful demonstrations held as far away from the mask wearing goon squads as possible. Trump wants; indeed relishes; exactly what Ms. Eck promoted in Edmonds. Stop taking the bait. Ghandi thru the British out of India by using huge peaceful demonstrations to accomplish his goal.
Clinton, I don’t see how this resolution puts anyone in danger or drags our police into a fight they weren’t already navigating. It didn’t change enforcement, didn’t order confrontation, and didn’t call for protests or disruption. It was a statement of values, nothing more, nothing less.
Silence in moments like this isn’t neutrality. When federal officials use inflammatory rhetoric, misrepresent events, and bypass due process, local governments are allowed to say, “That’s not who we are.” In my opinion that doesn’t escalate anything, it reinforces expectations around restraint, fairness, and the rule of law.
I agree peaceful protest absolutely matters, and I agree that violence and provocation only serve Trump’s interests. But I also think acknowledging dignity and due process through a council resolution isn’t “taking the bait”. It seems more like reminding everyone of the baseline for how people should be treated in our community, regardless of party, politics, or who’s in office.
No one is claiming this fixes federal immigration policy. It’s saying Edmonds won’t pretend everything is fine when it clearly isn’t, and I don’t think that harms anyone at all.
Considering the current financial and physical infrastructure shape Edmonds is in; the Mayor and City Council should be focusing on fixing those issues with a plan. And not about raising taxes and finding more ways to fine people, i.e. red-light cameras. We haven’t heard one thing about priorities. Don’t point to the Capital Facilities Plan those items have been on the plan for many years. All talk and no action. The Hwy 99 plan has turned into a beautification project for street walkers, drug dealers and general repeat felons.
Let’s take politics out of local government. Six of the Council members have forgotten they ran for a non-partisan office. Check out the Future42/snoco Scorecard. Be a more informed voter.
I clicked on the link to read the resolution on Immigrant Rights and got an error message. Can someone respost a workable link, please?
Rebecca – it would be helpful for you to read the details. There is nothing in there about supporting illegality.
No, it was basically virtue signaling, I understand your support for most immigrants who are not problems but the state policy protects all immigrants regardless of criminal activity or legitimate standing within our country. Some middle ground is needed and I didn’t hear any of that in the resolution.
Are you superiority signaling?
The phrase “virtue signaling” implies that the other party is hypocritical, it poisons any rational discussion, and it relieves those using it of the trouble of intelligent or evidence-based refutation. And it implies unearned superiority on the person using it.
So – are you superiority signaling?
Nathaniel superiority ha. I am but a laborer that came of age in a environment of immigration that artificially kept wages low. I have no high ground but the law which this state and the city refuse to acknowledge so yes some greater purpose that somehow puts people that have broken our laws above others is definitely virtue signaling. I could have taken advantage of this to build a business on cheap labor but I chose not to does this give me the moral high ground? The council could have chosen their words more carefully but they didn’t they choose a superiority statement that excludes any reasonable alternative, all or nothing if you will. I have worked with immigrants most of my life many but not all were good people just like Americans that certainly doesn’t exempt them from following the law and it should require our own leaders to follow that law. But no for some strange reason we wish to protect the people that in practice hurt people like me. If not physically but economically. Seems your superiority lacks moral high ground.
It’s https://edmondswa.primegov.com/viewer/preview?id=0&type=8&uid=36d86edc-13a3-4d65-bd9d-77121a74e5a9
In the summer of 2022, the City voted 6-0 regarding reproductive rights – aka abortion – in response to the fall of Roe v. Wade.
https://myedmondsnews.com/2022/07/in-emotional-tuesday-meeting-city-council-passes-resolution-supporting-reproductive-rights/
Now they are weighing in on supporting people in our country who are here illegally from being held accountable for breaking the law.
So, now in Edmonds it’s acceptable for defenseless children/humans in their mother’s wombs, all of whom have done nothing illegal, to be easily put to death under the guise of “healthcare,” but people breaking the law are free to continue to do so and with the Council’s blessing?
We seem to have our priorities a bit mixed up. So sad. Think I’m wrong? If Planned Parenthood was aborting puppies, would you make them stop?
Please City Council, we need transparency, fiscal accountability and stewardship leaders. These resolutions divide and distract residents. We simply need you to focus on fulfilling the basic functions of our local government as council members. Edmonds needs better from you.
Sponsor an illegal immigrant? Taken from AI: From 1892 to 1924, Ellis Island was the nation’s largest and most active immigration station with over 12 million immigrants passing through; on a typical day, inspection took about 3-7 hours. Only about 2% of immigrants arriving at Ellis Island were ultimately denied entry, often due to health issues or being deemed a “public charge” likely to need welfare. Under the Biden Administration approx 20 million illegal immigrants crossed our southern border without any vetting and many are now on public assistance of some kind. Ellis Island did permit folks to enter who had someone in the U.S. who stepped up to sponsor an immigrant without a job.
Mayor Rosen and Council, and for those of you/us who want to support an illegal immigrant – his/her family, we can do this. We would legally pledge that we are financially responsible for their health expenses, education, food and shelter, etc. needs. This is a way for those of us who want these immigrants to remain in the U.S. to step up and actually do something. This is putting our money, a real commitment, not just rhetoric into practice. No virtual signaling. Taking this enormous financial burden off of senior citizens, other WA and Edmonds residents trying to stay in their homes and running their businesses, supporting their families.
Hi Theresa – I encourage you to read the resolution in detail. There is nothing in there about supporting illegality.
I just want to express my support and respect for our Council in passing this resolution. These are not normal times and Immigration and Customs Enforcement are no longer just “border guards”. They are an untrained, unsupervised paramilitary organization, terrorizing, injuring, and murdering people with impunity.
Leadership is not just drafting and implementing legislation. Community leaders have a moral responsibility for setting the tone and articulating responses to issues that affect all of us. Standing up to the lawlessness of our current Administration requires us all to find our moral compasses and to have the courage to speak up.
Thank you, Councilmembers!